▪️A L A R I C▪️

The weight of knowing that Cedric had been the one to end our parents' lives pressed down on me like a mountain.

It was a truth that twisted in the depths of my soul, a wound that began to fester as we plunged headlong into battle. But amidst the chaos and carnage, there was no time for mourning, no space for the grief that threatened to consume me whole. We were thrust into the heart of conflict, my blade and magic my only solace in the face of such overwhelming loss and betrayal.

With each passing moment, Cedric's features began to change, his form becoming more radiant and ethereal as the ancient power of the Fae Queen flowed through him. It was a chilling revelation, one that sent a shiver down my spine as I realized the extent of Cedric's treachery.

How he had come to be in league with the dark spirit, I could not fathom, but the implications were clear: he had been working with her all along, using her dark power to fuel his own ambitions.

The sight of Queen Nissa sent a chill through my bones, her dark eyes gleaming with malevolent intent as she surveyed the battlefield. It was a terrifying sight, one that filled me with a sense of dread unlike anything I had ever known. She had lent Cedric a power unlike any we had faced before, a power that had brought us to the brink of destruction.

Her presence alone was a grim reminder of the ancient tales passed down through generations—the stories of her reign of terror that had nearly wrecked the Isle of Wrobel eons ago. Legends spoke of her insatiable thirst for power and her relentless pursuit of dominance. Now, as her shadow loomed large over us once more, I could not help but feel a sense of awe and fear at the magnitude of her power.

The ancient Fae Queen was a force of nature, an entity beyond mortal comprehension, and she had chosen Cedric as her vessel to wreak havoc upon our world once more.

As she drew closer to my brother's prone form, her ethereal presence seemed to loom over him like a spectre of doom. It was clear that she held him in her thrall, her dark influence twisting his mind and soul to serve her own nefarious purposes.

Baldur stepped forward, his voice resonating with authority amidst the eerie silence that enveloped the battlefield. "Queen Nissa," he boomed, his tone unwavering, "the orcs have faced your darkness before and emerged victorious. No matter what happens, we will not cower before you now."

"Ah, a descendent of Mogakh the Malevolent, how nice..." Queen Nissa's dark eyes gleamed with malice as she regarded him, a twisted smirk curling the corners of her lips. "Your kind may have bested me once, but you underestimate the depths of my power. You are but mere insects," she chuckled, her voice dripping with scorn.

I watched as Baldur's grip tightened on his sword; his resolve unshaken by her taunts.

"We may be insects," he growled, "but even the smallest creature can bring down a giant when united in purpose. We will not falter in the face of your tyranny. The orcs and Fae stand together and we will fight until our last breath."

With a contemptuous laugh, she raised her hand, her dark energy crackling with malevolence. "So be it," she hissed, her voice echoing. "Let the final reckoning begin!"

As Queen Nissa's laughter reverberated through the air; the battlefield erupted into chaos once more. With Cedric as her vessel, she became a whirlwind of destruction, her every movement sending shockwaves rippling through the ranks of our forces.

The rebels and other dark creatures rallied to her side. Together, they unleashed a relentless onslaught upon us, their combined strength and dark magic tearing through our defences like a tempest unleashed.

Amidst the chaos of battle, the clash of swords and the roar of magic filled the night air as we faced the ancient Fae Queen. With each passing moment, the weight of her malevolent presence bore down upon us, threatening to overwhelm even the strongest of warriors.

Baldur, his massive frame a beacon of strength and determination, led the charge alongside me, his presence towering over the battlefield like a mountain amidst the chaos. Together, we worked our way against the dark forces that swarmed around Queen Nissa, our blades cutting through the enemy ranks like a scythe through wheat.

With a mighty roar that reverberated through the night, Baldur cleaved through their ranks, his sword flashing in the moonlight as he fought with unmatched ferocity. Each swing of his weapon sent dark creatures tumbling to the ground, their twisted forms no match for the sheer strength and skill of the Orc King.

My own sword danced through the air with lethal precision. Together, we formed an unstoppable force, pushing back against the tide of darkness with every step. As we carved our way through the enemy lines, the air crackled with magic and the clash of steel, a symphony of chaos that filled the night with its thunderous crescendo.

With each foe that fell beneath our blades, we grew more determined, more relentless in our pursuit of victory. For we knew that the fate of our realm depended on our success, and we would not rest until Queen Nissa and her dark forces were vanquished once and for all.

"Push forward!" I bellowed. "We can't let them gain any more ground!"

Off to the side, Golnar and Izara stood as pillars of strength amidst the tumult of battle, their forms illuminated by the flickering light of their magic.

Golnar, her icy blue eyes ablaze with determination, raised her hands, arcs of crackling lightning dancing between her fingertips. With each movement, she unleashed torrents of raw elemental power, her magic tearing through the ranks of Queen Nissa's dark forces with lethal precision.

Beside her, Izara's form seemed to shimmer as she channelled her magic. The moonlight danced upon her brown skin, casting an ethereal glow that seemed to imbue her with a divine radiance. With each graceful movement, she conjured swirling vortexes of wind, her spells weaving a tapestry of destruction that engulfed everything in its path. Dark creatures screamed as they were torn asunder by the force of her magic, their twisted forms crumbling to dust in the wake of her power.

Her magic appeared even more formidable than when I faced her on the battlefield all those months ago. I felt a surge of relief and gratitude, knowing she was fighting alongside us this time.

As the battle raged on, Golnar and Izara fought with unwavering resolve and dedication to the cause unwavering. With every foe they vanquished, they drew closer to victory, their magic serving as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf us all.

"We need to find a way to break through her defences!" Baldur shouted, his eyes scanning the battlefield for any sign of weakness.

But Queen Nissa was a formidable opponent, her dark energy swirling around her like a shroud of darkness. With a wave of her hand, she summoned tendrils of shadow that ensnared our warriors, dragging them into the abyss with unnatural strength.

Khagra and Kieran fought with unwavering courage, their axes whirling through the air as they cleaved through the dark creatures that threatened to overwhelm us. Together with the orc warriors at their side, they formed an impenetrable wall of strength and determination, pushing back against the tide of darkness with every swing of their weapons.

"We cannot let them defeat us!" Khagra roared, his voice resonant across the battlefield. "We fight for our freedom!"

With a demented laugh Queen Nissa's gaze narrowed. "Fools," she hissed, her voice laced with contempt. "Your spirit is admirable, but it will not save you from your inevitable fate."

As she spoke, tendrils of shadow slithered from her fingertips, writhing and twisting in the air like malevolent serpents. With each movement of her hands, her power surged, dark energy crackling and pulsating around her in a sinister display of strength. The very ground beneath our feet seemed to tremble in fear as her presence loomed over us, her dark aura casting a suffocating shroud over the battlefield.

"You six in particular will make excellent slaves," she continued, her eyes glancing over us. "Your magic will serve me well as I reshape this realm in my image."

As Queen Nissa's power surged, the very air seemed to crackle with dark energy. Her movements were fluid yet commanding, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as she channelled the ancient magic that flowed through her veins. With each gesture, tendrils of shadow erupted from the ground, ensnaring her enemies in their inky embrace. Sparks of dark energy danced along her fingertips, casting an eerie glow that illuminated her dark features.

As she raised her hands high above her head once more, a wave of pure darkness rippled through the air, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. The very fabric of reality seemed to warp and twist in response to her immense power. It was as if the very forces of nature themselves bowed before her, bending to her will with terrifying ease.

With a flick of her wrist, bolts of dark lightning lashed out. Each blast was like a hammer blow, sending orcs and Faes flying through the air with bone-shattering force. The air filled with the metallic tang of blood as the battle reached its fever pitch.

But it was not just her destructive power that unnerved us. There was a cold, calculating intelligence behind her every move, a sense of purpose that belied her otherworldly nature. It was as if she could see into our very souls, anticipating our every move before we even made it. And with each passing moment, her confidence grew, her dark laughter echoing across the battlefield like a harbinger of doom.

While Queen Nissa's power continued to flow, the tide of battle began to shift.

Her dark energy crackled through the air, overwhelming us with its sheer malevolence. With each strike, each wave of magic, she pushed us back.

I fought with unmatched courage, my sword flashing in the moonlight as I pushed forward in an attempt to face the dark Queen head-on. But even my formidable strength seemed to falter in the face of her relentless onslaught. With a heavy heart, I struggled against the overwhelming force of her power, my every blow deflected with ease.

Beside me, Baldur fought with equal ferocity, his massive form a bulwark against the darkness that threatened to engulf us. But even his mighty blows seemed to have little effect against the ancient magic that coursed through Queen Nissa's veins.

As the battle raged on, I felt a sense of desperation creeping in. Despite our best efforts, we were no match for her ancient power. With each passing moment, she seemed to grow stronger, her dark aura casting a pall over the battlefield.

Izara and Golnar fought valiantly by our side, their magic weaving a protective barrier around us. But even their combined efforts were not enough to stem the tide of darkness that threatened to consume us all.

I realized that we were losing ground, but then a sudden idea struck me.

"We need to pool our energies together!" I shouted, desperation creeping into my voice. "Baldur, Izara, Khagra, Kieran, Golnar, focus your magic and lend me your strength!"

Golnar's brow furrowed with concern as she spoke, "Alaric, that's dangerous. Who knows what could happen if you attempt to wield such power."

"I'm the only one among us who can control all four elements of magic," I explained, gaze locking with hers. "I need to do this, Golnar."

Her icy blue eyes softened as she reached out to touch my arm and whispered, "But you've never done something like this before. What if you don't survive?"

I took her hand in mine, squeezing it gently, "I would sacrifice my life a thousand times over to save you and our kingdom

With a nod, she squeezed my hand in return, "Then let's do this," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "For the Isle of Wrobel, and for our future!"

Baldur roared in agreement, his eyes blazing with determination as he raised his sword high. "For the Isle of Wrobel!"

Izara and Khagra nodded in unison, their expressions as their magic intertwined in a dazzling display. The wind stirred around Izara, a whirlwind of energy that danced and swirled with her every movement. Khagra's presence radiated heat and intensity, flames flickering and dancing along his arms as he summoned the power of fire.

Kieran's gaze blazed as he said, "Let's show this bitch what having true power means..."

As we stood on the brink of battle, his words resonated deeply within me. It reminded me of what my parents had always tried to teach us.

True power was not measured by the strength of one's magic or the might of one's sword arm. Queen Nissa had sought to impose her will through fear and tyranny, just like Cedric, who believed that dominance could only be achieved through force and oppression.

But as we stood united against her dark machinations, I acknowledged that true power came not from ruling over others, but from lifting them up, from standing shoulder to shoulder in the face of adversity.

Together, we represented the strength of our combined forces, a testament to the resilience of the Fae and orc peoples when united in purpose. And as we prepared to face Queen Nissa and her dark army, I knew that it was our unity that would ultimately prove to be our greatest weapon.

With a shared glance, my companions positioned themselves behind me, forming a protective semicircle around me. Their hands stretched out towards me, ready to channel their collective energy into my being.

As I closed my eyes and focused my mind, a surge of power coursed through my veins, the ancient magic of the Fae and orc people intertwining within me. Together, we became a conduit for the elemental forces of wind, fire, water, and earth, channelling our combined strength into my outstretched hands.

In the midst of the encroaching darkness, a circle of light began to form around us, our magic blending and merging like threads in a tapestry. With each passing moment, the energy intensified, pulsating with a rhythm that seemed to echo the very heartbeat of the earth itself.

With a final, concerted effort, my companions pushed their energy into me, the torrent of power flowing from their fingertips and converging upon me in a blinding flash of light. Together, we unleashed our combined magic upon Queen Nissa, our collective will and determination manifesting as a formidable force against her dark tyranny.

As the blinding light subsided, revealing the aftermath of our combined effort, a tense stillness settled over the battlefield. The air crackled with residual energy, the echoes of our magic reverberating through the night like an ancient hymn of victory.

Queen Nissa staggered back, her once-imposing form now reduced to a trembling silhouette against the backdrop of the fading light. Her dark aura wavered and flickered like a dying flame, the tendrils of shadow that had enveloped her beginning to unravel.

For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as we watched in awe and disbelief. The very embodiment of darkness had been brought to its knees by our collective strength, a testament to the power of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

But even as Queen Nissa faltered, a chilling laughter echoed through the air, cutting through the silence like a blade. With a defiant glare, she raised her hand, a last desperate attempt to cling to her fading power.

Suddenly, the ground beneath us trembled, the earth itself groaning in protest as Queen Nissa unleashed the full extent of her remaining strength. Shadows coalesced around her, swirling and writhing like a tempest of darkness as she summoned forth one final, desperate assault. With a roar, she unleashed a wave of dark energy that surged towards us with relentless fury. We braced ourselves for the impact, our resolve unbroken even as the shadows closed in around us.

Together, we stood united, our hearts ablaze and our souls fortified by the bonds of camaraderie. As Queen Nissa's final assault crashed against our defences, we held fast, our resolve unyielding in the face of overwhelming odds.

And in that moment, amidst the chaos and turmoil of battle, we knew that victory was within our grasp. For no matter how powerful the darkness may seem, it could never extinguish the light of hope that burned within us all.

But even as she stumbled, her eyes blazed with defiance, her lips curling into a malevolent smile. "You may have won this battle again," she hissed, her voice laced with venom, "but the war is far from over, I'll be back, I'll always find a way back!"

It was then that a hushed silence fell over the battlefield.

In the aftermath of our victory, we watched with bated breath as Queen Nissa's dark presence began to wane. With a final, defiant cry, Cedric staggered backward, his form wracked with spasms as the malevolent spirit that had possessed him began to loosen its grip. Shadows danced and flickered around him, swirling like a storm of darkness as the remnants of the ancient Fae Queen's power struggled to maintain its hold.

Suddenly, a vortex of swirling energy erupted from the ground beneath Cedric, tendrils of shadow reaching up to ensnare him in their grasp. With a strangled cry, Cedric was pulled downward, his body vanishing into the abyss as Queen Nissa's vengeful spirit dragged him into the void with her.

For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of rushing wind and the distant echoes of Cedric's anguished cries. And then, as quickly as it had appeared, the vortex collapsed in on itself, leaving behind only a sense of emptiness and loss.

As I stood amidst the ruins of the battlefield, the weight of what had transpired hung heavy in the air. Cedric, my brother, was now lost to me forever, consumed by the darkness that had threatened to consume us all.

A profound sadness washed over me, mingling with the exhaustion and relief that coursed through my veins. Despite the victory we had achieved, the cost had been immeasurable. Cedric's betrayal, his descent into darkness, was a wound that would never fully heal, a scar etched upon my soul for all eternity.

Glancing around me, I took in the devastation that surrounded us, and a sense of despair threatened to overwhelm me. The once-vibrant Fae realm lay in ruins, the city was reduced to rubble, its lush forests scorched and blackened by the fires of war. Tears stung my eyes as I realized the magnitude of the task that lay ahead.

But even as grief threatened to consume me, I knew that I could not afford to dwell on the past. There would be time to mourn later, time to grieve for all that had been lost. For now, there were more pressing matters at hand.

With a heavy heart, I turned to my comrades, their weary faces reflecting the toll of our shared ordeal. Despite the hardships we had faced, their spirits remained unbroken, their determination unwavering in the face of adversity.

"We have won a great victory today," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But our work is far from over. We must rebuild, restore, and reclaim what has been lost. The Fae Kingdom may be broken, but it is not beyond repair. With courage and perseverance, we will rebuild, stronger than ever before."

Golnar stepped forward, her eyes shining with a mixture of sorrow and hope. With a solemn nod, she approached my side, her hand reaching out to intertwine with mine.

Together, we stood amidst the wreckage of our once-proud kingdom, our fingers entwined in a silent pledge of unity and resolve. Despite the trials that lay ahead, I knew that as long as we faced them together, there was nothing we could not overcome.

"Don't worry, Alaric, the orcs will help in any way that we can," Baldur said.

The Orc King's words filled me with a renewed sense of hope. His steadfast support, along with that of the orc warriors who stood ready to lend their strength, was a reminder that we were not alone in our struggle.

"Thank you, Baldur," I replied. "Your friendship and the solidarity of your people mean more to us than you know."

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose, I turned my gaze to the horizon, ready to face whatever trials lay ahead. For though the scars of war may never fully heal, they would serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience when united us as one.

A few moments later, a sudden heaviness seemed to settle over me.

The air felt thick and heavy, making it increasingly difficult to draw breath as if an invisible weight pressed down upon my chest. With each passing moment, the sensation grew more intense, enveloping me in a suffocating embrace that threatened to drag me under. My senses reeled, overwhelmed by the onslaught of vertigo and disorientation, as if the very fabric of reality had begun to unravel around me and my brows furrowed.

"Alaric! Are you alright?" Golnar asked.

I nodded even though I felt myself slipping away.

As consciousness faded, the last thing I heard was Golnar's voice, calling out to me in a desperate whisper. And then, all was darkness, a deep and endless void that swallowed me whole.

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A/N: Welp ... 🙃

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