On the battlefield, every trace of order had vanished beneath the destruction. The remnants of the confrontation lay scattered like a silent testimony to the brutality of the clash. Biel, Charlotte, and Raizel stood together, trying to catch their breath and process the recent events. The atmosphere was dense, permeated by floating ash and the echo of screams that the wind had carried away long ago.
Biel, with a resolute look despite his exhaustion, broke the silence. He needed Raizel to fully understand his situation before continuing.
"Raizel, I need to tell you something important," he said, pausing to look at Charlotte, who nodded in silence. "I don’t belong to this world. I actually come from another place."
Raizel tilted her head, intrigued by the confession. Her pure white wings shimmered slightly, reflecting the scant light that managed to pierce through the smoke clouds.
"Another place?" she asked softly. "Go on, I’m listening."
"A while ago, my friend and I entered a mysterious shop to see what was inside; it was a place full of ancient things. There was an old man there who warned us not to touch anything, but we didn't listen. That’s when we found a strange artifact, a crystal. It was an object shrouded in mystery, and when we touched it, a blinding light changed everything. It transported us to this world, separating us in the process. Since then, nothing has been the same. I... I am dead in my original plane, but I’m still looking for a way to return."
Raizel stared at him, her expression oscillating between understanding and wonder.
"So you were transported here by a fragment... That explains a lot. I thought you were a citizen of this world, but this place is not safe for humans, Biel. In fact, it is a miracle you have survived this long."
Biel nodded. He had heard similar warnings before, but only now, under Raizel’s gaze, did the danger seem to become tangible.
"My mentor, Monsfil, told me many things," Biel continued. "He explained why the Goddess Yael forbade humans from entering this place. It is a world full of danger, not only from demons but also from the beings that dwell here."
Raizel lowered her gaze, considering her next words carefully. Finally, she looked back up with a spark of resolution in her eyes.
"The Goddess Yael deeply hates demons, and that aversion has extended to humans as well. But if what you say is true, if you are willing to face her, then I will help you. Though I cannot promise how this will end, I will do everything in my power to lead you to her."
"Thank you, Raizel," Biel said gratefully. "Your help means a lot to us."
Raizel made a gesture for them to be silent, her expression suddenly turning grave.
"But before we move forward, there is something you must do. Your current appearances draw too much attention. If the Goddess Yael already knows you are here, her most powerful subordinates might already be searching for you. And among them is Maelista."
The name echoed in the air like a dark omen. Charlotte frowned and crossed her arms, trying to hide her growing tension.
"Maelista? Who is he?" she asked uneasily.
"Maelista," Raizel repeated. "He is one of the most feared beings serving Yael. His loyalty is unquestionable and his power... is devastating. If he finds you before we reach the Goddess, you won't stand a chance."
The silence hung over the group as they processed the warning. Finally, Biel broke the silence with a spark of determination in his voice. "Then, let us change. And let us move forward."
Raizel closed her eyes and extended her hands, letting a luminous energy emanate from her body. A golden glow enveloped Biel and Charlotte. When the light finally dissipated, both noticed the changes. Their hair was darker, and their eyes glowed with new hues.
"Perfect," Raizel said with approval. "This disguise should be enough for you to pass unnoticed."
"Now we must go toward the city of Retel. It is a place where many races coexist, and it is spectacular. But we cannot let our guard down. In the center of that city is a portal that will take you directly to the city where the Goddess Yael resides."
The group set off. Soon, an imposing structure appeared on the horizon: the walls of Retel. Biel and Charlotte caught their breath as they beheld the place. Inside, the streets were full of life: merchants, exotic goods, and vibrant energy.
"This is a place like no other," Raizel said, leading them toward the heart of the city. "But do not be fooled by its beauty. Even here, danger can lurk in the shadows."
Upon crossing the gates of Retel, they encountered unexpected chaos. The streets were now plunged into fear. People were running in all directions, closing doors and windows. Uniformed guards with the emblem of the Goddess Yael patrolled the streets. On the walls, there were flyers with familiar faces. Biel and Charlotte approached one, and the color drained from their faces as they read the message:
"Wanted. Immediate execution by direct order of the Goddess Yael."
"This can't be happening," Biel murmured, recoiling as his heart began to race.
Charlotte looked at Raizel with worried eyes. "They are looking for us everywhere. We won't be able to move without being recognized."
Raizel frowned. Something about the situation didn't fit the reality she knew. "This makes no sense," she said to herself.
"What do you mean?" Biel asked.
"The Goddess Yael hates humans, that is true, but she has always promised that any intruder would be judged before receiving their sentence. These orders for immediate execution... they don't fit her way of acting."
"Then what is happening here?" Charlotte asked. "Do you think someone is acting in her name?"
Raizel considered deeply. "It’s possible. Something is wrong and we must find out what. But first, we have to get out of the guards' sight. If they find us now, we won't get a chance to reach the portal."
Raizel guided them toward a dark alley. "We need to reach the city center without drawing attention. We have to find a way to move through the shadows."
While they discussed a plan, a noise from the shadows put them on guard. From the darkness of the alley, a hooded figure suddenly appeared.
"Come with me," the stranger said in a calm but firm voice. "I will lead you to the plaza."
Raizel stepped forward, shielding the group with her half-spread wings. "Who are you and why would you want to help us?"
The hooded man raised his hands in a gesture of peace and slowly removed his hood. His face revealed a mix of delicate and strong features: green hair and slightly pointed ears. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ryder. I am a half-spirit; my mother is a spirit and my father, an elf."
Biel looked at him with distrust, but Ryder continued: "I want to leave this place. My dream is to live in the human world. I knew about you thanks to my unique ability to read minds. I know you are looking for the Goddess Yael and I want to help you. Biel, let me help you reach the Goddess. And if possible, take me with you when you return to your world."
Biel’s mind was full of doubts. Could he trust a mind-reader? Before he could speak, Charlotte intervened.
"It’s okay. He’s telling the truth."
Biel turned to her, confused. "How can you be so sure?"
Charlotte smiled slightly. "I can see people's auras. His tells me he has no ill intentions."
Biel nodded slowly, still somewhat hesitant. He extended his hand toward Ryder in a truce. "Alright. Come with us."
Ryder smiled with gratitude and shook Biel’s hand. "Then let’s go. We have no time to lose."
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