Elizabeth heard the news that La found the traitor, and she got worried, hoping La didn't take any action without help. "Valiant and Zara, hurry and make your way to La now, she needs help," Elizabeth said, her voice laced with concern. "I will alert the guards and—"
Valiant cut her off, "You need rest, my queen. You've done enough. Please sit this one out."
Elizabeth's expression turned stern. "I already know, you didn't have to remind me. If it ends up getting out of hand, please contact me."
Valiant nodded, her face set in determination. "Don't worry, it won't come to that."
Zara and Valiant rushed out to help La, who was struggling against Kael and the treacherous guard. As they arrived, the scene unfolded before them: La, her back against the wall, fending off Kael's attacks; the guard lying unconscious on the ground; and Kael's eyes, gleaming with triumph.
But before they could intervene, Kael triggered the explosives.
The world around them erupted in chaos as the castle shook, and flames erupted. Elizabeth, still in the throne room, was caught in the blast. Her body shielded others, taking the full force of the explosion.
La's scream echoed through the ruins, a primal cry of rage and loss. She transformed, her body shifting into a majestic cat-like creature with striking patterns and fiery red eyes.
As the dust settled, Valiant stumbled through the debris, her eyes fixed on the wreckage that had been the throne room. "Elizabeth...no..." she whispered, her voice cracking.
Zara reached La's side, trying to calm her down, but La was beyond consolation. Her gaze locked onto Kael, who stood amidst the destruction, a smirk twisting his face.
La's fury boiled over, and she sprang into action, pursuing Kael with a singular focus: vengeance.
As La vanished into the chaos, Valiant knelt beside Elizabeth's lifeless body, her eyes welling up with tears. She whispered her sister's name, her voice barely audible over the ringing in her ears.
Zara stood frozen, her gaze torn between La's retreating form and Valiant's grief-stricken face. She knew she had to act, but her feet felt rooted to the spot.
The sound of crumbling stone and distant screams filled the air, a grim reminder that the castle was collapsing around them. Valiant's jaw clenched, her grief giving way to rage. She gently laid Elizabeth's body down, her movements economical as she rose to her feet.
"We need to get out of here, now," she said, her voice firm, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
Zara nodded, still dazed, and followed Valiant as they made their way through the treacherous terrain. They stumbled upon a group of survivors, huddled together in a corner, their faces etched with fear.
Valiant took charge, her military training kicking in. "We need to get these people to safety," she said, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of escape routes.
As they worked to evacuate the survivors, Zara couldn't shake off the image of La, her eyes blazing with fury, her heart shattered by Elizabeth's death. She knew La would stop at nothing to avenge the queen, and she feared for Kael's life.
Meanwhile, La prowled the shadows, her senses on high alert, her gaze fixed on Kael's retreating back. She could smell his fear, his uncertainty. He thought he'd won, but he had only ignited a firestorm.
The hunt had begun, and La was the predator.