SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

Betrayed by the humans she once cared and protected, Gatria’s hatred knows no bounds. With the addition of the betrayal of the man she loves, her resentment was immeasurable that only the death of her betrayers could appease her grievance.

Gatria was prepared to slaughter every human who would stand in her way,  but it was not a human who stood in front of her to block her way of revenge— it was the man she once loved.

But unlike the Gatria from before who loved the warlord dearly, the Gatria now had no love left and was filled with immensurable rage that couldn’t be quenched. If she had to slaughter a certain warlord to get her revenge, she would.

She will show to the whole Azitera the fury of Queen Gatria Valen Balsatra, the Mistress of Nature who had just escaped her moonrite prison. And she will start her retribution by dawning a blood bath in Kingdom of Treterra.

[ BOOK 2 OF AZITERA: YTHER’S QUEEN ]

CECELIB | C.C.

COMING THIS SUMMER (2022)

PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

A DAY BEFORE THE YTHER’S SEIGE

THE FIRST THING Gatria saw, the moment she entered the throne room of Citadel of Krahika— the central temple in the middle of Yther Kingdom were the queens resides together— was Sollel and Aenwyn kneeling in front of a strict looking Astrid who was tightly gripping a whip made out of wind.

“You two…! How many times do I have to tell you to behave…?!” Astrid slammed her wind whip on the floor tiles and the sound made Sollel and Aenwyn winced as if it hit them.

Who would blame the two? The sound Astrid’s whip made was razor-sharp that it put pressure in the air. 

Gatria sighed at what she was seeing and decided to stay at the door to the throne room to continued watching even though she knew how things would unfold. She actually just didn’t want to participate. Astrid was enough to discipline the two most disastrous queens of Yther.

Sollel, the Mistress of Flame and also known as the queen of destruction, and Aenwyn, the Mistress of the High Seas, who’s considered an eccentric queen because of her out of this world antics were both looking down at the floor and shaking in fear because Astrid slammed her wind whip again and it hit the floor in front of the two.

Gatria knew Astrid meant to do it, to warn Sollel and Aenwyn, and she smiled at that. Astrid had always been strict to others and to herself as well. And it was not like this was the first time Gatria witnessed such scene. She had witnessed this a hundred times already— that’s how stubborn Sollel and Aenwyn were.

“How many times do I have to tell you not to cause ruckus inside and outside Yther?!” Astrid was still fuming mad and from time to time, her wind whip would slam on the floor causing Sollel and Aenwyn to flinch in fear. “Are you two  deaf that you couldn’t hear my warning…?! Do you want to be punished again by kneeling for a year?! Is that what you two like?! Answer me!”

Mustering her courage, Sollel did answer Astrid. “But we’re not even doing anything, Astrid. We were just playing—”

“You made a volcano erupt!” Astrid shouted to Sollel before her eyes went to Aenwyn. “And a tsunami nearly devoured the archipelagos! Is that what you called playing?! We are here to protect Azitera’s inhabitants! We are blessed by the deities and it is our job to take good care of Azitera, not destroy it!”

Mustering her courage as well, Aenwyn answered. “But like Sollel said, we were just having a friendly match—”

“Sollel nearly burned a forest, If It was not protected by Gatria, it would have been burned already! And you, Aenwyn, made a lake out of nowhere, destroying the settlements nearby! If not for the guards evacuating everyone in time, what do you two think would’ve happened, huh?! I told you to behave and not use your destructive abilities, but you never listened! This is the reason why those Descendant of Sappher fools waged war against us. You two are part of their reason!”

Sollel and Aenwyn immediately fell silent. They knew when to fight and gave up and in front of Aenwyn, they always chose to give up.

“Astrid, if you continue shouting, you’ll stress yourself out. As if those two would understand your predicament.” Gatria’s calm and gentle voice filled the throne room, it seemed like she could no longer watch in silence.

The three queens turned their heads towards Gatria who just spoke and it was Sollel who got up with a wide smile on her lips to receive Gatria with loving arms— but Astrid’s angry voice was heard.

“Who told you you can stand up, Sollel?!”

Astrid’s voice boomed in every corner of the throne room, and almost immediately, Sollel fell on her knees as if afraid and kneeled.

That made Gatria chuckled and softly caressed Sollel’s hair when she passed by her. “I told to behave, but you wouldn’t listen.”

Astrid’s strict voice was heard once again. “Sollel, Aenwyn, pay for your stubbornness. Go to the corner, kneel for the whole day and repent.”

Both looking down and shoulder slumped, Sollel and Aenwyn went to the corner of the throne room and kneel to repent.

Seeing the two, Gatria shook her head and sighed before facing Astrid. “How’s the settlement that was destroyed? Was there any casualties?”

Astrid shook her head before she sat on her throne, the throne chair that had Astrid’s symbol on its back. “Fortunately, there’s none. When the guards saw the two fighting, they immediately evacuated everyone knowing what will happen. And since they couldn’t stop the two and they knew the catastrophic event that will occur while those two were fighting, they sent an emergency message to Citadel to inform me. Though If I didn’t arrive in time, the damage would have been severe.”

Gatria massage her temple and she breathe deeply. “We really have to put a rein on those two.”

“Yes.” Astrid agreed firmly. “I’m planning on making them kneel for a whole year, so we’ll have a whole year of peace.”

Gatria managed a dry, calm smile. “I can already hear them complaining.”

“I don’t care.” Astrid replied firmly without emotion whatsoever. “I want one year of peace from those two battle maniacs.”

Gatria just chuckled and didn’t say anything until she felt Astrid’s gaze on her. “What?”

Still no emotion in her voice, Astrid asked. “When are you going to break your relationship with that man?”

Gatria frowned, not following Astrid. “What…?”

Astrid crossed her arms over her chest. “That Descendant of Sappher you’d been hanging out with.”

“Treven?” Gatria asked.

“No. Treven is fine,” Astrid said matter-of-factly, “he’s our spy. I’m referring to the other one— the one with a war hammer.”

“Oh,” realization dawned on Gatria and she smiled. “You mean Kar?”

“Yes. Him.” Astrid had an indifferent look on her face. “When are you going to cut ties with that man? I understand Treven because he didn’t really like his race after those bastards chased him away just because his preference in romantic partner is different than theirs, but that man? Gatria,” Astrid narrowed her eyes on Gatria’s green ones, “we defeated their whole race in a war and now you’re having a relationship with  one of them? A warlord, even! Are you not thinking? What if this was a ploy to get your guards down? What if that man was sent to earn your trust and betray you—”

“Kar is not like that.” All the emotion on Gatria’s face disappeared and her eyes became sharp and cold. “He’s different. He would never betray me.”

Astrid scoffed at Gatria’s naïve thinking. “Forgive me for not believing your naïve words, Gatria. I know you have a good head compare to those two,” Astrid sent a glare in Sollel and Aenwyn’s direction, “that’s why I am hoping that you will make a good decision that would not harm our kingdom and Azitera. Please, keep in mind that you are one of the queens of the Yther Kingdom. If something happened to you, it will affect all of us.”

Gatria clenched her fist. “Do not speak lightly of Kar as if he would do something bad to me, Astrid. He’s not like that!” Gatria couldn’t control her anger, she raised her voice. “He would never betray me! He would never hurt me!” Sappher only love one person in their lifetimes and Gatria knew this, that’s why she knew that Kar would never betray her.

She was the love of his life. They had met on the battlefield and he pursued her after the war. Kar did not stop even after Gatria raised her sword at him and nearly killed him.

Even when her sword was buried in his chest with so much killing intent, he smiled and told her that death would be better than not having her by his side.

It was the first time for Gatria to meet such a resolute and impassioned man that she faltered. Instead of killing him, she pulled out her sword and healed him.

That was the start of their connection. A start that Gatria treasures.

Thus, to hear Astrid spoke of Kar like he would harm him, when it was the opposite, it made Gatria’s blood boil.

“You don’t know him, so don’t speak so lightly of him.” Gatria boldly and coldly told Astrid that made Astris’s eyes widened. Astrid was not expecting that Gatria would say those words to defend a Descendant of Sappher fool. “My relationship with him has nothing to do with you, Astrid. So stay away from it.”

Gatria turned around and left the Citadel with a different mood than she came in earlier. Her happy mood had now become sour. And it didn’t escape Sollel and Aenwyn’s radar who were kneeling in the corner.

“What happened to Gatria?” Sollel whispered ay Aenwyn who was combing her curly hair with her fingers as they kneel. “Do you have any idea, Aenwyn?”

Aenwyn gave Sollel a ‘are you not thinking’ look. “We’re both kneeling in the corner, Sollel. What made you think I have an idea what they were talking about?”

Sollel glared at Aenwyn. “Because you’re crazy.”

Aenwyn glared at Sollel back. “What does it have to do with that?”

“Because the servants in my temple said that you’re crazy because you know a lot of things. That’s why I’m asking you. I’m worried about Gatria.”

Aenwyn gave Sollel a deadpan look. “Do you even realized that you just outed your servants gossiping about me?”

Sollel nonchalantly shrugged. “What gossiping? It’s true that you’re crazy, Aenwyn. No need to gossip about that. I always tell you that all the time.”

“You…” Aenwyn sighed in exasperation seeing Sollel’s unoffending look. Aenwyn couldn’t really understand how Sollel brain works most of the time. “Gatria will be fine, don’t worry. She’ll figure it out. And for Astrid, she’s just being strict and overprotected as usual.”

Sollel frowned at Aenwyn who had become serious all of the sudden. “Is it that serious?”

Aenwyn nodded. “Apparently, Gatria already gave herself to her lover.”

Sollel gasped and covered her mouth in surprise. “Truly?!”

“Yes.”

“Did Gatria told you if it felt good?”

Aenwyn gave Sollel an incredulous look. “You’re more curious about that than Gatria giving herself to that man?!”

Sollel nonchalantly shrugged again. “I’m sure Gatria has a good reason why she did what she did. I trust her. And yes, I’m more curious about their intimate relationship than anything. She’s the first of us to be intimate with a man! Of course, I’m curious. We were taught how to do it, but I’m pretty sure the real thing is different.”

Aenwyn was still looking at Sollel with an incredulous face. I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless, Aenwyn thought as she looked at Sollel’s excited face.

“Sollel, you do know that if you did it with someone, you’ll burn them alive, right?”

“Yes.” Sollel answered without an ounce of hesitation.

“And yet, you still want to be intimate with someone you love knowing you’ll kill them?”

Sollel showed Aenwyn the Solaris on her wrist. “I just have to find a man worthy to wear my Solaris, then he’ll be protected against my flame. Easy, right?” Sollel had a smug look on her face. “I’m ingenious.”

Aenwyn sighed at Sollel. “For someone who only thinks of fighting and destruction, you actually used your brain for other things.”

“Of course! Anyway, you think Astrid doesn’t like the man Gatria chose for herself?”

Aenwyn sighed. “It’s complicated. That man is a Descendant of Sappher, you know.”

“Oh. Those puny warrior who wage war against us?”

Calling the Descendants of Sappher ‘puny’, only the queen of destruction and the Mistress of Flame could get away with that.

“Yes. Apparently, Gatria’s lover is a nobility of Sappher. A warlord.”

“Hmm. So, that’s why Astrid doesn’t like him— because he’s weak?”

Aenwyn shook her head. “It’s not about being weak or strong, it’s about his lineage. I’m sure Astrid is worried that that man might hurt and betray Gatria.”

“Gatria would kill him if he did.”

Stunned, Aenwyn glanced at Sollel. “She will?”

Sollel nodded with no hesitation. “Yes. Gatria will. She might be calm and always gentle, but Gatria is very scary, you know. Remember what she did with the head of her temple when she found out the temple’s head had been extorting money from other races?”

Now that she mentioned it, Aenwyn thought as she remembered that scene. “Gatria made the temple’s head into a tree while staying alive inside.”

“Hmm.” Sollel nodded. “I think Gatria will be just fine. She can handle herself. She may look calm, gentle and meek on the outside, but she’s one of the queens of Yther. She’s blessed by the deities and no puny warrior could harm her. And If that puny warrior ever did, Gatria will kill him. That’s for sure.”

Aenwyn didn’t say anything because of so much trust Sollel had for Gatria. For Aenwyn though, she was just as worried as Astrid. She just didn’t like showing it. And also because they were busy kneeling in the corner. If they ever move an inch, Astrid will scold them again.

I don’t want to kneel for a year again, Aenwyn mused. Why is Astrid so freaking scary? Aenwyn may be the second blessed queen of Yther, but that didn’t matter in front of Astrid.

Because Astrid was a beast.

Aenwyn could still remember when Astrid pretended to forgive them after she and Sollel fought that caused a mini-destruction and Astrid flew her into the air and just above the clouds, yes, above it, Astrid dropped Aenwyn without mercy as punishment.

Aenwyn shivered at the memory. That traumatized her not to go against Astrid no more. It was a good thing that she fell in the sea and not on the land, but Aenwyn had a hunch that Astrid meant to do that.

“Huh? Aenwyn, why are you shivering all of the sudden?”

“Memories…” Aenwyn closed her eyes. “Astrid is really scary.”

Sollel nodded. “Yes. She is. So let’s kneel properly.”

“Hmm. Let’s.”

The two continued kneeling for the whole day and only stood up when they heard Astrid’s voice inside their head telling them to stand up and eat.

Meanwhile, Gatria was in Woodtry Hill. A hill miles away from the Yther Kingdom.

Gatria rode her favorite equine to reached the hill and meet her beloved.

Woodtry Hill was their place. A very special place for her and Kar. Because on top of the hill was a lone large tree and a simple cabin house beside it.

The cabin Kar made for them. Just for them.

It was a very special place for Gatria that a smile immediately appeared on her lips when she caught sight of it as she traversed the hill with her favorite equine. And her smile became even more wide when she saw Kar standing under the tree, his back was on her.

Happiness filled Gatria’s body as she dismounted her equine and run towards Kar.

“Kar…!” Gatria called out and immediately wrapped her arms around him to feel his warmth that she loved.

Finally, Kar turned to face her and a frown made its way to Gatria’s eyebrows when she saw how cold and distant he looked.

Her instinct told her to step away, but this was Kar, her warlord. She would never back away. She knew how much Kar hated it when she puts a distance between them.

“What’s the matter…?” So, Gatria gently asked, concerned. “Did something happen?”

Gatria was waiting for Kar’s answer when he smiled. Gatria returned it and smiled back as well.

“Are you feeling well now?” Gatria asked again. “What happened?”

“I’m sorry,” were the words that came out from Kar’s mouth before Gatria felt a sharp weapon pierced her stomach.

With wide eyes and parted lips, Gatria’s gaze fell down at her stomach. Shocked was an understatement when she saw a dagger embedded in her stomach that she staggered back before her gaze slowly lifted to Kar who was just staring at her like she didn’t matter.

“… why?” Gatria asked as tears fell down from her eyes instead of being angry or pulling the dagger out.

“Because I don’t really love you. I just did what I did so I can bury that arcane curse dagger on you, Queen Gatria.” Kar answered as if it was the most normal thing to say. He had no care for the bleeding Gatria. He was even looking at her vilely. “After what you did to my people, do you really think I could love someone like you?”

Another tear fell from Gatria’s eyes. She was not moving and was just staring at Kar in shocked. Her mind didn’t want to believe that this was happening— that this was real.

But the reality came crashing down when Kar moved to leave and killed her favorite equine before leaving her on top of the hill. Alone. Wounded. And cursed.

A moment later, her sight become blurry. She could hear the sound of boots marching, but she didn’t have the strength to turn and look.

Her consciousness was robbed from her.

And when her consciousness returned, she dragged her wounded body back to her kingdom, only to see it being sieged.

Protect her kingdom and her people—these were her first thought, but she could feel her strength being sucked out of her body, leaving her in a weak, pathetic state before she could even save the attendants in her temple. Her consciousness was robbed once again and when she woke up, she found herself in a dark place, both her wrists and ankles were chained to the wall, a chain made by an unknown glowing mineral. Even her cage was made of the same mineral.

As the Mistress of Nature, she was ashamed to admit that she didn’t know the mineral around her.

An unknown mineral that Gatria would later find out the name— the moonrite stone. Her weakness.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

THE SMELL of death, the reeking scent of blood soaking the soil and the corpses upon corpses of the empire’s sorcerers and the kingdom’s soldiers— it was a horrific sight to behold. And in the middle of that bloody slaughter was a woman with long brown wavy hair, holding a sword soaked in soldier’s blood.

The Mistress of Nature and the sword Goddess— Gatria Valen Balsatra.

No mercy could be seen in her cold, calculating eyes. An air of malevolence in her gait. Only cruelty could be perceived from her graceful and beautiful face as she swiftly swung her sword made from her own essence and sprinted forward to attack once again.

Watching Gatria wield her sword was like watching a dancer on the stage. The only difference was Gatria was leaving a trail of dead bodies in her wake.

The screams of pain and terror of the soldiers and sorceress resonated in the air, causing a frenzy to other soldiers who could feel the other soldier’s torment through their shrieks and howls. Their bodies trembled. Regret consumed them as they watch their comrades perish by the sword of the Mistress of Nature.

The suffocating condense pressure that the Mistress of Nature was releasing around her was almost too much to bear that the soldiers were frozen in place and coughing blood.

The Mistress of Nature killed and slaughtered the kingdom’s soldiers with her sword, and never once did she used nature as her weapon. She wielded her sword to quench her thirst for revenge and anger.

From the air, Sollel, the Mistress of Flame could see the slaughter on the ground as they defended the town of Adral. Even from a distance, seeing Gatria wielding her sword and cutting soldiers mercilessly, Sollel could feel Gatria resentment, it was too strong that the ground outside the town of Adral, where the battle was taking place, was becoming dead while being dyed with blood.

But it was not solely Gatria’s fault, Sollel’s flame was too fierce that the ground dried up from its overpowering heat and broke. Her gigantic flaming swords raining down from the sky and piercing the ground was enough to destroy the surroundings and burn the empire’s sorcerers as if they were nothing but small bugs. And those who were lucky to escape with their lives intact was targeted by Cira’s arrows and Xeke’s dagger.

As an Elven warrior, Cira was used to battlefields. And with Xeke’s dagger supporting her in the air, her bows had easily reached the enemy’s back line.

“Cira,” Xeke appeared beside her in mid-air, “I’m going to infiltrate the empire’s back line.”

Cira released her arrow and glanced at Xeke. “Then why are you still doing here?”

“Can’t I have a good luck kiss?”

Cira pulled an arrow from her quiver and aimed her bow at Xeke. “Oh. You want this?”

Xeke smiled and disappeared. Cira thought Xeke had teleported to the enemy’s back line when suddenly, he appeared in front of her and stole a kiss on her lips yet again.

Before Cira could react, Xeke disappeared.

Cira fumed as her cheeks reddened. “Xekeeeee…!”

Cira wanted to shoot her arrows at Xeke, but decided to do it later. She had enemies to shoot and a town to defend.

In the meanwhile, on top of the stone gate of the town of Adral, stood Zassia with her staff as she used her flame to block and attack the sorcerers that were trying to enter the town. Zassia gave her all and used everything she learned from her teacher. She wanted to be worthy of her teacher’s tutelage.

Beside her was Commander Gabin and his shield, protecting Zassia from the sorcerers attacks, and below her was Grath, his sharp flaming claws were slashing sorcerers and sorceress left and right to prevent them from entering Adral and causing destruction. While Zassia’s grandfather, Zio, was trying to help block the sorcerer’s attack in the air.

“Just… Who is that woman…?!” A water sorcerer bellowed seeing Zassia on top of the stone gate producing fierce balls of flame and dagger-shaped flames from her firestone staff.

It was maddening that aside from the Mistress of Flame, they had to worry about a Flame Sorceress who’s flame was fiercer and stronger than anyone!

“Do something about that woman on top of the gate!” A flame sorceress commanded.

Two water sorcerers obliged, but they couldn’t get passed the descendant of Sappher protecting the woman on top of the stone gate.

“W-we shouldn’t have come here!” A wind sorcerer shouted in terror.

“Retreat! Let’s leave!” A water sorcerer bellowed as he tried to run from the fight, but was caught up by the Mistress of Flame’s constant barrage of ball of flame in the size of a boulder.

Overlooking that chaos, standing on his wyvern, Vago, was Treven— with his arcane weapon, Soulshard, surrounding half of Adral. His soulshard was a shield that could deflect physical and elemental attack. It was known to be indestructible, but really, it had its limits. And the limit was three consecutive attacks from a being blessed by deities.

Treven’s job was to block the sorcerers attacks in the air and also, to watch over everyone and wrapped his soulshard shield around them if needed.

Although his help was not required, really. It was a one-sided battle. Gatria was slaughtering the kingdom’s soldiers mercilessly and Sollel was trampling and burning everyone in the empire’s side. The elf princess, Cira and Warlord Xeke were annihilating the enemy’s back line.

Treven didn’t have to do anything and it seemed to him that Hakkeran realized that too after a while because Hakkeran had put down his flaming sword and just stayed at the Mistress of Flame’s side.

The Mistress of Nature, the Mistress of Flame and their companions were enough to finish this one-sided battle that he have already withdrawn his soulshard and returned it into its crystal ball form.

But that bastard… Treven thought of Warlord Kar and roamed his eyes on the battlefield, looking for a familiar face that he loathed.

And there he was. Fighting against Gatria.

Treven clenched his fist as anger swelled inside him. Is it not enough that you betrayed her, you bastard?!

Enrage, Treven gave his order to Vago. “Vago, to Gatria— Now!”

Feeling his master’s rage, Vago flew fast towards Gatria. When they reached her, Treven jumped down from Vago to the ground and as he landed, he immediately breaks the crystal ball in his hand and used its shard to make a shield around Gatria and himself.

“Go.” Treven said to Gatria who slightly turned to him after he appeared behind her. “Have your revenge.”

Gatria silently nodded. And with Treven’s soulshard protection, she held her sword tightly, sprinted forward and slashed her sword against Kar.

Kar’s war hammer blocked Gatria’s slash and every hack and slash attack that followed, but Gatria’s movement became even faster and fiercer. Her sword had become sharper that it was leaving cut marks on Kar’s war hammer made of steel. Gatria was wielding her sword with no hesitation as she closed the gap between her and Kar without fear of being hit by the war hammer because she knew Treven was behind her and protecting her.

All of a sudden, Kar’s war hammer emitted a powerful pressure pulling Gatria close.

A smirk made its way to Gatria’s lips. She was waiting for it.

Gatria let the pressure pulled her close to Kar and when Kar raised his war hammer to smash it against her, with Treven’s soulshard still around her to protect her, Gatria thrust her sword and buried it in Kar’s chest.

But that wasn’t enough.

Her anger hadn’t been quenched.

All the pain she had been enduring. The betrayal that caused her kingdom and her people harm. The love that she had that now turned into hatred— all those emotions were poured on Gatria’s sword, doubling her killing intent.

Gatria pulled out her sword from Kar’s flesh and buried it again and again and again—until Gatria was bathing in Kar’s blood— stabbing, hacking and slashing Kar, who had seized moving because of the poison on Gatria’s sword that could paralyze anyone.

But even if there was no poison to paralyze him, the hatred that Kar could see in the woman’s eyes were enough to rob his ability to move.

For some reason he couldn’t comprehend. It hurts to see that hatred pointed at him.

No. It was not hatred. She loathed him. Even his death was not enough to appease her anger, he could tell. Even if she hacked him into pieces, it would never be enough.

Gatria… Kar thought as he stared at the woman stabbing, slashing and hacking him with so much hatred. There was no hesitation— she wanted to kill him and kill him she would.

Gatria only stopped when Kar fell to the ground.

Gatria looked down at Kar’s bleeding and almost half-dead body. “I wish… that I had never met you.”

Those words pierced Kar’s consciousness.

And without an ounce of mercy and emotion in her eyes, Gatria stood beside Kar’s tattered and bloody body, raised her sword to deliver the final blow, ready to bury it on Kar’s chest, but the kingdom’s soldiers interrupted Gatria.

They attacked her using their numbers so they could drag the general’s body to safety. General Kar Drue’s safety was more important than anyone, so the kingdom’s soldiers decided to risk their lives to rescue and escape with the general.

“Go! Save the general!”

“Go! Take him to safety!”

“Soldiers! Retreat!”

“Sorcerers! Retreat! Go back!”

Treven walked towards Gatria and stood beside her as they watched everyone retreating. “Are you just going to let them escape?”

Gatria willed her swords in her hand to disappear and spoke coldly. “Let them. It’s not like we’re not going to see them again. We’ll be visiting Treterra soon. Let them live for a couple of weeks and wallow on their fear. And,” Gatria turned to Sollel in the air, “it’s not like Sollel would just let them leave like that after they graciously visited us.”

Before Treven could ask what Gatria meant, balls of flames rained down on the fleeing soldiers and sorcerers making Treven’s mouth gape. He was not even sure if someone could escape that, if they did, then they were very lucky.

“It’s been so long that I forgot how dangerous the Mistress of Flame is.” Treven said as he looked up at the sky where Sollel was with her flaming wings.

“But you,” Treven returned his gaze at Gatria, “why didn’t you use your powers?”

“My sword is enough.” Said Gatria who was roaming her eyes on the death she caused. “If I use nature against them, it’ll just be overkill.”

“I guess…” Treven let out a deep breath and was about to add something when he saw the Mistress of Flame wielding a flaming bow, aimed at the direction where the empire sorcerers and the kingdom’s soldiers fled. “She’s still… not done?”

“That’s the Queen of destruction for you.” Said Gatria before she started walking towards the town of Adral’s gate.

Treven followed Gatria while he told Vago to return to his enchanted animal bead.

At the town’s gate, Gatria and Treven met up Zassia, Gabin and Grath.

Instinctively, Gatria used her essence to heal Grath who had cuts and wounds for fighting off the sorcerers that wanted to enter through the gate.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Grath bowed his head at Gatria.

From the air, Sollel landed on the ground the same time her flaming wings disappeared on her back. Seconds later, Nessus, Hakkeran’s gryphon landed beside Sollel and Hakkeran jump down from Nessus’ back to stand beside his Queen Sollel. Then moments later, Xeke, Cira and Zio arrived at the stone gate.

Zio immediately went to praised his granddaughter. “Little Zaza, you were incredible! If your grandma saw you, she’ll be very proud.”

Zassia smiled. “Thank you, grandpa.” Then she turned to Gabin, who was standing beside her. “Thank you as well, Commander Gabin. I could only release my flame without worry because you were there, protecting me.”

Gabin glanced at Zassia and after staring at her for a little while, he finally replied, “it was my pleasure.”

Zassia beamed at Commander Gabin and Gabin had to look away because Zassia’s smile was too bright for him.

And to escape that bright smile, Gabin faced his lordship and slightly bowed his head. “Your Excellency, may I excuse myself? I will lead our warriors to dispose the bodies outside the town properly.”

Hakkeran nodded. “Go ahead. We don’t want them turning into undead.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.” Gabin bowed his head at his lordship before he went to gather the Adral warriors.

“What now?” Treven asked.

“We continue the celebration,” Sollel answered and encircled her arms around Gatria. “We can all talk tomorrow, but tonight, we celebrate our victory.”

Gatria nodded with a smile. “Agreed. Let’s go back to the castle.”

“Yes!” Sollel let go of Gatria before summoning her wings to fly. “Hakken! Come on! Let’s go.”

Gatria shook her head at that and rode Vago with Treven. Meanwhile, Hakkeran rode Nessus with Grath. Zassia was carried by her grandfather and Cira was traveling in the air with Xeke.

In no time, they arrived at the castle and they were greeted with cheers and a round of applause.

And as if nothing happened, the celebration continued and everyone had a good time.

♕♕♕

THE NEXT MORNING, Sollel woke up early and went to tour around Adral with Hakkeran. She visited the people of Ignis Village who survived the empire’s attacks and they were crying in happiness when Zassia introduced the Mistress of Flame to them.

Sollel was stunned.

They were humans, but they revered the queens of Yther. They were like Zassia, offering their prayers and bowing their heads so enthusiastically. So different from the other humans Sollel hated which made Sollel wonder if there were other humans like them.

And as Hakkeran accompanied Sollel to roam around town, she saw different races working together and lending a helping hand. Just like when Yther Kingdom was prominent. The humans in Adral were not the same as the humans Sollel loathed. They were respectful to every race and they believed in the Queens of Yther.

“All the humans here in Adral are the Yther’s Queens believer, my lady.” Hakkeran said as he held Sollel’s hand and intertwined them as they walked. “They were the ones who believed in the Yther’s Queens. Their ancestors made sure to pass down the truth about the Yther’s Queen to them before they were killed by the four kingdoms. In my three lifetimes that I’d been roaming around Azitera, I came to know that not all humans believed in the four kingdoms’ lies. They just couldn’t voice out their opinions, afraid that they might be targeted and killed.”

Sollel became silent as she watched the human kids played with everyone without prejudice. Happiness was painted on their faces.

“My lady, I hope you don’t take this the wrong way.” Hakkeran said, seeing how his queen stopped walking and looked down. “I know how much you adored humans before the sieged and it pained you that they betrayed your trust and care. That’s why I’m telling you this, because I want you to know that not every humans believed in the four kingdom’s lies. I hope, even a little, this knowledge would lessen the pain in your heart.”

Seeing Sollel silent, Hakkeran regretted a bit that he brought up the talk about humans knowing how much his queen hated them.

Hakkeran was about to speak when Sollel suddenly faced him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Thank you, Hakken…” Sollel whispered.

Hakkeran was relieved. “You’re not mad at me?”

Sollel shook her head while still embracing Hakkeran. “How could I? You’re on top of the list of people who would do anything to make me happy. I know my Hakken means no harm.”

Hakkeran took a deep breath to settle his racing heart and embraced his krahika back. Not caring if they were in the middle of the town and people were looking and smiling at the them teasingly.

After Hakkeran and Sollel’s display of affection in the middle of the town, the two continued touring around Adral, hand in hand and with a smile on their face.

When Hakkeran and Sollel went back to the castle, Gabin needed to speak to Hakkeran so Sollel excused herself and went to the castle’s parlor where Gatria was.

“Where did you pick her up?” Gatria asked Sollel while her hazel eyes were on Naya who was enjoying the fresh air outside the terrace connected to the parlor while Cira was braiding Naya’s long obsidian hair.

“A slave store,” Sollel answered.

“She’s not human.” Gatria observed.

Sollel nodded. “She couldn’t remember anything.

“And you believed her?” Gatria had become a jaded person after the betrayal she experienced. It was hard for her to believe in things and people again. “I’m not criticizing you, Sollel, it’s just that you don’t even know what she is. All we know is that she’s not human or any other races we know.”

“She’s a child, Gatria.” Sollel defended Naya “I know she’s suspicious, but I can’t just leave her be.”

Gatria sighed at Sollel. “Children has always been your weakness.”

Sollel smiled at that. “Because they are the future of Azitera.” Slowly, her smile disappeared. “Gatria, I’ve been thinking.”

“About what?”

“About humans.” Sollel glanced at Zassia who joined Naya and Cira in the terrace. “I was angry and resentful after I escape my prison, that I only thought of killing them all. But after seeing the humans here in Adral, I realized that only a few humans knew the truth about us. It had been a long time for short-lived races like humans to remember us or to know anything about us. Their history was changed and they’ve been taught to view us as villains.”

“After everything they did to us, you still have compassion left for them.” It was not a question, but a statement from Gatria.

Sollel bravely looked at Gatria and met her gaze. “I’m not saying that we should forgive the royal families and the humans who exploited us and made other races miserable. I’m just saying that there are humans— like from Zassia’s village and this town— who just wanted to live their life in peace. You should meet them, Gatria. Most of them didn’t want to be part of the war.”

Gatria became silent, but Sollel held her ground.

“Hakken told me that there were still humans who believed in us, Gatria. Can’t we, at least, spare them?”

Gatria didn’t reply to Sollel’s question. Instead, she excused herself and coldly left the parlor.

Sollel heaved a deep sigh, but her somber mood instantly vanished with her companions went to sit with her on the upholstered couch now that Gatria left.

“Mamma!” Naya was hugging her waist.

“Greetings, Teacher.” Zassia meekly sat beside her while Cira was behind the couch and asking if she could braid her hair.

Sollel smiled at everyone and let Cira braid her hair. Meanwhile, Gatria, who left the parlor, went to Treven’s bedroom.

“Why the cold and long face?” Treven asked after closing the book he was reading.

“You couldn’t believe what Sollel just asked me.”

Treven raised his eyebrows at Gatria. “Let me guess… Spare the other humans?”

Gatria’s eyes widened at Treven. “How did you know…?”

Treven shrugged. “I’m a spy, remember? I overheard her and Hakkeran talking about some humans who still believed in Yther’s Queen and knowing the Mistress of Flame and her adoration towards humans, I’m willing to bet that that’s what she asked of you.”

Gatria’s lips thinned.

Treven sighed and looked at Gatria. “We’ll be traveling on foot to the Kingdom of Treterra and to the sky castle. Why don’t you observe the humans before you gave your answer to Queen Sollel?”

Gatria sat on the edge of Treven’s bed, beside Treven. “What if, by doing so, it’ll only prove that my anger is justified?”

“Then don’t spare them.” Treven answered easily with a shrugged. “You’re the Mistress of Nature, the overseer of Azitera. It was your responsibility to oversee before you bring your Judgement. Though when it comes to the Kingdom of Treterra, I have no mercy left for them.”

“You and me both, Treven.” Gatria agreed before she sighed softly and went to lean on Treven’s shoulder. “I wished Astrid is here. She’ll know exactly what to do.”

“Isn’t that the reason why we’re going to sky castle?” Treven pinched Gatria’s cheek. “For now, you’re the one who’s here. You decide what to do, I’ll follow. As always.”

Gatria smiled at that. “You know, Treven, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re in love with me.”

Treven chuckled. “Please, you’re not my type.” Then Treven became earnest. “You’re the first person who accepted me for who I am. My loyalty belongs to you, my queen.”

“Hmp! As if.” Gatria scoffed. “When that half-demon appear, I’ll bet you’ll change loyalty in no time.”

Treven grinned. “How can I not be loyal to that handsome face?”

Gatria shook her head with a smile on her face. Her smile only disappeared when Treven brought up the name ‘Kar’.

“I’m sure he’s still alive,” said Treven. “What are you going to do if you face him again, Gatria?”

“What else? Kill him, of course.” Gatria answered without a sliver of hesitation.

“Can you really?”

“You think I can’t?”

Treven remembered what happened last night’s battle. Gatria was really going to kill Kar if the soldiers didn’t interfere. There was no hesitation. Her killing intent was so palpable that even he felt it. “I think you can.”

“Hmm.” Gatria nodded and took a deep breath as her eyes darkened and sharpened. “If there was one person I can’t spare, nor forgive— it’s him.”

Warlord Kar Drue Ymbert. 

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

EARLY MORNING at the cabinet room in the castle on Adral, a private meeting was held. Gathered in a rectangular mahogany table with fourteen chairs— six chairs on each side and one chair on both ends— the left side were occupied by Hakkeran, Gabin, Zassia, Xeke, Cira and Grath, while the right side were occupied by Treven, King Tirac of the Druids, King Ruther of the Dwarven Kingdom, Zio— Zassia’s grandfather, Queen Morya of Harpies and Barrin, representing the Phoenix’s race. And both ends were occupied by Queen Sollel and Queen Gatria.

“This meeting is all about our next step moving forward,” said Hakkeran. “If you have any bright ideas and opinions, do not hesitate to share them. As this castle’s lord, I will start.” Hakkeran took a deep breath and spoke in a voice that has an air of importance that made Sollel very proud as she watched her man. “The plan was to rescue the two remaining Yther’s Queens. Queen Aenwyn who’s imprisoned in Nayale Archipelago and Queen Astrid who’s caged in the Sky Castle of the Caelum Kingdom.

“As you know, I am a descendant of Sappher and I devoted my three lifetimes planning my queen’s escape,” Hakkeran looked at Sollel lovingly before he continued, “I investigated and mapped the best route to take to save Queen Astrid and Queen Aenwyn.” As if on cue, Gabin placed two maps on the table. “It had been so many years since I made it, this map may not be as accurate as before, but it could serve as our guide. I’ve already spoken about this to Queen Sollel and Queen Gatria and they have decided to personally save the remaining two queens.”

Gatria nodded at Hakkeran. “I will be going to the sky castle with Treven and Sollel will be going to Nayale Archipelago with Lord Hakkeran.”

King Tirac raised his hand as if asking for permission to speak. Gatria nodded at him and only then did the King of Druids spoke.

“Your Highness,” he was looking at Queen Gatria, “I dare not question Lord Treven’s ability to protect you, but to infiltrate the sky castle with just the two of you…” King Tirac was worried. “Lord Treven specializes in defense. What will happen if there were too many moonrite stones that the cloak I enchanted could handle? Please reconsider, Your Highness. At least take someone who could easily take the offensive if a moonrite stone weakened you.”

Treven nodded at that. “Agreed. I am incomparable when it comes to defense, no one could break my shield, but my offense sucks.”

Gatria nodded at King Tirac as if telling him that she understood his worry. “That is why I’m taking Grath with me.”

Grath, who was just silently sitting beside Cira, couldn’t help his surprise. He was certain that he was going with her highness, Queen Sollel, so to hear this from Queen Gatria, Grath couldn’t help looking at Queen Sollel to ask if he did something she didn’t like. “D-did I do something wrong, Your Highness?”

Gatria couldn’t help teasing Grath, seeing how panic he was. “You do not want to serve under me? As far as I can remember, demi-humans swore their fealty to me since they live in the forest I blessed.”

Grath immediately stood up and bowed his head at Gatria. “Forgive me for my insolence, Your Highness! It was just that, I had been blessed by Her Highness, Queen Sollel.”

Sollel pouted at Gatria. “You can stop teasing him now, Gatria.”

Gatria chuckled. “Forgive me. I couldn’t help it.” Gatria’s chuckle turned into a gentle smile. “I know that you’re blessed by Sollel and that is the reason why Sollel wanted you to accompany me in my travel.”

Sollel nodded. “With Grath’s strength and flaming claw, you’ll have a strong offense. I suggested to Gatria to take Zassia as well, but Hakkeran and I talked about it and decided that after what happened the other night, Zassia should stay here in Adral and help protect the town while we’re away. I’m positive that she could pull it off.”

Zassia grinned because she felt like she had earned her teacher’s acknowledgment. “I will do my best, Teacher.”

Sollel nodded. “You’re getting stronger, little Zassia. While I’m away, you should practice and train your flame. Do not follow the footsteps of those puny flame sorcerers attacks. You should learn and make your own attack. When I return, I want to see your growth and improvement.”

Zassia nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, Teacher!”

“Please, let me stay with my granddaughter too, and protect Adral.” Said Zio.

Hakkeran nodded. “As a former General with immense experience in the battlefield, Zio’s help to keep Adral safe while we’re away will be much appreciated.”

“Thank you, Lord Hakkeran.” Zio bowed as he expressed his gratitude.

Meanwhile, Gabin couldn’t help clearing his throat and looked at his lordship. “Your Excellency… are you taking me with you?” He was hoping the answer was ‘yes’, because honestly, he didn’t want to stay.

Hakkeran shook his head. “No. You’re staying here to manage Adral and our warriors.”

“And also protect my little Zassia at all cost, Gabin.” Sollel added as she narrowed her eyes on Gabin. “If something happened to Zassia, I will not take it kindly.” Then Sollel flashed Gabin her innocent smile.

Gabin gulped and nodded. “Yes, Your Highness, Your Excellency.”

“Well, if Warlord Hakkeran went together with Queen Sollel, there’s nothing to worry about, Commander Gabin.” King Ruther of the Dwarven Kingdom said. “They’re match made in heaven in the battlefield.”

That is not really what I’m worried about. Gabin thought before he amiably nodded at the King of Dwarves.

The Dwarven King spoke again. “As per my agreement with Warlord Hakkeran, I will stay in town to build a curtain wall around Adral. With the help of King Tirac, when Her Highnesses returned from their rescue mission, this town will be a fortress.”

Queen Morya of Harpies spoke as well, her voice was melodious and gentle. “You can leave the air defense to us while Her Highnesses are away. We will spare no effort in protecting the town.”

Hakkeran nodded at Queen Morya before saying, “and send a message to our spies to stay hidden until one of the queens showed up in the kingdom or town they were in.” Then Hakkeran turned to Barrin, “I know I promised that I will let you return to your home once my krahika is free, but I want to implore you to stay in town for the time being. We need more people to protect the town and if you’re here, our worries will lessen.”

“I accept.” Barrin bowed his head. “And as per Lord Hakkeran’s request the other day, I already sent out a message to my kin working undercover in the three kingdoms to assist Her Highnesses if need be only. As Lord Hakkeran’s plan, my kin will continue to work undercover until Her Highnesses destroyed those kingdoms.”

Everyone looked at Hakkeran as if that plan was expected of him. Only Sollel smiled proudly at his man, while Gatria looked pleased at Hakkeran’s plan.

“Then,” Cira raised her hand to speak and when everyone gave her their attention, she spoke. “As much as I wanted to be with my queen,” Cira glanced at Sollel longingly with unshed tears in her eyes, “I have an important mission to do. As you all know, Her Highnesses are weak to moonrite stone. Before coming here, I utilized the elders in the sacred forest to analyze the properties of the moonrite stone and if there was something that could negate its effect. Luckily, the was, but unfortunately, it was an unheard stone called Black Sunre. I don’t know what it is and even Queen Gatria said that she had no idea where to look for it, but I will not give up my search. So I’m giving myself a mission to look for Black Sunre. I will scour the whole Azitera to find it!”

Xeke spoke after Cira’s impassioned speech. “I will accompany Lady Cira.”

“Of course,” everyone muttered under their breath at Xeke’s announcement. Everyone knew Xeke was smitten to the Elven Princess, Cira, so it was no shock to them that he will accompany her.

“Now that everyone’s part is settled, we should proceed to talk about the possible danger that Her Highnesses might encounter,” said King Ruther.

Gatria raised one of her eyebrows. “Oh?”

King Ruther immediately explained. “Of course, there’s no danger that Her Highnesses couldn’t pass, but we didn’t want Her Highnesses to stand out or be known. The more expose Her Highnesses are as they travel, the more the kingdoms will tighten their security and gather more moonrite stone to impede Her Highnesses movement which we wanted to avoid.”

King Tirac nodded at the Dwarven King’s explanation. “I said I massed produced the cloak that could somehow absorb the moonrite stone effect for a limited time, but really, I could only make ten of them. It drains my essence faster than anything I’ve made and if I pushed further, I might perish. I could make more, but it’ll take some time— which we don’t have. So I implore on Her Highnesses to not stand out while traveling. This way, we could reserve the enchanted cloak to only be used in case of emergency.”

Gatria understood the plan. “I understand. I haven’t been out and about for centuries and I’m sure Sollel didn’t have the chance to roam around Azitera before going to the Hallowed Valley to rescue me, so do tell us what to expect in our travel.”

Hakkeran nodded at King Ruther. The Dwarven King nodded back before he spoke. “Other than beasts and monsters which Her Highnesses and her companions could deal with, the possible danger that Queen Gatria might encounter is the Theocracy.”

“Theocracy?” Gatria hadn’t heard of them and they didn’t exist in their time. “What of it?”

“Well, the Theocracy is like a human kingdom filled with God of Salvation believer.”

“God of Salvation?” Sollel frowned. “Who’s that?”

King Ruther shrugged. “We have no idea. A few decades after the ruination of Yther, the Theocracy rose in the west of Azitera. They believed in the God of Salvation and their dogma goes something like this— ’humans are superior than any other race. Halflings, demi-humans and other races were nothing but filth born from darkness and should be cleansed and purged.”

Gatria sighed heavily. “The audacity of these human beings…”

“And for Queen Sollel who will be traveling to Nayale Archipelago, I have no worries since Lord Hakkeran is with you, but be careful with Ignis Kingdom.”

Sollel’s forehead furrowed hearing the name of her temple. “What’s that?”

“It’s a kingdom that believed in the Goddess of flame and their dogma is…” King Ruther hesitated.

But Sollel pressed him to continue. “Say it, Ruther!”

“Well,” King Ruther took a deep breath, “their dogma is, the Mistress of Flame, Queen Sollel is the evil that doomed Azitera and the reason why the deity of flame hadn’t shown herself. You are their arched enemy.”

Scorching pressure emitted from Sollel’s body as her anger rose. “Those bastards! Using the deities for their convenience!”

“Sollel, calm down.” Gatria pacified Sollel’s anger. “Our objective is to rescue the two remaining imprisoned queens. We will deal with those puny kingdoms after we rescue Aenwyn and Astrid. Make sure not to cause any ruckus.”

Sollel grumbled, but nodded eventually. “I won’t.”

King Ruther continued. “Her Highnesses will pass a lot of kingdoms in their travel. It may not be as powerful as the four kingdoms that rules the human race, but they are as prosperous and as problematic. Please, be careful.”

“That’s why we also need to add more allies to our forces.” Hakkeran spoke after King Ruther. “Gabin,” he looked at his trusted aide, “can I trust this with you?”

Gabin nodded. “I will work on it immediately.”

Hakkeran nodded before he faced everyone. “We are few in numbers, so if you have someone in mind that could be an ally and could be trusted, do not hesitate to invite them to our side.”

Everyone nodded except for the two queens who were overwhelmed by the support of everyone in the room. They never thought that while they were in prison, they still have allies who would stand by their side.

The meeting proceeded to talk about the plans for Adral while the queens were away. The plan to once again build the queen’s temple. It may not be the same from before, but it will be an abode that they could call home once they got back.

After that, other issues were raised about other races and ex-slaves taking refuge inside Adral after.

At the end of the meeting, all the responsibilities fell on Gabin’s shoulder since he’ll be the one overseeing Adral while the lord of the land, Hakkeran ‘Hakken’ Adral accompany his queen, the Mistress of Flame.

As everyone exited the cabinet room where the private meeting was held, Sollel was planning to spend her precious time in Hakkeran’s room when Gatria got a hold of her.

“What?” Sollel asked while slightly pouting.

Gatria narrowed her eyes on Sollel. “How many times have you copulate with that warlord already. Still not satiated?”

“How could I be satiated?” It was a genuine question of Sollel to Gatria.

Gatria sighed. “You really are young. I pity Hakkeran if Astrid found out.”

Sollel stilled in fear. “Oh, deities! I really need to reach Aenwyn fast!”

Gatria nodded as she guided Sollel towards the castle’s door. “Come on, fly me to the town’s gate. I have to check on something.”

Sollel grumbled when they exited the castle and Gatria made a swing made of vines and decorated with beautiful flower because she knew what it meant. Gatria will ride the swings while she carried it and fly.

Gatria smiled at Sollel. “You’re strong, right?”

Sollel pouted at Gatria.

Gatria chuckled at Sollel’s childish gesture. “Come on. The faster you fly me to the town’s gate, the faster you can go back to Hakkeran.”

Sollel’s face immediately lit up and she summoned her flaming wings. Then she let the vines wrapped around her hands and wrist so she could carry Gatria with ease. “Okay. Come on. I want to go see my Hakkeran.”

Sollel flapped her flaming wings and she sore to the air, easily carrying the swing made of vines and flowers while Gatria was sitting pretty on the swing seat. The physical strength of the queens of Yther was not to scoff at so carrying Gatria like this was nothing to Sollel.

The one who landed first outside the town’s gate was Gatria, followed by Sollel. And with a flick of Gatria’s hand, the swing disappeared as if it was nothing, bur illusion.

Meanwhile, the appearance of the two queens of Yther made the guards at the gate agitated that they sent word to the castle.

Sollel and Gatria didn’t heed the commotion behind them.

“What are you going to check?” Sollel asked while looking at the wide barren land in front of Adral.

It had become barren after the battle a few nights ago. The pungent smell of blood still lingered in the air and the cracks in the dead soil had tripled. The drought was caused by Sollel’s fiery flame that’s why back in the day, she was not allowed to use her flame because the destruction it causes was to immense.

“Gatria…?” Sollel blinked at Gatria who kneeled on the ground on one knee, her palm pressing against the dead soil.

Sollel didn’t know what Gatria was doing until she saw the cracks in the soil closing, as if it was a wound and someone was healing it.

Immediately, Sollel realized what Gatria was up to so she remained where she was and just watch in amazement as the barren land slowly came back to life.

Green grass covered the land, one after another vegetation appeared, slightly swaying from the soft breeze. From trees to flowers, it bloomed without limit, and the guards at the gate and the people who saw the scene were all flabbergasted, their mouths hanging open at the miracle they witnessed.

And Sollel was one of those people. As a being who only knew how to destroy things, to see the beautiful birth of nature from a barren land was mesmerizing. She would even argue that it looked like a miracle.

Though to Gatria, it was no miracle. It was just imbuing her essence to the soil, blessing it until the barren soil had become a beautiful grassland.

“There,” Gatria muttered under her breath as she stood up. “Finished.”

Still mesmerized, Sollel pounced at Gatria and wrapped her arms around her. “You’re really amazing, Gatria!”

Gatria just smiled at Sollel before she looked at her surroundings. There was no sign that it was a barren land just a few minutes ago.

“The reason why I wanted to travel on foot was to check the soil, the vegetations and the forests,” said Gatria to Sollel who was still clinging on to her. “It had been a long time since I tended to my responsibility as the overseer of Azitera.”

“I’m sure you can do it,” Sollel had always believed in Gatria. “Unlike me who only knows how to destroy things.”

Gatria gently smiled and patted Sollel’s head. “We have our own roles to play in Azitera, Sollel. Do not compare yourself to me. Your responsibility is to subjugate anyone who wants to bring harm to Azitera and its citizens.”

“Hmm. I know.”

Gatria and Sollel remained in their positions for a couple more minutes, just watching the grassland, before they decided to head back to the castle.

Both of them landed on the castle’s terrace, overlooking the whole town of Adral and almost immediately, Sollel went running to Hakkeran whom she could sense through her Solaris.

Gatria just shook her head at how Sollel had become so smitten to Hakkeran. It was like Sollel didn’t want to be apart from Hakkeran.

Just like the ‘me’ before. I also didn’t want to be away from him, but now… there was only one emotion she could feel when it comes to that man whom she had loved with all her heart.

Hatred — Hatred for the betrayal that broke her heart and damned her people. 

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

“ARE YOU certain that you don’t want to travel via air?” Treven immediately asked Gatria the moment they stepped out of Adral. “It’ll be more convenient and we could cover more grounds. In half a day, we’ll be In Beastrela.” Treven still hadn’t given up on convincing Gatria that air travel was more advantageous.

Of course, Gatria’s answer didn’t change. “I told you, we have to travel on foot. I have to ascertain the condition of the land, the trees, the forests, the animals and every vegetation I could find. I have to fix everything that has been destroyed while I was imprisoned.”

Treven sighed heavily before he turned to Grath who was just silently following them. “Say, Grath, you like air travel too, right?”

“Do not bother with me, Lord Treven.” Grath bow his head. “I was born and raised in the Pacific woodland, so walking is not really a chore for me.”

Treven’s shoulders fell and he groaned as he walked lifelessly. “Why am I surrounded by boring people?” He complained and stilled when he saw Gatria glaring at him. “What? You are boring.” Treven continued complaining. “We could have ridden Vago and reach the nearest town in a few days. Then we’ll hit a tavern, drink booze and have fun.”

Gatria didn’t heed Treven’s complaints any attention. She was too focused on surveying the land and trees around them to care. From time to time, she would kneel and touch the soil with her palm to check its condition and when she felt like it needed nourishment, she would imbued it with her essence.

And that was the reason why the travel from Adral to Mistvale, the nearest village in Beastrela, took them five days when in fact, they could have reached it in a mere two days even on foot.

“Is this really Mistvale?” Grath asked with a frown as he looked at the bustling village. It was more like a small town than a village.

Treven also had a frown on his face. “The last time I passed this village, it hardly had any humans living in it. What happened?”

The two were frowning and confused, but Gatria couldn’t care less. Her attention was on the apple woodland beside the village.

“No. We’re going to the village.” Treven firmly hold Gatria’s hand and pulled her to the village when she was about to go to the apple woodland. “We have to know what’s going on. Information is the most important part of traveling.”

Gatria had no choice but to follow Treven after hearing the tone in his voice. Information had been just as important to Treven as how nature was important to her.

“… this is a village?” Gatria wondered the same thing when they entered and the village’s entrance had guards. Not only that, there were many stalls selling different types of products. From food to meat to fruits. “Have I been gone for so long that villages had changed from the villages I know?”

“No. This one is just different.” Treven answered. “Come on. Let’s gather information.”

Gatria just followed Treven and watch him work— work means chatting the merchants on the street while buying what they were selling and naturally talking to the locals as if he was a local himself.

Treven was natural with people. Very sociable that he could get anyone to talk to him.

“Lord Treven is amazing,” Grath couldn’t help voicing out his astonishment as he watched Treven worked.

Gatria nodded. “Yes, that he is.”

A moment later, Treven went back to Gatria and Grath to report.

“Well?” Gatria asked. “What happened?”

“The Mistress of Flame happened.” Treven answered and told them the information he gathered. “After the Infernal Empire’s palace was burned and destroyed, the destruction of the capital followed. Only few nobles were left and they chose to save themselves and their family, of course. Everyone left the city of Faberion that is now housing three active volcanoes— thanks to Queen Sollel— and now the humans are taking refuge in the nearest towns and villages. After the calamity that befell them, they’re still moving forward and surviving in their own way.”

Gatria pulled down the hood of her cloak to look around the village. “Humans are very tenacious and strong. It was because of those traits that Sollel took a liking to them. They remind her of her flame— resolute and formidable. Unfortunately,” Gatria’s face darkened, “their greed also knows no bounds. They have no contentment. They want more and more until there’s nothing left for them to devour and destroy.” Gatria put her hood back on and resumed walking towards the exit of the village.

Treven and Grath shared a look before they followed Gatria to the clearing after passing the apple woodland where they spent the night.

“With our pace, we will reach Beastrela after a decade!” Treven was complaining again— a common occurrence while traveling that Grath and Gatria were already used to his complaints. “We could’ve flown! We have Vago! Ugh! I’m so angry.”

Gatria finished her simple meal and went to lay on her makeshift bed made of flower petals. “Good night, Treven. Don’t forget to put a shield around us.”

Treven groaned. “Gatria! Listen to my comp, will you?! Even Grath is—” Grath snored. “Ah, fuck! I’m surrounded by boring people!”

The whole night, Treven grumbled. Complaints after complaints, but there was no use because no one was listening.

The next morning, Gatria woke up feeling fresh and energized. She was thankful that Tirac enchanted the armor and the cloak she was wearing the ability to clean itself. That way, she needn’t worry about dirtying it.

“There’s a river in Beastrela, right?” Gatria asked as they resumed their journey.

“I believe so, Your Highness.” Grath answered.

Gatria hopped in delight. “Let’s stop over. I want to take a bath.”

Treven heave a deep sigh. “Forget a decade, we’ll reach Beastrela after a century!”

Gatria didn’t mind Treven and just continued walking and hopping while humming softly.

The soft breeze in the forest, the smell of trees and foliage, the soft rustle of leaves against each other and the small sounds the birds and other animals make— it was all very therapeutic to Gatria that even her hatred was forgotten.

Nature is really the best. Gatria thought as she hummed and hopped to her feet.

Gatria was having fun, Grath was doing okay, but Treven was close to snapping. Though however much he complained, Gatria would just smile at him so happily and continued walking and hopping.

“I think I’m going to go crazy in this travel.” Treven muttered under his breath.

And Grath who heard it, felt pity towards the warlord. He was raised in the forest, so this was normal for him, but to Lord Treven, this was nothing but a chore and a torture.

“Oh! A cliff!” Treven exclaimed. Yes! It’s time to fly—

Gatria raised her hand and in no time, small rocks gathered in front of the cliff to make a staircase so they could safely reach the bottom of the cliff.

Grath sighed when he saw Lord Treven sulking meters away from them and drawing something in the soil as if he had lost his mind.

“Treven, come on. Stop sulking.” Gatria called out to Treven as she and Grath start descending on the staircase she made out of small rocks.

Still grumbling, Treven used the staircase while pouting like a child.

Grath felt pity towards the warlord, but what could he do?

As Treven safely arrived at the bottom of the cliff, the staircase crumbled and small rocks fell just behind Treven.

“Gatria!” Treven glared at the Mistress of Nature. “What if those small rocks fell on me?!”

“That won’t happen, I’m here.” Gatria said nonchalantly and resumed walking.

“Gatria!”

“Stop shouting, Treven. You’re disrupting the tranquility of the forest.”

“Aaaargh!” Treven shouted.

Gatria sighed and turned her head to glance at Treven over her shoulder. “If your noise attracted a beast, I’m not saving you.”

Treven immediately became quiet and he ran towards Gatria to walk beside her as if he was afraid of the beasts.

“I’m sure Lord Treven will survive a beast attack.” Grath couldn’t help voicing out his opinion.

Gatria chuckled. “Yes, of course. He had that indestructible shield after all, but that’s all he can do, really— defend and run since Lord Treven here doesn’t know how to wield a sword or any offensive skills.”

Treven narrowed his eyes at Gatria. “Have you heard of a support in battle— yes, that’s me! The best support anyone could ever have!” Treven boasted and Gatria just chuckled, annoying Treven even more.

Meanwhile, Grath just shook his head, knowing that Her Highness, Queen Gatria’s twisted humor was focused on Lord Treven. Yeah. It’s better that way. Grath thought and continued following the Mistress of Nature and the warlord who didn’t know how to stop complaining. 

♕♕♕

TREVEN NEARLY sobbed in elation when they reached Beastrela in three days. After their stopovers and Gatria, bathing leisurely in the river, at long last, they were finally close to Ashmire— their entrance to the Kingdom of Treterra.

“I thought this town is for non-human,” Gatria muttered under her breath when they entered Beastrela. “Why are there so many humans here?”

“Must be taking refuge.”

Gatria’s face darkened as she watched a human kicked a demi-human in the face just because the demi-human was blocking his way. “Is that how you act if you’re taking refuge in someone else’s town?”

Gatria couldn’t hold her anger anymore when the man turned his attention to the demi-human’s child.

Faster that anyone could see, Gatria moved before the human could hurt the child and kicked down human in the head. Without controlling her strength, the human’s head got smashed and buried in the ground at the force of Gatria’s kick, killing him in an instant.

The squeal of fear escaped from the demi-humans who just witnessed death, but Gatria’s attention was not on them, but to the other humans who were now advancing towards her to avenge their dead comrade.

“How dare you kill a human! Show yourself!” One human male shouted, his ax ready to attack.

“Make him pay!” Another one shouted.

“Who dare to lay a hand on us just to save a filthy demi-human?”

“Make an example of him!”

“Oh?” Gatria let the hood of her cloak fell down, showing her beautiful face as she raised her right hand on the side and summoned her sword from her essence. “How are you going to make an example of me, you filthy humans?”

When a sword appeared in the woman’s hand, the humans around her felt a foreboding aura coming from the woman clad in a cloak. Everyone gulped, hesitating if they should attack after that display of killing intent, but in a group, there was always someone who didn’t think.

The two mercenaries moved to attack the woman, but before they could go near her, they were cut in half and they didn’t even see the woman moved from where she was standing and the next moment, she was behind the dead mercenaries!

But it was her! The blood on her sword was enough proof of that!

Most of the humans there who wanted to teach the woman a lesson stepped back. They saw what happened. They were not matched for her.

But the ax wilder didn’t think the same and sneakily attacked the woman from behind.

Everyone thought that the ax wielder got the woman who didn’t even move, but their eyes widened when instead of the woman’s back, the ax hit a transparent wall, like a shield, and it bounced back.

“Thanks, Treven,” the woman said before ending the ax wielder in one slash.

And with her sword pointed down at the ground, she asked, “come, cross blades with me If you want to avenge your fallen comrade.”

An invitation that no one accepted. Everyone backed away and ran.

Gatria expected that much as she willed her sword to disappear.

Gatria walked to the mother and daughter demi-human who were still on the ground and asked. “Are you two okay?”

The mother and daughter trembled at the presence of Gatria and couldn’t speak a word. Fortunately, Grath was immediately to the rescue and finally the two calmed down after seeing that Grath was not a slave, but a companion of Gatria.

“Grath, asked them where the house of the town’s head is.” Gatria looked around at the destitute town. “I want to speak to them about their living conditions.”

Grath obliged and the mother and daughter demi-humans hesitantly told Grath where the town’s head house was. If Grath was not a demi-human like themselves, they wouldn’t have shared it.

“Let’s go.” Gatria prompted and went in the direction the demi-human pointed.

It was a simple house. Depleted, but still a little bit decent looking than the rest of the house in that town. They were immediately ushered in after Grath told the person outside the house that they needed to speak with the town’s head.

And Gatria had an inkling that they were ushered in not because they wanted to see the town’s head, but because they were afraid they’ll cause trouble. She saw how the halfling’s eyes widened in fear when he saw them.

News travels fast, huh?

After entering the depleted house, they were lead to a simple room where the town’s head— a white tiger demi-human— was waiting for them, agitated on his seat.

“I-I apologized that we couldn’t provide chairs for our guests—” the town’s head tried to explain, but Grath stopped him.

“It’s okay. We won’t be staying for long. Our queen just wanted to have a word with you.”

The mention of the ‘queen’ made the halfling and the town’s head even more tense that he stuttered as he introduced himself. “I— I am c-called Zacyr f-from the white tiger t-tribe. I— I’m currently the t-town’s head.”

Gatria pulled down her hood and introduced herself. “I am Gatria Valen Balsatra, fourth blessed queen of Yther. Krahika of the temple of Nati, the overseer of Azitera and the Mistress of Nature.”

Almost immediately, the halfling and the white tiger demi-human kneeled in front of Queen Gatria.

“Greetings, Your Highness!”

“We heard of Her Highness’ escape from the demi-humans in Adral that we bumped into while hunting and we couldn’t be happier. It is our pleasure that you visited our simple town, Your Highness!”

“So you know about Adral already.” Gatria stated before nodding her head. “Good. I want you to pack up, leave this depleted town and go live in Adral.”

Shocked beyond belief, Zacyr raised his head to look up at the Queen. “… w-what?”

“Go live in Adral. You’ll be safe there.”

Zacyr still couldn’t get over his shock that it was the halfling who was kneeling beside Zacyr who spoke on Zacyr’s behalf. “Your Highness, we didn’t mean to question you, but are we welcome in Adral? Are halflings welcome as well?”

“Of course. Adral accepts any race as long as you adhere to its rules. Not only you’ll be protected there, your living condition will also improve. Now that the city of Faberion had been destroyed by the Mistress of Flame, the humans were now scattered and would come to your town to claim it since that’s what they’re always good at. As you already know, most of them are entitled and very capricious, so accept this invitation to move. This is for your people’s best interest.”

Gatria thought that the two who were still kneeling in front of her and bowing were silent because they were thinking about her invitation, until she heard them sobbing.

Worried, Gatria glanced at Treven who shrugged while Grath was the one who calmed the two down.

“W-we’re very grateful, Your Highness!” Said Zacyr with so much fervor. “I will gather the town’s people at once and we will head to Adral. Thank you so much, Your Highness! Thank you so much!”

The halfling was lost for words and couldn’t say a single thing. He was overcome with so much emotion knowing that in Adral, he’ll be accepted and not be shunned. Even in non-human settlements, they were not accepted. So, to hear that Adral accepts any race, he couldn’t say a word and just cried in silence.

“Grath, I want you to stay with them while they get ready to leave to make sure that those humans won’t do anything to them, then, accompany them to Adral,” Gatria ordered Grath who immediately bowed his head and accepted the order. “After you accompany them to Adral, meet us in the town of Ashmire. We will wait for you there.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“Then, we will take our leave.” Gatria announced. “It’s best that we leave town immediately so those humans won’t target you and your people because of us.”

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

“Many thanks, Your Highness!”

While Grath just bowed his head and stayed in the house while the queen and the warlord leaves.

And when it was just the three of them inside, Grath introduced himself. “I am called Grath. Blessed by the Mistress of Flame.” To show what his word meant, he summoned his flame to surround his claws. “I will be your guide and guard.”

The white tiger, Zacyr, had his mouth wide open at Grath’s flaming claw. “W-what… i—is that even possible?!” He exclaimed as pointed Grath’s flaming claw. A demi-human wielding elemental power was unheard of!

Grath smiled and nodded. “Yes. I was a slave when Her Highness, Queen Sollel, rescued me and gave me a nickname for my name was very long. Through that, she blessed me with her flame and from then on, I was able to wield flame under Her Highness tutelage.”

“Amazing…” the halfling, Keafir, muttered under his breath, astonished. It was his first time seeing a demi-human wields flame. “By the way, Grath, can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“Are the Queens of Yther really a friend of non-humans?” Keafir didn’t want to ask, but he wanted to know if that was the truth.

Without a sliver of hesitation and doubt, Grath nodded. “They are friends with everyone who has no ill intention towards others. Human or non-human, as long as you do not hurt others and discriminate, they will give you their protection. As you know, Adral is a place for non-humans, but there are also humans in town and they work together with everyone. Yes, most humans are vile creatures, but there are some who are decent and honest. Though, you’ll only find that kind of human in Adral.”

Zacyr and Kaefir nodded. They couldn’t hide their excitement as they plan their move to Adral.

Meanwhile, Gatria and Treven left Beastrela, earning the attention of humans in town. Some even followed them to the forest to attack, but Gatria finished them with no worry.

As long as her enemies had no moonrite stone, she could face them head on and defeating them was not a problem. And with Treven behind her, there was nothing to worry about.

“With our pace, it’ll take decades again before we reach Ashmire.” Treven complained again. And again. And again. He never shut his mouth while traveling on foot to Ashmire from Beastrela.

Gatria had to put up with Treven’s complaints for five days. He only stopped when they finally arrived at Ashmire— a bustling town bordering the empire and the kingdom of Treterra.

“To the tavern!” Treven even raised his to show his excitement and he dragged Gatria to the nearest tavern.

Gatria just let Treven dragged her until they settled themselves in a nice looking tavern.

“This is the life…!” Treven was grinning from ear to ear with happiness. “Finally! Booze and food and booze!”

Gatria just shook her head and was about to tell Treven to call for the helper so they could order their food when Treven held her hand and spoke so earnestly.

“Gatria, I’m so thankful that we travelled on foot! I am honestly in tears!”

Gatria frowned at Treven, who never stopped complaining while they were traveling on foot, and who’s now thanking her earnestly.

For him to change his mind , Gatria thought as her eyes followed where Treven was looking. I knew it!

Treven was looking at the handsome man sitting on the corner of the tavern. It was hard to miss him since he was the only one who had a blindfold around his eyes. And even at their distance, Gatria felt the ominous aura that only demons had from the man.

But the ominous aura was not that dense. That meant, he was a halfling.

A half-demon.

Gatria sighed and looked at Treven. “Is that the half-demon you’d been telling me about?”

Treven didn’t take his eyes off the half-demon. “Yes.”

“What a coincidence.”

“No. It’s because we traveled on foot that we met him here. Good thing I was very patient.”

Gatria snorted. “Yeah. Keep lying to yourself.”

But Treven was too far gone as he faced her. “Gatria, be honest with me. Do I look decent and handsome today?”

“What’s the fuss? He has a blindfold anyway.”

Treven glared at Gatria. “How could you be so mean to your best friend?”

Gatria rolled her eyes. “Go and change table. Seduce your half-demon while I’m eating.”

And just like that, Treven left her table and went to the half-demo’s table. Gatria just shook her head and let Treven be. He was actually happy for him. It was a first time for Treven to like the same man for so long.

Alone, Gatria ordered food and ate it in silence.

But her peaceful meal was interrupted when a man suddenly joined her table and sat on the chair adjacent to her.

Gatria had no plan to entertain the boorish man when he spoke.

“Long time no see, sword goddess.”

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

GATRIA HAD to stare at the man who called her ‘sword goddess’ for a long second before something clicked in her mind and she finally recognized him. Gatria didn’t know if her memory serves her right, but there’s only one being she knew who possessed such a gorgeous face with golden eyes. “Drago?”

The man leaned back on his seat while a pleased smile was plastered on his lips. “The one and only.”

“So it is you!”

Drago chuckled. “I’m glad you still remember me, sword goddess. It had been so long.”

“Yeah. It had been so long since I lost to you.” Gatria glared at Drago. “Let’s go outside and have a duel. I will defeat you this time.”

Drago looked at Gatria, clearly amused. “Am I still the only one who defeated you in sword fighting, sword goddess?”

“Hmp! As If someone could best me.”

“I did.”

Gatria glared at Drago again. “That’s why we should cross blades again. Come on, let’s go outside of town and have a duel. I’ll cut you to pieces this time.”

Drago laughed at Gatria’s angry face. “Take it easy, sword goddess. I’m not here to fight, but to get information.”

Gatria eased up and went back to eating. “What kind of information are you looking for? Though I don’t think I’ll be much of a help. I was imprisoned for nearly two centuries and just escaped recently.”

Drago was silent for a long while before he spoke, “so, it was true? The humans really did that to you?”

“Are you living under a rock that you didn’t know?” Gatria finished her meal and looked at Drago— and she was taken aback by the emotion she saw in his handsome face. “Don’t spread your murderous aura in here. If you’re angry, want to fight outside?”

Drago didn’t reply. He just stared at Gatria until he felt something wrap around Gatria— a shield he was familiar with.

“He’s here too?”

Gatria looked at Treven who’s still sharing the table with the half-demon, but Treven attention was on their table.

‘Are you okay?’ Treven mouthed.

Gatria nodded and returned her attention to Drago, who was still looking at Treven. “What’s with the murderous aura anyway?”

Drago returned her attention to Gatria. “Can’t I be angry for you?”

Gatria stilled for a moment before she changed the subject. She didn’t really want to talk about it. “So, what kind of information are you looking for?” 

Drago knew Gatria was changing the subject, so he went along with her. “For centuries, our home has been far away from humans. We prefer to keep to ourselves since we’re a problematic bunch who goes to war against our own kind for petty reasons. But recently, humans had been trespassing on our domain and hunting the young ones. The Dragon King sent his best warrior, me, to investigate. I’d been roaming around for a few weeks now and that’s when I learned about what happened to you and your kingdom. I didn’t believe it at first because I know how strong your kinds are, but hearing it from you…” Drago heave a deep sigh “If only I checked on you.”

“I am not your responsibility, Drago.” Gatria didn’t want to make others feel bad because of what happened to her and her kingdom. If blame would be thrown, it was her fault, not anybody else’s. “Anyway, how’s your information gathering? Found anything useful?”

Drago sighed. “It’s been weeks, but I haven’t found anything yet. I still don’t know what those humans wanted from us. The only thing I know from the human I tortu—I mean, um, talked to is that, my kinds were taken to Faberion and Ager. Faberion had been destroyed before I could gather information, so I’m planning to go to the capital of Treterra, Ager.”

Suddenly, Treven appeared beside their table. “Want to travel with us then? We’re going to Ager too.”

Gatria had her elbow on the table, propping up her chin as she looked up at Treven. “What happened to your half-demon?”

“He left.”

Gatria let out a small laugh, but to Treven it sounded like a mocking laugh so he glared at Gatria.

“You still haven’t found a partner yet?” Drago joined in the conversation.

Treven glared at Drago. “So what? I’m picky. How about you?”

Drago stole a quick glance at Gatria before he answered. “No partner for me as well. The one I adore is already taken. Anyway,” Drago cleared his throat, “you mentioned traveling to Ager. If you don’t mind, I’ll tag along.”

“We don’t.” Treven quickly replied, not even taking Gatria’s opinion before making a decision. “The more strong travel companions we have, the less I’ll be worried.”

Gatria sighed and shook her head before she looked at Drago to ask. “Are you sure about traveling with us? Our pace is slow because we have to travel on foot.”

“On foot?” Drago frowned and looked at Treven. “Something happened to Vago?”

Vago, the wyvern, was previously owned by Drago when he was still roaming around Azitera, looking for strong individuals to fight. He gave it to Treven after he decided to return home since Vago would only be eaten by his kind.

“Vago is fine, but,” Treven glowered at Gatria, “the Mistress of Nature here wanted to ascertain the condition of the soil, the trees, the foliage, the forest and every vegetation she could find, so our pace is very slow. I’d been complaining, but she always turns a deaf ear.”

Gatria smiled at Treven so sweetly. “To show my appreciation with your constant complaining, I promise to take my time and enjoy nature leisurely from now on.”

“Gatria!” Treven sat on the vacant chair next to Gatria. “How could you be so mean? I just got my heart broken a minute ago!”

Gatria just shrugged indifferently at Treven before her gaze returned to Drago. “Well? Still interested in traveling with us?”

“Traveling alone is unpleasant.” Drago smiled and his golden eyes glistened, making his handsome face even more attractive and charming. “Count me in.”

“Yes!” Treven even punched in the air. “With Drago, I don’t have to worry a thing even if we encountered someone with moonrite stone.”

“What’s a moonrite stone?”

No one answered Drago so he didn’t pursue the topic. Seeing how the sword goddess flinched, it might be a sensitive topic for her so he decided to let the topic go.

“Anyway, we should go find an inn.” After a few seconds, Gatria spoke. “I want to rest. We still have to wait for Grath before we leave for Ager, that means we still have a few days to enjoy Ashmire.”

“I think there’s still a vacant room in the inn I’m staying at.” Dragon informed the two. “Why don’t you stay there?”

“Alright. Let’s go.” Gatria stood up and left the tavern without putting back the hood of her cloak to enjoy the town’s breeze. Unlike Sollel who had an eye-catching bright red hair and eyes that was uncanny in Azitera, Gatria’s hair color was brown. Some humans had the same hair color, so she was free to roam around without worry that she might attract attention.

After a short time, Gatria, Drago and Treven arrived at the inn Drago was staying. After Treven paid for two rooms with bath and food, Gatria immediately went to her room to rest.

While lying down on the bed, she stared at the ceiling and the thought Drago entered her mind.

Drago defeated her in sword skill and until that very moment, she still hadn’t forgotten her defeat that she’d been wanting to have a rematch with him ever since.

But he disappeared without a trace.

And now, the full-blooded dragon who defeated her was back. Though she knew that Drago was a dragon, she hadn’t seen him in his dragon form. He was always in his humanoid form when facing her.

Gatria was actually curious about the identity of the man who defeated her fair and square. And her hands were also itching in anticipation of their next duel.

Gatria blows a loud breath before she raised her hand over her face to stare at her ring. It was an enchanted item given to her by King Tirac. It was not really a ring, but sort of a ‘storage’. It could store anything and if it’s food, it wouldn’t go bad since the ring had the ability to freeze time inside. Thought this kind of ring could only be made by the King of Druids. Others could only make a simple storage with limited space and no time freezing enchantment.

Wrapping the ring with her essence, it slightly glowed as she summoned out one of the items inside.

A flat crystal used for communication and was made from athezerite stone.

When it appeared in front of her face, she wrapped her hand around it and tap its flat surface while saying the Mistress of Flame’s name.

In a few breaths, the crystal glowed and Sollel’s name flashed inside the crystal and then, she heard Sollel’s voice coming from it.

“Gatria?”

Hearing Sollel’s voice, Gatria felt relieved. “Yes. It’s me. How are you and your travel?”

Sollel blows a loud breath. “We have too many stopovers since Hakken had to stop at other races settlements on the way and invite them to Adral. And he doesn’t seem to get tried of introducing me to everyone which I enjoy because that only meant one thing, Hakken is mine and no one will dare to take him away from me— the Mistress of Flame.”

Gatria sighed, but a small smile was playing on her lips. “Are you still far from Nayale Archipelago?”

“I think so. Hakken was planning to visit the Elven Kingdom, so it might take a while.”

“Huh? Why is he visiting the sacred forest?”

“I think it has something to do with gathering allies,” Sollel answered. “Hakken is so adamant on getting more allies to our side, especially the non-humans. Hakken thinks that if the four of us finally got out of prison, the humans will wage war against us.”

“Oh?” Gatria’s face darkened. “Fine with me.”

“That was my answer to Hakken too, but he said that there might be someone pulling the strings behind all this since humans are weak to begin with. He said that as long as we don’t know the origin of the moonrite stone, we shouldn’t act rashly.”

That was her thoughts as well when she finds out about the moonrite stone— that someone might be behind all this.

But who?

Gatria let out a loud breath. “Tell Hakken I’ll do what I can as well on my end.”

“Okay.” Sollel chirped. “Anyway, I’ll contact you if we found something useful.”

“Same.”

“Okay. Bye, Gatria!”

Gatria smiled at Sollel’s cheery tone. “Good bye, Sollel. Take care.”

“I will.”

A second later, the crystal stopped glowing the same moment Sollel’s voice disappeared.

Putting back the communication crystal inside her ring, Gatria drawls a breath and closed her eyes to rest. She’d been using her essence to give nutrients to the soil, to the forest and to every vegetation that needed her essence.

She felt drained that it didn’t even take a while for her to succumb into deep slumber. 

♕♕♕

NIGHT ALREADY FELL, but Gatria was still inside her room, asleep. As a result, Treven had to eat dinner alone. He was hoping Drago would accompany him, but the bastard was also asleep hence he was now in the inn’s tavern, eating alone.

Treven declared to himself that it was going to be a boring night as he returned to his room after drinking booze after his meal, but it looked like the deities had other plans for him that night.

There was a knock on his door.

If it was Gatria, she would just barge in or call his name, so he hesitated if he’ll open the door or not.

After a short deliberation with himself, he went to open the door and was stunned to see who was outside.

A gorgeous half-demon with a blindfold around his eyes.

Treven was lost for words because he was not expecting him.

“You, um, need anything?” It was unlike him to stutter, but stutter, he did.

Zarek, the half-demon warlord parted his lips and with his voice that could make anyone strip and kneel, he spoke. “I’m here to ask you something. May I?”

Treven cleared his throat, hoping that his mind on the gutter would be cleared as well. “Of course. Come on in.”

Treven didn’t know if Zarek had no defense mechanism or If he just didn’t really see Treven as anyone who would do something to him because Zarek entered his room without hesitation. Or maybe I’m just too weak that he doesn’t see me as a threat. Yeah. That’s about it , Treven thought and then he thought of something more heart wrenching reason. Maybe Zarek just doesn’t see me as a romantic partner. Yeah. He’s so innocent and upright, after all.

“So,” Treven sat on the edge of his bed while Zarek took the chair in the corner of the room, “what is it that you want to ask? Wait— before that. Could you tell me how you found me?” As far as he knew, he didn’t tell anyone where he was staying.

“I smelled you.”

Treven froze before he subtly sniffed himself to check what he smelled like. Please, self, be a good smelling warlord. “May I ask how I smell like?”

“Woody. Spicy. Delicious.” The answer was given coldly that Treven didn’t feel even a tinge of happiness even though Zarek just told him he smelled delicious.

When Zarek didn’t hear a reply from Treven, he explained further.

“Demons could smell one’s soul. I’m only half, but I also have the same ability.”

So my soul smells woody, spicy and delicious? Treven frowned at that. “Why the hell does my soul smells like woody and spicy? I get the ‘delicious’ because I am indeed a delectable piece of morsel and spicy because I’m hot, but woody? What am I? An old man? Wait— this must be Gatria’s fault since she’s the Mistress of Nature and all.”

Zarek didn’t know what Treven was talking about, but he understood one thing. “When you touched me earlier, you don’t appear to be hot. Or has your temperature risen tonight?”

Treven blinked at Zarek, he was confused as fuck, until he realized that the man sitting on the chair was an innocent half-demon. “Don’t, um, don’t mind what I said. And, um, my temperature is fine. Anyway, what do you want to ask?”

Zarek sat straight before he faced him. Treven didn’t even know how Zarek could tell where he was exactly when he had a blindfold around his eyes. “When we first met, you said you’re a warlord of Sappher, then, may I ask if you knew Drue Ymbert?”

Treven became silence and his usual pleasant smile disappeared when he heard the name of Kar’s father. “Why are you looking for him?”

Zarek sense a change in Treven, but he still answered. “My father chose eternal death a few months back after my mother passed away a decade ago. He told me to look for Drue Ymbert in the kingdom of Treterra. He said Drue Ymbert will take good care of me.”

If Zarek met Drue Ymbert, he’ll be surely used against the Yther’s Queens. An innocent warrior like Zarek will be easy to use. And if that happened, Hakkeran will kill him for sure , Treven thought as his mind worked double time to stop that from happening.

“I don’t know if Drue Ymbert already went through the arcane ritual of rebirth,” Treven answered honestly, “but you can indeed find his son in the capital of Treterra, Ager. Though I will warn you, if you went to their side, I’ll be your enemy.”

Zarek stilled. “Why?”

“Because we have different beliefs.” Treven sighed. “Do you really have to meet him?”

“Yes. My father said so.”

“Then… want to travel with us? We’re going to Ager too.”

Zarek frowned. “I thought we’ll be enemies if I met him?”

“Maybe I can still change your mind while traveling?” Treven was hoping he could.

Zarek was silent for a whole minute before he said something Treven was not expecting him to say. “Meeting him and siding him are two different things. Your soul smells very pleasant and delicious, that means you’re a very nice person. Therefore, if you were against him, then he’s probably the bad one. But I can’t just brush off my father’s request. I have to honor my father’s dying wish.”

“Then travel with us,” Treven offered again. He didn’t want this opportunity to slip. “At least, if that man did something to you, I can protect you.”

Zarek looked down as if thinking hard before he raised his head and face Treven. “Won’t I be a burden in your travel?”

“Definitely not,” as fast as lighting, Treven answered. “Gatria is more of a burden than you.”

“Gatria…? Is she your woman?”

Treven looked at Zarek flatly before he let out an exasperated breath. “How many times do I have to tell you that I like you? Not the innocent kind of like, but the kind that wants to hug, kiss, have sex and do lots of dirty and nasty stuff with you?”

Zarek became silent again, after a long while, he spoke. “I’m sorry. I don’t feel the same way.”

Treven blew a loud breath. “Yes, yes, I know. No need to rub it in. Anyway, have you decided? My companions wouldn’t mind for sure since they’re all boring anyway.”

“Then,” Zarek stood up and bowed his head, “If It wouldn’t be a burden and trouble to you and your companions, I would like to travel with you.”

Treven knew he had no chance with Zarek whatsoever, but a happy smile still appeared on his lips. “Then get ready. We’re just waiting for one of our companions to arrive, then we’ll be off.”

“Thank you.” Zarek bowed his head again. “I will take my leave now.”

Treven sighed as Zarek and his handsome face left his room.

Now alone, Treven elicited a groan. “Why does he has to have a handsome face that’s totally my type? Ah, fuck it. Why am I a sucker for that demonic handsome face?”

Treven was groaning at how his travel with Gatria would become more torturous now that the half-demon he was smitten with will be traveling with them, meanwhile Zarek, who just stepped out of Treven room, stopped and took a deep breath, as if wanting Treven’s woody, spicy and delicious scent to filled his lungs.

Smelling so delicious , Zarek thought of Treven and his soul’s scent and he immediately felt his fang watering. I wonder… If I could take a bite?

CECELIB | C.C.

MAP

AZITERA

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

GATRIA, TREVEN and their new two travel companions stayed a whole week in Ashmire waiting for Grath. And in those days that passed, there was never a day that Gatria didn’t challenge Drago into a duel which Drago always declined, much to Gatria’s annoyance.

Meanwhile, Treven was off seducing his half-demon everyday who seemed so innocent in a lot of things which always made Treven head throbbed. Though Gatria thinks that Treven had a long way to go when it comes to Zarek, who didn’t appear to understand Treven’s advances. Zarek was raised in the demon kingdom and because he was a halfling, he was hidden by his parents from the whole demon race, so Zarek was not on par with Treven when it comes to flirtation and advances.

Finally, after so many days of waiting, Grath arrived looking tired that they decided to stay one more day in Ashmire to let Grath rest. Grath apparently ran from Adral to Ashmire. He could’ve taken an equine, but Grath was not used to riding that instead of helping speed up his travel, it might slow him down.

Though passing an uneventful day was not a waste of time for the reason that while they’re waiting for Grath, Gatria had been roaming around outside Ashmire, ascertaining the condition of the nature around town. Spending her whole day with nature was something Gatria enjoys, so it was hardly a chore. It was part of her responsibility that she loves the most.

Despite the delay, the time finally came to leave Ashmire. Everyone stocked up food and other things they might need in their travel. Grath was stunned to meet their new companion—Drago, a full-blooded dragon and Zarek, a descendant of Sappher— but feeling their new companion’s gait and the aura they exude, Grath had a feeling that he was inferior to these people. Thought it did not discourage him, it was the opposite. He was used to traveling with powerful individuals and always used his experience to learn and enhance his battle skills.

“First stop is the town of Belrac,” Treven informed everyone as they leave Ashmire. “Belrac is the town bordering Infernal empire, Thurene kingdom and the kingdom of Treterra. According to the information I gathered around Ashmire, after the destruction of the city of Faberion, the kingdom of Thurene had been acting up. We should be careful. Thur— the capital of Thurene is home to mercenaries and bandits, the reason why the empire couldn’t annex them, so be on guard at all times. After Belrac, we will pass the barren land, then Castetava, Sarnau and then finally, Ager, the capital of Treterra. Knowing her,” Treven glanced at Gatria who’s kneeling on the ground and touching the soil, “our pace will be slow since we’re travelling on foot. So, if anyone couldn’t take it, feel free to leave us behind.”

In all honesty, Treven didn’t want to be left behind, but he had to warn their new travel companions to avoid the blame being thrown around.

“I’m okay with it.” Said Drago even though he knew he should hurry and find the information he needed. He had no time to spare, but here he was.

“Same with me.” Zarek nodded. “I came from the Demon kingdom and I know little of human towns.”

Treven let out a relieved sighed before looking at Gatria. “Still not done?”

“No. I’m done. I’m just making sure this plain valley that stretched towards the great forest of Tazman is safe from creepers and crawlers.” Gatria stood up, fixed the cloak that was wrapped around her, and went to walk beside Treven.

“The forest surrounding Belrac has a name?” Grath, who was on the front, asked in surprise.

Gatria nodded as she leaned down to run her hands over the grass. “Yes. It has. But I guess it had been forgotten or it just didn’t matter to humans.”

“The great forest of Tazman is not that great anymore, you know.” Treven informed Gatria. “Half of it had become a barren land.”

“So I heard,” Gatria’s lips thinned. She heard it from Sollel and apparently, it was her resentment that caused it.

Gatria wanted to fix the barren land as soon as possible. She was angry at humans and their kingdoms, but she didn’t want nature to suffer because of her anger. She wanted to right her wrong. She could have her revenge without destroying the nature that she holds dear.

Gatria’s thought halted when she felt a presence walking beside her.

It was Drago.

“Will you be okay traveling on foot?” She asked Drago. “You’re used to flying, right?”

Drago rubbed his nape. “I’ll be fine, sword goddess.”

“I highly doubt that.”

He glanced at her, his golden eyes glistening. “Are you worried about me?”

Gatria looked at her front. “I still haven’t defeated you. Until then, you’re not allowed to die or disappear.”

Drago couldn’t help the smile that appeared on his lips. “The more I don’t want to have a rematch with you. I feel that if we dueled again and I lost, you’ll lose your interest in me. But then again, I just have to win for your interest to remain.”

Gatria scoffed. “I will never be defeated twice by the same person.”

“If you say so.” Drago playfully mocked Gatria.

Gatria didn’t like it so she punched Drago’s arm. She didn’t hold her strength back and that punch could send someone flying to their death, but Drago only slightly budge. That was it. Nothing.

And then Gatria remembered how strong Drago was when they fought. “Are all dragons strong? I mean, do they have your strength?”

“Hmm…” Drago put his hand over his chin as if thinking. “We all have formidable strength, but I think I’m stronger than anyone.”

“Even against the Dragon King?” Gatria was not buying it. “I heard that the Dragon King is beyond formidable.”

Drago had an amused smile. “Don’t believe it. He’s weak.”

Gatria was not buying it, but she didn’t comment and just picked up her pace. She went pass Grath, and took off running on the plains valley.

To feel the breeze against her face as she ran, to smell the scent of grass and to see nature surrounding her, a smile appeared on Gatria’s lips. This was heaven. The best feeling the world.

Unbeknownst to Gatria, a dragon was watching her. With his golden eyes that could see from miles away, he watched her ran and smile and enjoy the plains valley.

She was a sight to behold and he was captivated.

Always had been.

If only—Drago stopped his own thought as he withdraw his gaze and continued walking, not sparing a glance at the Mistress of Nature again as they crossed the plains valley, not even once.

♕♕♕

KAR WOKE UP with no recollection of what happened. Beside him was his father’s trusted aide and a healer from the kingdom. With dry lips and throat, he tried to speak. “W-where a—am I?”

“At the palace’s healing chamber,” It was his father’s aide who answered, Jirc. After his father passed away, it was Jirc who took care of him.

“W-what happened?” Kar tried to push himself to sit, but his body was too heavy to move. “W-what happened to me? What’s h-happening?”

Jirc narrowed his eyes on Kar. “Do you remember anything?”

Kar tried to dive deep into his memory, but he couldn’t remember anything. “I d-don’t… I don’t know. I don’t r-remember, Jirc.”

Jirc heaved a deep sigh. “Due to mental shock, it seems you cannot remember what happened on the battlefield.”

“B—battlefield?”

“Yes. The battlefield where you meet that evil queen and she tried to kill you. But the kingdom’s soldier did everything they could, even sacrificing their life to save yours. The kingdom sent ten thousand soldiers, but only a hundred returned. That’s how wicked and evil the Mistress of Nature is. She’s a monster that should be killed.”

Mistress… of Nature? What— w-who’s that? Why did that sound so familiar?

“Argh!” Kar clutched his ear and head when he heard a loud ringing in his head that nearly knocked him out when severe pain followed. “My head…!”

Kar shouted and thrashed in pain and Jirc immediately chanted an arcane ritual while pressing his palm against Kar’s forehead. And as he uttered the last syllable on his chant, Kar slowly calmed down, his eyes closed and his face became solemn once again.

Jirc sighed as he looked at the warlord his master was so proud of.

Kar was an embodiment of strength back when Sappher was still prominent. His strength was unparalleled. He was the most celebrated warlord of Sappher even after their defeat by the hands of Yther Queens, but now, looking at the warlord lying on the bed. He had become nothing, but a pile of disappointment. There was not even a shadow of the warlord he once was. Nothing. Useless.

If not for his master dotting on his only son, Jirc would have already killed the pile of garbage in front of him. After what he had done, Kar didn’t deserve even an ounce of his respect.

Jirc sat on the chair near the bed and waited for Warlord Kar to awaken.

—An hour later. Kar woke up with a blank eyes and face.

Jirc smiled. “What a suitable face for a pile of disappointment like you.”

No response from Kar and Jirc didn’t bother. He knew why there was no reply. He understood the situation since he was the one who made it so.

“Get up and do your job, General Kar.” Said Jirc as he stood up. “Pick up your hammer, slay that wench queen and make your father proud.”

Kar didn’t say a word. He just lifelessly got up, picked up his war hammer and left the healing chamber.

With a blank expression, his mind was the opposite. It was not blank. It had one person inside it. The person he’s going to kill— Mistress of Nature, Gatria.

♕♕♕

XEKE AND CIRA still hadn’t left Adral. They were both busy in the library, going through every important documents that were saved and brought by the Harpies to Adral right from the empire’s library and the king’s chamber before the Infernal empire’s destruction.

“We’ve been doing this for weeks, but we still haven’t found what we need to move forward with our investigation.” Xeke grumbled as he picked up another bounded document. “I think the documents I’ve read was enough for ten lifetimes and more.”

“Just keep reading.” Cira’s eyes remained on the document she was reading. Not even sparing a glance at the warlord who had been helping her since she decided to read every document stolen from the empire. “Somehow, somewhere in these documents, I’m sure they had a record about where they got the moonrite stone. I’m sure of it. There had to be. So keep reading until there’s no document left.”

Xeke silently looked at the stacked documents that could be compared to a small mountain, then sighed. “Can I at least get a kiss for my patience?”

“No. You can’t.” Cira’s tone had no room for reconsideration that made Xeke slouch and quiet.

Xeke had been grumbling since the moment they started skimming through these documents, but he never once left her alone. Sensing that Xeke had become unusually quiet, Cira allowed herself to take a peek at Xeke.

And what she saw was endearing that it brought a smile to her lips.

Xeke was sulking, but still helping her out earnestly.

Hmm… maybe a kiss won’t be too bad If we found something here , Cira thought before returning her attention to the document in her hand.

Silence fell on the Adral castle’s library where Cira and Xeke were. All could be heard were the soft rustling of document pages from time to time. Though that was not the only silent room in the castle even though the whole Adral was under massive renovation with the Dwarves and Druids at the front line.

It was Gabin’s workroom.

Ever since the lord of Adral and the Yther queens left, Gabin had been busy and buried with tons of work that he was shocked that he could still get a four-hour sleep to be honest. There were so many things to do, so many proposal for the betterment of Adral to approve and of course, the proper allocation of funds needed for the town’s reconstruction and for the queen’s temples.

The fund was not a problem. He and his lordship had been storing the needed funds for so many lifetimes and they also looted the empire’s treasury before it was destroyed.

The empire’s main profit came from the indestructible weapons and those weapons they sell had the Mistress of Flame’s blood in it— which means the profit technically belonged to the queen.

With tons of work, it was normal for him to feel an immense stress, but no, his stress didn’t come from his work.

It came from a small woman who always had a bright and innocent smile for him.

A knock on the door stopped his thoughts, and when it opened, all Gabin could do was sigh and pray to the deities for his sanity to remain and not abandon him. He needed that.

“Good noon, Commander…” Zassia came into view carrying a tray with food in it. “Please have a meal.”

“Zassia,” Gabin looked at the bright and innocent woman in front of his table, “I told you, you don’t have to bring me food every time I’m late for my meal. I don’t want to bother you—”

“It’s okay. I want to do it.” She smiled and it was so bright, Gabin squinted his eyes. “I’m here to help protect Adral, but there’s no threat at the moment, so I’m going to help you as much as I can. I know how much work you have to do so this is my way of cheering you on, commander.”

A soft sigh escaped Gabin’s lips. “Okay. Do whatever you want.”

“Then…” Zassia’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Gabin, hopeful, with her hands clasp over her chin as if adorably begging, “then… May I help you with your work? I was a scholar in the empire before this all happened. I’m confident with my knowledge and ability. I can help you with anything.”

It’s me who’s not confident with my sanity and self-control , Gabin mused and force a smile. “It’s okay. No need to help me. This amount of work is nothing to me. Just focus your attention on the town’s defense and your training.”

“Oh,” Zassia was a little disappointed that she couldn’t help the commander, but she does need to train her flame more so when her teacher came back, she could show her teacher her flame and the new things she could do that would make her teacher proud. “Okay, then, see you at dinner, commander! I will go back to my training! Have a rest if you’re tired. Bye!”

After giving him another bright smile, Zassia left, much to Gabin’s delight. Finally, he could return back to his work in peace— which was a lie.

As if he could work in peace with that bright and innocent woman around! He would rather face a hoard of demons than to face that bright, innocent smile. Yes, demons are easy. You just have to kill them. But that woman… Gabin let out a deep long sighed and calmly return to his work. As he should. 

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

SPENDING THE night in the plain valley, the men Gatria was traveling with wanted to make a tent for her, but Gatria declined the idea. The weather was nice and so the stars that adorned the night sky. Gatria wanted to fall asleep staring at it. Therefore, after their simple meal, Gatria made her bed— a flower petal bed made from her essence— and laid on it to watch the sky.

As she watched the stars, she could hear Treven doing his best to make Zarek understand his intention again, but Zarek was as clueless as ever. Grath volunteered to be the designated watch for the night. While Drago— well, he laid himself an arm length away from her and gazed at the stars as well.

It was peaceful, until Drago asked the question she didn’t want to hear nor answer. “How are you and Warlord Kar?”

But as much as she didn’t want to answer Drago, her mouth opened to do just that. “Something…” happened . That was her supposed answer, but there was something in Drago’s tone that made her feel like answering truthfully, so she did. “He… betrayed me.”

Drago was silent for a long time that Gatria thought he had lost interest in their conversation, but then, she heard his low, deep voice.

“You’re in pain.” It was not a question, but a statement that Gatria didn’t deny. “You still love him.”

Gatria wanted to deny those words, but her mouth could only open and no words would come out.

Turning her head at Drago, she saw him smile while staring at the night sky. “Warlord Kar adored you so much, so I’m having a hard time believing that he betrayed you. Maybe… there’s a reason behind it.” His head turned to face her and their eyes met, “don’t you want to find out?”

Gatria’s whole face became void of emotion as she placed her hand over her chest. “Will… it change anything?”

“It might.”

“Or it might not.” Gatria returned her gaze at the stars. “I feel nothing but pain. Thinking about him suffocates me. I want to kill him. How could there be love when all I feel is excruciating anguish and agony?” A lone tear fell from Gatria’s eyes. “If this was love, then I don’t want it.”

Drago became silent, after a short while, Gatria felt a finger drying her tear.

“Forgive me.” Drago whispered. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

Gatria’s gaze remained at the stars in the night sky. “I know. It’s okay.”

Drago didn’t speak after that. He remained silent as he watched the stars with Gatria.

After a long while, when night had deepened, Drago turned to Gatria. “Can’t sleep?”

Gatria blinked at the night sky. When she didn’t answer, she heard a beautiful, deep humming sound from beside her.

A soft melody that lulled her to sleep.

The next thing she knew, she was in deep slumber and only woke up when the sky started to brighten in the horizon.

Stretching her body, Gatria started her day by washing her face with the water she stored in her ring storage, then she boiled some water using their campfire.

“Why is the queen doing all the chores?”

Gatria turned to her side to see Drago sitting on the log next to her. He just woke up and just finished washing his face, but Gatria couldn’t deny that Drago was handsome even when his hair was disheveled.

“My kingdom had long fallen,” Gatria answered as she reached for Drago’s hair to fix it, “it’s just a useless title at this point.”

Drago became silent and frozen while Gatria was fixing his hair as if it was a natural to do so. He didn’t know if Gatria noticed, but he literally didn’t know what to do. He just sat there until Gatria withdraw her hands from his hair.

“There,” she said with a satisfied smile on her lips. “Your hair is not messy anymore.”

“Thank you,” Drago mumbled as he hangs his head low to hide his face.

Gatria, who was oblivious to Drago’s thoughts, returned her attention to their campfire. And Drago was so thankful that Treven finally woke up and went to sit on the log together with him and Gatria.

After minutes passed, Drago excused himself to wash his face again, hoping that the burning sensation he feels all over his face would disappear.

Thankfully, before they set out and continued their journey, it did.

From then on, Drago spent his days putting a safe distance between himself and the sword goddess. The reason was self-preservation. He had a mission to do and he was planning to separate with everyone in Belrac. He needed to reach Ager and get to the bottom of this fast. The more he stays here, the more of his kind was being hunted and killed.

“Argh! Aaaaahhhh! Fuck! I don’t want to walk anymore! No! Never!”

Treven shouting and complaining were nothing new so Drago just tuned him out. And Gatria did the same. Though she thought that Treven will finally stop complaining now that the half-demon he was smitten with was traveling with them, but that was not the case. After traversing the plain valley on foot for a few days, Treven was at it again.

“This is boring as hell!” Treven groaned in annoyance. “I’m buying a carriage once we arrive in Belrac! Do you hear me, Gatria?! Do you even care about me?!”

“Traveling here is a lot easier than in the Demon kingdom. It’s all ice there and one misstep could end your life.” Zarek said while frowning at Treven’s complains because he didn’t understand what Treven was fussing about.

“Don’t mind him.” Gatria patted Zarek’s shoulder. “He’s always like that. He’ll be fine after he complains some more.”

Zarek turn to Gatria. “He’s always like that?”

“You have no idea.” Grath muttered and sighed. “This is nothing compared to Lord Treven complaints when we were traveling to Ashmire.”

“Hey!” Treven glared at Grath. “That’s because you and Gatria are boring! From Belrac, we’re going to use a carriage. Yes. No one can stop me! No one! Not even you, Gatria. I am not walking anymore! My feet feel like they’re close to abandoning me!”

Gatria sighed. “Do whatever you want.”

Treven grinned before running around on the plain valley. “Yes! Carriage, here I come…!”

Gatria just shook her head and continued walking until they reach the end of the plain valley at noon.

After resting for a while outside the great forest of Tazman, Gatria and the others decided to enter the forest to continue their travel since It was still early to stop and set up camp. But before they could venture further, they felt presence surrounding them.

“Bandits?” Grath asked in a low voice while everyone continued walking as if nothing was amiss.

“Well, this forest stretched towards the mountains that borders with the Thurene Kingdom.” Treven had stopped complaining and his fingers played with his arcane weapon, soulshard. “And that kingdom is home to mercenaries and bandits. The Infernal empire wanted to annex it before since it’s the only kingdom close to the empire that still not under their control, but before that happened, the Mistress of Flame escaped and the empire’s capital was destroyed afterwards.”

Hearing Treven, Gatria closed her eyes to feel the forest around them while still walking. Scattering her essence and enveloping the trees with it, Gatria was able to build a connection with the trees and other vegetation around her.

A connection strong enough to make a conversation.

‘Their group is large, Your Highness.’ The soft whisper of trees filled Gatria’s head. ‘Please be careful, Your Highness.’

‘I will.’ She replied through the link in her mind. With her connection to the trees around her, she was able to pin point the bandits location and their exact numbers.

“We’re surrounded by forty bandits.” Gatria informed everyone. “Some were demi-humans, but most are humans.”

Treven sighed as he turned to Gatria. “Should we get ready to fight?”

Gatria shook her head. “No. It’s okay. I’ll take care of them. Let’s just continue. We have to find a good spot to spend the night before sundown.” With a flick of her wrist, the vines and roots of the trees imbued with her essence crawled and came to life, attacking the bandits by her will.

Countless screams were heard throughout the forest, alarming Gatria’s companions.

Drago gripped the hilt of his sword and went into an offensive stance. Zarek draws the scimitar hanging on the side of his waist. And Grath summoned his flaming claws. Only Treven stayed calm.

Zarek scrunched his nose. “I smell a foul stench of souls.”

“Must be the bandits.” Treven walked to Zarek, took out a handkerchief from his ring storage and used it to cover Zarek’s nose before looking at Gatria. “Did you kill them?”

“No.” Treven was about to point out that it was merciful of Gatria when Gatria added, “I used roots and vines to wrap their bodies around the trees, only leaving their nose open to let them breath. Let’s see how long they’ll last before they die a miserable death. They might turn out a good fertilizer to the forest.”

Everyone was at a loss for words as they stared at Gatria who walked pass them with no emotion on her face. Gatria had been nothing but gentle throughout their travel, so to suddenly see that part of Gatria made them quite a shock. Only Treven managed to stay calm.

“Come on, everyone. The sun is about to set.”

Gatria’s voice snapped everyone out from their reveries and immediately followed Gatria, silently.

Nobody talked about the bandits while traversing deeper into the forest. Even after Gatria found a perfect place for them to rest. Everyone puts the bandits and what happened to them at the back of their minds and continued with their journey to Belrac.

Along the way, they’ve met a few groups of bandits who ended up with the same fate as the first bandits that tried to ambush them. Wrapped around a tree somewhere.

Gatria’s companion wanted to tell theirselves that it was an uneventful journey since they didn’t fight themselves, but the screams they heard was enough to admit that it was an eventful travel. It just so happened that Gatria did all the fighting.

“I never felt so useless in my life,” Grath muttered under his breath.

Treven who was walking beside Grath, slouched his shoulder and muttered, “You and me both, Grath. I just wish I could’ve felt like this inside a carriage. Walking everyday is making it worse.”

“Treven, why do I feel like Gatria is very scary?” Zarek asked Treven so innocently that Treven just wanted to put him in his pocket.

“Because she is .” Then Treven warned Zarek. “Whatever you do, don’t anger or betray her, or else, she will wrap you around a tree and leave you there to die.”

Zarek shivered and tightly closed his mouth. He had heard the bandits scream so much that it already puts a shadow of fear in his heart. To Zarek at that moment, Gatria was scarier than the demon king.

“When we fought before, she didn’t use anything other than her sword,” said Drago while looking at Gatria’s back who was in front of them.

“That’s because she takes pride on her sword skill.” Treven answered Drago. “If she could help it, she doesn’t want to use her abilities blessed with her by the deities. She’s too overpowered, really.”

Drago stared at Gatria’s back. “A real warrior, huh…?”

The four continued grumbling and muttering to themselves until they saw Gatria stopped on her track.

Treven decided to ask, “Gatria, what is—”

“Treven, w-what is this…?” Gatria’s trembling voice made everyone look at where Gatria was looking.

In front of them should still be a forest stretching passed Belrac, but before their eyes was a barren land. A dead soil.

“This…” Treven cleared his throat to find his voice. “The barren land should be kilometers away from Belrac, but looks like it devoured Belrac as well in just a short period of time.”

“What the… “ Even Grath was beyond surprised. This was not like this when he was travelling with Her Highness, Queen Sollel.

Gatria kneeled and place her trembling hands on the ground to examine the soil.

Dead. It’s dead through its very depths.

Is this… the result of my resentment?

Was this her fault?

As guilt consumed her, she draws a large amount of essence out of her body and she imbued the dead soil with it.

—But nothing.

No! It can’t be…! Gatria couldn’t accept the truth of her resentment that she imbued her essence on the dead soil once again, and again and again, but nothing was happening. Nothing!

“No… it’s— it’s not working…” Gatria’s voice trembled. “This… this— I did this.”

Gatria draw out more essence to try once again when an arm wrapped around her waist, hoisted her up and carried her in his arms so that even her feet wouldn’t touch the ground.

“You’re going to die if you just mindlessly imbued your essence into that dead soil without thinking about yourself!” Drago’s face was dark with a hint of worry as he looked down at her. “Calm down first and think.”

“No.” Gatria struggled to be free from Drago’s arms. “I have to do something immediately! Let me go—”

“If you want me to let you go, kill me. That’s the only way.”

Gatria’s stilled and her eyes widened at Drago.

“Go on. Kill me.” Drago tightened his hold around Gatria’s waist. “I will not let you go until you’ve calm down and clear your mind. What you want to do is a suicide. I won’t let you.”

Gatria’s hand that was trying to pry away Drago’s arm fell down as if she had lost her strength to struggle and said, “I’m… I’m calm now.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Gatria met Drago’s golden eyes. “I’m calm now. I swear.”

But Drago didn’t budge. “Swear on your sword.”

That made Gatria quiet while Drago sighed at Gatria’s silence.

“I’m not letting you go.” Drago declared. “In terms of physical strength, we’re on par. But in terms of essence, you’re stronger than I am. Though I don’t think you’re going to waste your essence on me when you can save it to restore the forest that had become a barren land. So, stop struggling, calm down and think.”

“Drago is right, Gatria.” Treven, who was surprised that Drago actually did that to the Mistress of Nature, chimed in. “Calm down first.”

“… Okay.” Gatria reluctantly agreed.

Gatria didn’t struggle anymore, but Treven requested Drago to continue carrying Gatria. “Don’t let her touch anything, Drago. She might be temped to use her essence again.”

Drago nodded at Treven and looked down at Gatria. “You heard your warlord friend, keep your hands to yourself until you calm down.”

Gatria nodded and let Drago carried her in his arms. As time passed, it had become tiring to balance her head, so she just let it fall on Drago’s chest while doing her best to calm herself and steady her in turmoil emotions.

“What can I do…?” Gatria mumbled to herself. “My resentment was too strong…”

Drago could see how much the sword goddess was blaming herself that he couldn’t help asking. “How come you’re blaming yourself? You’d been imprisoned, so isn’t this the fault of the people that imprisoned you and the people living around here?”

Gatria shook her head lightly. “It had become like this because of my resentment when I was imprisoned. I didn’t know it already spread this far.”

“Isn’t it normal to feel resentment after what happened to you?”

Gatria blink at Drago. “What…?”

“It’s not your fault.” Drago looked down at Gatria with an earnest glint in his golden eyes. “It’s theirs. The resentment that made this forest a barren land was because of what those people did to you. You didn’t turn it into a barren land because you want to. It’s because of their own action that this happened, so don’t feel bad or guilty. In actuality, you didn’t even have to do anything. Let them taste the consequences of their action. Let them live the life with no Mistress of Nature by their side. Even if you’re an over-powerful being, you can’t fix Azitera alone, Your Highness. It should be done together with every inhabitants because if it was just you working hard to return Azitera to its former magnificence, then what’s stopping them from destroying it all over again? If they couldn’t help even just a little, then they don’t deserve your blessing of a bountiful land.”

Gatria pressed her lips together. After her escape, she always thought that it was her responsibility as the overseer of Azitera to return it to its former beauty. She thought that by fixing everything by herself, it’ll make Azitera great again.

But Drago was right. It’s not just her in Azitera. There’s a lot of inhabitants living in it and  it was also their responsibility to keep Azitera alive and healthy.

“Don’t you think that if all the inhabitants had a hand in making Azitera bountiful again that they would cherish it more?”

Gatria’s lips parted. “… how do I make them understand that?”

“By educating them.” Drago answered as if he already thought about it ahead of time. “Show them that by lending a hand and helping the Mistress of Nature take care of Azitera, it’ll go back to being bountiful again.”

“Show them…?” Gatria didn’t know if she could. The majority of Azitera’s inhabitants were humans.

As if Drago could read his mind, he said, “your warlord friend told me your hatred towards humans and it might be difficult for you to show it to them, but the majority of Azitera’s inhabitants are humans, so you have to think of something.”

“Kill them…?”

Drago chuckled. “I believe that you’re not that heartless, Your Highness. I mean, you can kill the soldiers, the nobles, the royals and the rotten ones since it was them that went against you, but how about the commoners? Those innocent humans who only wanted to live a peaceful and normal life? Those humans who didn’t seek power and didn’t know anything? Those humans who are working hard and honestly to make a living and live everyday?”

Gatria’s jaw tightened. “But they’re humans…”

“So?”

Gatria’s eyes snapped at Drago. “I hate them all!”

Drago smiled at Gatria softly. “Your Highness, not all the apples in the barrel are bad. There’s still good apples left inside. You just have to take out all the bad apples to not spoil and affect the good ones.”

Gatria became silent at that. She only snapped out of her reverie when Drago moved let go of her. As her feet touched the ground, Drago carefully let go of her waist.

“I think you’ve already calmed down. Don’t do anything suicidal again,” Drago flicked Gatria’s forehead. “If you did, I will interpret it as you losing to me twice , sword goddess.”

Gatria glared at Drago. “That’s unfair!”

Drago shrugged and turn his back on Gatria. “The victors makes the rules, Your Highness.”

Drago said that so nonchalantly, but Gatria felt like it was personally aimed at her and her situation.

Gatria stared at Drago’s back and felt a shift inside her. Since when did his back become so dependable?

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

GATRIA and company decided to stay at the edge of the forest by Gatria’s request. She wanted to investigate the barren land that her essence couldn’t revive and also to see if the spirits dwelling in this once great forest were still around.

Forest dwellers spirits were beings that could use the Mistress of Nature’s essence to care for the forest under their supervision. It was a lucrative partnership. The Mistress of Nature would provide them essence and protection for their continued survival in the forest where monsters that could see and eats spirits were rampant, in return, the spirits would watch over the forest they were living in since the Mistress of Nature couldn’t possibly supervised them all.

It had been so long since I spoke to a forest dweller spirit, Gatria mused as she stood away from her companions who already set up camp near the edge of the forest. I pray that some survived after nearly two centuries.

She was planning to summon the forest dwellers spirit once she reached Belrac to speak to them, but after what she just witnessed, she couldn’t wait that long.

Kneeling both knees on the forest’s ground, she pressed her palm against the soil to feel the trees around her.

Unlike the trees at the entrance of the forest that Gatria ’ spoke ’ to, the trees here were anxious and panicking because of the barren land. Gatria could feel their fear that it brought tears to her eyes.

Taking a deep breath, she took out a knife from her ring storage and held it close to her palm. Unbeknownst to Gatria, all her companion’s eyes were on her, watching her every movement and anticipating her next move. And before their eyes, Gatria cut her palm without even wincing and as it bled, she pressed it against the soil and whispered gently with her eyes solemnly close.

“Blood of Nádair, I implore of you to come into being,”  light green hue surrounded Gatria. “I call upon the forest dwellers spirits. I beseech thee to materialize before me.”

As the last word left Gatria’s lips, a soothing light presence appeared before her together with the sound of sobbing.

Gatria quickly opened her eyes and floating in front of her were two crying forest dwellers spirits surrounded by light green hue.

“Your Highness! It really is you! It’s really Her Highness!”

“I thought we were just imagining things when we felt Her Highnesses’ essence in the forest! It’s really you, Your Highness! It’s really you!”

“How are you two doing?” Gatria asked gently, but the spirits were still crying and sobbing heavily as they continuously bow their heads.

Healing her cut with her essence, Gatria raised her hands with palms up and let the forest spirits sit on her palm.

“Have you calm down now?” Gatria asked.

The forest spirit with the longest hair nodded and bowed. “We apologize for showing Her Highness’ our tears, we were just so happy to be summoned by Her Highness again. We’ve been waiting for so long, Your Highness.”

The short-haired spirit nodded. “Some already perished as the barren land spread far and wide, while some relocated, but we couldn’t leave the great forest of Tazman. We promise Her Highness that we will take care of it, but the essence that you bestowed on us centuries ago has already been used while trying to fight the barren land. We couldn’t keep the forest safe anymore.”

Gatria shook her head. “It was my fault.” Then she bowed her head to apologize. “I’m so sorry. Please, forgive me.”

“Your Highness! Please raise your head!” The trembling voice of the long-haired spirit echoed in an attempt to stop the Mistress of Nature from bowing her head.

“Please! We implore you, Your Highness!” The short-haired spirit pleaded. “It was not your fault. We heard about what happened from the whispers of humans that passed by the forest. It should be us apologizing because we didn’t do anything at all. Even after you saved us from going extinct, we were too weak and couldn’t do anything to help Her Highness!”

Gatria finally raised her head and smiled as she shook her head. “You don’t have anything to apologize for. I’m just glad that there are still many left of your kind. I’m happy.”

“Your Highness…!” The two forest dwellers spirits went back to crying while prostrating and Gatria had to gently move dried their tears.

“Stop crying you two.” Gatria tried to calm the two down and when they finally did, she told them her intention. “I called because I have questions.”

The long-haired spirit adorably put her hands on her hips and grinned, no sign of tears in her face. “Ask us anything! We will definitely answer Her Highness!”

Gatria was glad. “Then… do you know anything about the barren land? I tried to imbue it with my essence, but it didn’t work.”

The short-haired spirit sighed and her shoulders fell. “I’m sorry, Your Highness. We didn’t know as well. We, too, used the last remaining essence Her Highness’ had given to us before to try to revive even a small portion of the barren land, but unfortunately, it only went to waste.”

The long-haired spirit nodded. “Hmm. Nothing happened. After that, we didn’t know what to do to save the forest and some of us had fallen prey to the barren land and perish, so most of us left and relocated to the sacred forest. It was just us two here.”

“We apologize that we couldn’t answer Her Highness’ question.”

Gatria shook her head and with a gentle smile, she blessed the two with her essence. “This forest is dangerous for you both. I will investigate what happened, but I don’t know how long this forest will last. So go to the Sacred Forest and share my essence to everyone. I will visit you all as soon as I can.”

The two spirits graciously accepted her essence and jumped in the air with glee.

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

“Thank you so much, Your Highness!”

Gatria nodded. “You’re welcome. By the way,” she just remembered something at the mention of Sacred Forest, “when you arrive at the Sacred Forest,” with her essence, she materialized a big leaf in her hand with a written message inside and rolled it. “Give this to the Elven King.”

The two spirit accepted the rolled leaf with great care. And after profusely thanking her and bowing to her so many times, they bid their goodbyes and disappeared with the rolled leaf without a trace.

Gatria stood up and walked towards the edge of the forest and stared at the barren land in front of her. She was too preoccupied to see Drago, Zarek and Grath’s astonishment. It was their first time to see a spirit because the spirits tends to keep a distance with everyone. But not only did Gatria summoned them to speak, they even bowed to her! 

Oblivious to her companions thoughts and was too focused on hers, she continued thingking.  Even the forest dwellers spirits didn’t know what’s going on , Gatria took a deep breath and sighed. It had to be my resentment. I have to get to the bottom of this before it spreads further than it already have. That was her plan, but even after a night passed and morning came, Gatria still didn’t know how to get to the bottom of the barren land’s mystery. 

♕♕♕

TRAVELING ON a barren land made Gatria felt like she was walking on sharp glass. It was painful. There was nothing but death in the air. No essence of nature could be felt. It felt as if she had been abandoned by the deity that blessed her. She couldn’t do anything but bear the torture as they traverse the barren land to reach Belrac.

“Another hoard of monsters incoming!” She heard Grath shouted, and everyone immediately went to an offensive move, but her.

She just watched the four-meter-long lizard with spiky skin all over their body to surround them, hissing and baring their fangs at them.

“Careful!” Grath warned everyone seeing the familiar lizards. “These monsters are heavy and have hard skin! It’s hard killing them!”

Treven promptly crushed the two crystal balls in his hand and willed the shards to shield everyone for added protection. With Drago on the front-center, Grath on his front-left, Zarek on his front-right and Gatria behind him, Treven was in a perfect position to protect everyone.

Treven’s shield boasted its indestructibility against physical and elemental attack, and right off the bat, it was put to a test. The lizard slammed its tail at Drago and Drago didn’t budge nor sustain even a minuscule of damage.

The soulshard shield was insanely strong that it gives everyone a freedom to fight and give their all without worrying about dodging and defense.

Grath dominated the four-meters lizard on his side with her strength and flaming claws while Zarek wielded his scimitar that seemed to have a consciousness of its own.

While on the front, the advancing Lizards were blocked by Drago.  With his physical strength and his razor-sharp sword, he was cutting the lizards to death without difficulty that when the lizards realized that their thick spiky skin couldn’t save them from the slaughter, they started fleeing in fear. But one of the Dragon’s race abilities was their outrageous leaping power that could take them to great heights with incredulous speed. In short, the lizards had nowhere to run.

As Drago push himself up to leap, an ear-splitting whoosh sound was heard, leaving dirt explosion that covered everyone like a fog and in two heartbeats, Drago landed in front of the fleeing lizards and with his sword, he delivered them all to their deaths.

Just as he finished the last lizard that tried to flee, Drago turn over his shoulder to check on everyone and that’s when he saw a lizard behind Gatria who was unmoving and just watching him.

Consumed with so much worry, Drago had forgotten Treven’s soulshard around Gatria. All he could see was the lizard and the danger it might bring.

“Gatria!” Putting all his strength in his legs, he leapt once again and like a madman at warp speed, he landed in front of Gatria, sword ready, but Gatria’s words halted his movement to save her.

“Don’t worry. I’m fine.” After these words left Gatria’s lips, swords rain down, piercing the thick skin of the lizard, delivering a quick death. “Though thank you for worrying over me.”

With the lizard dead, Drago’s mind cleared up and a soft chuckle escaped his lips as he sheathed his sword. “That was bad of me to forget that you’re no damsel that needs saving. I apologized, Your Highness.”

Before Gatria could answer Drago, Treven’s loud voice took all the attention.

“Sheesh, Gatria!” Treven clicked his tongue as he willed his soulshard back to its crystal form, “you could’ve just let your swords rained down earlier to save ourselves some trouble.”

Gatria gave Treven a stern look. “I’m trying to conserve my essence. We’re traveling in a barren land filled with resenment and it’s not exactly an ideal place for me.”

Treven rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes, Mistress of strictness. Anyway, let’s cut those lizards tails and its hide.”

“Huh?” Gatria was confused as she glanced at the dead lizard behind her. “Why?”

“It sells for a good prize.” Drago, who was a registered hunter in the Hunter’s guild before answered, and Gatria squinted her eyes at Treven.

“Are you short on money?” She asked. “Don’t you have too much already?”

Treven sighed as he pushed Grath, Drago and Zarek to butcher the lizards. “Gatria, my queen, you can never have too much money.”

Gatria shook her head at Treven and looked at the three doing the butchering. That’s when she realized something and glared at her best friend. “Treven, why are you acting like a pompous prince and just standing there? Help them!”

Treven immediately pulled a pleading face. “Gatria, how could you say that to me? You know how weak I am. Even if I tried it a whole day, I can never penetrate that lizard skin.”

Gatria was about to scold Treven for being overly dramatic when Zarek spoke.

“I can do Treven’s part, Your Highness. It’s fine.”

Treven’s eyes glistened in happiness while Gatria sighed and summoned her sword to help, but Drago stopped her.

“Just rest and conserve your essence. I can do your part.”

“But—”

“Please?”

When her sword disappeared from her hand, Drago showed a soft smile on his lips and went back to butchering.

Meanwhile, Gatria stared at Drago for a long time as if looking for something on his handsome face. If Treven didn’t loudly cleared his throat, Gatria wouldn’t have snapped out of it.

When she looked at Treven, Treven was looking at her questioningly. She just shrugged to answer him and got up to check their surroundings. Monster’s blood always draws other monsters, so she decided to keep watch until everyone finished butchering.

After a long while, everyone finally finished butchering and cleaned themselves up with the water provided by Treven from his storage ring. Then they were off to Belrac once again.

The heat of the barren land had died down because the sun was finally setting and when night fell, as usual, they set up camp where they stopped and made a campfire.

Following their simple dinner, Gatria distance herself from others for privacy and she sat on the barren land, pressing her hands against the dead soil.

There’s really no essence here, just resentment, Gatria thought as she heavily sighed. That only meant one thing… the soil is dead down to its very core. Her essence was not enough to restore the forest, that means there’s only one thing left she could do.

It was to bleed for Azitera.

If it was up to her, she didn’t want to because continuous usage of her blood of Nádair meant losing her strength, but after seeing the state of the great forest of Tazman, she couldn’t turn her back on it.

But even after deciding that she’ll bleed to restore the forest, she still couldn’t forget Drago’s words.

Working together to restore Azitera. Can I do it? Can I allow myself to work with humans again? After everything that has happened…

“Someone is beating herself up.”

Gatria turned over her shoulder and saw Drago behind her. And seeing him, somehow, she felt she could find the answer to her plight.

Gatria patted the space beside her. “I have some questions. Mind if I asked?”

Drago smiled and went to sit an arm-length beside Gatria. “Go ahead. Ask away.”

Gatria gathered her thoughts first before she opened her mouth. “I couldn’t forget your words, but as you know, I hate humans. Working with them again is very hard for me. But… I know I can’t let my resentment ruin Azitera. Trusting the good apples in the barrel, hoping that they were not secretly rotten inside scares me. Because I’d been there. I trusted those apples in the barrel and look where it got me. My kingdom was sieged and my people payed for my mistakes.” A lone tear fell from Gatria’s eyes. “I want to be the bigger person and forgive, but how could I forget such agony and torment? They drained me dry to nourish their kingdom and filled their coffers. They took my blood. They weakened me. They imprisoned me. They destroyed my kingdom and killed my people. I’m maybe blessed by the deities, but I’m just a normal queen who loved her kingdom and her people. I… I honestly don’t know what to do.

Tears kept falling from her eyes. “I know that not all of them had a hand in my suffering, but the rest of them didn’t do anything as well. They believed those lies that their kings feed them without questioning its credibility— after everything we’ve done, after we cared for them and nurtured them, they raised their swords and pointed it at us, saying we’re wicked and evil. And those good apples in the barrel just watched it happen. So can you blame me if I said I hated them all?”

Drago was silent for a long while as if he was absorbing every word that came out of Gatria’s lips, and then, after a while, he spoke gently.

“I apologize for invalidating your feelings with my words. That was not my intention.” Drago took a deep breath and looked at the sky. “I could only imagine the pain you’ve been through, so please forgive my tactlessness. That said, my opinion hasn’t changed. Everyone should work hand in hand to restore Azitera to its former glory. But even though I said that, thinking about you and your hatred… Working hand in hand will certainly be a challenge. So, how about I help you with that, Your Highness?”

With wide, surprised eyes, Gatria parted her lips at Drago, who smiled at Gatria’s reaction.

“I may not be able to dissipate your anger or quenched your thirst for vengeance, but I can help you, albeit so little.

Gatria was still stunned. “How… will you help me?”

Drago showed an enigmatic grin. “Leave it to me.”

Gatria was still not so sure and it showed in her face, so Drago added.

“I swear on my sword, Your Highness.”

Gatria visibly eased up. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but…” she smiled. “I can’t say that I’m not looking forward to it.”

Drago smiled back before he looked up at the sky and watch the stars with Gatria.

A soothing silence fell between the two individuals who shared the same adoration for the beautiful night sky filled with stars.

And at that moment, Gatria noticed how soothing it was to sit beside Drago and silently watch the stars.

How long has it been since I felt this kind of comfort? Gatria asked herself before closing her eyes to savor the feeling of serenity that she had long forgotten.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

ON FOOT, Gatria and company reached Belrac in seventeen days. In those days, monsters plague their path that Treven was thankful that they were traveling with two more people that could slaughter monsters with ease. And since Gatria was conserving her essence, she only helped with her sword when needed. Along the way, the whole group managed to hoard monster materials to sell, much to Treven’s happiness.

For Gatria, those seventeen days didn’t pass in vain. She tried thinking of ways on how to work hand-in-hand with other races in taking care of Azitera, including humans. Though she didn’t trust humans, she knew she couldn’t disregard them since they’re the major populace of Azitera. Unless, of course, she killed them all.

But she was trying to understand how Drago views humans. It baffled her than even though it was those humans who hunted and killed Drago’s young kind, he didn’t hate them all.

Gatria didn’t know if a time will come that she would think that way, because even after all those days, her hatred for humans didn’t dissipate even just a little.

To have such a large heart, Gatria thought about Drago. Is it because Dragons had been living here in Azitera longer that Ytherians did? A wisdom cultivated through experience and living longer than anyone in Azitera.

Though it was rude to ask, but Gatria was curious how old Drago was. She would bet he’s just as old as Warlord Hakkeran who was the only remaining ancient Sappherian in Azitera.

After the ancient beings numbers declined to the point of extinction, the four supreme deities needed overseers — that was when Ytherians were born. After that, different races appeared. And in fear that the new civilization would decline once again if left on its own, the supreme deities sent an oracle to the Ytherians to raise and train four strong and promising individuals to oversee Azitera in their stead while bearing their blessing.

The four supreme deities were also known in ancient history as the four supreme elemental deities:

Ignis , the deity of flame and destruction. It was said that her anger and temper were explosive that no deity would want her anger directed at them. And Sollel was the perfect embodiment of her blessing.

Nati , the deity of nature and life. It was said that she was the core of Azitera, the one responsible for breathing life to the land. Gatria received her blessing of nature and life in a form of healing and therefore became the executive overseer.

Ishka , the deity of water and fate. It was said that her water was the only living force that could rival Ignis’ flame and it’s destructive strength. And Aenwyn who was blessed by her inherited that said force and the ability to see chains of fates.

And Anima , the deity of wind and souls. It was said that she was the counterpart of Nati who ruled over life and the fiercest of the supreme deities. And Astrid received her blessing, allowing her to control the wind and bestowing her with a pair of pearly white wings to freely govern the air and the inhabitants below.

After the blessing was conducted, Sollel, Aenwyn, Gatria and Astrid were trained by the deities in their respected temple in Yther for a whole year. Following that, the four supreme deities declared that that would be the last time they’ll ever meddle in Azitera. It was now the responsibility of the queens of Yther to oversee the land and make sure that no harm befalls it as the bearer of the deities blessing.

A lot of things happened since then. When Yther was sieged and fell, that was the time that the people of Yther realized the reality and truthfulness of the deities words that they would only come down and meddle if the civilization was close to extinction.

The four blessed queens of Yther were imprisoned and exploited.

The Infernal Empire wanted the Mistress of Nature for her blood and presence. Sollel never kept it to herself what her blood could do. To help the humans and everyone who wanted to forge, she had gifted them her blood. But that was enough to humans whose greed knows no bounds. They wanted all of Mistress of Flames blood. Every last drop. So Queen Sollel was imprisoned in the empire.

While the kingdom took and imprisoned Gatria for her presence alone could alleviate the land and its agriculture. Knowing about the Mistress of Flame’s blood ability, they too harvested the Mistress of Nature’s blood to use as a fertilizer to their land— to make it more bountiful. But what they didn’t count on was Queen Gatria’s resentment that turned the kingdom’s one’s bountiful land into a barren land. As a result, they needed more of the Mistress of Nature’s blood to survive in the barren land that they had become dependent on her.

The next was the archipelago who chose and imprisoned the Mistress of the High Seas. They knew that they could not fully weaken Queen Aenwyn because her prison was under the water, but the presence of the Mistress of the High Seas could alleviate sea hunting and calm the raging humongous waves that pester the archipelago. As long as Queen Aenwyn was in prison, the citizen of the archipelago will have a peaceful, prosperous and safe life. What they didn’t count was Queen Aenwyn’s boredom and the form of entertainment she wanted to ease her boredom away.

And last was Caelum Kingdom. A small, but the most advance of all kingdoms. And they had one goal, to turn their kingdom into a floating one, for they believed that through that, they will reach the deities and have their blessing to be deities themselves. And the Mistress of the wind was the answer to their plight. Using their latest technology and Queen Astrid’s presence and blood, the Caelum Kingdom had become the Sky Castle. Floating in Azitera above everyone else.

Gatria found out the reason why the four kingdoms imprisoned them through Treven and Warlord Hakkeran. When she read the real history after the Yther’s sieged, she nearly exploded in anger. But not wanting to harm the people in Adral, she reigned her anger in.

And now, she had to curl her anger again. For the sake of Azitera.

But seeing the state the Belrac was in when they arrived, Gatria couldn’t explain the mixed feelings that overcome her.

Belrac had now become a barren town. Gone the bustling town and the bountiful forest that the citizen of Belrac was so proud and thankful of. Now, instead of the forest, monsters pestered their town and soldiers and hunters alike surrounds the town’s wall to fend off the monsters, but it was a failing battle.

There was never a day that there was no large numbers of casualties and as days passed, the people in Belrac started abandoning their own town for greener pasture which was understandable for everyone, but still a hard truth to swallow. But what else could they do? Belrac was no longer safe and everyone knew that.

“… and that’s the situation here in Belrac.” Said the man at the town’s gate when Treven asked him what happened to the town when they entered and saw its state.

The man was Count Salas, a noble of birth. He stayed in town instead of escaping to the capital to try and save his home. He was on the front line and Treven didn’t even know that he was a Count until he introduced himself when Treven asked what happened to the town.

“We need all the help we can get,” Count Salas did not hide his intention in Gatria’s group who all looked like strong warriors. The group, after all, entered Belrac from the barren land and they all looked unharmed, not even a sign of fatigue was seen. In Count Salas’ understanding, they had to be strong to be able to cross such dangerous terrain. Only hunters ever dared to traverse the barren land and there was no assurance that they’ll reach their destination in one piece. Of course, he didn’t know the woman that seemed to be the one in control of the group was the Mistress of Nature.

Drago advised against Gatria introducing herself as such, and since Gatria was curious how Drago would help her, she listened.

“Please, let me hire all of you. Any amount will do, just please, I beg of you, help us protect our town.” Count Salas bowed his head. It should have been a surprise to everyone who saw him since he was a noble, but he had been bowing his head to protect his town that the people around him had gotten used to it and even respected him for it.

Treven glanced at Gatria as if asking for permission.

Gatria didn’t answer Treven, instead she turned her attention to Count Salas. “Why do you want to save your town so bad? It had become a barren land. Whatever you do, it’ll only get worst. You cannot defeat nature, even if you desperately try.”

“Because this is our town,” Count Salas answered as if it was the most natural thing to do. “This town is our home. It is our responsibility to take care of it and protect it. All the nobles in different towns and villages already run and escape to the capital. Even the famous noble’s hill who’s only high ranking nobility could enter was abandoned.” Exhaustion was evident on his face. “I, myself, know how hopeless and scary the situation is. We are not fully equipped and ready to fight the monsters, and it seemed that the kingdom had forgotten about us as well, but if we, too, run, what will happen to our home that we worked so hard to build for so many years? We can’t just abandon Belrac. We can’t— I can’t…”

Gatria stared at Count Salas for a long minute before she glanced at Drago. Taking care of Azitera together. Gatria remembered Drago’s words. This was what he meant by that?

Gatria turned her attention back to the Count. She wanted to know his opinion on something, and her decision to help Belrac depends on his answer. She would not pretend that her hate towards humans had lessened, but she had to curl her anger for the betterment of Azitera.

“Tell me, Count Salas,” Gatria’s eyes were narrowed on the Count. “Do you know of the Yther’s queens?”

Count Salas nodded solemnly. “They are wicked beings who tried to end the human race.”

“I’m hearing a ‘but’.” Treven was quick to pick up on Count Salas’ tone.

Count Salas sighed heavily and lowered his voice as he speaks. “But… one of the four queens of Yther is the Mistress of Nature. If she could breath life in Azitera with her essence, then it makes one wonder if she was truly evil. Why would a blessed queen like that be wicked? I’m certain that the deities wouldn’t bless an evil being the ability to nurture nature since it was such an important rule.”

“That’s because she’s not a wicked person.” Said Drago, who was just silently standing behind Gatria like a dutiful guard. “I’m from a long-lived race and I had the pleasure of meeting the Mistress of Nature.”

It was like an intense fire was lit in Count Salas’ eyes. “W-What was she like?” It was the Count’s first time meeting a person who had met one of the queens.

Not all humans believed the history that was taught to them while they were growing up. And one of them was Count Salas. And the reason for that was his great-grandfather’s journal and his other predecessors. He had read it from start to finish and his grandfather had nothing but praise and gratitude towards the Yther’s Queens.

That was the start of Count Salas’ doubts. But he couldn’t possibly voiced out his doubt to the kingdom, afraid of being charged with treason. He had a family to protect, so he kept his silence until the Mistress of Nature became the talk of the town many weeks ago.

She had escaped, they said.

But according to history, all the queens were dead. But now, whispers on the street say that they weren’t dead, but imprisoned. No one knew, but this was thanks to Warlord Hakkeran who’s spreading this news through whispers and gossips. The kingdom hadn’t addressed this issue and was keeping silent, but Count Salas was certain that the whispers on the streets were true. And what happened to the Infernal Empire capital and outside Adral weeks ago was the proof of that.

That kind of formidable strength, it was unfathomable and unreachable by human standards. Who else could wield that much power, but the beings blessed by deities?

“Is it true that she was walking amongst us now?” Count Salas asked again when Drago did not answer his first question. “And if she was, will she help us?”

“Why are you so interested in the Mistress of Nature?” Grath did not want to doubt the Count’s intention, but he had bad experience with humans, and for him, humans couldn’t be trusted. They were twisted, entitled and greedy. “And why would she help? After what you humans did to her, you have no right to ask for anything.”

That silenced Count Salas and a tense air surrounded the group.

Treven cleared his throat. “Well, it’s still up to the Mistress of Nature to decide whether she’ll help or not, but as of now, my advice is to not hope that she will. She had been betrayed and imprisoned by you, humans. It’s not easy to forgive and forget. Maybe the Mistress of Nature could forget what happened if it was just her who got hurt, but her kingdom was burned and her people were slaughtered. It was not something a person could just brush off, even if she’s an over-powerful being.”

“I — I understand…” Count Salas whispered before he raised his head. “If I was in her shoes, I would be enraged too.”

Silence fell on everyone until Drago broke it. “I will lend you my strength if you lent me your great-grandfather’s journal.”

The Count’s eyed widened at Drago’s choice of compensation. “J-just the journal? Are you sure?”

Drago nodded with a small smile on his lips, making more attractive. “Yes. Just the journal.”

Gatria faced Drago. “I thought you’re in a hurry to Ager…”

“I am, but…” Drago met Gatria’s eyes. “I promised someone I’ll help and I think reading that journal will help her, albeit a little.”

Gatria’s lips parted and her face visibly softened that even Treven saw it and was stunned. “She’ll appreciate it.”

Drago smiled, his golden eyes glistening. “A thank you kiss is always welcome.”

Gatria glared at Drago, who still had a teasing smile on his lips. “Careful. She might gut you in your sleep.”

Drago let out a hearty laugh before giving his attention back to the Count. “Well, Count Salas…? What do you think of my compensation?”

“You have a deal!” Almost immediately, Count Salas answered and in a hurry, he excused himself. “I will get the journal immediately!”

With the Count gone, Zarek turned to Drago. “Are we lending our strength too…?”

Drago shook his head. “No. This is my deal. I will fight alone. You can leave me here. I don’t mind. I will catch up to you once I’m able.”

Treven was ready to leave Drago behind since Belrac had no decent tavern that sells booze, but Gatria spoke, ruining Treven’s plan to leave.

“Treven, stay with Drago and protect him.”

“What…?” Treven couldn’t hide his disagreement. “Why…?” He complained. “Why me…? Grath can stay with him!”

Meanwhile, Drago was stunned. He was not expecting that. He was expecting to be left behind, not to be protected by the queen’s order. And Drago couldn’t deny the elation he felt, even though he knew that it will only cause him pain, he was still happy.

For such a small gesture to bring him immense happiness, it was the second time in his long-live life that he felt terrified.

“And what protection?! He’s a fucking dragon!” Treven pointed Drago. “He had thick, impenetrable skin! He doesn’t need protection. It is I who need protecting!”

Gatria didn’t heed any attention to Treven’s complaints. “If I see any cuts or bruises on Drago,” Gatria warned Treven, “No booze for you, and I might tell Zarek about your exciting escapades before.”

Treven gasped in horror. “You mean queen!”

Gatria smiled so innocently at Treven. “Whatever do you mean?”

Zarek frowned at Treven and Gatria before he turned to Gatria, “exciting escapades of Treven? Oh. I would like to know that—”

“No! You don’t!” Treven exclaimed, and dragged Drago away while he was looking at Gatria over his shoulder. “We’re leaving and I will protect your dragon so you better protect my image too!”

Gatria smiled triumphantly. “What image? You have one?”

Treven gasped in horror again, but still continued to drag Drago outside Belrac. Meanwhile, Zarek was looking at Treven’s back, curious about Treven’s exciting escapades.

It was Zarek’s first time to travel with companions. He was always alone in the Demon kingdom and even when he arrived here, he had no one. So to travel with everyone was an exciting escapade for him, that’s why he’s curious what kind of escapade did Treven do that it was so ‘exciting’, enough to make Treven exclaimed. I’ll ask him later , Zarek thought.

Concurrently, Gatria was watching the curiosity played in Zarek’s face and she couldn’t help smiling to herself. Looks like Treven had a lot of explaining to do with this innocent half-demon. With that thought, she stayed close to the gate, her eyes watching Drago and Treven, fighting monsters.

Well, Drago was fighting and Treven was just sitting there, yawning with his soulshard shield around him and Drago. The soldiers and hunters on the gate was in awe at the two, especially at Drago, who could easily split a humongous monster in two in just one slash of his great sword.

After some time, Count Salas finally came back with his first born son and was beyond grateful to see Drago and Treven fighting monsters that he immediately gave the journal to Gatria and ordered the soldiers and hunters on the gate to attack and fight with Drago.

“Fight for our town…!”

“Fight…!”

“For Belrac…!” Count Salas bellowed together with his son before running to the front line with his sword to fight for his home.

The morale of the soldiers and hunters were high, seeing Drago slaughtering monsters with ease. Shouts of triumph filled the gate, but Gatria had tuned them all out as she opened the journal to read the first page.

’I am a very lucky person to be able to receive a blessing from her highness, Queen Gatria, the Mistress of Nature. I never thought that I would have the honor to heal people, but through the queen’s blessing, I was able to perform a miracle. I was taught by my father not to cry for anything, but my tears just fell the first time I used my healing ability on my mother. I was beyond grateful to her Highness for blessing me with miracle and words couldn’t describe how grateful I am to her…“

Gatria closed the journal and looked outside the gate, at Count Salas and his son, who were fighting with their sword while selflessly healing the wounded hunters and soldiers around them.

So he has my blessing… Gatria mused as she narrowed her eyes on the Count and his son. Are they one of the good apples?

Before Gatria could answer herself, one of the monsters, a scorpion, buried its tail on Count Sabas’ son’s chest and carelessly threw the wounded against the town’s stone wall.

A howl filled with grief from Count Salas seeing his own son dying in front of him echoed in Belrac.

“No…! No…! My son!” Count Salas trembled as tears fell one after another from his eyes. He wanted to run to his son! To save him! To close the hole in his chest to try to save his life! But it was not only his son who needed his healing and he was not even certain if he was powerful enough to close that hole in his chest. There were more soldiers and hunters whom he could save, but it meant sacrificing his son!

The pain in Count Salas’ heart was unbearable that he howled for the second time. He was raised in a family where healers shouldn’t be selfish and greedy. He was raised with a principle that it was acceptable to sacrifice one patient to save hundreds more.

But this was his son! His own blood!

In the midst of his turmoil, he heard a woman’s voice. It was gentle, but cold. Yet, her voice was soothing.

“Go on. Keep healing. I will take care of your son.”

Count Salas was frozen in place when he realized who spoke. And in awe, he watched as his son was enveloped with soothing light green mist and when the mist started to fade, his son was healed and alive. It was as if there was no hole. Even his clothes that were destroyed by the scorpion’s attack was good as new.

It was a miracle beyond miracles.

‘… when the Mistress of Nature heals, whether a person or vegetation, a light green mist will arise and materialize. It was the Mistress of Nature’s soothing essence and to be able to witness such miracle was an honor of a lifetime…’

Count Salas was lost for words as he stared at the woman holding his great-grandfather’s journal.

The Mistress of Nature. Her Highness, Queen Gatria. She couldn’t possibly be… her?

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 9

GATRIA BREATHE out as she healed the last wounded hunter who took part in defending the town from monsters. Apparently, no one could heal multiple people at the same time aside for the high priests from the Holy Theocracy, so to avoid the reverent gaze of the people she healed as if she was a miracle worker, she left the town’s plaza and sat on a bench hidden from everyone.

Now alone, Gatria took a deep breath and sighed. She never thought that she would use her essence to heal human hunters and soldiers. She wanted to ask herself what was she thinking, but the truth was, she didn’t know as well. Her body just moved on its own accord and the next thing she knew, she was healing them.

It was as if someone compelled her to. But she knew there was no one. It was her decision to move, she just couldn’t accept that she did.

“Someone’s looking gloomy.”

Gatria raised her head and immediately eased up when he saw Drago in front of her. As if naturally, Gatria used her essence to heal the cut on Drago’s arm. “I think Treven is in need of punishment. He didn’t protect you well.”

Drago chuckled. “It’s just a cut. And I think Treven was chased by a scorpion earlier. He said he was traumatized.”

Gatria wanted to roll her eyes so much at Treven. “Knowing him, he’s just probably saying that to get Zarek’s sympathy.”

“I think so too. He looks unperturbed that he was chased— well, until Zarek arrived.” Silence fell on them until Drago motioned his hand on the bench Gatria was sitting on. “May I… sit with you?”

Gatria nodded.

With Gatria’s permission, that was the only time Drago moved to sit beside Gatria.

“Were you always this gentleman?” Gatria asked teasingly when Drago carefully took a seat beside her. “I never noticed. I always thought you were a brute.”

“Maybe you just… didn’t look my way long enough to notice.” Drago said in a low voice.

“I guess…” Gatria gracefully raised her hand and with a playful flick, vines and flowers adorned Drago’s wrist and arms. “Hmm. Suits you.”

Drago slightly raised his adorned arm as if inspecting it, then afterwards, he carefully unwrapped the vines around his arm together with the flowers. He was very careful to the point that even Gatria was impressed that he didn’t break anything.

And before Gatria’s astonished eyes, Drago made a flower crown out of the vines and flowers and then when he was finished, he gently placed it on her head and he smiled.

“There. It suits you more.”

Gatria’s lips parted for a second before a teasing smile appeared on her lips. “Isn’t this sautéing me in my own lard?”

Drago chuckled before he become serious. “I can make the most magnificent flower crown for you… if you let me.”

That made Gatria raised her eyebrows. “I actually want to see that.”

“But you can’t, am I right?”

Gatria stared at Drago. If one could read the look in the depth of her eyes, one could tell that she was not as dense as she appeared to be. But when she smiled, everything disappeared. “Maybe after everything is settled.” She slightly leaned at Drago as if trying to read him as she stared at his handsome face. “That’s okay, right? I mean, you’re a Dragon. A decade or so is just a blink of an eye for you.”

Drago didn’t pull away from Gatria’s gaze. “Patience is my strongest suit.”

And Gatria never doubt that. Not even for a second. “That settles it then. And maybe, when that time comes, we will fight again and I will win of course. And as for my prize, I will ask you to show me your dragon form. I’m curious.”

“Why wait until you win…? I can show it to you now.”

Gatria’s glistening eyes widened. “Truly? You’re not jesting?”

Drago stood up and offered his hand at Gatria. “May I…?”

Gatria didn’t know if Drago was just pulling her leg, but she was too curious what he looked like in his dragon form that she accepted his offered hand.

And the moment she did, he gently pulled her body close to his and she heard his low baritone voice over his ear. “May I hold your waist?”

“What…? Why?”

“We’re flying, of course.”

Gatria blinked. “Oh. Then, sure. You can.”

“My pleasure, Your Highness.”

One breath later, Drago’s arm snaked around Gatria’s waist and before she could feel the heat of his body against hers, Drago already leaped earning a loud, shocked gasps from Gatria that was followed by another when she realized how that leap brought them high up in the sky.

And for Gatria who dislike flying, she glared at the culprit who took her there. “Drago…!”

Drago just laughed and even let go of her.

“Dragoooo…!” Gatria screamed when she felt her body falling! “Dra—” Her scream ceased when she saw Drago in front of her, falling as well, and in a blink of an eye, Gatria had forgotten that she was falling.

Drago’s golden eyes glowed and before her eyes, Drago transformed into a majestic obsidian dragon. Jet black and dark. Only his golden eyes that never left her had a different color and Gatria wouldn’t deny it. It made him look imposing, yet the regal air around him couldn’t be denied.

“Drago…” before she could finish calling his name, Drago already dipped and positioned himself underneath her. And in less than a breath, she stopped falling and her feet landed on Drago’s sturdy back.

But Gatria didn’t remain standing. She fell on her knees and as if her life depended on it, she tightly held on Drago’s scales.

“Drago! Put me down!” She bellowed. She really hated flying. She hated the height. She disliked it. Especially this kind of height. She could endure Vago, Treven’s wyvern, but not this. This was too high!

But she only heard Drago’s soft chuckle before he flapped his jet-black wings and flew even higher.

“Drago…!” Gone was the calm, gentle and cold Gatria. The Gatria on Drago’s back had become nothing but a terrified queen. “Drago! I swear! I will kill you later…!”

Drago’s soft chuckle filled Gatria’s ear. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you fall.”

“How would you know that?!” Gatria screamed.

“I just do.” Drago flew even higher and Gatria continued panicking.

She couldn’t see nor hear anything as fear of height consumed her. She hated anything that had something to do with height. She didn’t know why, she just hated it.

“Look around and down, my Queen.”

“No!” Gatria stubbornly replied.

“You don’t want to see the beauty of Azitera?”

That made Gatria froze. “A-Azitera?”

“Yes. Look. You can see the sacred forest from here. We can even see the ocean from here.”

Intrigued by Drago’s words, Gatria forcefully pry open her eyes to take a peek only for her eyes to widen when she beheld the beauty of Azitera that Drago spoke of.

Azitera…

Gatria felt a lump on her throat as her eyes took in the beauty before her.

So beautiful. Barren land aside, Azitera was breathtaking. It looked majestic and Gatria became immersed at the sight as Drago silently and steadily flew in the sky.

The picturesque splendor before her eyes calmed Gatria’s nerves and in a matter of few breaths, her fear disappeared and she calmly sat on Drago’s back and enjoyed the scenery.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Hearing Drago’s voice in her head, Gatria was nonplussed. “Did… did you just speak to me in my head?”

“I’m in my dragon form. I can’t possibly speak normally. And I’d been talking to you like this since I transformed.”

“Oh.” I was so scared that I didn’t notice. Gatria concluded before she sighed and looked at the scenery below them. Silence was nice and she was thankful that Drago always gave her the silence she needed, but at that moment, for some reason, she wanted to have a conversation with Drago. “Drago?”

“Hmm?”

Hearing Drago’s voice in her head still made her jolt, but she was quick to pull herself together. “Does all dragons has the same color as you?”

“I don’t know. We don’t really transform into our dragon form that much.”

“Huh? Why not?”

“First, we can’t communicate with our own kind in our dragon form.”

Gatria’s forehead furrowed. “But you can communicate with me just fine?”

“Well… that’s a different matter.”

“How different?”

“I rather not say.”

Gatria narrowed her eyes on Drago’s neck. “Is that a secret?”

“Not really. I just don’t want to say it. It won’t do us both any good anyway.”

When Gatria became silent, Drago asked.

“Are you mad, Sword Goddess?”

Gatria wanted to know about why he couldn’t communicate with his own kind in his dragon form, but he could with her. She wanted to force the answer out of him, but she knew how rude she would be to force someone to spill their secrets, so she dropped her curiosity and change the topic.

“You know, Drago, you’d been calling me Sword Goddess, Her Highness and my Queen. The inconsistency is bothering me. Why don’t you just pick one out of the three and call me that from now on?”

“That would be hard. Because to me, you’re the Sword Goddess, you are Her Highness and also my Queen.”

“Well, that ‘Sword Goddess’, your ‘Her Highness’ and your ‘Queen’ has a name and it’s Gatria. Why don’t you start me by my name?”

“That would be presumptuous of me.”

“How so when it’s me who’s giving you permission to call me by my name?”

“Still inappropriate for the likes of me to address you as such.”

Gatria rolled her eyes at Drago. “As far as I can remember, you already called me Gatria when you thought I was in danger and you were worried about me. So I’m assuming that it won’t be hard for you to call me Gatria. Only fair since I’d been calling you by your name as well.” If Drago was stubborn, Gatria was more so. “If you kept calling me with those titles, I will call you ‘my lord’ as well— aaahhhh!”

Drago’s body literally fell as if he had forgotten how to fly for a few seconds until he heard Gatria’s full of terror scream and got his bearings back.

“Don’t scare me like that!” Gatria snapped and punched Drago’s back. Of course, even when Gatria used all her physical strength, Drago didn’t so much as flinch.

“I’m sorry. That ‘my lord’ shocked me.”

Gatria wanted to scold Drago more, but she couldn’t help smiling at his reason why he suddenly stopped flying for a few seconds and fell. “Seriously?”

“I apologized for being weak.”

Gatria held her laughter in. “Should I start calling you ’my—”

“Don’t.” Drago warned Gatria in panic. “We’ll fall.”

“I thought you wouldn’t let me fall?”

“If you call me ‘my lord’, we will!”

Gatria couldn’t hold it in anymore, she laughed.

“I always knew you were a bully.”

Gatria laughed harder.

“Whatever. As long as you’re happy.”

Gatria sobered up and patted Drago’s back. “From now on, call me Gatria, or else, I’ll call you ‘my lord’.”

Drago sighed and spoke in sarcasm. “And they say you’re the most gentlest queen of Yther.”

She smiled so innocently. “I am. You should meet the three. Compared to them, I am gentler.”

“Now that’s scary.”

Gatria chuckled and her smile widened when she realized how free she felt flying on Drago’s back. It was like her woes had been whisked away and all she could feel was tranquility.

“Drago?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you have an ability to make someone feel tranquil even in the midst of chaos?”

“I wish I have so I can calm you down when you’re confused and mad.”

“Is that so?” Gatria lifted her head to feel the wind against her face before she smiled. “Say, Drago, after you find what happened to your young kind, what will you do?”

“Go back home, I guess.”

Gatria opened her mouth to say something, but decided not to. “You should tell your king to secure his kingdom, so humans won’t be able to trespass.”

“I will. How about you? What are you going to do once we reach the capital of Treterra?”

“My initial plan was to bring havoc and kill them all.” Gatria said apathetically. “But it seems that I can’t do that to the remaining good apples— whoever they are. Though it doesn’t mean that I trust those good apples and won’t cause havoc. Those people in the palace and their noble houses owes me a huge debt. And it’s time for me to collect.”

Gatria expect Drago to say something against her plan, but he kept quiet.

“I thought you’ll be against it.” She said.

“I will never know your pain. I can only imagine it. I have no right to tell you what to feel or put words in your mouth. But it would make me happy if your wrath did not include the good apples and the little ones. Whether you like it or not, the little ones are the future of Azitera, together with other races young ones. You may argue and say that they might destroy Azitera one day, but that’s just an assumption. And if they ever did, it would be no sweat for you to take them down as the overseer and I will help you if I must. It may be selfish of me to ask, but please, Your Highness, give the good apples and the little ones a chance. They could still be molded into an upstanding citizen of Azitera under a good ruler. The last thing you and I want is for the civilization to decline.”

Gatria understood Drago. It was her job to oversee. She was blessed by the deities for that purpose. It was her responsibility to stop anything that threatens the decline of the civilization.

And at that moment— she was that threat.

But because of Drago, his wisdom, his words and the tranquility his presence provides, she was slowly deviating from being a threat.

Gatria took a deep breath and sighed. “Drago.”

“Hmm?”

“One more ‘Your Highness’ and I will call you ‘my lord’ until we parted ways.”

Drago immediately went silent.

Gatria shook her head before she looked down and sighed. “We should land. The others might be looking for us.”

Without saying a word, Drago flew down and midway, he went back to his humanoid form with Gatria on his arms and he safely and carefully landed outside Belrac.

Drago could land inside Belrac, but afraid that the impact would destroy their surroundings, he chose to land outside the town.

Gatria immediately jump off from Drago’s arm to fixed her dress, cloak and hair. Only when she looked decent did she face Drago.

And without sharing words again, Drago motioned his hand to the town’s gate and together, they walked towards it.

Midway, Gatria slowed down until she stopped all together and stared at Drago’s broad back. A few seconds after that, Drago realized Gatria was not by his side and immediately turned around to look for Gatria and when his golden eyes found hers, he tilted his head as if asking what she was doing, stopping midway.

“Thank you,” she said.

Dragon blinked and frowned. “Did I do something to deserve a thank you?”

Gatria just smiled and run to catch up to Drago.“

“Your Hi—”

“Continue that and you will be ‘my lord’ for the rest of our travel.”

Drago did not continue and sighed. “That’s blackmail.”

Gatria just chuckled before running towards the town’s gate. Drago immediately followed and in no time, they arrived at the entrance and was immediately ushered in when the soldiers realized who the two were.

“It’s just a matter of time before this town gets destroyed.” Drago muttered under his breath as he glanced at the empty stalls and lifeless streets. Only soldiers and hunters could be seen wandering around town.

Gatria silently agreed with Drago.

“Finally!” Someone bellowed and then the a carriage stopped Drago and Gatria on their tracks. “I’d been looking for Her Highness and His Lordship for a while now.” The soldier jumped down from the carriage’s front and bowed his head, “would you please enter the carriage and let me bring Her Highness and His Lordship to Count Salas’ residence? Her Highness’s and His Lordship companions are already there, waiting. We apologize for not preparing a carriage.

Drago frowned at the soldier. “What did you just call me?”

Gatria stifled a laugh, earning a glare from Drago.

“His L-Lordship…?” The soldier gingerly replied.

Gatria couldn’t hold it in anymore, she laughed and Drago couldn’t do anything but sighed after hearing Gatria’s melodious laughter.

“I’ll forgive you just this once,” Drago told the soldier, “don’t call me that again. My name is Drago. Use that instead of that horrible sounding title.”

Gatria was still laughing as they rode the carriage and Drago sighed and stared at her flatly until she sobered up.

But even after Gatria sobered up, she would still chuckle from time to time as the carriage moved towards Count Salas’ residence.

Drago shook his head at Gatria. “Is it really that amusing?”

Gatria nodded while chuckling. “You should have seen your face when he called you ‘Lordship’.” Gatria stifled a laugh. “You looked horrified.” And Gatria’s laughter continued again.

Drago sighed heavily. “I’m happy that you’re happy, but to be happy at my expense? I’m hurt, Gatria.”

Gatria abruptly stopped laughing and stilled, then she turned to look at Drago.

Drago frowned at the suddenness of Gatria’s change of emotion. “… hmm?”

“Nothing.” Gatria pulled her gaze away and looked outside the carriage.

Drago’s gaze lingered at Gatria, after a while, he leaned back and closed his eyes as if resting.

Silence fell on the two until the carriage stopped and they heard the soldier’s voice announcing their arrival.

Stepping out from the carriage, Drago offered his hand at Gatria who gracefully accepted it and let Drago guide her towards the Count’s home.

There was nothing out of the ordinary as Gatria and Drago entered the Count’s home, until they reached the drawing room where they were welcomed by the Count and his family who were all kneeling and bowing at them— at Gatria.

“Please forgive our humble abode, Her Highness, Queen Gatria!” The Count and his family bowed even more deeply that his forehead was already touching the floor. “Please…! Welcome to Belrac!”

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 10

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 11

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 12

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 13

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 14

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 15

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 16

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 17

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 18

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 19

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 20

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 21

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 22

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 23

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 24

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 25

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 26

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 27

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 28

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 29

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 30

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 31

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 32

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 33

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 34

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 35

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 36

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 37

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 38

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 39

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 40

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 41

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 42

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 43

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 44

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 45

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 46

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 47

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 48

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 49

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 50

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 51

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 52

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 53

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 54

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 55

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 56

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 57

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 58

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 59

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 60

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 61

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 62

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 63

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 64

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 65

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 66

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 67

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 68

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 69

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 70

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 71

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 72

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 73

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 74

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 75

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 76

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 77

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 78

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 79

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

CHAPTER 80

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

EPILOGUE

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: FROM SKY CASTLE TO ADRAL (Astrid)

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: AFTER DEATH (DRAGO)

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: IF YOU LOVE THEM… (KAR DRUE)

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: SMALL TALKS AND A MYSTERY (TARKAN, LUAN, SURIA, VARNON)

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: SUPREME DEITY VATRA’S MEMORY (SOLLEL)

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: ARE YOU MY… (GATRIA)

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

✨ CeCeLib’s 10th Anniversary Event ✨

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.