A strange silence hung in the air. The crowd was gone. Only a few cages remained—beasts still trapped inside.
He walked forward, the echo of his armor ringing through the empty space.
From the shadows, a voice called out.
"So... you've returned? Another performance?"
Latif emerged, bloodied but grinning.
Klen said nothing. A strange aura began to shimmer around him—dark, heavy, resolute.
Latif tilted his head. "The bull is angry, I see. By the moons of Gila, I'm not even wearing red—what did I do to offend you?"
Klen advanced slowly.
Latif hurled his blades. Klen deflected them with his shield, never breaking stride.
—
In the other tent, blood dripped from Sylvance's side.
Semhar stood frozen, staring at one of the cages.
Inside—his mother. Her clothes were torn, her body frail. She coughed, then smiled at him.
"Semhar?" she whispered. "Why are you crying?"
"Mother..."
He raised his bow, hands trembling.
Sylvance's voice rang out through the chaos. "Straighten your back! Anchor your stance! Focus your breath!"
Julia struck with blinding speed. Sylvance dodged, loosed a flaming arrow.
"Remember why you're here!"
Semhar's eyes sharpened. He released.
The arrow struck the lock. The cage opened.
"I did it!" he gasped.
He fired again. And again. Locks shattered. People poured out, running toward the exit.
Julia's expression twisted. She turned toward Semhar.
Sylvance intercepted her, firing a volley of arrows. Julia dodged, snarling.
Semhar aimed at his mother's cage. The lock broke. She stumbled out.
He ran to her, tears streaming, and held her close.
—
Outside, the battle raged. Aurik's mages and soldiers clashed with the Red Mist.
A carriage arrived.
From it stepped Laika.
A soldier shouted, "The High Commander of the Mage Guild has arrived!"
Behind her, the royal advisor Dais emerged.
Laika raised her hands. A wave of volcanic fire erupted from her palms, forcing the enemy back.
Julia heard the commotion. "Ugh... what a tiresome bunch."
She turned to Sylvance. "We'll fight again, forest sprite. And next time, I'll make you regret every breath."
She vanished into mist.
Sylvance scanned the tent, hearing Semhar's voice echoing through the cages. Then—another clash nearby.
She moved swiftly. "It seems the other two are still fighting..."
—
Semhar carried his mother outside.
They emerged to see the tide turning—mages and soldiers advancing, Red Mist agents vanishing like petals in the wind.
Dais moved through the battlefield, searching for something.
Laika followed. "The princess? She withdrew before the chaos began. Her bodyguard... quite capable. I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that."
Dais smiled. "Indeed."
He returned to the carriage.
Laika turned—saw Semhar approaching.
He kept his eyes on the ground.
"You," she said.
He stopped.
"Isn't there something you'd like to say?"
Semhar bowed deeply. "I... I'm so sorry. I dragged everyone into this because I was foolish. I never meant for any of this to happen. I apologize to all of you."
A gentle hand touched his head.
He looked up.
His mother smiled, blood at the corner of her mouth. She shook her head slowly.
Tears streamed down Semhar's face.
The Quiet Return
Mages and soldiers stood in silence.
Laika exhaled. "Alright... begin escorting the civilians carefully back to the city."
Gami nodded. "Understood."
He glanced at the freed captives. "Most of them... they're young."
Laika's gaze darkened. "Yes. They're targeting the new generation. Those who haven't found their place yet... like that boy."
Semhar shifted his stance, eyes lowered.
Laika turned. "Gami, take charge. I'll move ahead—see where the general is."
Gami saluted. "Yes, Commander."
Laika walked toward the cages—now open, the signs of battle still fresh.
—
In a nearby tent—
Klen slammed his sword into the ground. A wave of fire erupted.
Latif leapt into the air, laughing, and hurled a small blade that pierced Klen's wrist.
He grinned and raised his hand. The cages burst open. Beasts poured out.
Klen looked around—then saw arrows raining down, striking the creatures one by one.
He turned.
Sylvance stood at the far end of the tent, bow in hand, walking slowly.
She smiled. "Well done."
Latif backed away.
Sylvance fired. Latif deflected the arrow—only to be struck by Klen's flaming blade, sent crashing to the ground.
Latif coughed, fading. "Curse you... you wretches..."
Sylvance approached. "You're wounded. Go back. Rest."
Klen nodded silently.
Sylvance asked, "Where's Rose?"
Klen paused. "She's injured. I sent her ahead."
Sylvance nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow. You've done well."
Klen bowed. "It's an honor to fight beside you, General."
He turned and walked away.
Laika arrived behind Sylvance. "General?"
Sylvance turned. "Laika."
Laika looked at her—blood streaked across her armor.
"Sorry I'm late. Looks like the fight was intense."
Sylvance shrugged. "Just scratches. I needed the movement."
Laika watched Klen as he departed. "What's wrong with him?"
Sylvance's voice softened. "He's angry."
"Angry? That's rare. You speak as if Jaber himself were angry."
Sylvance smiled faintly. "Why not? I saw Jaber angry once—when he learned what happened to my village. Klen is like him. Rose was hurt. He's furious."
"Rose? The girl from Linovard? Is she alright?"
"She'll recover. She's stronger than she looks."
Laika nodded. "Let's head back."
Sylvance walked beside her.
—
Elsewhere in the circus—
The shows continued. Crowds gathered. Games resumed.
As if nothing had happened.
Sylvance watched. "They're... strange."
Laika's voice was cold. "We'll decide what to do with them soon."
She climbed into her carriage and departed for Aurik.
Sylvance walked with her soldiers, mages, and Semhar at her side.
She glanced at him. "Why not go with your mother?"
Semhar shook his head. "No... I'll return with you."
Sylvance nodded and continued walking.
—
Klen walked slowly, bleeding, toward the gates of Aurik.
—
At the city's entrance—
Guards halted a wagon.
"Stop! It's empty! Could be a trap or carrying contraband. Stay alert! Call the Mage Guild!"
A mage arrived, placing his staff on the wood. "No foreign magic... but there's a faint presence. A weak body. Barely breathing."
"What do you mean?"
The guard opened the wagon.
Inside—Rose. Eyes closed, pale, unmoving.
"It's the girl!"
The guards gathered.
"Does she have a Flak card?"
"Not sure..."
"Let her in. Poor thing. Looks like she was sent back from a mission—badly wounded."
One guard lifted her gently. "I'll take her to the healing center."
The Red Knight and the Quiet Flame
Klen reached the gates of Aurik.
The guards turned, startled by his bloodied armor.
One of them stepped forward. "You don't look well."
Klen kept walking. "Don't worry. The Red Knight simply needs rest."
He glanced at the empty wagon nearby. "There was a young lady inside..."
Another guard nodded. "Ah, yes. We took her to the healing center. She's receiving proper care."
Klen's expression shifted beneath his helmet. He bowed low and placed his sword before him.
"Thank you, noble guardians."
The guards flinched. "Hey, hey—no need for that!"
One whispered, "We thought he was trouble... but it's the Red Knight."
Klen rose and continued walking.
"You should head there too," one guard called. "Or at least wash up. You can't walk around like that—covered in blood."
Klen nodded. "Of course. I'll go."
They watched him go, exchanging glances.
Moments later, wagons arrived—filled with civilians.
"Wait! Hold on!" a guard shouted. "Where are your Flak Cards?"
Laika stepped down from her carriage. The guards straightened immediately.
"The High Commander of the Mage Guild," one whispered.
Laika's voice was firm. "Finish sorting everyone. Those without cards—prepare mages to assist with identification and status correction."
"Yes, Commander!"
Sylvance arrived next, her body marked with wounds. Semhar followed behind.
The soldiers stood again.
Sylvance nodded and walked past. "Once you finish sorting, I want a full report."
"Yes, General!"
—
Semhar led his mother home.
Wendy tried to stand. "It's alright, dear. I'll clean the house."
"No!" Semhar shouted, changing clothes and tying a cloth around his waist and head. "Rest. I'll handle everything."
He cleaned and organized the space. Wendy watched, smiling.
"You're a foolish boy," she said. "You nearly got me killed just to become obedient."
Semhar paused. "I'm sorry, Mother... If Father were alive, he'd have taught me a harsh lesson."
He resumed cleaning.
"I know," Wendy whispered.
—
At Aurik's healing center—
Mages on the upper floors debated the illness spreading through the Kingdom of Leona.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Klen entered on the ground floor.
The receptionist bowed. "Welcome. I—"
She looked up, gasped, and stepped back.
"The Red Knight requires treatment," Klen said calmly.
She nodded nervously. "Please... show me your card."
He handed it over.
Mages and healers arrived, inspecting his wounds.
One healer frowned. "Hmm... Knight, what's your name?"
Klen raised his hand and declared loudly, "Isn't it obvious? I am the noble, honorable, magnificent—Red Knight!"
The healers winced, covering their ears. "Quiet! There are other patients here!"
Klen lowered his voice. "The Red Knight feels... ashamed."
He turned—and saw a girl lying nearby.
He stepped toward her.
"Wait!" a healer called. "We're not finished!"
Klen stopped beside her.
Rose.
Bandages covered her face and leg.
A mage behind him spoke. "Do you know who she is?"
"Yes," Klen said. "She's my companion. My comrade. In the noble, legendary adventure—"
"Alright, alright," the healer interrupted. "We don't know where she's from. Her blood type is... unlike anything we've seen."
Klen sat beside her as the healers began treating his wounds with soft magic.
"She's from the Kingdom of Linovard."
The healers froze.
"What? Linovard? Are you insane?"
Klen : she have more knights in her blood them I Am!
Hahaha!
The Red Knight and the Crimson Verdict
Klen bowed his head. "She's from Linovard... She came here seeking joy. A life worth living."
The healers exchanged glances, then sighed. "Very well... We've noticed a strange aura around her. It's unlike anything we've seen. Her magic is... different. Fortunately, Prince Asser has authorized full medical coverage for foreign guests."
Klen lay back, still clad in his armor.
One healer frowned. "Why not remove your armor? It's—"
Klen shouted, "The Red Knight must remain ever vigilant!"
"Alright, alright," the healers groaned. "Just be quiet!"
Klen turned toward Rose. Her face twitched faintly. He closed his eyes.
Then—a voice echoed from the adjacent room.
"Let me go!"
Dais: "These are the approved compounds."
"But they must bear the guild's seal—"
A slap rang out.
Dais: "These two are under my command. Treat them. Inject the necessary compounds. That girl—she requires advanced medication."
Klen's eyes snapped open.
Dais stood before him, then turned to Rose.
The healers bowed. "Yes, Advisor."
Suddenly—footsteps. Armor clinking.
A whisper: "Prince Asser?"
Prince Asser entered the healing center, greeting everyone with quiet authority.
He scanned the room. "I need to speak with Jaber. This facility needs a full overhaul."
The healers bowed. "Your Majesty! It's an honor!"
Dais stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I've already ordered it. We'll replace their tools and compounds with advanced formulas from the royal labs."
Prince Asser nodded. "That's good. But first—let the Mage Guild approve it. No treatment is cleared without their consent."
Dais's face tightened.
A healer hesitated. "Then... Your Majesty, should we halt treatment for these two?"
Prince Asser turned. "What do you mean?"
Dais: "I've taken personal interest in two mercenaries. One doesn't even possess a Flak Card. But in line with your vision, I requested full care and coverage."
Prince Asser nodded. "That's fine. I authorized that decision myself. I commend your initiative. However... I see unapproved medications. That must—"
He paused, eyes settling on Klen. "That armor... He's her companion."
A healer stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the girl from Linovard is here. The knight told us her origin."
Prince Asser walked to Rose's bedside. Her eyes were closed, surrounded by herbs, gemstones, and bandages.
He placed his hand on her forehead. "She's burning up."
"She uses poison magic," a healer explained. "She poisoned herself to stay conscious during battle. Now she's suffering the side effects."
The High Advisor added, "I recommend a fast-acting antidote. We've prepared it. There's also a gemstone—charged with energy. It could stabilize her internal flow."
Dais: "Your Majesty?"
Prince Asser stared at the gemstone. His eyes glowed faintly—crimson light flickered.
He crushed it in his hand.
Gasps filled the room. The healers froze. The mages fell silent.
Prince Asser's voice was firm. "Stop. Treat her with standard methods. No unlicensed compounds. You have full authority to request help from the Mage Guild. Is that clear?"
The healers and mages bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Prince Asser: "If there's no response, submit a report and formal complaint to the High Commander of the Guild and the Head of Public Affairs—Jaber."
The healers nearly applauded. The guards smiled with pride.
Dais's face darkened.
Prince Asser: "Is there a guild representative here to assist?"
A healer bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. But—"
Prince Asser turned to Dais, raising an eyebrow. "Advisor, I respect your dedication to the people. But I ask you to focus on state affairs—and leave these matters to their rightful stewards."
Dais bowed. "Of course... Your Majesty."
Then paused. "Your Majesty..."
Prince Asser walked toward the exit. "I want a full report. On both of them. Every compound administered from tonight onward will be transferred to the Mage Guild's research division—under Viola and Gami."
He exited, Dais trailing behind.
Outside, snow fell gently. The towers of Aurik glowed, burning against the night.
Prince Asser stopped. "Advisor... My people are not test subjects. I warn you."
Dais smiled. The shadows deepened. He said nothing.
Prince Asser continued walking, his guards behind him.
A citizen whispered, "The prince... reprimanded the High Advisor."
·
Snowlight and Scarlet Footsteps
The next morning, the snowfall had ceased, leaving a soft white layer across the roads, rooftops, and castle spires. The towers of Ember hold glowed with firelight, and warmth drifted through the kingdom's corridors.
Rose opened her eyes.
Bandages wrapped her arms and legs. She sat up slowly—only to find Klen standing at the foot of her bed.
In a quiet voice, she rubbed her eyes. "Klen?"
He smiled. "You're awake, milady. Welcome back to the land of the living!"
She blinked. "What are you talking about? It was just a little dizziness..."
A healer entered, holding a report. "Ah, finally awake. You caused quite the stir. Prince Asser himself is monitoring your condition."
Rose's eyes widened. "What?! The prince? Why? What did I do? Klen?!"
Klen laughed heartily. "Lady Rose! The prince and the general praised us! They've requested an audience!"
Rose stretched and stood. "Well... that's good news."
The healer raised a hand. "You still need rest. Avoid combat and sudden movement for a while. After that, you'll be fine."
Rose bowed slightly. "Thank you."
Klen stepped outside.
Rose reached into her pouch. "Alright, I'll pay for the treatment."
The healer raised a hand. "No, no... it's covered."
"What? Just take the coins—I don't want anyone's pity."
The healer chuckled. "You must not know. Aurik is currently caring for its people under the royal family's patronage."
Rose hesitated. "That's... generous. But me?"
"You're one of us now," he said with a smile.
She smiled back and bowed again. "Thank you."
"Go in peace."
—
Outside, Klen waited.
"Well, Lady Rose," he said, "why not rest a little longer? I'll meet you tonight."
"Thanks," she replied.
She walked past him—then noticed he was following.
"We're meeting tonight, right? Why are you following me now? I don't need this."
Klen marched behind her. "It is the Red Knight's sacred duty to protect all with nobility, honor, and grandeur!"
Rose sighed and walked slowly. Her legs ached.
"Lady Rose? Are you alright?"
"Just a little pain. I can walk."
"Where do you live?"
She limped slightly. "Daisy Inn. I can make it there..."
The wind picked up. Rose shivered. "Strange... I'm used to this weather..."
"Of course," Klen said.
She turned—only to find herself lifted into the air.
Klen carried her effortlessly.
"Precious cargo en route—delivered with honor and nobility!"
Rose's face turned crimson. "You! Klen! You lunatic—put me down!"
Klen ran faster. "The Red Knight fears that's impossible!"
Guards and citizens stared in confusion. Children laughed. Rose clung to him, mortified.
"Klen! Put me down!"
A guard shouted, "What kind of mission is this, mercenary?"
Rose squeezed her eyes shut—then opened them to see Fadi watching, stunned.
"Lady Rose? What happened? Are you alright? You didn't return last night—I feared the worst."
He looked from her to the towering knight carrying her. "Well... I didn't expect this."
Rose clung to Klen. "No, no—it's not what it looks like!"
Guests at the inn stared. Some paused mid-meal. Others whispered.
"It was just a difficult mission," Rose muttered. "Nothing more."
Fadi frowned. "Be careful. Don't put yourself in danger like that."
She nodded. "Thank you."
He raised an eyebrow. "Are you... comfortable like this?"
Rose jumped down. "Yes! I mean—no! No! That's not what I meant! You all know that!"
Firelight and Footsteps
Rose hurried forward, her steps uneven, pain flaring in her leg.
Klen called out, concerned. "Lady Rose! Take care of yourself! Shall I carry you upstairs?"
"No, no! I'm fine!"
She stumbled.
Fadi rushed forward—but Klen was faster. He caught her mid-fall and lifted her into his arms.
Guests at the inn turned, watching with curious expressions. Fadi smiled. "Lady Rose... I didn't expect you to move so quickly. You're adapting well."
Rose's cheeks flushed. "What are you implying?! I'm just tired! That's not what I meant!"
Fadi raised a hand, eyes closed. "Alright, alright... I'll bring food upstairs."
"Thank you," she murmured.
Klen climbed the stairs, opened her room, and gently laid her on the bed. He pulled the blanket over her.
Rose, still flustered, glanced at him—just as Klen lifted his helmet slightly, stuck out his tongue, and covered one eye with his hand.
"You!" she gasped.
He quickly adjusted his helmet, walked to the fireplace, and lit it with a flick of his sword.
Then he turned to leave. "Lady Rose! Don't strain yourself. I'll return tonight to escort you."
"There's no need to come here! I'll meet you!"
"I fear that would violate the Red Knight's code of noble conduct!"
Rose closed her eyes. "Klen..."
He paused.
"Thank you."
He nodded. "It's nothing."
—
Downstairs, Klen found Fadi preparing a tray.
"Sir Knight," Fadi said.
Klen saluted. "Command me, noble citizen!"
Fadi chuckled. "Are you her friend?"
"Of course! I am the Red Knight—companion of Lady Rose!"
Fadi laughed. "You're a strange one. Just take care of her. She's kind... but she's hard on herself."
Klen placed a hand on his chest. "Worry not! The Red Knight swears by his honor, greatness, and nobility!"
Fadi raised an eyebrow. Guests glanced over, amused.
Klen walked out quietly.
—
He returned home.
Warmth filled the air. Fires crackled. Soldiers and townsfolk feasted on roasted meat. A young mage played with flames in the hearth.
Veronika stepped out. "Klen! Where have you been? We heard the news! Are you alright? Look at your hand!"
"Don't worry, sister. I'm fine."
"Is Rose alright? I heard she was taken to the healing center."
"She's recovering."
"Bring her here again. She should finish her meal."
Klen bowed. "Of course."
He climbed the stairs. Veronika watched him go.
—
Semhar entered.
Veronika turned. "How can I help you? You look... fragile. What's with that scrawny frame?"
Semhar covered himself. "You're mean!"
"Do you want to eat and grow strong like them?"
She gestured toward the muscular soldiers devouring meat.
Semhar stammered. "No, no... I'm here to see Klen. The big knight."
Veronika narrowed her eyes. "What do you want with him?"
Semhar hesitated. "I just... want to talk."
Echoes of Fire and Frost
"Klen! Klen!" Veronika shouted from below. "Someone's here to see you!"
From the upper floor, Klen's voice rang out. "By the honor, grandeur, and nobility of the Red Knight—who dares request an audience with me?"
Veronika glanced at Semhar's thin frame. "It's a scrawny boy."
"I'm coming!"
Semhar sighed, glancing at Veronika with distaste. "I'm starting to regret coming here..."
Klen descended, armor gleaming once more. "You? The circus boy..."
Semhar bowed low. Veronika blinked in surprise.
"What's wrong with him?" she muttered.
Klen raised a hand. "Ah, you're apologizing for what happened. No matter. I heard you saved your mother. Be proud of that! You were part of a noble, grand, and honorable mission!"
Veronika left, casting a dismissive glance at Semhar.
"It's not that..." Semhar said quietly. "I caused all of it..."
Klen stepped closer. "You could see it differently. If you hadn't gambled and lost, we wouldn't have uncovered what was happening inside that circus."
Semhar's eyes widened. "That's true... but it doesn't excuse what I did."
Klen extended his hand. "Don't blame yourself too much. Tomorrow—apologize to Lady Rose. I'm sure she'll say the same."
Semhar hesitated, then shook Klen's hand. "Rose... I wasn't sure of her name."
Klen laughed. "Her name is Rose! Lady Rose! And I am the legendary, noble, and honorable Red Knight—Klen!"
Semhar blinked. "Are you always like this?"
"What do you mean?"
"I wanted to ask... I've seen you complete missions together. Could I..."
Klen raised his hand. "Of course! Meet me tomorrow at the Mercenary' Guild!"
Semhar's face changed. "But... that place is dangerous..."
From the kitchen, Veronika shouted while scrubbing dishes. "If you won't come, then leave! Just hearing that you're the reason my brother and Rose were hurt—I want to teach you a lesson!"
"Alright, alright! I'll be there!"
"Settled!" Klen declared. "Sleep well! May the Red Knight visit your dreams with honor and grandeur!"
"You're... strange," Semhar muttered.
"I am the Red Knight!"
Semhar stepped back. "See you tomorrow... Klen."
Klen nodded.
Veronika smiled. "You're too kind, brother..."
"He doesn't know what's coming. Poor boy... he'll meet Lady Rose tomorrow."
Klen climbed the stairs.
—
At the Daisy Inn—
Rose opened her eyes, gazing at the flickering fire.
She smiled softly, watching snow fall gently beyond the window.
Then she closed her eyes again, drifting into deep sleep.
—
Far away, in the Kingdom of Leona—
A girl with a torn cloak and a bloodied sword ran through the streets, chased by angry townsfolk.
Blood dripped from her hands.
"Damn it!" Lamis gasped. "They won't stop!"
Screams echoed across the city.
She burst into a wooden hut, slamming the door behind her. Men and women with weapons stood inside.
"Lamis! My daughter!" a man cried.
She collapsed, panting. "Things are getting worse out there, Father..."
A woman rushed to her, wiping the blood from her skin. "You're reckless, child..."
"There are guards forcing people to take the treatment," Lamis said. "Others are defending the citizens—refusing to take cure. The city is in chaos. We have to flee. Father?"
Her father sharpened his blade. "Lamis... we can't run. We fight or die here. This soil was defended by your ancestors. We won't abandon it. And the prince—he's gone to Aurik. I trust he'll bring the cure."
The others fell silent. Some held their children. Others wrapped their wounds.
"But..." Lamis whispered. "It's impossible. The darkness grows. The colder it gets, the more monstrous the infected become. We can't survive like this..."
Her mother smiled gently. "It will be alright, my daughter. I'm sure of it. You will live."
The Frost of No Return
Lamis's mother gently stroked her daughter's hair.
Then—a thunderous knock.
Lamis turned. The door shook violently.
A voice, cold and unnatural, echoed: "All who have not taken the treatment must do so. Refusal is treason. Punishable by death."
Lamis screamed, "Are you insane?! Look around you! Everyone who took it turned into monsters! This isn't medicine!"
The door shattered.
A cloaked figure stepped inside, draped in black.
Lamis's father narrowed his eyes. "Advisor Namq?! What is the meaning of this?"
Namq smiled. "Kill all who resist. Force the treatment. If they fight—slaughter them."
He turned and left.
Black-robed enforcers entered, carrying obsidian gems and thin, gleaming blades.
Lamis's father lunged forward. The villagers rallied, swords drawn.
One enforcer raised a gem. Lamis's father took a defensive stance.
Then—they attacked.
Steel clashed. Screams filled the air.
Men and women fell one by one.
Lamis fought desperately, her sword trembling in her hands.
She struck one down—only to see her neighbors lying in pools of blood.
"Mother! Father! We have to run!"
A gem was raised. A horrific scream echoed through the city.
Footsteps. Growls.
The townspeople emerged—walking on hands and feet, blood and saliva dripping from their mouths.
They came from every direction.
"Lamis!" her father shouted. "Take your mother and run!"
"But—Father!"
He smiled through the chaos, raising a glowing green gem. "Go!"
Her Father throw a strange herbs with gems stones for spread out...
Tears streamed down Lamis's face. She grabbed her mother and fled the collapsing hut.
The infected chased them—climbing rooftops, crawling through snow.
The storm intensified. Visibility vanished. The cold pierced bone.
Lamis gasped for breath. Her mother stumbled behind her.
They leapt across rooftops. The infected followed.
They sprinted through narrow alleys.
One creature grabbed her mother's leg—she fell.
Lamis turned, sword drawn, trembling.
"Uncle... Rashid?"
He had changed. He dragged her mother, eyes vacant.
Lamis froze, tears falling. She remembered him laughing, teaching her to hunt.
She struck his chest.
He collapsed, blood pooling beneath him.
She helped her mother up. They ran toward the city walls.
"Mother! We're close! We'll jump!"
Her mother nodded, following.
They climbed the wall. Behind them, the city vanished into fog and snow.
The hut where her father stood was now crawling with infected.
Lamis covered her mouth, sobbing. Her mother held her close.
Lamis threw down a rope, lowered her mother.
Then—a voice behind her.
"There is no escape. You flee from the impossible."
"Lamis!" her mother cried.
The figure struck.
Lamis blocked—but her sword shattered.
She kicked him off the wall. He vanished into the fog, laughing.
Lamis trembled, cloaking herself against the snow.
She saw the soldiers of Leona. Commander Basel fought fiercely.
Then suddenly explosions happen the middle of alleys strange green aura appeared and dark shadows colliding with it.
"These battles are meaningless," she whispered. "It's all over..."
She slid down the rope.
They ran into the mist—until they reached a quiet, empty village.
Lamis panted, shivering. "Why is it... deserted?"
Her mother walked slowly, spotting blood inside a house. "They took the treatment..."
Lamis heard a strange sound.
They hid behind a wooden shack.
A figure appeared—carrying a scythe.
He opened a gate.
The infected entered, heads bowed.
The Harvester of Lost Souls
Lamis whispered, "Who is that... What is he doing to them?"
The cloaked figure turned toward her.
Lamis ducked, trembling. Her mother held her close.
Snow fell harder. The wind howled from every direction.
Lamis peeked again.
The figure was gone.
"He's vanished," she said. "And he took everyone in the village..."
Her mother nodded. "This is our chance. We must wait for the storm to pass. We can't travel like this."
Lamis opened one of the cabins. It was empty—blood stained the walls and floor.
"Mother... let's rest here. It's safe."
Her mother entered quietly.
Lamis searched the shelves. "I found some food."
"Good," her mother said. "Let's eat a little and save the rest for the road."
Lamis laid out the meal—some bread, herbs, and scraps of meat.
Tears welled in her eyes. "Mother..."
"Yes, dear?"
"Will Father be alright?"
Her mother's voice was soft. "He will be... whether alive or gone. He gave his life for us."
Tears slid down her cheeks as she smiled faintly, gazing at the cloudy sky.
Lamis handed her the food. They ate in silence.
Lamis drifted into sleep, her body finally surrendering to exhaustion.
—
She awoke suddenly.
Cold.
Her mother's arms were wrapped around her—but her body was cold.
"Mother... your body..."
Lamis sat up.
Blood pooled beneath her.
Her mother's face still smiled.
Lamis trembled, placing her hand on her mother's cheek. "Mother?"
She shook her gently. "Mother!"
A green gem slipped from her mother's hand.
Lamis screamed, tears streaming. "You told me everything would be alright! Why, Mother?!"
She buried her face in her mother's chest, sobbing.
Her mother hadn't eaten. She had wrapped her portion in cloth—she must have known.
—
Footsteps approached.
Lamis froze.
She hugged her mother tightly, then leapt through the window, clutching the food bundle.
She walked slowly through the snow, finding another broken cabin.
—
Inside, she hid.
"Is that... Father? Did he follow us?"
A voice behind her, calm and eerie: "Poor girl... Are you searching for true salvation? Inner peace? I can offer it... gently."
A man appeared, playing with a green gem.
"You? I wondered about this stone. I found it with a man in the city. Is it a signal? Do you communicate with it?"
"It's none of your business, you wretch!" Lamis snapped.
"So it's a marker... You find each other with it."
He raised his hand. "Fascinating. Leona plays well with gemstones."
Then—he vanished.
Lamis felt a strange chill. She turned.
Her eyes widened. She fell back, crawling.
"Who are you?! You're not one of us!"
She raised her broken sword, hands trembling.
From the shadows, a figure emerged—draped in a torn black cloak. His face was hidden.
He held a scythe. Cold wind swirled around it. Screams echoed from its blade.
He stepped forward slowly.
Tears streamed down Lamis's face. "Stay away! Monster! Who are you?!"
"Me?" he whispered. "I'm a peaceful soul... I harvest the lost. The forgotten. I guide them to the proper path... in this wretched world."
Lamis stood, shaking, sword raised.
He chuckled softly. "Brave girl... I admire your courage. I'll take your soul... beautifully. Dramatically."
He vanished.
Lamis spun around—nothing.
She turned again.
He was behind her.
The scythe swung.