In Leona — Midnight War

  Commander Basel stood in the heart of the city, blood on his lips, fire in his eyes.

  "Men!

  Cast the nets!

  Use the sleep powder!

  Strike with blunt weapons—disable, don't kill!"

  The infected surged through the streets, faster, stronger, more vicious with every fallen soldier.

  "Commander!" a soldier cried.

  "They grow stronger... every time one of us dies!"

  Basel froze.

  He remembered Princess Lucas's words to High Advisor Arif:

  "Never give the cure to soldiers.

  Even if they volunteer."

  He whispered to himself:

  "Every man we lose...

  They grow stronger."

  He looked at his trembling hands, blood trickling from his mouth.

  "I'm infected.

  But Prince Lucas forbade the cure.

  He saved me—without knowing.

  Had I taken it...

  I'd be a monster, attacking what I swore to protect."

  Basel, only 26, was a prodigy—handpicked by Prince Lucas for his brilliance and valor.

  He divided the city into sectors, rallying his troops.

  Then—a gate opened.

  From its depths emerged the Black Order.

  "Who are you?" Basel shouted.

  His soldiers stepped back.

  Basel stepped forward.

  —

  In Aurik — The Feast

  Prince Lucas sat at the banquet table.

  Prince Asser smiled.

  "I had the shrimp prepared just for you."

  "Really?" Lucas replied.

  "A surprise. I love shrimp. It looks delicious."

  Laika's eyes glowed briefly. She sat, silent.

  She glanced at Jabir. He nodded.

  Jabir began eating.

  Varon stood behind Princess Kasrahh, eyeing the food. Then stepped back.

  Kasrahh took a bite.

  Dais raised his glass.

  "A beautiful evening.

  Let us remember that life...

  Is found in the simplest joys.

  Let us rest from politics and conflict."

  Jabir grinned.

  "Imagine what we could create—

  Aurik's dishes with Leona's.

  Shrimp pasta with sea fruits..."

  Dais leaned in.

  Jabir continued.

  "Maybe some vegetables...

  Shaped like gemstones."

  Lucas chuckled.

  Kasrahh laughed.

  Dais glanced at Jabir. Jabir met his gaze—smiling.

  Batalos devoured his plate.

  Laika watched, amused.

  Kasrahh lifted a shrimp with her fork, turned to Varon.

  "You may taste it."

  Varon raised an eyebrow. Asser watched.

  Varon took the fork, tasted.

  "It's delicious."

  "Right?" Kasrahh smiled.

  Asser leaned toward Lucas.

  "We can speak now.

  About what you came for."

  Lucas nodded.

  They rose and walked toward a private chamber.

  Dais stood—

  "Try this fish," Jabir said.

  "I'm sure you've never tasted anything like it."

  Dais paused.

  He looked at Kasrahh, Laika, and the royal delegation.

  He smiled.

  "Really?

  Let me try it..."

  ********************

  The Fracture - Between Thrones and Warnings

  Inside the royal chamber, steeped in the grandeur of old Aurik, the fading sun cast long shadows across a mural of Princess Layla and King Caesar. Night had fallen.

  Prince Lucas and Prince Asser sat across from one another.

  "Prince Asser..." Lucas began.

  Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

  "No titles," Asser interrupted.

  "Speak freely."

  "Very well.

  I wanted to speak of military matters.

  But first—

  I must say this:

  I feel watched.

  There are forces trying to unravel the peace in my kingdom."

  Asser raised an eyebrow.

  "A prince... speaking from the heart?

  You sound like my sister, Kasrahh.

  If we all thought like that, we'd have invaded each other long ago."

  Lucas blinked, surprised.

  "Then why this summit?

  Why speak of reason if you dismiss trust?

  Isn't that the foundation of alliance?"

  Asser's tone hardened.

  "There is no need for fear.

  Aurik is stable.

  Just because Leona suffers a strange illness doesn't mean the world must march."

  Lucas stared at him.

  "We agreed to seek a cure.

  That's enough.

  If you're here to militarize this, I'll stop you now.

  This is a matter of research, not war.

  The royal court and the Mage Guild will assist you."

  "We don't need your pity," Lucas said.

  "Our research is advanced.

  But your thinking is flawed.

  How can I trust a man who dismisses danger because he doesn't feel it?"

  Lucas stood, exhaling.

  "We are the last two great kingdoms, Asser.

  Linovard has fallen.

  Leonithra is now a haven for pirates and mercenaries.

  The Luminous Tree fell twenty days ago."

  Asser's eyes widened.

  "You think all this is coincidence?

  That a disease ravaging my people is just... chance?"

  He gestured toward the window.

  "And Aurik?

  It feels hollow.

  Empty.

  Something is wrong."

  He turned to Asser.

  "You may think I'm paranoid.

  But this is not madness.

  This is instinct.

  And if you rule with only your mind, not your heart—

  You endanger your people."

  Lucas stepped closer.

  "I propose magical support.

  Joint military camps.

  Exchange of soldiers and mages.

  Aurik's knights and spellcasters are legendary.

  Let's prepare—together."

  Asser shook his head.

  "The Mage Guild is not ready.

  And I won't risk my men catching your disease."

  "Why?

  Laika is a master mage.

  She could lead this effort.

  Unless... you fear sharing your strength?"

  "Laika is under arrest."

  Lucas froze.

  "What?

  Is she a traitor?"

  "Almost."

  "Almost?

  You imprison your greatest asset on suspicion?

  Where is the man of reason now?"

  Asser faltered.

  "It's... complicated."

  "No, Asser.

  We're at an impasse.

  The enemy may already be among us.

  And you're not ready."

  "Stop this pessimism."

  "It's not pessimism.

  It's clarity.

  I see beyond these walls.

  Bring Princess Sarah.

  Perhaps she can help."

  "There's no need.

  I'm enough."

  "This isn't about pride.

  There's no time for pride."

  "Sarah is... busy."

  "Busy?

  Or unwilling?"

  Lucas turned to leave.

  "Think on what I've said.

  Reconsider Laika's arrest.

  You're not just weakening Aurik—you're making yourself a target.

  Even to us."

  Asser stood.

  "Is that a threat?

  Are you declaring war?"

  "War?

  Could you even withstand it?

  I'm not threatening you, Asser.

  I'm warning you.

  I don't see the fearsome royal guard I once saw when my father met yours.

  I see a modest army.

  A merchant like Jabir at your side.

  A silenced mage.

  Laika once spoke with wisdom.

  Now she's a caged flame."

  Lucas paused at the door.

  "Asser... beware.

  The disease may surround Leona.

  But your decisions may be the disease within Aurik."

  Asser turned to the mural of Layla and Caesar.

  "He's mad...

  Or maybe...

  He's right."

  Lucas exited.

  His delegation followed, tense and silent.

  His face was cold. Angry.

  Laika, Kasrahh, and Jabir noticed.

  Dais smiled.

  "I knew it.

  He asks too much."

  Jabir glanced at him.

  "And you talk too much."

  Then—a voice echoed through the hall.

  "Prince Lucas!

  Urgent message from High Advisor Arif!"

  Dais smiled.

  Varon drew his sword.

  Batalos raised his hand.

  ******************

  The Refuge Beneath the Comet - Valia's Choice

  In the Valley of Wonders, among the luminous tree villages, the people of Valia worked tirelessly to rebuild. Aid from the nearby village of Lajira had brought tools, seeds, and hope.

  Then—five figures approached, cloaked in a brown aura.

  Commander Jamih and Commander Qaws stood at the gate.

  "Who are you?" Jamih demanded.

  One stepped forward, revealing his face.

  "Ahem...

  We are refugees.

  From another world.

  We seek shelter."

  Jamih raised his sword.

  "What?"

  "I am Vinzel, of planet Elpha.

  Once a knight of the fallen kingdom of VAA."

  Qaws turned to Jamih.

  "VAA?

  Isn't that—"

  Jamih nodded, but kept his blade raised.

  Vinzel bowed.

  "Please...

  We ask only for food and water.

  We mean no harm.

  We seek peace."

  "No," Jamih replied.

  "You may not enter the village.

  Not in this state."

  Vinzel looked to his men, sorrowful.

  Jamih turned to Qaws.

  "Bring them some food."

  Vinzel hesitated.

  "In truth...

  We are many.

  Children.

  Elders.

  Women..."

  Jamih's eyes widened.

  "How do you expect to survive like this?

  I don't believe you."

  Commander Mawj arrived.

  "What's happening?"

  "They claim to be from another world," Jamih said.

  "From a fallen kingdom.

  They ask for food.

  A lot of it."

  Mawj studied Vinzel.

  Jamih lowered his sword.

  "I leave the decision to you."

  Mawj nodded.

  "We'll give you a food cart.

  Enough to sustain you.

  You may return to Valia or nearby villages to request more.

  But you must contribute.

  We are rebuilding after a brutal war.

  Help us plant, build, restore—

  And we'll feed you."

  Vinzel bowed quickly.

  "Of course."

  Mawj turned to Jamih.

  "Can I trust him?"

  Jamih stared at Vinzel.

  "I sense no intent to kill or steal.

  Not yet."

  "Good."

  Mawj extended his hand.

  "I am Commander Mawj.

  This is Commander Jamih, Commander Qaws.

  This is Valia—one of the luminous tree villages.

  We lead resistance in unstable lands.

  Battles are frequent.

  Be cautious."

  Vinzel stepped forward.

  "I am Prince Vinzel.

  Formerly of VAA.

  These are my men.

  It is an honor."

  He reached for Mawj's hand.

  Jamih drew his sword.

  Qaws unsheathed his dagger.

  Guards and assassins readied themselves.

  Vinzel shook Mawj's hand.

  Mawj nodded and turned away.

  "We'll finish what we started.

  The villagers can handle the rest."

  Jamih sheathed his sword.

  Qaws followed.

  A cart arrived—filled with food and water.

  Vinzel bowed.

  "Thank you.

  I swear—

  I'll repay this debt.

  We'll trade goods.

  I'll send men to help with farming and construction."

  Jamih's voice was cold.

  An orange aura flared around him.

  Gemstones pulsed red.

  Sand swirled.

  "If you or your men betray us...

  I will come for you.

  I will make your life a nightmare."

  Vinzel's men stepped back.

  Qaws and the guards watched Jamih.

  Vinzel nodded.

  "We all seek protection.

  I understand.

  I came here humbled—

  To feed what remains of my people.

  I understand."

  Jamih leaned against the gate.

  Qaws turned to Vinzel.

  "He's always like this.

  It's not a threat—

  If you're truly good,

  You'll be treated well.

  But we are cautious.

  Nothing more."

  Vinzel smiled faintly.

  "I understand.

  No one wants to lose what they love."

  He turned to his men.

  "Let's go.

  Thank you."

  They departed with the cart.

  —

  Mawj stood in the center of Valia, his body glowing with a green aura as he completed his purification spell.

  Qaws approached.

  "Almost done?"

  "Yes.

  The villagers can now distribute the purified crops.

  They'll heal the soil.

  And the people."

  "Good.

  What's our next destination?"

  "Back to Lajira.

  The villagers can finish the northern and western sectors.

  The smaller villages—

  Suhail's battalion will handle them.

  Ledra is training them well."

  "Perfect."

  Jamih arrived.

  "We move at dawn."

  "That works for me," Mawj said.

  Above them, the green comet blazed in Silva's dark sky.

  And the deep blue star pulsed—slow and steady.

  *******************

  The Child of Echoes - Beneath the Comet's Light

  Vinzel marched with his knights and the weary refugees behind him. Then—a child ran toward the desert, blood trailing from his body.

  Vinzel drew his sword.

  "Stop!"

  Everyone halted. Children, elders, warriors—all froze.

  The child stared at him.

  "You?

  You're not Jabir.

  What are you doing here?

  You're not from this world."

  Vinzel lowered his blade, confused.

  "Jabir?

  What are you talking about?

  And how do you know I'm not from this planet?"

  One of his men whispered:

  "Sir...

  This valley is called the Valley of Wonders.

  Some call it the Cursed Valley.

  The villagers spoke of illusions... traps..."

  Vinzel turned to the child.

  "Who are you?"

  "I don't know.

  But it seems you need help more than I do."

  The child smiled.

  "Your body...

  It's covered in blood.

  Were you fighting something?

  Are they behind you?"

  "Yes.

  I escaped them.

  They're the ones who invaded this planet long ago...

  The Black Order."

  Vinzel's face darkened.

  "I knew it.

  After they destroyed our kingdoms...

  Stole our planet's heart...

  Now they want to destroy this one."

  "Yes.

  Silva knows."

  Vinzel and his men blinked.

  "Silva?"

  The child nodded.

  "Follow me.

  I know a place for you.

  Your magic is weak—especially after Elpha's fall."

  Vinzel stopped.

  "You know our planet's name?

  Who are you?"

  "I'm a lost child...

  Leading the lost."

  He laughed and ran. His wounds vanished. His body healed.

  One knight gasped.

  "Look—he's healing.

  These are magical wounds.

  He's not human."

  Vinzel stared.

  "Let's go.

  If you want to use your magic without being struck by lightning...

  You must follow me.

  Magic here is dangerous.

  Silva rejects it—even the remnants."

  "Where are we going?"

  "A girl told me...

  We must walk until we arrive.

  We must not stop."

  Vinzel sheathed his sword.

  "He's a strange child...

  But we'll follow.

  We can't stay in this valley.

  I've mapped a route to the luminous tree villages—

  For trade and aid."

  "Are you sure, Vinzel?" a knight asked.

  "It could be a trap."

  "He knows too much.

  Our planet.

  Our story.

  He knows why our magic fails.

  Perhaps it's Elpha's destruction..."

  The knights nodded.

  "We'll follow."

  Vinzel smiled.

  "Let's go.

  Night on this planet is terrifying.

  It's not like Elpha's sky."

  "The sky was beautiful," the child said.

  "Before the great event."

  Vinzel turned.

  "So the Black Order came here too...

  They never stop.

  Even after all our sacrifices...

  Our kings, our mages, our warriors...

  We nearly defeated them.

  The madman Macferdin..."

  The child's eyes flashed sky blue—then returned to normal.

  Vinzel and his men stared.

  "You're truly strange..."

  The child's eyes welled with tears.

  "I'm sorry..."

  "Why apologize?

  Do you pity us?"

  "Keep going."

  Vinzel nodded.

  "Macferdin used a strange spell.

  It struck Elpha's heart.

  He wielded a strange artifact..."

  "The kingdoms united.

  But in a moment—

  Everything turned to ash."

  "Emperor Laros, our king and commander,

  Cast a desperate spell.

  He opened a massive gate.

  Ordered me to flee—

  To save who I could."

  Vinzel looked at his men and the refugees.

  "This is all I could save.

  I saw Laros's body crumble into dust—

  Macferdin's laughter echoed across Elpha."

  He gazed at the desert.

  "This valley...

  It's like that place.

  Maybe worse.

  But this green comet...

  That blue star...

  They light this sky strangely.

  Like reminders of hope."

  The child looked up.

  "You did the right thing.

  Emperor Laros trusted you."

  "You think so?"

  "I'm sure of it."

  "Then what's your story?"

  "I don't know.

  But I know where we're going."

  Vinzel raised an eyebrow.

  They walked side by side.

  "This is the Valley of Wonders," the child said.

  "The final battle between the five kingdoms and the Black Order happened here.

  This was the main battlefield...

  Alongside other fronts.

  I can almost hear it..."

  "You're fascinating, boy."

  "I used to trade stories with Uncle Jabir and Uncle Fouad.

  You told me your story—

  So I'll tell you what I know.

  Even if I don't know mine.

  Isn't that how trust begins?"

  "Jabir? Fouad?

  Who are they?"

  "Good people.

  I'll introduce you someday.

  Uncle Jabir will laugh at your armor!"

  Vinzel smirked.

  "Sounds like trouble."

  The child smiled.

  Vinzel's face shifted—watching the boy's sorrow turn to joy.

  He hesitated, then gently ruffled the child's hair.

  His knights gripped their swords, wary.

  "So...

  Will you tell me what happened?

  How this place became...

  What it is today?"

  *******************

  The Dream Beneath the Comet

  Within the abandoned fortress, surrounded by agents of the Black Order near Aurik's outer walls, the child trembled suddenly in his sleep—caught in the grip of Azalor's powerful enchantment.

  The sky above was black, pierced only by dim stars. Yet the green comet still burned beside the deep blue star, casting an eerie glow.

  The child dreamed.

  He saw war.

  "What is this?" the child whispered.

  "Am I awake?

  Where... am I?"

  He saw her.

  Princess Layla—fighting.

  Battling the Black Order.

  His eyes began to glow, a radiant blue like the sky itself.

  One of the Black Order agents stepped back.

  "What's happening to him?

  His eyes..."

  Another whispered:

  "We must inform Azalor.

  For now...

  We watch."

  The boy still sees a dream...a vision...

  Am I flying? …. What’s going on here?

  The boy open his eyes wide open his body start to shake

  wait … this what I have seen in the Cave …. But I can see more …

  what's going on here?

  *****************