Hell's Flame

“Hell’s Crimson Flame has been released into earth, your majesty.’’

“The war has begun.”

Chapter One

She pierced his heart as he dropped onto his knees with both hands grabbing onto the sword. The girl no older than sixteen crawled to hide in the corner. Her clothes were all torn up and she was left with nothing on. Her anger raged like flames as she pushed the sword until it couldn’t go anymore. The Prince’s eyes couldn’t widen enough, and his fear was what she enjoyed the most. She smirked behind the mask that covered her face. He was as good as dead as she kicked at his chest pulling her sword all the way out. The dead prince dropped onto the floor as the blood bled through the wooden floor. With her bloodied sword she walked over to the crying girl now. She throws a cloak around the girl as the girl seemed to want to vanish. “Listen,’’ she finally spoke. The girl stops withering as she finally gazes up from her position. “Take the secret passage and go back to Dusk Land. Do not look back,’’ she warns the girl. With both her hands on the girl’s shoulder she helped the girl stand up on her two feet. “Go.’’

To her family, she was long dead. Her deadly gaze glanced down at the Dusk people with their head bow while the army and horses passed through. Her family was ashamed of her as they couldn’t bring their gaze to meet her eyes. Yet, she couldn’t keep looking as she forced her to gaze up straight again. She was the enemy now with the Red Symbol armor on which belonged to the Army of King Valentino. Who the Dusk People hate through generations. King Valentino had taken over their green land and given them nothing. His men raping their daughters and killed their husband and sons. There was nothing the Dusk People hated more. The messenger brought out the rolled script as he read out loud the King’s message. “To the Dusk People, as you may have heard by now. Crown Prince Armani has been murdered in his sleep and the killer is loose. To ensure your safety, there will be Red soldier guarding for your people safety.’’ He rolled the script up again as he stepped back. But the people there knew better it was because King Valentino was trying to put his son murder on them. Scapegoat. If the Red Soldier can find anything just anything to make up another whole story, then the Dusk People would be the one to lose. There was always silence at first but then there wasn’t. And like the dust they rise.

“For our safety?’’ someone shouted from the crowd. “When did he ever care about our safety!” another one shouted. “We don’t fucking need your protection!” Suddenly there was no one bowing anymore everyone was up with their hands in the air. She glanced around where her family was at. She jumped down from her horse as the Red Soldier were already starting to attack the crowd.

“Don’t come near us,’’ her mom stopped her as she halts in place. Everything was happening so fast and everything was in chaos as the dust raised from the horse running over and around people.

“I won’t. But go,’’ she said nodding for her pregnant mother to go and hide with her younger brother hand in hand. He waves at her as her Mother dragged him to hide. Quickly, jumping back on her horse, Julian asked her where she went as he couldn’t see what was happening since the dust was rising blinding everyone. "These low duskens,'' she lie through her teeth. Some soldiers laughed as her dead eyes watched them.

The drum went off as it echoed across the Kingdom and into the Dead Forest. The four beasts were awakening for the attack. They were given by Queen Qscar of Ashen as a present for King Valentino.

Ice went back to her favorite place that day on top of a cliff feeling the wind on her face. She could smell the freshness of the greens. “Took you beasts long enough,’’ she said, her back facing them.

“A little girl killed the crown prince, what a shame,’’ spoke the beasts together. Slowly standing up she turned around to face the four beasts.

“I thought you guys would be prettier. But as beastly as you guys can look,’’ she said crossing her arms. She tries to even her voice and she has to try to plan on how to kill them. They started to circle around her as they sniffed the air. If she can, she wants to send them all over the cliff.

“What the hell are you?’’ the leader of the beast slowly stepped towards her. He sniffed the air once more. “We have found a gem,’’ the leader said. In one motion they turned from their beast’s forms into human figures. There stood four tall men with such beauty yet lace with wilderness in their eyes.

“The rules are always the same if you can beat us. You have earned our loyalty.” She wasn’t going to let this chance go to waste. Yet, she didn’t have any idea how to beat them. Her emotionless face is not giving nothing away. Even fear cannot surface. Even though inside she was trembling.

Ice walks back toward her small wooden house where the only thing she does is sleep. The night crept in as the night animals awakened. She could hear every sound that echoes in this forest. From a distance, she heard a horse galloping toward her place. With her sword at her side, she jumps up from the bed as she steps outside quickly climbing up a tree. There was fire lighting the way for them. Looking at their armor, they were King Valentino’s best warriors. Deadly, evil and ruthless. They kill without thinking and whoever they want to kill King Valentino has their back. Leaning against the tree as she held her breath. Why were they passing this way? Was it because of the four beasts? They gallop away passing her as she watches them until they are out of sight.

“How can someone as small as you get in here?’’ the woman called, Claere said. Claere Gnam being the King’s favorite thing, she was put to Commander position without having to go to any training. The King gets every girl he wants in this land, women are treated like a waste as money and power hold over their head. As of today, we were going to witness a girl be taken away. It, not the first time she was seeing this. Commander Claere instead of waiting for Ice's answer turns away instead. “Search until we find that lover couple. Do not let them cross the border to Ashen.”

With her sword by her side, she steps alongside Julian. “Let’s bet,’’ Ice said. Julian turned to look at her raising an eyebrow.

“Whoever finds them first gets to make the other person do something,’’ she said. Julian smirk as he always wins in bets like this.

“Deal.”

Separating from Julian, she hurries toward the border running as fast as she can. As she heard a scream from the north she could feel the wind brushing against her. She saw the sight of the girl and her lover into view and she stopped. There standing in front of the lovers were two Red soldiers. Lover boy had his sword out while the girl was hiding behind him. There was a spring filled with warm rising water. Flowers grow around it with trees surrounding the place. Why were they here instead of the border? The male had a hood over his head while the female had long blonde hair with such beautiful skin. She fitted into the King’s target of a woman. Skin as pure as the crystal on his crown. Ice could clearly see that the male was hurt from how he held his sword loosely with no grip. “Stop,’’ the girl suddenly spoke up. As she finally steps in front of her lover blocking the soldiers from him. “I will go with you if you guys let him go,’’ she pleads.

The soldier laughed out loud as the birds and animals started to go away. “Of course, we will let him go,’’ the soldier lied through his teeth. Ice knew that no one was going to be alive out of this. Especially the lover boy, he was the first one to go. As the girl was about to step forward the boy held on to her shaking his head. He gripped her hand like it was his last breath.

“Don’t go,’’ he said.

“Just know that I love you,’’ she softly said. But his grip on her was tighter than before. As one of the soldiers reached out for her hand as soon as her hand was placed on the soldiers, an arrow went straight through the soldier’s forehead.

Lover boy quickly pulls the girl back into his arms as he throws his sword at the other soldier killing him on the spot. The girl let out a cry of horror at what she saw.

“Let’s go,’’ he said. Ice thought they were about to head to the border but with words from the lover boy's mouth the pond began to swirl with strong winds and everything seemed to be shaking. Before she knew they both had vanished. Ice quickly broke her bow and threw it away as she picked up her sword again. Magic, interesting.

“Where is the girl?!’’ the King’s right-hand man, Garret Gnam, shouted. Commander Claere quickly bows her head to her father. There was no girl to return to the King. Gnam was panicking as he was the one to have to face the King. “What happened?’’ he shouted.

“Someone helped them,’’ Claere said.

“Who? Does that person want to die!”

“We don’t know,’’ she answers. Whoever was at the end of the first row was going to get a slap. As Gnam paced back and forth until he stopped, and it was at the end of the first row. With one loud slap, everyone stood taller.

“Go and capture the person that helps them. I want him alive,’’ Gnam said. All of us bow as we were dismissed.

“Who would have been brave enough to help them?’’ Julian said as he steps next to me. Ice shrugged with no clue as she and Julian came to the scene. “I have never seen this place before in my life,’’ Julian spoke.

“Of course, this is the Dead Forest. No one dares to step in here alone and in the dark.” There is a reason that the Dusk people never tries to escape from here. That was due to the Dead Forest, no one ever came out to the other side alive. The lovers risk so much just to be in love. Commander Claere bends down to examine the arrow that struck the heart of the dead soldier. No one in the village could have a weapon. No one.

“Take this arrow to Jack and make sure to examine it well.’’ The King was probably going to forget this soon enough. As the Thousand Year Ceremony was going to occur tomorrow night. The Oracle had said this year was the year to hold the Thousand Year ceremony. Where all the realms exist comes to meet. It was said that the last one was when First Light still existed. When her people, the dusk people still had thier land. That means that this ceremony could be the only one that happens in a lifetime. She felt the wind again but this time it was strange. Like someone was watching them. She glanced around the area but there was no one to be seen.

“Ice, Ice,’’ someone shook her arm realizing that someone was touching her. She yanked out of that person's grasp.

“What?’’ she said, turning to look at Julian.

“Let’s go,’’ he said, his eyes widen at her behavior. Without another word, she starts toward the Kingdom where everyone is rushing and preparing for the ceremony. The King and his people were to go to CrossFire. It was a ceremony where anything can happen. Many Kings go there to arrange a marriage between realms to strengthen their land. King Valentino has two daughters with Queen Riaen. It was once rumored that the Queen had an affair with an 18-year-old boy. That 18-year-old boy was found murder in his own house and there was no investigation to be done.

As the King got onto the carriage while Ice and another soldier stroll behind following the carriage that carries diamond, gold, and food. The two princesses rode with their mother while something caught her eye on one of the princesses. Princess Tessa, pure and naive beauty, all the soldiers wanted to be around her. While out of the corner of Ice’s eyes she knew who Princess was secretly looking at. Ice turned to look at Julian who kept his eyes focused forward.

“Love is such a pain in the ass right, “Ice said without looking at Julian. She realizes the halt that he had on his horse then starts back up again. Julian stood at 6 feet with blue eyes and brown hair. He was one of the guys that stood out in the army. Even the maids secretly watch him while he sword fights. There was no doubt that the Princess wouldn’t fall for someone like him. Ice could feel his eyes on her shooting daggers at her face. She turns to look at him as she gives him a smile.

“Calm down, I won’t tell anyone,’’ she said. With those words, Julian turned away before we knew the sun had risen again and CrossFire was in sight.

The Redness stands out from the crowd as their cloak hangs around our shoulders. The Hall that stood in the center had a throne for every King. Today was probably where princesses from every realm were going to be engaged to one of the princes of another Realm. The soldier was to guard along with another soldier while the main one guards the royal family. Julian and Ice wonder where there was food while they had their break. “Julian Dawnton, I thought you were smarter than that,’’ Ice said as she leaned forward placing her sword on the table.

“What can I do? She saved me,’’ he said as he glanced down on the fish that was just served. She raises an eyebrow at him waiting for him to go on. “I wanted to kill myself after my father passed away. The night I met her, she was sitting alone in the dark where no one saw her. It made me realize that I wasn’t alone in this world,’’ he said.

“And because you couldn’t refuse, you might have to see her go today,’’ Ice said. She saw him flinch at her words. His blue eyes meeting hers as telling her that he knew. She didn’t pity the princess or Julian.

“While then, I’m glad to have loved her once,’’ Julian said. Ice sigh, as she crossed her arms.

“The second lover boy of the week,’’ Ice said. Julian let out a dry laugh as he finally raises his head.

Suddenly, the drums went off signaling that another Realm had entered CrossFire. Every single soldier stood up taking their sword facing the new arrivals. Julian and Ice quickly turn to look at what was happening.

“Who are they?’’ Julian asked. All the Seven Kings came rushing out not expecting not expecting more company for the night.

“Who are you? In which realm do you belong to, ‘’Gnam demands. Was this what the Oracle was talking about? There are only seven realms that we know of that exist but that didn’t mean that there weren't any out there. Without speaking the man had a dangerous air surrounding him as he brought out a rolling script. The roll, roll down as everyone looked at the writing. It was a symbol. We all know that symbol. A symbol that everyone should be afraid of. A symbol that only the myths have talked about. No one exactly knows if the realm exists. It was Hell's Crimson. The man still hasn’t taken his hood off and everyone knows the myth that surrounds the realm called Hell’s Crimson. The ceremony that the seven King came to enjoy has suddenly turned dangerous. King Valentino’s face has gone pale white as well as the others. She wanted to laugh, she had wanted to see their face shower with fear and this was it. The strong wind that she felt that day came as it blew off that hood that hides that man’s face.

All the women in CrossFire gasp with their mouth open at the dangerous beauty that the man holds. His dark hair made every woman in here wishing to rake their hands through his hair. Yet, if they had a chance they wouldn’t dare. With his silver eyes that turns into gold as the sunshine on it. While his jawline looked sharp enough to cut someone even all men stood completely still. His cheekbones were high with his face equally proportioned. Breaking the silence one soldier stepped to the side making way for the Hell’s Crimson to go to the Hall. Everyone quickly bows down including Ice. As everyone was still shocked Ice took that chance to look at who was in the carriage. There inside was an equally beautiful woman but she looked much older, she must be the queen. Queen Nyx, the mother of seven sons, who were smart, beautiful and strong. They decide to separate themselves from the world. But why this time? Why show their self-today? All the questions were running through Ice’s head. She was supposed to go back to her guarding area which was at the back gate of CrossFire. Which led out of CrossFire and into the Feast Forest. She wasn’t supposed to let anyone come in through the way.

Trouble was always finding her in some sort of form. “Don’t run, no one is going to save you here, “someone said. Ice glanced to the left there stood two men walking like they owned the place. The girl had a dirty dress on probably from running and falling as soon as she saw Ice. She backed away. The soldier had a symbol of snakes on their armor that meant they were from the Orca Realm. They wave at her as they walk until the girl is back up against the gate. She had nowhere to go. As Ice was about to step forward, laughter came from her right side. It was King Jalen and King Domoic, with a glass cup it wasn’t into the night yet and they were already drunk. As they walked past, she stood completely still at her place paying attention somewhere else. The two-snake soldier had already got their hands on the girl. The two King didn’t even give a glance at the injustice that was happening. It starts from the top as to why these soldiers were brave enough to do this.

“Would you mind if I join?’’ Ice said. The soldier looks at her up and down.

“Go and find another one for you. This one is ours,’’ they both snarl at her like snakes.

“Fine, then. At least take this outside from here,’’ Ice said. They both laugh as they turn their back on her again, ignoring her. Ice looked at the girl as she was met with green eyes that filled with tears begging for help. Ice turned back around as she heard the cry of the little girl like it was repeating in her head. The eyes of her dead father flashed through her mind. The scream that she will never forget from her mother.

Ice turned back around and her eyes met with green eyes again. They paid her no attention while she drew her sword out. There was no hesitation anymore. She thrust the sword to the snake soldier’s back and pierce it into the front of his chest. The girl bit down on her hand while holding her scream. The other soldier quickly drew his sword out.

“What the hell have you done!’’ he yelled. Ice smirk as she lifts her leg to kick the dead soldier body of her sword landed with a thump.

“If you would have just let me join you, I would not have killed him,’’ Ice tilted her head down toward where the body was.

“You son of a ----,’’ she didn’t let him finish his sentence as she sliced his hand making him drop his sword. He bends down crying in pain as she tilts her blade to his neck.

“Now, apologize to the girl,’’ she commands. The snake soldier spat at the ground refusing to do so. “Fine, I will just kill you instead.’’ His eyes lower as he glances at the girl. Coward. She nods her head for him to do what she had just said.

“You will let me go if I apologize,’’ he said. Ice nod, giving a smile at him.

The girl crawled near her now as the snake soldier apologized while bowing his head. Now, that was a sight to see. “Can I go now?’’ the man said, trying to stand up.

“Not so fast, snake,’’ Ice said. “I told you to apologize.’’ The man looked confused as Ice gave out a dry laugh. Her dead eyes are not giving anything away.

“I did apologize.’’ His eyes pleading to her like the girl was just then pleading for them to stop.

“Let me clarify. I meant with your life.’’ The soldier drops down dead, as she felt the girl turned away.

She took her coins out giving them to the girl. “Why did you help me?’’ the girl asked shyly, hiding behind her hair. Ice didn’t give any answer as she glanced around the area. It was quiet, no one was around. It was probably time for the Kings to all be seated.

“I don’t seem to think that there should be an answer to that question,’’ Ice finally said. Dragging the dead bodies out of the gate and into the Feast Forest. For the animals to eat on it. The girl followed her as they cleared the area, Ice went back to her position.

“Go.’’ Ice said. The girl with long dark hair and green eyes nod as in thanking her one last time.

“Thank you, Ice.’’

As soon as the girl turned the corner, Ice realized that the girl had just said her name. Damnit! Ice ran after the girl but she had vanished into thin air. She never told the girl her name. As Julian came to replace her, she had free time to wander around until it was her time again. No one could go into the hall unless permitted by the King and of course, there were servants and dancers that served them. She had heard of the beauty the CrossFire Hall held. Gold hangs in there like diamonds on thrones. While the candlelight gets lit lighting up the evening. The music was heard while the villagers and others danced as the lanterns rose into the sky. She could still remember that night when her mother held her hand walking up Moon Hill just to see these lanterns light the sky up. Now as she grips her sword, she is all alone.

Inside the hall, all the Princesses were paired with a Prince. Now, was the moment everyone glanced to where the Prince of Hell’s Crimson was. Not on the dance floor with all the other Princes but leaning back as he swirls his glass looking bored. No King dared to approach him as he raised his silver eyes to look at King Jalen. He froze on the spot as the Hell Prince gazed around. This sure was boring. As he stood up walking around looking at each King everyone’s attention was on him. His tall figure made everyone stop talking without even speaking. His presence was demanding. The Hell Prince’s guard came up and whispered something into his ear. Without a moment the Hell Prince strives out of the Hall leaving the Hall still from the shock.

“What an arrogant bastard? Who does he think he is going in and out as he wants,’’ King Dominic of the Northern Realm said.

“A dumb one for sure,’’ King Valentino said as they glance to the eighth empty seat.

Ice munch down the chicken drumstick that she held with her hand. Tonight was the night for her. She had to do it. As she checks upon Commander Claere who was supposed to be watching over the soldiers. Commander Claere was nowhere to be found.

Sin strolled the night markets of CrossFire with his hood over his head. Reaching the food markets, his eyes screen around there sitting by their self-was a small man eating up like there was no tomorrow. From far away, all the way at the end of the other end stood Gilan. Come here, he commanded. Her eyes widen as she realizes that he was looking for her. The little girl quickly drops her head and walks toward him.

Ice stops as she halts. Did someone tell her to come here, she must be thinking too much as she puts her mask on.

Sorry, brother. She quickly wiped around yet there was no one. It was probably other people talking she thought. Heading toward the back of the Hall, where royals were going to rest tonight. It is either she is going to live for tomorrow or she was going to die by tonight.

Are you? This time being a male deep voice like it was in her head. The voice was coming closer and closer. She quickly hid into the dark as the voice approached but she couldn’t quite see his face. He wasn’t speaking either. Alongside him was a little girl following him. Looking closely, the girl resembles someone. Dark hair. The girl that she saved earlier. She was in a different dress now with the clothes of a royal. Finally, Ice realizes who the girl was. She was the princess of Hell’s Crimson. She held her breathe gripping her sword tightly.

Go to bed, don’t walk around here carelessly, the man said.

It was so fun venturing around. This must be the girl answering him.

Go to bed.

Come on, Sin, I don’t want to go to sleep.

Go.

Sin, that was his name. She didn’t think she should have heard his name. Thinking that they have already when by. She stepped out of the darkness, Ice froze on the spot. Facing her was the girl and her brother with their arms crossed.

“I thought someone was listening to our conversation,’’ the girl said.

“You guys weren’t speaking,’’ shoot great why did you have to say that, she thought.

“That confirms that you heard our mind.’’ Ice shut her mouth before she says another thing that would give her away. The man named Sin wasn’t speaking, and she couldn’t see him under that dark hood. What was he thinking now?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ ’she said.

“Fine, I will let you pass since you save me earlier,’’ the girl answer.

“How do you know my name?’’ Ice finally had the guts to ask. The girl glanced up at her brother and then back at her.

“We are from Hell’s Crimson, there's nothing we don’t know about,’’ the girl said. The moon has shone upon us now. She glanced around and there was nobody to be seen.

“Enough talking, we must go back,’’ the prince suddenly spoke up making Ice turn to him. His voice was deep that it sent shivers down her spine. With the hood over his head, she couldn’t see his face, but she swears his eyes were glowing. The girl waved her Ice one more time before leaving. The tall Hell Prince walked ahead without turning another glance her way. She gripped her sword tightly as she turned to walk the other way. Her plan wasn’t going to work tonight.

Julian was nowhere to be found near where she was supposed to meet him. The light seems to be coming from a torch in the Feast Forest. Stepping slowly out of the gate to where the light was shining from.

“You dare touch my daughter,’’ a voice that she knew too clearly of King Valentino. The person on his knees with two soldiers holding his head was dropped down. They must have beat him better or worse. The princess was being held back by someone. She took a closer look and it was Prince Dyfar, from the Northern Realm. The princess was crying and begging for her own father to stop. He can even do it to his own people and his own blood, she wasn't surprised. With another punch, Julian like the warrior he was, was still hanging on. Princess Teresa’s mouth was covered by Prince Dyfar and her scream seemed to fade.

“Take over, Prince Dyfar, if you can kill him then she is yours,’’ he said. The soldiers that were there seemed to want to look always. She was surprised that only five of them were out here guarding the King and killing someone at the same time. As Dyfar hands the Princess to her father, she manages to break free and runs to Julian throwing her arms around him. She was in tears now holding him like it was their last moment together. King Valentino looked at him with disgrace as he nodded for the two soldiers to tear them apart.

“Enough of this, kill him already, ’the King commanded. Julian, Ice has never wanted to be his friend or any of her enemies. She might as well turn her back now. Like she turns her back on her own people suffering. But without noticing her mouth was moving on it.

“The door is open, may the four beastly enter, and with control completely in my hand.” Before I knew it the four wildly men were standing behind me as I turn around.

“We are yours to command.’’

They turn into the beast in front of her as they jumped onto the scene. The King smiled at the four beasts but soon realizing that the beast was tearing his soldiers apart. The Prince has started to back away as he realizes that they were the Four Beast of Ashen. Princess Teresa helped Julian up as they stare with horror at what was happening. Ice could hear the scream of the soldiers that were being eaten up. As the last soldier was on their deathbed, King Valentino started to run while the Prince was already gone. His throat met with the tip of Ice’s sword as he slumped down to the ground.

“Where are you running to, King Valentino?’’ she taunted. His coward eyes meeting her for the second time of her life.

“Who are you? Why are you doing this?’’ his voice was shaking. Her sword pointing at his throat if he moved then it was over for him. Princess Teresa was looking at her in horror now. Ice’s eyes meet Julian, Julian give her a questioning look.

“What are you doing, Ice?’’ Julian asked as the Four Beast surrounded both.

“Exactly what you are seeing, I’m going to kill him,’’ Ice said tilting her head to the side. King Valentino has started to move backward with his hand and his feet.

“I thought when it is going to be the best time to kill a King. I was going to wait for tonight but here you are giving me a perfect opportunity with less than 5 guards.’’

“Ice, don’t do this,’’ Julian pleaded for the behalf of his lover.

“Don’t call me that!’’ The calm night has gone now as the wind rises.

“What do you mean?’’ Julian wraps his arms around the Princess as she was crying for her own father.

“I’m not one of your people. My people, I have turned my back on when they were crying and begging for you to show some mercy. My people, I betrayed them and joined this army for years now without seeing any of them. And today, I shall have your head. For my people.”

King Valentino moved back until he was pressed up against a tree as he stared at her in horror. Suddenly, he started to laugh,” I thought you looked familiar somewhere. A long time ago in Dust Land, there was a man named Hawkins Black. His cries when I personally killed him. You must have been one of his sons.’’ King Valentino had started to laugh as he threw his head back. “And when I had his wife after I killed him, I should have known I would have killed his entire family.’’

Tightening her hand on her hand within three steps she had her sword at his neck again. “You do know that you are not helping your own self. Wait, let me look around here.” Pointing her thumb over her shoulders," Isn't she, your daughter.” Ice signals as the one beast pushes Princess Teresa over while two keep Julian back. Moving her sword away she grabbed onto the Princess as the beast forced the King to sit where he was. King Valentino’s face has turned sour again as Ice puts her blade on the Princess delicate neck. “A King like you wouldn’t care if I killed your entire family. Would you?”

“Who are you?’’ Julian said unable to do anything as the three beasts have him circled.

“All you need to know is that I hate your people, including you, Julian,’’ she gritted her teeth. The Princess was sobbing now begging her father to save her.

“So, tell me, King, should I kill your daughter the same way you found your son,’’ Ice said, throwing her head back and laughing. “No one will ever know who killed both of you. This is the Feast Forest after all. Everything in this forest gets feasted on especially humans.’’

“You son of a bitch! You killed my son!’’ The beast pushed him back as he tried to get up. “It won’t take long before my soldiers come to find me. I would suggest you run before I have your head.”

“Your son was adding unnecessary weight to this beautiful land. I was just helping out.” Pushing the Princess back into the beast watch, I tilt my sword to his chest. “I will make an example of you to all of the Eight Realms and make sure that even the Heavens hears about it. That no powers are going to be held over any Father’s head, women and child.”

“Don’t do it, I will give you anything. Just let me live.’’ A dry laugh came out of her.

“Why don’t you give me my Father back then.’’

With all her anger that she has held on for so long, she pierces straight into his chest. She heard the Princess scream out while Julian had moved past the beast and wrapped his arms around his lover.

Pulling her sword out she wipes around to point at Julian and the four beasts surrounds them. “Don’t do this,’’ Julian said pushing the Princess behind him.

“If you want to see your lover die then you may stay. If not then I will give time for you to go,’’ she said her eyes held with no emotions.

“Then I would rather die with her,’’ Julian moved himself to the tilt of her sword. Her eyes finally meet Julian’s. His begging her. Yet, she understood everything too much. Mercy cannot be shone when it comes to the enemy.

“Stop it right there! ‘’Commander Claere shouted standing behind her soldiers lined up at the gates of CrossFire.

“Run, Ice,’’ Julian said. The Four Beast was ready to fight for her, dropping her sword to her side. She slashes it down to where King Valentino was. Signaling for one of the beasts to come to her, she climbed onto their back. Picking up the head of King Valentino, she heads into the Feast Forest.

“Deliver this head to the rest of the Kingdom,” she commanded the four beasts.

“As you wish.’’

The Feast Forest is known for the unusual things that happen at night. Years ago, a man came out saying that there were many bones that seem to belong to many humans. It seems like someone had eaten them up. Leaving the bones since this forest has been calling the Feast Forest. Zero wanders toward an opening that has spring water. The steam came out of the spring as the forests surrounded it. Why doesn’t this place seem so familiar?

Taking out her sword she washed off the blood and her hand. Her own reflection glaring back at her. She saw a girl with the eyes of a lifeless person. Her dark hair and brown eyes have made her look deathlike. Hearing footsteps she quickly hides. It was an old lady with a basket walking toward the spring water. “Come out,’’ the old lady called her out. Stepping out behind the rocks she walked toward the old lady.

“What are you doing?’’ Zero asked as she watched the old lady collect some of the spring water and pick up some of the flowers.

“Young lady, you must have been lost,’’ the old lady said. Zero’s eyes widen as she glances down at herself. She was always since birth dressed as a boy. Her mother has done that to protect her and when Zero wanted to dress as a girl. Do the things a girl does. Her mother has slapped her for wanting to. It was best for her to be a boy under the rules of King Valentino.

“How did you know?’’ she said. The old lady started to start back the way she came.

“Don’t ask how. I won’t be able to tell you that,’’ she said. “Come to sit with me, young lady,’’ the woman said. The old lady set her basket full of flowers and a glass of spring water down as she sits on a rock near the spring.

“A birth of death, a birth of life, a dark and a light, an evil and a good,’’ the old lady recited. Zero, still standing, looked at the back of the old lady.

“A birth of death, a birth of life, a dark and a light, an evil and good. What do you mean?’’ she asked.

“I do not hold the answer. It is you that holds the answer.” Like thin air, she vanishes in front of Zero’s eyes. The sky has shone with the rays of sunlight hitting her as she blocks it with her hand.

“Look who I found,’’ a voice said. Zero jumped as she turned to look at who was talking. Now she didn’t hear any footsteps this time around. There standing in front of her was the Hell Prince. He was dressed differently this time without a cloak to cover him. She could see his broad shoulders along with a figure that shows that he was a fighter. His tall frame blocked the sunlight as she could clearly see now. His eyes golden now from the sunlight when he stares at her, she felt like he was looking at her soul. It was the first time ever that she turned her eyes away.

Drawing her sword out she pointed it at him. “What do you want?’’ she said. Walking toward her like he wasn’t afraid of her sword he bends down to pick up a flower. Her sword followed him the entire way down and up. As he walks past her to the waters she turned around with him.

“Maybe all I want is just this flower,’’ he said. She raised an eyebrow at him.

“Maybe not?’’ she questioned back.

“And maybe not,’’ he said. It was like the wind that she first felt yet this time with horse sounds coming from one side of the forest.

“Stop right there, the murderer of our King,’’ General Idle shouted. She wiped around as she saw that the army has already surrounded her. Turning to look at the Prince he had already covered his face with a mask. Why? She thought. Yet, before she knew something cold was against her throat as her back press back against a chest. She hasn’t seen someone move so fast and footsteps so light even she couldn’t duck him.

“Who are you? We do not want any trouble with you. Let us have him and you will live,’’ Commander Claere spoke standing behind a row of a soldier. The coldness of the knife pressed against her throat. The Hell Prince didn’t speak as he stepped back forcing her to do so too. They were already close enough to the spring now as the stream risings.

“What are you doing,’’ she said.

“If you want to live, shut up,’’ he said. She bit her lip as she glanced around the arrow men. They were already aiming at them. Before she knew what she was doing she pushed her throat toward the knife. Her eyes widen as the Hell Prince moved the knife away, elbowing at his side she quickly twisted around. The Hell Prince was falling into the rising steam of the spring but before she knew it his hand reaches out grabbing her arm. Hearing the swoosh of arrow letting go she felt a sharp pain. Into the water, they went as she felt two strong arms embracing her as her vision started to fade.