chapitre 17

Chapter 17

Elion and Veyla walked silently through the dark forest, the dead leaves cracking under their feet. The morning mist still clung to the branches of the trees, creating a heavy and oppressive atmosphere. The black blood of the creature they had defeated still permeated the air, a nauseating reminder of the power they had faced.

Elion stopped, putting a hand on the trunk of a massive tree. His breath was short, his body still bearing the stigmata of combat. He took off his glove, revealing a deep cut along his palm. The blood flowed slowly, dyeing his fingers a dark red.

Veyla approached, looking worried.

"Let me see."

He backed up slightly, but Veyla grabbed his hand before he could protest. She pulled a small vial out of her belt and opened it, letting a few drops of a pale green liquid flow over the wound.

"It might tingle a little."

Elion did not flinch when the burn went through his skin, the healing magic acting instantly. The cut closed slowly under the effect of the liquid, leaving a thin scar.

"Thank you," he whispered as he picked up his hand.

Veyla put the vial in her belt and stared at him.

"You took unnecessary risks."

Elion smiled slightly.

"We had to kill her."

"You could have stayed there."

"But I didn't stay there."

Veyla sighed, passing a hand through her tangled blond hair.

"One day, this arrogance will kill you, Elion."

He looked away, his expression closing.

"That day has not yet come."

Veyla shook her head, but a wedge smile betrayed her amusement. She knew him too well to insist more.

"We should go home," she finally said.

Elion nodded. They resumed their walk through the forest, following the stone path leading to Sky Castle. The morning sun began to pierce through the treetops, bathing the trail with a golden light.

As they approached the edge of the forest, a figure appeared in the distance. A soldier, in light armor in Sky's colors, advanced to meet them. He bowed deeply to Elion.

"My king!" he exclaimed. "The council awaits you in the throne room. They asked for an emergency meeting."

Elion exchanged a glance with Veyla before replying:

"I'm coming."

They entered the courtyard of the castle. The soldiers bowed respectfully when they saw Elion pass by. He quickly climbed the steps of the palace, his boots echoing against the polished marble.

The great throne room was already full. The nobles of the kingdom were gathered in a semicircle around the silver throne. Some had their faces stretched out, others seemed suspicious.

Chancellor Rowen stood up as soon as Elion entered the room.

"Majesty, we have a problem."

Elion approached the throne and sat down with an impassive look.

- "Explain yourself."

Rowen bowed before speaking.

"We received a messenger from the neighboring kingdom of Volgras. They accuse Sky of violating their territory by sending an armed patrol across the border."

Elion frowned.

"An armed patrol?"

"Yes, majesty. Three knights and a dozen soldiers. None came back."

Elion crossed his fingers, his mind quickly activated.

"Were they captured?"

Rowen shook her head.

"The bodies have been found. Massacred."

A whisper ran through the assembly.

"Injuries?" asked Elion.

- "Tragged."

Elion remained silent for a moment.

"It wasn't a human attack."

Rowen swallowed.

"That's what we think too." But the king of Volgras does not believe it. He demands reparations."

Elion got up slowly.

"If he believes Sky is behind this attack, he could declare war."

Rowen nodded gravely.

"And we're not ready for open war with Volgras."

Elion advanced to the center of the room, his black gaze sweeping the assembly.

"Where did they find the bodies?"

- "Near the black river, on the southern border."

"Then this is where we have to look."

Veyla stepped forward in turn.

"Aren't you going to go yourself?"

Elion turned to her, a cold smile on the corner of his lips.

"Who else could do it?"

"I'm coming with you."

"Of course."

Rowen approached.

"Majesty, we must also consider a diplomatic solution."

Elion stared at him for a moment, his expression hardening.

"If Volgras believes that Sky is responsible, no negotiation will be enough to appease them. There is only one solution: the truth."

Rowen looked down, realizing that any attempt at argumentation would be useless.

"Prepare an escort," Elion ordered.

"Majesty?"

"Ten knights. We're leaving in an hour."

"Good, majesty."

Elion left the throne room, Veyla by his side. As they walked down the corridors of the palace, Veyla glanced at him.

"Do you think it was a creature? Like the one in the forest?"

Elion nodded.

"Probably." But the fact that she attacked a border patrol implies one thing: someone sent her."

Veyla nodded slowly.

"If that's the case..."

"We're not ready yet."

They came out of the palace, the sky above them slowly covering themselves with dark clouds.

Elion paused for a moment on the steps of the castle, staring towards the horizon.

"But we'll be soon."

In the shadow of the ramparts, a hooded figure watched the scene, his eyes glittering faintly beneath the dark fabric.

- He progresses quickly... thought the figure. Faster than expected.

Then she disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind an icy breeze that made the flames of torches shudder along the castle wall.