The Daughter of Irene and Shad

Vylad's Aid

 After months of her limits being tested, the only thing Y/N looked forward to was seeing Vylad every morning. If it wasn't for him, she was sure she wouldn't have survived. Even with her healing abilities, it wasn't enough. That's not the only reason she was so grateful for the youngest Ro'Meave. Y/N had learned so much about modern times. Not everything was positive, however. One morning, Vylad seemed distant after apologizing for being later than usual. Y/N asked if something was wrong– trying to not seem intrusive.

"O'Khasis and Scaleswind have been on the verge of war for some time now." He began "My father and Scaleswind's lord have been in talks to find a way to remediate the situation. The only solution that Lord von Rosenburg agreed to was that his daughter should marry Garroth to create an alliance." He stopped to take a breath. "A couple days ago, when father told us, Garroth completely refused. He told me he was going to fake his death and run away. And today he did just that. It's not that he doesn't care for the people of O'Khasis, but he doesn't want to put Lord von Rosenburg's daughter or himself through that. That means Zane is now first in line to inherit lordship."

"Would he have to marry the daughter then?"

"I don't know. Some lords usually see marriage to the second-born as an insult. My parents received the news of Garroth's death this morning. My mother was inconsolable. Zane was indifferent. He kept staring at me like he knew something wasn't right."

Y/N saw Zane as nothing more than a power hungry, selfish, evil man. Everyday she would have to endure pain and aggression inflicted onto her. Potions, weapons, magicks. All just to see if any other abilities would reveal themselves. No matter what, Y/N only used healing on herself. She wanted to make herself look useless. What kind of weapon couldn't hurt others? Maybe if he sees I can only heal, he'll let me out? It wasn't likely, and she knew that. Y/N looked back up to Vylad. He knows his oldest brother isn't actually dead, but he wouldn't be around him at all.

"I should go now. They moved my patrol to outside of the gates."

"Be careful, Vylad. Thank you again for the food."

"Of course."

Y/N heard the door close. Another day.

And another.

And another..

And another...

Where's Vylad?

"Missing your little friend?"

Y/N's shot up towards Zane.

"You really think I wouldn't notice? Don't worry he's been dealt with. It's unfortunate I lost both my brothers so close together."

"No..."

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

2 years.

2 years of endless tests and experiments.

But Y/N is still there. Her healing abilities have improved greatly, but Zane was still frustrated that no other abilities have surfaced. Well, that he knows of.

It was already late, and Zane hadn't come down to the cell. Maybe he left on a visit again. Or he got caught up in his High Priest duties. Maybe I can rest longer. Suddenly Y/N heard the door creak open. Except she didn't hear Zane's footsteps. No, these were lighter. More rushed. And... a dark aura? Y/N quickly got as far as she could from the cell bars. As she was attempting to hide as best she could, a figure appeared in blood red armor and piercing red eyes that lingered on her. All Y/N could hear was her heart beating.

"Y/N?"

That voice... "Vylad!?"

As Y/N got closer, the man in the armor transformed back into the familiar face Y/N remembered. Green eyes with his dark brown hair slightly covering one of them. This time however, he was wearing a cloak over his head and a black mask that only made his eyes visible.

"I'm getting you out of here."

As he was tampering with the magicks, countless questions went through Y/N's mind. "How are you here? Zane said you died."

"Well, he's not wrong." The magicks seal finally broke. "Come on, we don't have much time."

For the first time in over two years, Y/N walked out of the cell. She wouldn't have to see Zane or endure anymore tests. Before he could start to lead the way, Y/N turned to him and gave Vylad a hug.

"Thank you." She let go quickly in order to not make him uncomfortable.

"Of course. Now follow me."

The pair snuck through the Ro'Meave estate and past the outer wall behind it. Although they had to be incredibly stealthy to avoid any guards, Y/N took every chance she could to glance up at the night sky. The crescent moon and endless stars brought her so much comfort now that she could see them. Now outside of the city limits, Vylad led Y/N through the Sacred Forest at a slower pace. Y/N took the opportunity to ask a couple more questions.

"Vylad, what did you mean earlier?"

"About Zane not being wrong?" She nodded. "Well, he isn't. I got stabbed in the back while I was out on that new patrol route I had."

"How are you here then?" When she realized how rude she must have sounded, she quickly rephrased it. "I mean, I'm so glad you're okay, but I'm also confused."

"It's okay, I was confused at first too." He lowered his mask below his chin. "I was reborn into a Shadow Knight. I'm supposed to be on a mission with a group of others, but I took this chance to make sure you got out of O'Khasis."

"A Shadow Knight?"

"Don't worry. She'll explain everything."

"Who?"

Vylad stops in his tracks when they reach a clearing within the forest. A cottage stood right in the middle. Y/N could sense a familiar trace of magicks. Vylad continued to lead her towards the cozy home when a woman well in her years came out. She had long gray hair that was partly covered with a lilac shawl, and pale blue eyes. As soon as Y/N made eye contact with her, she instantly recognized her.

"Hyria!"