The shock was heavier than the screams…
The soldiers froze completely in their places. The allied kings exchanged uneasy, paranoid glances, and the sorcerers stepped back in fear, as if facing a terrifying miracle that defied all human reason.
Four legendary dragons—the absolute mightiest ever to soar the skies of the continent—were bowing submissively before a mere servant girl!
The Queen of the Water Kingdom raised her hand with great difficulty, her voice hoarse and trembling: — "This… this cannot be… Freyz blood? Impossible… they were completely wiped out centuries ago…"
Then, her sharp cry rose high above the roar of fire and thick smoke: — "Seize her! Do not let her escape!"
Her command echoed through the square, and the vast armies turned to their respective rulers, waiting for the final orders.
But the other kings all roared in unison, their eyes gleaming with dread: — "Catch her now!"
The soldiers surged forward like a devastating flood, swords drawn and sharp spears aimed directly at Dalirina's chest.
Elinor roared in fury, flames swelling at the absolute brink of eruption within her throat.
But Dalirina stretched out her trembling hand to stop the beast: — "No… don't do it, Elinor!"
Prince Fairo immediately rushed before her, his sword raised high. He deflected the lethal strikes of the soldiers pressing in around them from all angles: — "You will not lay a single hand on her!"
As for the King of Nairon, he stood entirely motionless on the wall. His face was steeped in heavy turmoil, his eyes fixed on Dalirina's crying form.
His heart screamed out in agony: No… not her… she is like my own daughter…
Yet, he remained completely silent. He was unwilling to raise his royal hand to stop what was unfolding.
In a terrifying moment thick with blood and chaos, the armies closed in from every single side.
They brutally seized Prince Fairo, tackling him and stripping him of his weapon.
The dragons tried to break free to resist, but Dalirina strictly commanded them to stop, and—astonishingly—the massive beasts obeyed.
Heavy iron chains were clamped onto her wrists, shackling her tightly. She was dragged away alongside the bleeding prince into the deep, dark dungeons beneath the palace.
… … …
In the cold, suffocating gloom, Fairo sat leaning against the stone wall beside her, his breath still ragged from the brutal battle.
Dalirina kept her head bowed low. She was utterly lost in a thousand burning questions about her dark fate and her true identity.
She could feel the heavy, mystical pull of ancient blood pulsing in her veins… as though history itself was whispering secrets within her.
Suddenly, the heavy cell door creaked open.
The head maid entered silently, carrying a simple wooden tray of food. She set it down before Dalirina, then slowly lowered herself onto the cold ground beside the iron bars.
Her voice quivered heavily as she spoke: — "It is time I told you the absolute truth… Dalirina."
Dalirina lifted her eyes in pure shock as the old woman went on, her eyes reflecting the dim torchlight: — "Your grandmother… she was the legendary fairy who allegedly betrayed the kingdoms. She was branded a traitor simply because she belonged to the sacred Freyz bloodline. Your mother was her only daughter."