Seeds of The Seven (Rubia)

49. Seedling

Back inside the Healing Sanctum, Eldon gently placed a comforting hand on the shoulders of the devastated parents, their faces etched with grief and worry. The loss of their children, promising young healers, weighed heavily on their hearts. Eldon's voice, though filled with empathy, carried a calm strength as he spoke words of solace, offering what little comfort he could in such trying times.

As Eldon turned to leave, his gaze swept over the chamber where the fallen young healers lay. Among the parents, the anxious faces of Eloxanne's parents stood out, hope mingling with fear as they searched the room for their daughter. Relief washed over them when they did not find her among the lifeless bodies, yet their hearts remained heavy with concern for her safety.

Eldon's thoughts turned briefly to his niece, Eliya, and her friends Mori and Markenzo, who had vanished inside the sanctum. Concern gnawed at him, knowing the possible danger amid the chaos that had unfolded.

Roaming the halls of the Sanctum, Eldon encountered Ser Bennington, "Have you seen Eliya and her friends? They were just sitting in the halls when I turned my back." He asked, panic and distress evident in his voice.

The Crimson Knight opened his eyes, mourning silently, "High Healer, I haven't." He replied, now unease also tainting his face.

An idea sparked in Eldon's mind, a hunch about where Eliya and her friends might have gone. Without hesitation, he motioned for Ser Bennington to follow him towards the Rose Citadel.

"Bloody Roses! Those youngsters won't just listen huh?" Eldon huffed. Their worry mirrored each other's as they exchanged silent glances, both grappling with the seriousness of the situation.

Stepping outside into the cool evening air, Ser Bennington paused as a message from The Pollen reached him. Urged to stay behind and receive further intelligence, Ser Bennington nodded solemnly to Eldon, urging him to proceed without delay.

"Please be safe. Please be safe. Please be safe." He keeps on repeating to hisself as he dashed the cobblestone streets of Rose Townsville, removing his coat and rolling his white sleeves up to his elbows.

With resolve etched on his face, Eldon set forth towards the Rose Citadel alone, heart heavy yet resolute in his quest to find Eliya and her friends.

-----

Inside the grand hall of the Rose Citadel, the atmosphere sizzled with tension. The Rose Archon had been toying with the youngsters that confronted him without plans. Their strong will is no match to his sinister strength.

With a sudden fluid moment, boredom struck him, he teleported positioning himsself in between of Mori, who was casting shield and purple orbs as she protects her and Eliya from the attacking Seductrix minions.

Both young women were momentarily stunned by his abrupt appearance. Before they could react, the Archon delivered a swift, brutal kick to Mori's back, sending her crashing into the marbled walls of the Citadel. She slumped to the ground, unconscious, her defenses shattered.

With a flick of his wrist, the Rose Archon used his dark magic to levitate the purpled hair young woman, corruption beginning to seep into her body like a malevolent fog.

"MORI!" Markenzo and Eliya cried out, their voices filled with alarm and desperation.

Eliya, acting on pure instinct, reached into her purse and revealed an ice orb, only two left, intending to hurl it at the Archon. But before she could release it, he vanished and reappered in Markenzo's side. With a quick motion, he disarmed Markenzo, snatching his dual swords, and with ruthless efficiency, slashed him across his body. The young man's eyes widened in pain and shock, and he too was lifted into the air, the insidious corruption begin to engulf him.