Dawn of the Unknown

Chapter 2: Shattered Hopes

Mathilde's heart pounded as she ran through the long, dimly lit tunnel leading to the stronghold. Every stride echoed the turmoil within her-a blend of grief for her fallen loved ones and a steely determination to protect Princess Adelia at all costs. Adelia, for her part, trailed behind, her tear-streaked face a testament to the shock and anguish of losing her father in the sudden, brutal attack.

As they reached the entrance of the stronghold, Mathilde caught sight of the faint glow emanating from the bunkers within. It was a beacon of hope amidst the chaos that had engulfed their once-celebratory kingdom.

She said, her voice steady despite the heaviness in her heart.

"We should be safe here for now, Your Highness,"

Adelia, unable to find her voice amidst the overwhelming emotions, simply nodded, her eyes darting nervously around the fortified chamber.

Climbing the ladder beneath the stronghold, they emerged into a scene of eerie quiet. Not all the lights were on, casting ominous shadows in the corners of the room. Mathilde wasted no time in calling out to those she hoped were still alive.

"Arthur? Claude? Your Highness is here! There has been an invasion in the city!"

Her voice echoed through the cavernous space, but there was no response. Dread settled over Mathilde like a suffocating cloak, yet she masked her own turmoil for Adelia's sake.

Adelia moved through the stronghold in stunned silence, her mind struggling to process the devastation around her. Then, in a chilling moment, she stumbled upon a sight so horrifying that she cried out in terror, her voice echoing off the stone walls.

"HELP! MATHILDE, PLEASE!"

Mathilde's heart leaped into her throat as she raced to Adelia's side. What she saw sent a shiver down her spine-a monstrous creature, its grotesque form looming over the fallen bodies of soldiers, including Mathilde's own husband and brother. Without hesitation, Mathilde sprang into action, her movements fueled by grief and fury.

She engaged the creature with a deadly efficiency born of years of training and battlefield experience. The clash was fierce, but Mathilde's resolve was unwavering. With a final, decisive strike, she brought the creature down, but the victory offered little solace as she surveyed the carnage it had wrought.

Mathilde's legs trembled beneath her as she stood over the lifeless bodies of her loved ones. She could not afford to succumb to her grief, not now. Swallowing hard, she picked up her husband's rapier, its weight a bitter reminder of the loss she now carried.

Adelia's voice faltered.

"Mathilde, is that..."

Mathilde's response was calm yet firm.

"Your Highness, please take my husband's rapier."

Adelia struggled to find the right words, overwhelmed by the weight of Mathilde's loss.

"I'm so sorry-"

Mathilde gently interjected.

"Pardon me, Your Highness."

With tender care, Mathilde draped cloth over the fallen soldiers' faces, a solemn ritual honoring their bravery in the face of unspeakable evil.

"O blessed God, escort their souls to heaven, for they have fought valiantly against these foul creatures."

Adelia, clutching the rapier tightly, hesitated before speaking.

"Are you okay with me using this? I mean, this is really important to you-"