Allegiance

Chapter 30

Tessia mentally scolded herself as she ran at hightail through the halls of the floating castle. She kept telling herself she should've known better or should've expected this. There were too many factors at play, and her family was bound to have found out about Arthur; it was only a matter of time; she just wished it would've been later than sooner.

Following closely behind Tessia was Alea, whose heart was beating rapidly in her chest, full of concern. Tessia's words rang in her ears like a bell, thinking about how she needed to stop Virion, the elder of the elves and one of the people Alea had sworn to protect, from getting hurt. Thousands of scenarios were racing through her head, thinking of the worst possible outcome.

"Princess!"Alea called out to Tessia, hot on her tail. She needed to know where they were going, why Tessia thought her grandfather was in danger, and to stop Tessia from going there herself. Alea was well aware of Tessia's core status, especially since Tessia was running just as fast as her and knew Tessia could handle herself. But that wouldn't stop Alea from trying to protect her. "What's going on?! Where are we going?!"

Tessia didn't answer Alea as she was deep in concentration, concern washing over her like a tidal wave, her gaze laser-focused in front of her, giving her tunnel vision. She didn't know how much time she had, but she knew she needed to get to the training room before it was too late. She knew damn well what was going through her grandfather's head right now, as he did the same thing to her when she was just five years old.

However, she also knew Arthur. She knew he wouldn't take kindly to being attacked without provocation. And with him being a white core and his sword skills, her grandfather was no match for him, no matter how skilled her grandfather was. She just hoped she would get there in time to stop either of them from doing something stupid.

Taking another turn and darting down a hallway, guards, and castle staff walking by shot curious looks toward Tessia and Alea as they ran through the halls like there was an emergency. Some of the elven guards shared concerned looks, seeing their elven princess and elven lance running past them. But they just shrugged it off, thinking Tessia was fine since Alea was with her, and continued on their way.

Tessia's eyes narrowed apprehensively, seeing they were nearing the training room. On the other hand, Alea's eyes widened with realization, recognizing where they were going, but she couldn't help but wonder why. She racked her brain, trying to contemplate why Virion would come here, but couldn't come up with an answer.

With the entrance to the training room coming into view, Tessia was practically flying as she dashed into the training room and screeched to a halt, Alea shortly behind her. Both of their eyes darted around the room, first noticing the small crater on the floor. Tessia mentally cursed, seeing she was too late. Alea, however, went wide-eyed with worry, seeing the signs of battle.

With their eyes darting throughout the room, Tessia and Alea's eyes landed on Arthur and Virion, and Tessia let out a breath of relief, seeing they were both still alive.

Alea, on the other hand, reacted very differently. She angrily gritted her teeth, and her blood came to an immediate boil, seeing Virion sitting against the wall, pale and obviously in pain, with an unknown human standing before him, staring at Virion intently, with a translucent sword in hand.

Tessia took a step forward, mentally preparing the scolding words she would give her grandfather for having such a stupid idea. However, as soon as her foot hit the floor, Alea dashed past her, plant sword in hand, staring murderously at Arthur.

Tessia's eyes went wide, her stomach dropped, and her heart beat faster with concern, but not for Arthur, for Alea, knowing she was no match for him. She reached out to Alea and worriedly yelled at the top of her lungs, "ALEA, WAIT!!!"