Devotion

Chapter 47

Azra

While riding back to Kuata, Xylvie simply held the horse's reins. I may have judged her a while back, but it had always been for my sister's safety. What did that journal contain? What part of her family's history was the Lumar Kingdom so desperate to conceal? Sensing my curiosity, she shifted slightly in her seat and sighed.

"What's on your mind?" she asked softly, not looking at me.

I let the wind brush against my face, keeping my gaze fixed on the trees as they blurred by. Cautiously, I broached the subject of her family history. The more I knew, the better prepared I would be in case she betrayed us.

"That journal..." I started, but she didn't let me finish. She dove straight into a tale about her ancestors.

"Not sure if you've heard of this, but during the War of the Great Domain, King Tarick led the battle to control all of Kuata."

As she spoke, her discomfort was palpable. Her power flared up, and I had to quickly suppress my own to maintain control. It would be disastrous if her brother and his soldiers found us now.

"King Tarick was my ancestor," she continued, her voice trembling. "He was crowned the King of Evil. He wanted absolute power. King Xenos and Queen Katrina fought against him. After the war, Tarick screamed a prophecy—one that King Xenos had witnessed. He claimed that a woman, powerful enough to bend the world to her will, would appear. That was the last thing he said before he forced everyone in the Lumar Kingdom to prepare to kill her when she comes."

Her voice shook as if she could feel the echoes of her ancestor's actions. King Tarick, a tyrant, had vanished after the war. It was said he died from poisoning, but there was no official record of his death.

Her power surged again, and I quickly stopped the horse, helping her dismount. She was pale, her skin drenched in sweat, her eyes glowing with an eerie intensity. She grabbed my shoulders, shivering uncontrollably.

"He never died," she whispered, her voice quivering. "He will come back... King Xenos and Queen Katrina are here. The War is near, Azra the Savior."

Her words didn't make sense, but the urgency in her tone unsettled me. Did she have a vision? "Azra the Savior?" What did it mean? Was war coming?

I had to get her to Kuata. I needed to find out if these visions were random or if there was a way to prevent them from happening at the worst possible moment. As I lifted her, a blade materialized out of nowhere, forcing me to dodge and shield her unconscious body.

"You better put my sister down, Solace, or I'll rip you into pieces," a voice growled from behind. It was Sylas. I knew that voice all too well.

Slowly, I turned to face him. He stood there, his blade in hand, ready for a fight.

"You mean my fiancée? Never, and don't you think it's strange that you only care about her now?" I said, keeping my body positioned to protect Xylvie.

Sylas began to circle me, his eyes locked on Xylvie. His power stirred the wind, making it howl as he lunged at me. There was no way I was letting him take her, but I needed to lure him further away from the cottage. If he found my sister, everything would fall apart.

"I've always cared about my sister," Sylas said, his voice sharp with anger. "She never cared about our family's traditions. Xylvie isn't bloodthirsty like me. She's defective, but I still love her."

Sylas caring about his sister? That was something I hadn't expected. I drew my blade while still holding Xylvie, and our swords clashed in a shower of sparks.

"Back off, Sylas," I snapped, frustrated. With a swift kick, I sent him crashing into a tree, the ground trembling as I used my power to lift him and throw him deep into the woods.

"Xylvie only shows that immense power when she's in distress. She's in danger," Sylas growled, regaining his footing. "So I suggest you hand my sister over."

I aimed my blade at him, preparing to strike, but then Xylvie stirred. She grabbed my hand, her eyes confused.

"My love, what are you doing?" she asked softly, her gaze shifting from her brother to me.

Sylas lowered his blade and stood still, watching her. Xylvie smiled faintly and began walking toward him. He immediately began checking her over, his eyes narrowing at me.

"You've never acted like this before," she said, her voice laced with confusion. "Why now?"

Sylas tilted his head, offering only a smirk in response. "I promise you'll be like our family soon," he said cryptically before disappearing into the shadows.

I looked at Xylvie, concern gnawing at me. She reached out for my hand, her face still pale. "We need to rush our marriage ceremony. If we don't, these visions will keep happening."

I couldn't quite understand everything that was happening, but I had to trust her. I grasped her hand, and together, we hurried back to the palace.

------

Two hours later, Xylvie and I arrived at the Moon Kingdom, where Lazarus waited for us. His expression was grim, and he handed me a letter sealed with my father's insignia.

Azra,

Meet me immediately with Princess Xylvie. It seems your bride is quite anxious to marry you.

Xylvie read the letter and cursed under her breath. "I'm so screwed," she muttered, heading for the entrance.

"Why?" I asked, holding her hand, still worried she might faint again.

"The last time I had a vision, I was about seven. The healer said I'd have them more often, but when a distressing vision happens, my family will sense it and think I'm in danger. I think they're already here, but I don't know what to do." Her voice was soft, weighed down with fear.

I gave her a reassuring smile and leaned toward her. "Let's say you wanted to play a game of hide and seek with me before we get married. Let's try to avoid them for now. We'll stay ahead of them."

Her tense posture relaxed slightly. "Thanks," she whispered, but I could see the worry still clouding her eyes. I just hoped our excuses would be enough to keep them from searching the woods for Aurora.