xxxvii
1393 Words
The closer they got to the Red Hills, the hotter the air became. The wind carried dust, and the sky turned a deep orange. The sun above was bright and harsh.
Celestia pulled her hood forward to block the heat. Her horse moved slower now, tired from the long ride. Kieran rode beside her, quiet and alert. The others didn’t speak much. They were watching the rocky land around them closely.
The Red Hills looked like a place full of old pain—sharp rocks, dry ground, and broken stones that went on and on. Every step felt heavy.
“Almost there,” Leon said. “Our camp is behind that ridge,” he pointed ahead.
They kept going.
By the time they reached the camp, the sky was growing dark. The sun was gone, and shadows stretched across the hills. The camp was hidden between tall rocks. It was small, but it felt safe.
A few members of the Vlada clan were already there. They stood when they saw Leon.
“You made it,” one of them said, giving a small bow.
“Yes, but we lost a few,” Leon said with a nod. “Get food ready. They need rest,” he added.
Celestia got off her horse and stretched her legs. Her body was sore. But more than anything, her heart felt tired. So much had happened—and it was only the beginning.
“Come here,” Kieran said gently. He led her to a quiet place and gave her some cool water. She drank slowly.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Leon came back after speaking with the others.
“This camp is safe for tonight,” he told them. “Azul’s men don’t come near here. It’s too close to Vlada land,” he added.
Celestia looked up at the sky. The stars were starting to appear.
“I heard the South used to be full of life,” she said. “But now it feels... empty,” she added. Leon sat beside her.
“It was full of life. Long ago,” he said. “Before the war. Before Azul spread fear,” he added.
“Why did the war start?” she asked.
“Power,” Leon answered. “Azul wanted to rule everything. He fooled people into joining him. Those who didn’t… he crushed,” he added.
Celestia hugged her knees.
“How do we stop someone like him?”
“You don’t fight him alone,” Leon said. “You bring the South back together. The good clans. The people who still hope,” he added.
“Do you think they’ll help me?” she asked.
Leon was quiet for a moment.
“They will,” he said, “if they believe in you. Not because of your mark. But because of your heart,” he added.
Celestia nodded slowly. She understood. Her power wasn’t enough. She had to earn their trust.
That night, they sat around a small fire. The Vlada scouts shared soup and bread. It wasn’t much, but it helped.
Dan told a funny story about Nash getting stuck in a tree while chasing a wild pig. Everyone laughed. For a moment, things felt light again.
Kieran smiled at Celestia. She smiled back. It was a small moment of peace.
But just before they could rest, one of the scouts ran into the camp.
“There’s movement!” he said, out of breath. “At the edge of the hills,” he added. Leon stood quickly.
“How many?” he asked.
“Three riders. Maybe more are coming,” the scout replied.
Everyone stood. Celestia’s heart beat faster.
“Put out the fire,” Leon said. “Be ready,” he added.
They covered the flames. Darkness covered them. Weapons were drawn. Magic whispered.
Celestia stood beside Kieran, her hands glowing a little.
They waited.
But no one came.
“Scouts,” Nash said. “Just watching us,” he added.
“Still,” Leon said, “we leave early. We can’t stay long,” he added.
The group kept watch all night.
Celestia couldn’t sleep. She sat under the stars, thinking.
The real fight hadn’t started yet.
But it was close.
She could feel it.
The next morning, the sun rose over the Red Hills, painting the land in gold. The air was still warm and dry.
Celestia hadn’t slept much, but she was already awake. Her mind was full of questions and worry.
Leon walked over.
“Come with me,” he said. “It’s time to meet our clan leader. He arrived earlier,” he added. Kieran stood at once.
“I’ll go too,” he said. Leon shook his head.
“Just her. The leader asked for it.” He looked at Kieran. “She’ll be safe,” he added. Celestia nodded.
“I’ll be okay, Kieran,” she told Kieran with a small smile.
She and Leon rode their horses along the cliffs. They didn’t talk much. The land was dry, but the sky was clear.
They reached a narrow path between two cliffs. At the end was a building made of red stone. Flags with the Vlada clan’s symbol—black and gold—hung outside.
Two guards opened the doors when they saw Leon.
Inside, the air was cooler. A long table sat in the middle of the room. At the end stood a tall man with long black hair and sharp eyes.
He looked strong and proud.
“You’re the marked one,” the man said. “I’m Maraño, leader of the Vlada clan," he added. Celestia bowed politely.
“Thank you for seeing me,” Celestia said.
Maraño walked closer, studying her face.
“You’re young. But your eyes have fire. Maybe you are what we’ve been waiting for,” he said.
“I don’t know if I’m ready,” Celestia said honestly. “But I’ll try,” she added. Maraño nodded.
“Then you already have my respect.”
They sat down. Leon stood beside them.
Maraño told them what she knew—about Azul, his army, the pain in the South, and the hope that still burned in some hearts.
“Many still want peace,” Maraño said. “They just need someone brave enough to lead,” he added.
Celestia was about to speak—when the ground shook.
Boom.
Leon turned toward the door.
Boom. Closer this time.
“What’s that?” Celestia asked, standing. A guard rushed in.
“We’re under attack! Azul’s men!” Leon pulled his long knife. Maraño grabbed her staff.
“Stay behind me,” Leon told Celestia.
“No,” she said. “I’ll fight too,” she added.
Maraño gave her a short nod.
“Then stand strong,” she said.
The doors burst open. Smoke filled the air. Dark shapes rushed in—Azul’s soldiers, fast and silent.
Leon moved first, cutting down the first attacker. Maraño lifted her staff and threw fire at the door.
Celestia raised her hands. A golden light flew from her fingers, knocking back three men.
One of them shot a dark spell at her. She rolled behind a column, then jumped up with glowing eyes.
Leon fought like a warrior from stories. Maraño was calm but deadly.
Celestia saw a man behind Leon—ready to strike. She shot fire from her hand and hit him hard.
Leon turned and gave her a quick nod.
“Thanks.”
The battle lasted only minutes, but it felt much longer.
When it ended, the room was full of bodies. Some men groaned, still alive.
Celestia’s chest rose and fell. Her hands shook, but she stood tall.
“You did well,” Maraño said. “You didn’t run,” he added. Celestia looked at her hands.
“I don’t think I can keep doing this forever.”
“You won’t have to,” Leon said. “Not alone.”
A bell rang in the distance—an alarm from the camp.
“More might be coming,” Leon said. “We have to go back to your mate,” he added.
Celestia looked around one last time.
”I'll come back for the Nightmare Wolf's information,” she said. Then she ran with them—back to the horses, back to the camp.
- Writer
