Chapter 10: Shattered Crowns and Crimson Skies
Two weeks passed like smoke through fingers. The air had grown warmer, the forests greener, and within the small cabin on the outskirts of the southern border, Elias held Serana close, her pregnant form resting against his chest like a calm flame.
The morning sunlight filtered through half-drawn curtains, casting golden threads across the wooden walls. Their laughter echoed in soft tones. Outside, birds sang, unaware of what the world would soon become.
A knock broke the silence.
A knight stood tall at the door, cloaked in silver-stitched armor, his helm tucked under one arm. "Sir Elias. A letter from His Majesty."
Elias took it with a frown. The seal was golden wax, pressed with the royal insignia.
"Do not forget to meet me later this night."
He sighed. "Serana?"
She turned, stretching in the doorway, hair braided loosely over her shoulder. "The king again?"
He nodded. "I'll handle it."
She gave him a reassuring look, one hand on her growing belly. "Then we spar until sunset. Deal?"
"Deal," he smiled. "But don't hold back just because you're glowing."
The clearing behind their cabin shimmered with late afternoon sun, casting long shadows through the canopy of emerald. The grass was soft but patchy, dotted with wildflowers and moss-covered stones.
Elias adjusted his stance, sword glinting in hand. Serana stood opposite him, dressed in leather-tinted battlewear designed for light movement. Her fire affinity flickered in her gauntlets, enhancing her strikes.
They clashed. Steel met steel, then magic shimmered along the air. Sparks danced where her blows met his parries. Her movements were fluid, like water wearing down rock. Elias found himself on the defensive, breath caught between surprise and awe.
"You're still not holding back?" Elias grinned, dodging a flaming sweep.
"I never do," she said, twirling and kicking the blade from his hand.
He stumbled back, landing on moss. She walked over, sweat glistening along her brow, her skin glowing under the moon's silver gaze.
"You're radiant," Elias said, voice low. "Even your sweat makes you look like a goddess."
She blushed, then smacked his arm. "Stop that."
"I mean it."
"Get up, Knight Elias. We're not done yet."
He rose. But he felt the weight of the king's summons return. "It's time."
The royal castle was a colossus of opulence. Ivory towers kissed the clouds, and beneath them, the throne hall stood as a monument to might. Marble pillars, crimson banners embroidered in gold, and the throne—blackened obsidian veined with ruby.
The king, draped in ceremonial armor adorned with dragon motifs and runes etched in ancient script, sat with a wine goblet, his crown casting long shadows on the polished floor.
"Elias," he greeted, standing. "Come. I wish to show you something… private."
They walked behind the throne where a concealed passage spiraled downward.
Hour after hour, they descended.
The air thickened. Torches flickered to life with eerie blue flames. The walls grew narrower. The scent of rot became unbearable.
Finally, they reached it.
A chamber of death.
Bones. Hundreds. No—thousands. Lining the walls, covering the floor. Skulls of men, women, even children. Chains still hung from the ceiling. Blood had long dried into blackened crusts.
Sacrificial circles pulsed faintly.
Elias drew his sword in one motion, slicing the king's arm.
The king didn't flinch. The wound sizzled and sealed.
"You always were… too noble."
His left arm twisted. Skin tore as scales emerged. A demon's claw extended from flesh, massive and blackened, veins pulsing with red heat.
The creature lunged.
Elias dodged—barely. The claw scraped his shoulder, tearing armor and skin.
He struck back, slashing across the creature's ribs. It howled.
But Elias didn't wait. He kicked a vial of dust from the floor into the air, used the explosion of particles to vanish.
He burst into the cabin, breath ragged.
Serana stood, tense. Caelus—dressed in travel gear, one hand on his sword—was talking calmly.
"What happened?" she asked.
Elias explained, briefly, blood soaking through his tunic.
Caelus stood, sharp eyes moving to the window.
Dozens of knights were surrounding them.
"I'll fight them off," Caelus said.
Elias grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?"
Caelus smiled faintly. "The forest. Cross it. It'll hide your tracks."
Serana stepped forward. "But—"
Caelus interrupted, more earnest now. "Let me protect you. Please."
Elias's heart twisted. Something in Caelus's eyes reminded him of Roran.
"Don't die," Elias whispered.
"I'll see you again."
Three Years Later
The village was quiet. Serana hummed as she cradled Lira, their daughter with her mother's eyes and her father's seriousness.
But betrayal brewed.
The village head had taken gold.
One night, screams tore the air.
They were ambushed.
Knights in obsidian armor. Familiar faces twisted by loyalty and greed.
Elias fought with his bare hands and sword. Serana summoned waves of fire and kinetic bursts, tearing apart enemies.
Blood coated the grass. Their home burned.
The king appeared, floating above, his crown gleaming, demonic wings unfurled behind him.
Serana turned. "We can't beat him. Not now. Not with Lira."
She created a vortex of flame and force.
"Go!" she screamed.
Elias hesitated, heart breaking. He tried to speak.
She raised the barrier, sealing herself off. "Protect her."
Elias ran.
The king landed.
Serana faced him, one arm injured, hair loose, eyes burning.
They fought.
Her spear sang—imbued with the soul of the forest, now reborn with a true name. Flames exploded with every strike. Lightning crashed. The ground cracked.
He countered with demonic strength—massive claws, waves of dark fire, and corrupted runes.
Hours passed.
Blood soaked the earth. Her left hand was severed. She kept fighting.
She stabbed through his gut.
But then—
A blade pierced her back.
Caelus.
"Why?" she croaked.
He wept. "You were supposed to love me. I was the one meant for you. Marry me, and I'll let them go."
She spat blood. "Never. Elias is the only one I'll ever love."
The spear shifted. A storm of power erupted.
She became something else. A wrathful wraith. A mad goddess.
For two days, she battled both Caelus and the king.
Caelus's blade shattered. The king was torn nearly in half.
But the demon in him kept him alive.
Serana collapsed, whispering something to her weapon. Her body trembled. Magic bled from her pores.
The king rose. Barely.
He placed the sword on her neck.
"Last words?"
"See you in hell," she said.
He beheaded her.
Far Away
Elias reached the northern edge of the continent.
There was a cabin by a cliff, surrounded by pine trees. He raised Lira in silence.
The forest beyond whispered with wind.
He stared at the sword he'd buried.
Then, he woke.
The dream was over.
And something had changed in his eyes.