"Miss Eyla, if I may be so bold to inquire," Grima said with a hint of curiosity. "what exactly is the nature of your relationship with Lord Alavin?" She could tell that Eyla was far from the simple facade she presented. Just the other day, outside the storeroom, the way Eyla handled the situation with Celesse was nothing short of masterful. With a few light-hearted jests, she had effortlessly defused what could have been an awkward confrontation and had smoothly eased the tension between herself, Alavin, and Celesse.
"What about us?" Eyla asked with a smile, gazing at Alavin in the distance. The moonlight, like liquid silver, illuminated the valley and cast a glow on his strong upper body. The perfect lines of his muscles were utterly enchanting. His long hair floated freely, half-hiding his chiseled cheeks.
"Do you fancy our Lord Alavin?"
"You should be asking if he fancies me," Eyla replied with a wink.
"He is still naive, unversed in matters of the heart."
Godfred chuckled, "Who says Alavin is clueless? He knows plenty. He's just too preoccupied with other matters right now. But once he sorts everything out, you watch him..."
"Intruders!" Grima suddenly stood up. Her golden spear flipped and landed with a “thwack” in her hand, ablaze with light as fierce as flames.
Godfred was on alert instantly. His smile vanished as he stood guard, and his body wreathed in a purple aura of potent soul force. A pair of violet wings unfurled with a mighty flourish, whipping up a howling wind that scattered the dead leaves and gravel of the deep valley.
Alavin and Eyla were jolted awake and quickly gathered together. "What's happened?"
"A powerful presence is drawing near... Here they come!" Both of their faces blanched as they stood defensively before Alavin and Eyla, wary of the valley entrance.
"Don't panic. It's us!" Hamund, with Mariela and Celesse in tow, rushed into the valley, their speed so extraordinary it kicked up a chilling strong wind. The first thing Hamund did was set the Commander down, pressing on his wounds to channel energy and sustain his life force. The Commander's injuries were grave, with five chains piercing through his heart and main arteries. It seemed the Grand Elder had not intended for him to survive for long.
"How did you get here?" They rushed forward to greet them.
Was that the Commander?!
Celesse said, "Thankfully, my mentor went to see the Commander and managed to rescue him by a stroke of luck. Otherwise, the Grand Elder might have taken control of Cobalt Strike and discovered the truth of the legacy unnoticed."
"He doesn't know it's with me now, does he?" Alavin frowned, realizing that the inevitable had finally arrived.
“Kings' Acceptance, you are indeed a curse. Everyone involved has met with misfortune. Now that I have obtained you, will you continue to unleash calamity?” Alavin thought.
"He probably doesn't know yet, but it won't stay hidden for long. My mentor is in their hands now."
Celesse urged, "Lord Viperbane's forces are closing in on us. We must leave this place quickly."
Grima asked urgently, "How many are they?"
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