In a blink of an eye, two years had already gone. Time moved quietly in Velmora, slipping through their fingers like water, yet leaving behind memories that felt etched into the soul.
Xavier was standing on the cliff, the wind brushing through his dark hair as he stared into the endless horizon. The sky was a blend of fading gold and dimming blue, the kind of sky that carried both peace and warning. Isabel walked up to him silently, slipping her arms around him from behind. The warmth of her touch seemed to pull him back from whatever heavy thoughts clouded his mind. A small smile curved at his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Isabel asked softly. "I have noticed your mood lately, and I can sense that all is not well."
He held her hands gently and turned towards her. The wind carried the weight of his silence before he finally spoke.
"Something came up in the underworld, and I need to go check it out," Xavier told her.
Her heart sank even though she tried to hide it. "So you are leaving?" Isabel asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, for now. But I will be back. All you have to do is wait patiently for me," Xavier told her with a reassuring smile.
Isabel gave a slow nod in affirmation, though her chest tightened with unease. She knew the underworld was unpredictable. And anything unpredictable could take him away from her.
---
In the palace
General Malvek stood before King Xandros with one knee on the ground, head bowed. The throne room felt colder than usual, shadows sliding across the marble floor like silent threats.
"It has been two years, and you haven't found the princess!" King Xandros exploded, his voice echoing off the high pillars.
"We have been looking for her for two years already, Your Majesty," Malvek replied cautiously. "I am sorry to say, but I think the princess might be long gone by now. Since it is rumored that she was taken by a monster… the monster might have fed on her—" He lowered his voice as he said the last sentence.
"Enough!" the king raged, rising abruptly.
His fury shook the room.
"If she is actually dead, then get me her dead body. You must bring her back whether alive or dead," King Xandros commanded with an icy finality.
Due to the princess's escape, the marriage alliance between Elarindor and Tharwen had been voided, now threatening the safety of the kingdom. He refused to sacrifice his second daughter, Princess Joan, to the enemy kingdom. That left him only one desperate mission—find Isabel, dead or alive.
"You are dismissed," King Xandros said. With a stiff bow, General Malvek stood and left.
---
It was Joan's 18th birthday. The entire council was present, and the palace sparkled with festivities. Laughter filled the hall, goblets clinked, and dancers swayed to lively music. Amidst the celebration sat King Xandros on his royal throne, Queen Murine beside him, and Princess Joan glowing in a shimmering gown.
A toast was raised for the king, wishing him long life and prosperity.
Then the king called upon Dylan, who was seated among the council. Dylan rose slowly.
"I am glad you are finally in good health after about two years now," the king said. "Take three months and prepare. After that, you should go ahead and take my princess as your bride."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Dylan replied with a slight bow before sitting again. The merriment continued, but his mind drifted far away.
---
The following day, Dylan and his subordinates were taking a stroll around the village.
"Will you really marry Princess Joan?" Gorge asked.
Dylan paused briefly, then continued walking without answering. His silence spoke louder than words.
"Have you told the king that you lost the family heirloom meant for the princess?" Gorge pressed.
"I didn't lose it," Dylan corrected him quietly. "I just gave it out for a while. That's why we need to find that lady sooner."
His mind flashed back to her innocent smile—the girl he had met in the cold forest. Her red hair, her blue eyes, the way they shone under the moonlight. He could still remember the moment she saved him and how she asked for the family heirloom as if she knew what it was and wanted it. Two years of recovery felt like a lifetime, yet he had never forgotten her.
He hoped she was still alive.
---
Isabel noticed she was being followed as she walked through the village of Velmora. Her heartbeat quickened. The shadows behind her grew heavier. Something was wrong.
Instinct kicked in and she began to run. The group of men chased after her, their footsteps pounding against the earth like drums of doom.
She sprinted toward the mountains, but before she could escape, she was cornered.
"No place to run to again, Princess," Malvek said, stepping forward with cold satisfaction.
Isabel stared at them in terror.
"It's time to go home," Malvek added, an evil smile forming at the corner of his lips. "I'm sure your father will be pleased to see you."
Before she could scream, something struck her head sharply. Her vision blurred. The world spun.
Then—darkness.
She collapsed to the ground, completely unconscious.