The Inured Villainess

Chapter 35

Kyrell

My sword slices through the flesh of a wolf beast. My shadows swirling around me as they strangle any enemy around.

It's liberating.

Having the curse lifted off me has been something I never knew could be possible. She saved me and put her life at risk for me.

Now it is my turn to repay the favor.

I will use all the strength she has given me to treat her well, to make up for what I lack.

Another beast charges at me, my sword piercing its hide like butter. It's been a while since I've felt so invincible. For once, my shadows weren't an enemy to me.

"Looks like that is the last of the monsters in this section." A soldier remarks by my side as I finish off a grotesque worm creature.

I nod, swinging my sword back to my side. "Let us move the tro—"

"Your Majesty!" A soldier comes rushing towards me on a horse, his expression pale.

His horse halts a few steps away from me. "Her Majesty the Queen has disappeared from the camp along with Lady Laurier."

"What?!" A mix of fear and anger courses through me.

The soldier swallows, hopping off his mare. "I went to go check on Her Majesty just as you said but she disappeared. I couldn't find her in her tent or elsewhere in the camp."

I run a hand through my hair in anger. Angry at the soldier for losing her and angry at myself for not being more careful. "Gather the troops and head further towards the caves. I will search for the Queen myself."

I quickly hop onto the soldier's horse and ride towards the caves.

The camp wasn't attacked so she couldn't have been taken from the monsters. However, I've come to know a bit more about Estella.

She's stubborn when it comes to helping her kingdom. I have a feeling she left on her own, seeking to find whatever these monsters are after.

She wouldn't want to wait idly in the camp so she headed towards the caves.

The sound of another set of a horse hooves fills my ear and I whip my head to it.

A frazzled Lady Laurier halts in front of me.

"Your Majesty—" She can barely get out.

"Estella."

She doesn't speak immediately, instead points in the direction she came from. "The sorcerer..."

I quickly snap the reins and my horse bolts, leaving Lady Laurier behind.

The is no time to waste if she is in trouble. I would never forgive myself if something happened to her. My Estella. My love.

Few beasts stand in my way as I make my way closer to the caves. It doesn't take much for me to slay them with only Estella on my mind.

A flash of white enters my sight. Estella's petite form standing beside her brother as well as the knight assigned to him.

"Estella!" I halt my horse and jump off.

"Kyrell." Relief floods her face at the sight of me.

"Are you alright?" I cup her face as I inspect her. She is covered in purple stains, they radiated a sweet scent off her.

"I'm fine." She places a hand on the back of mine. "What about you?" Her violet eyes scan my body, taking note of the small scrapes across my armor.

"It's nothing to worry about. But you..." My voice softens. "You shouldn't have left the camp." No matter how much I want to scold her for leaving, I know it won't help. She's too stubborn and I do admire her strength.