Amidst the raging flames and arrows of the war, Fay thought she was staring at a ghost. A person she once knew who had grown cold. The one who once had bright eyes—who always smiled. Now her eyes no longer shone, and the blade she wielded was dyed a dark crimson.

  "Ratna?" She called out. "I thought you died. I saw you get crushed at the church before... we left."

  "Exactly. Left behind." Ratna responded, and her torn wing twitched.

  "Then why are you back like this? Why didn't you reach out? We're supposed to be working together!" Fay said.

  "How was I supposed to? After that, no one would be able to return."

  "I did. I returned." Fay squinted at the phantom pain of her left arm.

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  Arrows rained down beside them, just missing them. The scent of blood filled the battlefield. However, both of them took the chance to catch their breath whilst the battle raged on around them. Ratna was closely watching her regenerating health.

  Ratna examined her. "A lost limb. Like that compares to anything."

  "Of course it does. I can barely take care of myself. Let alone battle anyone." Fay responded, "So please..." Her grip on her sword weakened as she averted her gaze.

  "I lost more than just my wings that day." A broken halo flickered above Ratna's head. At times elusive, others glowing. "But I was shown the < Path >. The < Path of the Avenger >."

  Ratna took a steady breath, closed her eyes, and readied her blade. "The man you fight for is not a true King. His sins run far deeper than you could imagine."

  Fay tightened her grip, her gaze targeted on her former friend. "Mordred is a traitor... We trusted you. We were friends. We hoped for you to come back, somehow."

  "Your hopes were answered." Ratna closed the gap in a single strike.