Cursed Destiny

Chapter 1: Episode 5: Or More (part 1)

As the sun began to fall, The Elites Of The Fourteenth Kingdom remained lost in The Great Ever Green Forest. A result of losing their navigator, Gavi. The Elites have already looked everywhere for him but he was nowhere to be found. The leader Eryk decided to call it a day and settle for the night before darkness falls. However little did they know that Gavi wasn't lost.

Zoey and Gavi had been walking for what felt like ages, the golden light of sunset beginning to stretch across the landscape. They were running out of time, and Zoey was starting to feel the ache in her back, her steps slower with each passing minute. Gavi could see it too—he noticed her fading energy, which only added to his own worry.

But Zoey didn’t share his concern. She trusted that Gavi knew exactly where he was going, barely noticing how much time had slipped by. Instead, she let herself drift into her thoughts, picturing the day she’d finally become an Elite warrior, standing proudly beside Gavi. In those moments, she even forgot about Aeyden altogether.

As they walked, Gavi suddenly stopped and turned back to her, a slow smile spreading across his face. Zoey felt her heart lift. She knew what that smile meant—they were close.

In the clearing ahead, the Elites had set up camp. Some were busy putting together tents, others preparing food or sharpening their swords. Gavi rushed forward with a burst of enthusiasm, drawing every eye his way, while Zoey hung back, observing from a distance.

Instantly, the Elites grabbed their weapons, showing just how alert they were.

"This how you welcome me, huh?" Gavi laughed, spreading his arms as he approached.

With smiles, the Elites relaxed, putting their swords away and welcoming him warmly.

Zoey stayed back, hesitant to step forward. She took in the sight of them—their white jackets marked with intricate patterns, the kingdom's flag, and the unmistakable emblem of the Elites: a red cross within a circle, with an upside-down "L" at the center.

They looked formidable, each one standing tall and confident, their uniforms immaculate and their swords adorned with symbols of honor. Zoey was no stranger to battle—she had been fighting since she was young, a skilled warrior and master of the sword. Yet something about these Elites made her hesitate. It wasn’t just their strength—it was the way they carried themselves, the weight of their reputation, and the respect their uniforms commanded. Even though she knew her skills were on par with theirs, the sheer presence of the Elites filled her with a mix of awe and intimidation.

"Nice jacket," Eryk said, his tone flat, eyes fixed on her without a hint of warmth.

Zoey felt a blush creep in and glanced over at Gavi, barely managing a soft, "Thanks." She was flustered, completely thrown off by Eryk’s cold gaze.

Eryk’s expression didn’t shift, his face the same as when she first knelt. He didn’t break eye contact, didn’t even blink. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice low and unchanging.

"Zoey," she said, steadying herself as she spoke. "From the Thirteenth Kingdom." She did her best to hold her posture, aware that every Elite's eyes were on her.

A tense silence settled before Eryk spoke again. "You know what happened there, don’t you?"

For the first time, a flicker of curiosity crossed his face—his brows lifting ever so slightly. Zoey met his gaze, defiant. "I fought in the war."

That caught the entire group off guard, even Eryk. His surprise was subtle, but she noticed it. "You’re a soldier?"

"A lancer," she answered, her pride shining through.