As a new queen rises to power, the kings of Caeleste grow unrest. The Inlustris in their sights, they send an assassin to Antonella Feulune's palace, and the war is declared.
Inexperienced and filled with grief, Antonella sends off her fiancé on a t...
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Transforming myself back to Ella, the Bleeder, I replayed my own speech over and over again in my head. I hoped that everyone listened to my message and were now setting their sights on the kings instead. However, I feared a retaliation on King Rasmus' part. He was the most adept at media handling than any royal.
No matter, I had to keep moving forward. Dwelling in the what if's and the endless possibilities ahead was more destructive than a war. I had a goal, and I had to reach it, not stay in a toxic cycle of overthinking.
I threw my brume projector and my mirror back into my bag, and shouldered it, ready to find the Bleeders once more. Facing the vast amount of trees, I paled, realizing I had no idea where to go. In my rush, I simply ran towards cover and made no mental notes on how to get out.
The silence of the forest was terrifying. I crouched by a tree, trying to level my breathing to come up with a plan. I couldn't just wander off into the unknown. The possibility of encountering guards with the power to discover my true identity was high on the streets. If I came face to face with King Rasmus' hounds, I would be no more. But if the Bleeders believed I escaped them, then I'd most certainly meet my end too.
In a split decision, I walked through the trees, trying to find the correct direction to where I originally came from. But everything looked the same. Countless trees leading to nowhere. I grunted, throwing my hands in the air.
This was a moment to relish my speech, not get lost in the forest of Fortis Crystallum.
I kicked at the base of a tree, frowning as nothing happened. I peered up at its large branches that seemed to reach out to the sky.
"Ella!" I heard.
I whipped my head towards the voice. I saw nothing but more trees.
"Ella!" This time I discerned the Bleeders' voices intermingling. They were searching for me.
"Where are you?" Adonis called out.
"Over here," I said.
Their voices stopped, but soon I heard their footsteps getting closer.
Soon enough, the Bleeders walked through the trees towards me. They all released a breath once they located me.
"What happened to you?" Herc scolded. I pouted as I made my way to them. "We were going crazy looking for you. You're lucky no one got to you."
"Guards were following me, so I ran," I lied. "I'm sorry."
"You missed Queen Antonella addressing the land," Marisole called out. A smirk adorned her face, and I fought to swallow down my chuckle.
"What did she say?"
"This is not a time to chat. We need to keep moving," Herc interrupted.
"Are you alright?" Adonis asked, taking one of my hands.
