The Dead war.

Chapter Eighteen: Phoenix

I walked along the path until my legs completely gave out from underneath me. I leaned against the tree and sat in complete silence. I heard the birds chirping and the crickets and the howls of the wolves. I ate my first bite of my apple that I had grabbed and drank a swig of water. The loneliness was welcoming and calming. I thought I would have been sad or angry to have to leave my husband but no matter what I thought I was supposed to be feeling I felt nothing. The only emotion I felt was anger and rage and power. Nothing mattered to me anymore. I thought I would have been heartbroken by the thought of leaving and losing my only daughter but I didn't care. The memories of Oliver and my mom and Terrence and Merlia and Isabella and Liam all started to fade. When I awoke the next morning I was officially Phoenix. I had no memory of my life as Serena after I left Umbris. I knew I was the princess of Umbris and Prophis was our enemy. My father was a just and noble king who did what was right to help his kingdom no matter how cruel he had to be to the knights. I got back onto my horse and rode away. I felt the breeze whip against my fair skin. I felt the window blowing in my hair. I arrived at my next campsite the following night and set up my fire. I sat in the dark as the low fire crackled and popped sparks of fire flew into the night sky. Ashes danced in the nighttime breeze I thought I would feel joy in seeing the fire dance and the birds chirp but I didn't, it was as if I didn't understand the meaning of happiness anymore if my body became unable to feel Happiness. The longer I pondered the idea of happiness the more confused I got to what was happiness. What was that feeling because I no longer knew. I didn't feel sadness or pain. I was completely numb. I could not feel a single sense in my body except for anger and rage and resentment. I couldn't cry or scream, I noticed the want to cry but I couldn't. The feeling of sadness or pain was not able to surface.

I laid down that night and laid on my back staring up into the night sky. The stars twinkled in the sky but still no happiness, no feeling of Joy. More emotions and feelings and memories started to disappear even the anger started to dissipate. The only thing I knew was that I was to destroy Umbris. The only feeling and emotion I was left with was a feeling of numbness. I could have kissed someone I loved and it wouldn't even faze me. It scared me but a part of me was grateful I could do what I needed to do and I didn't have to worry about fear and sadness and other emotions getting in the way.

The next morning I packed up my supplies. This was going to be my first time back to Prophis in over 2 years. As I emerged from the forest I heard gasps and shouts and saw people staring at me and my horse. I handed my horse over to a man that ran the stables and he gratefully grabbed the horse and walked towards the castle. The old knights I used to work with and lead lowered their weapons and their eyes widened in surprise and shock.

"Serena?" Viridia said.

"I'm going by Phoenix now,'' I replied. Her hand reached out and I didn't take it. "That won't be necessary." I replied. She pulled his hand back into her chest and bowed.

"Leonard has been worried sick sere....Phoenix we have been searching for over 3 years for you and Oliver. Where have you been?" Viridia replied in shock.

"I was kidnapped twice, the first time I don't remember and the second time I was drugged and sent into a 3 month coma." I replied, wiping my bow and arrows off with the dirt they had collected. "Now may I enter. I have some business to discuss with my father." I said still no emotion in my voice whatsoever. Viridia nodded and I walked inside the building. I walked to the large office I knew was where my Leonard would be. As I approached the door I saw Viktor standing guard outside of the door. Viktor saw me approaching and immediately his eyes widened and his mouth slightly opened..

"Viktor." I said calmly. He looked me over and opened the door.

Viktor cleared his throat and Lilith looked up. She burst into loud sobs and walked over to me as fast as she could.