Heavenly Curse

The Unseen Pursuit

The town lay in ruins.

Smoldering remains of homes and buildings stood in the midst of an eerie silence, the only sound the distant crackle of fire and the occasional whistling of wind through the charred wreckage. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the desolation, painting the town in hues of orange and red.

Lilith, riding beside Lucifera, scanned the horizon, her eyes narrowed. The once-bustling town was now nothing more than a hushed graveyard. The only signs of life were the few scattered figures in the distance—the bandits that had ravaged the town and held its people hostage.

Finn fidgeted in the carriage , his hand instinctively clutching his staff. His eyes darted around nervously as the reality of the situation weighed on him. "This... this is worse than I thought," he muttered under his breath, his usual clumsy demeanor now overshadowed by the grim scene before him.

The group rode swiftly, approaching the town's entrance where a barricade of overturned carts and debris blocked the way. Several figures stood guard, clearly unaware of their approach.

Seraphina signaled for the group to stop. "Stay quiet and stay close," she whispered.

Lucifera, Lilith, and Finn followed Seraphina as she expertly dismounted and crept toward the edge of the barricade. They crouched behind a nearby building, out of sight from the guards, and listened to the muffled cries of the townsfolk inside.

"We have to move quickly before they start killing people," Lucifera said, her voice tight with urgency.

"Agreed," Seraphina said, her hand already gripping her sword hilt. "We'll wait for my signal to strike."

The group waited in silence, tension thick in the air, as the sounds of the hostages' cries grew louder. It wouldn't be long before they had to act.

Seraphina, analyzing the situation, gathers the group close for a quick discussion. Her voice is calm but commanding as she surveys the layout of the raided town.

"Alright, we'll need to strike fast and in sync," she begins, pointing to a rough map of the town she's etched into the dirt. "The bandits have divided the hostages across two main buildings—the inn and the town hall. Finn, you and I will create a diversion near the entrance to draw their attention."

Finn nods, clutching his staff, though his face shows a mix of eagerness and nerves. Seraphina continues, her gaze steady as she turns to Lilith and Lucifera.

"Lucifera, I need you to flank from the east side. You're quick on your feet; free the hostages in the inn and clear any bandits guarding the building. Lilith, you'll take the town hall. Once everyone's freed, we'll meet back here to cut off any remaining bandits as they retreat."

Lucifera, listening intently, clenches her sword, determination lighting her eyes. Lilith gives a confident nod, eager to do her part.

Seraphina finishes, "Remember, these bandits are ruthless. We're here to protect the innocent first and foremost—leave no one behind." She places a hand on each of their shoulders briefly. "Let's bring these people back to safety."

Lucifera's voice cuts through the air, steady but laced with a cold edge. She looks directly at Seraphina, her eyes narrowing with a mixture of curiosity and resolve.

"And what are we allowed to do with the bandits?" she asks, her grip tightening on her sword. "Are we to hold back, or is it... open season?"

Seraphina meets Lucifera's gaze, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, with a calm but firm tone, she responds, "We're here to free the hostages, Lucifera. Any bandits who try to fight back or resist—" She gives a small, purposeful pause, "—will be dealt with accordingly. But our priority is the people. We don't waste energy on those who won't put up a fight. Focus on the mission."