The Lost Mage's Journey

Chapter 24: Shadow Raven

Scene 1: The Morning Realization

The soft morning light spilled into Lyka's room through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the plush bed that seemed to hold the sleeping princess. Mira walked into the room with her usual routine, expecting to wake Lyka as she always did. She smiled to herself, already preparing for the playful teasing that usually accompanied waking up the young mage.

Mira approached the bed, gently shaking the figure under the blanket.

Mira (softly, smiling):
"Lyka, time to get up, little magician. You can't sleep in forever."

But there was no response. Frowning, Mira shook the blanket again, but still, there was no movement. A knot of worry began to form in her chest. She grabbed the edge of the blanket and, with a swift motion, pulled it back.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Under the blanket were nothing but pillows, neatly stacked to mimic a sleeping figure. Lyka was gone.

Mira (gasping, eyes wide):
"No... no, no, no! LYKA!"

Mira bolted from the room, her heart racing as she sprinted down the hallway. She found Alex in the training yard, and with panic in her voice, she quickly explained that Lyka was missing.

Mira (panicked, breathless):
"Alex, she's gone! Lyka's gone! There's nothing but pillows in her bed!"

Alex's eyes widened in alarm. Without hesitation, he grabbed his sword and immediately set off with Mira to search the palace grounds, but after three frantic hours of searching, they found nothing. The truth was undeniable—Lyka had left.

Scene 2: Reporting to the King and Queen

The doors to the throne room swung open, and Alex walked in with Mira at his side, their expressions tense. Before them sat King Elric and Queen Alicia, their faces filled with concern. They could sense something was wrong the moment their trusted knight and maid had entered.

Alex knelt before them, his head bowed in guilt and shame.

Alex (apologetic, voice strained):
"Your Majesties... I'm sorry. Lyka has... disappeared. I failed to protect her."

Queen Alicia gasped, placing a hand to her chest, her face paling. King Elric leaned forward, his brows furrowed in deep concern, but he placed a calming hand on his wife's shoulder, trying to remain steady.

King Elric (seriously, but gently):
"Alex, this isn't your fault. Lyka has always had a way of... escaping her guards. We've seen it before."

Queen Alicia, her voice trembling slightly, added:

Queen Alicia (softly, worried):
"She's clever and resourceful... but she's also reckless. We need to find her before she gets herself into trouble."

As they spoke, Mira suddenly felt something shift in her pocket. She reached in and pulled out a small folded piece of paper. Her heart skipped a beat as she unfolded it, revealing Lyka's handwriting. She stared at the note in disbelief.

Mira (reading, voice shaky):
"'Sorry, Mira. I'll be right back.'"

The room fell silent. King Elric and Queen Alicia exchanged worried glances. Alex's fists clenched, a mixture of guilt and determination rising within him.