Choosing A Side Part 7

The wind was soft that evening, carrying the scent of pine and stone through the broken windows of the ruined mansion. We were gathered around the half-rotten slab of wood we use as a table. We were eating a surprisingly good meal of roasted mushrooms, roots, and wild herbs. Amelia had found ways to turn whatever we hunt or recollect into something delicious.

Sunshine lounged lazily on Ryul's shoulder, munching on a plum with exaggerated drama. She wiped the juice from her chin with the back of her arm and sighed, "I swear, if I gotta eat one more mushroom, I'm gonna shove it so far up my own ass I'll start spitting spores."

Ryul nearly choked on his food, laughing, "Damn, Sunshine, you got no chill, huh? You want me to find you an apple or somethin'? That'd go better with that filthy mouth."

Across the table, Zaine sipped her water quietly.

"I have something to share," I spoke, "We've finished what we were doing and are ready to leave for the capital."

Amelia blinked. Ryul straightened up. Even Sunshine stopped chewing for a moment.

"No shit?" Ryul grinned. "Finally. Don't get me wrong, I love this haunted-ass forest and all, but my hair's gonna grow moss if I stay here much longer."

"How soon can we leave?" Amelia asked.

"We'll leave for the capital in the morning," I replied.

Amelia gave a smile—one that didn't quite reach her eyes, "That's great," She said, voice quiet, "Tomorrow, then…"

Ryul flicked his eyes toward Zaine and me, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, "So, now that we're peacin' out, you gonna spill the tea on what you and Zaine were doin' all that time in the woods? Or you keepin' that on the down-low?"

I felt Zaine's gaze on me, sharp and knowing. I leaned back, picking at the remnants of my meal, "It was important," I said, holding Ryul's stare, "That's all I can say right now."

Sunshine chimed in, stretching her legs as she nibbled the plum pit, "Bet it was some kinky shit. How come I wasn't invited?"

Ryul chuckled, shaking his head, and let it go, though his eyes lingered, curious.

"Once we're done eating," I continued, "We should get everything ready. It'll be a long journey."

Amelia nodded, her voice warm and soothing, "I'll pack the food and make sure we have enough for the road."

"I'll check the gear," Ryul added, "Make sure it's all tight and right."

"Don't forget my fruits," Sunshine piped up, fluttering onto the table.

At night, the moon was half-hidden behind clouds, and the forest around the ruined village was whispering again—branches creaking like old bones, leaves shifting in unseen breezes. I stepped outside to breathe.

The air was cooler now. I looked out over the remains of the village square—the same place I used to play with wooden swords and chase dreams. The well still stood, cracked but upright, like a sentry from a past life. Everything else… ghosts.

"Couldn't sleep either?" Amelia's voice broke through the quiet.

I turned. Amelia stood behind me, arms wrapped around herself in a thin shawl, hair braided loosely over one shoulder. Her eyes looked darker under the moonlight.

"Too many thoughts," I admitted. "Going back to the capital—it's hard to forget what happened there."

She stepped up beside me, not too close, "I know. I felt the same way when I went back."

For a few moments, we just stood there. The silence between us didn't feel heavy this time. It felt... familiar, like a memory.

"Do you remember the old fountain?" She asked, "It used to sit near that big tree where all the red leaves would fall."

"I remember," I closed my eyes, "You pushed me into it. Twice."

She laughed quietly, "You had that dumb book with you. Said it would teach you how to turn stones into gold and give that gold to the town people."

"Yeah..." My voice caught slightly. "It didn't work, by the way."

"Hahaha," Her smile faded, "You always wanted to protect people. Even me. Even after everything."

The wind shifted.

"I came out here for a reason," Amelia said, "Not just because I couldn't sleep."

I glanced at her, suddenly alert. Her hands trembled slightly.

"I know I've done a lot of things wrong, Darx," Amelia said, voice trembling, "And I know that you don't owe me anything. But I have to say this. I have to before we go back."

I didn't move. I wasn't sure I could.

"I... I love you," Amelia said. "I've loved you since we were kids. Maybe I always will. I know my past actions don't reflect what I'm telling you, but it was truly my dream to be able to become an adventurer with you in the capital and be able to be together. And I know it's not fair—not to you, not to Zaine. But I had to tell you."

I opened my mouth. Nothing came out.

"I'm not asking you to leave Zaine and give me a chance. I would never do that," Her voice cracked, but she stood firm, "But I want to be near you. Even if all I can be is your second woman. Even if that makes me a fool."

The wind rushed between us like a gasp. I still couldn't find words.

Amelia looked up at me, tears at the edge of her lashes, "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know."

She turned and walked quickly back toward the mansion, disappearing through the doorway.

I stood there still in shock, processing what just happened. Amelia's words echoed in my mind. What Amelia said didn't take me entirely by surprise since Ryul had warned me of Amelia's intentions, but upon hearing Amelia's feelings, I was left speechless. I turned slowly, my mind a whirl of muddled thoughts, and walked back to the mansion. I paused outside the door, breathing in and out, trying to find myself somewhere in the chaos. I needed to get hold of my mind. Inside, it was dark. I moved quietly across the creaky floor until I reached the room where Zaine and I had been staying. The moment I entered, I felt Zaine's eyes on me, even through the shadows.

"Is everything okay?" Her voice was low, steady. She could see right through me, I knew.

"It's fine," I said, more quickly than I'd meant to, "Just a lot on my mind."

I felt her watch me as I moved to the other side of the room to prepare to sleep. I couldn't meet her gaze, not yet.

The next morning, the five of us stood at the edge of the ruined village, the mansion, which was nothing more than a silhouette now behind a curtain of mist.

"Welp," Sunshine said, "Time to kiss this cursed shithole goodbye. Not that I'll miss shivering my ass off every night like a goddamn leaf in the wind."

Ryul snorted, "You're such a poet in the morning, Sun. I swear you're sweeter when you're half asleep."

"Sweet ain't the word you want, elf-boy."

Ryul only grinned and shifted the straps on his pack, "Let's go before the fog gets clingy."

I turned around to look around the village once more, knowing this was likely the last time I'd come to this place that had been my home for so many years. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Amelia doing the same. Amelia spent the last few days placing flowers on several of the villagers' graves, including those of her parents. I'm sure it's even harder for Amelia to leave this place.

We had only just begun walking when I noticed it—that quiet, subtle stiffness in the air. Amelia walked beside Ryul, but her eyes flicked toward me more than once. I could feel them even when I wasn't looking. Zaine walked at my other side, tall and poised as always, but I didn't miss the way her gaze occasionally lingered on me with quiet scrutiny.

The tension from the night before hadn't disappeared. It had simply folded itself into silence. I hadn't said anything about Amelia's confession. I hadn't told Zaine. But I could feel its weight in my chest.

"You're quiet," Zaine murmured as we passed under a canopy of twisted branches, "More than usual."

I glanced at her, "Just thinking."

"Hm."

Zaine didn't press. She rarely did. But her hand brushed mine for a moment as we walked, a brief and gentle contact, grounding me.

We traveled in silence for most of the morning. No one mentioned how slow the pace felt. Sunshine did her best to stir things up, throwing in the occasional crude joke or insult, but even she seemed aware that something had shifted. The awkwardness hung between Amelia and me like a veil neither of us dared lift. Amelia didn't try to talk to me again—not directly—but every now and then, her eyes would find mine. And each time, I looked away first.

We reached the first town two days later by noon. I was tense the whole way, scanning for a potential ambush or trap or anything else that might lurch out of the trees. But the road stayed empty, and we arrived without incident. In the village, we managed to find someone who would take us by carriage to the capital, which would shorten the trip considerably.

The first few days passed slowly. The carriage bumped along the rocky roads, and the awkwardness between Amelia and me sat heavy every time we talked, pretending that nothing had happened. Zaine watched me with subtle attention. She didn't question my strange behavior, but sometimes, I caught her eyes on me as if she was waiting for me to say something. I wanted to. I just didn't know what to say.

The journey stretched on, each day echoing the last. The landscape shifted from dense forest to open plains, then to rolling hills. Ryul and Sunshine did their best to liven things up.

Almost three weeks later, the sky was burnt orange with dusk as we crested the last hill overlooking the plains below. There, in the distance, partially veiled by mist, stood the capital, catching the dying light.

Even from afar, the city felt vast. Alive. It looked exactly the same as when I left. And yet everything in me had changed.

"There it is," Ryul spoke, "Riledo."

Sunshine yawned from his shoulder.

"It's been a while," I said, my voice quieter than I expected.

Too many memories.

I shook the thoughts away.

"Let's make camp here," I told them, "We'll enter at first light."

"Sounds good to me," Ryul said, already unstrapping his pack, "Gives us time to eat and prep."

The campfire crackled softly, throwing flickering shadows over the rocks and twisted trees around us. Beyond the ridge, the capital of Zrephia loomed in the distance, its walls a dark silhouette against the sky. I sat on a worn log, sharpening the edge of my dagger more out of habit than necessity. Zaine sat beside me, her eyes fixed on the bonfire.

Above us, a black shape fluttered from branch to branch.

Another crow.

My hand tightened on the dagger's hilt.

"They're still watching," I muttered, nodding toward the trees where several crows perched in eerie silence.

"I noticed," Zaine replied, her voice low. Calm. As always.

"They started two days ago," I said, "First one, then another... Now, there are always at least three or four of them around us. Watching. Waiting. It's definitely my former guildmaster Stella. They know we're close," I slid the dagger back into its sheath, "But if they wanted to ambush us, we'd have seen more than just birds."

Zaine nodded slightly, but her posture stayed taut, ready.

"We can't afford to let our guard down," I continued, "Not for a second."

Then Zaine shifted closer, "Are you still confident in the plan?"

I looked at her—at the woman who had lost her kingdom, her past, everything—and still stood beside me with unshakable loyalty.

"Yes," I said quietly, "If it's a trap, I'll get us out with my new teleportation skill."

"And if it fails?" She asked, her tone sharp but not cold—only pragmatic.

I met her gaze, "If it fails… you don't hesitate. Fight your way out if you have to. Even if it means going against the capital's guilds."

Zaine's eyes softened just a little. She reached out and placed her hand lightly on mine. Her touch was warm and strong, anchoring me to the moment.

"I hope it won't come to that," Zaine said, "But if it does... I will not leave your side."

I swallowed thickly. Neither of us said the words aloud, but they hung heavy between us. We would face whatever came together—or fall together. I stared at the distant lights of the capital, the memories of my exile tightening like a knot in my chest.

In the morning, we cloaked ourselves in heavy, hooded garments to blend into the flow of travelers heading toward the city. Zaine kept her hood low, shadowing her distinct demonic features—features that would have drawn too many unwanted eyes.

Sunshine, grumbling about, "I guess I'm being stuffed in the goddamn necklace like a prisoner again," Entered the medallion that hung around my neck.

Ryul and Amelia took the lead, walking a few paces ahead. I watched them both carefully. Especially Amelia. The closer we got to the towering gates, the more nervous I've ever felt. I really didn't expect that returning would affect me so much. The closer we drew to the capital's looming gates, the tighter the knot in my chest pulled.

"Lower your demonic energy as much as you can," I whispered to Zaine as we approached the line of people waiting to enter. Her purple eyes gleamed under her hood, and she nodded once, immediately dulling her aura until it was barely a flicker.

Up ahead, Ryul and Amelia moved smoothly into action. Ryul, with his casual swagger and easy smile, greeted the guards like old drinking buddies. Laughter broke out among them as Ryul clapped one of the men on the shoulder and exchanged a few slang-filled jokes that went over my head.

Amelia spoke quietly to one of the senior guards, showing her guild emblem. The guard barely gave it a second glance before waving us through.

"Welcome back, Ryul!" One of the guards called after us, "Try not to cause too much trouble this time, eh?"

"No promises, mate!" Ryul threw back with a grin.

And just like that, we were in.

The city of Zrephia stretched out before us, bustling and lively despite the thick tension of war hanging in the air.

Merchants hawked their wares from colorful stalls. Children darted through the crowds. People walked through the streets, pulling carts piled with goods. People of all races mingled—humans, elves, dwarves, and even the occasional Beast-Kin.

Yet something was off.

I could feel it in the thinning patrols and the absence of armored adventurers who would normally crowd the streets. Most had likely been sent north to the battlefront.

I kept my senses sharp, scanning every alley, every rooftop.

Zaine squeezed my hand gently as we walked. Her eyes, wide with wonder, flicked across the towering buildings and thrumming streets. Despite her composed exterior, she was clearly amazed—and a little overwhelmed.

"Is it always like this?" Zaine murmured, barely loud enough for me to hear.

"Usually," I said, offering a small smile, "Riledo's been a melting pot for a while."

For a moment, walking through the city almost felt normal. Almost.

My thoughts drifted—to Oliver, wondering how he and his family would be.… and to my mother. According to Amelia, she is here, too. The past I had left behind suddenly felt closer than ever, breathing down my neck.

We moved steadily through the city streets toward the towering walls of the castle that crowned the capital's heart. When we reached the castle gate, it was clear we had been expected. A group of guards stood at attention. Upon seeing us, one of them stepped forward, offering a shallow bow.

"The Queen is awaiting your arrival. You may proceed."

Their tone was formal, but their eyes were sharp—measuring, assessing.

I exchanged a glance with Zaine. She nodded almost imperceptibly.

Both of us could feel it now—powerful presences clustered within the castle walls. Some familiar. Some unknown. All dangerous. If it's a trap… we'll have to move fast. Without a word, we followed the guards into the castle grounds. The gates closed behind us with a heavy, echoing thud.

We walked through the familiar hallways of the castle until we came to a huge double door. The heavy doors groaned open, revealing the grand hall beyond. Amelia and Ryul hesitated only a moment before stepping forward, the echo of their boots on polished stone sounding unnaturally loud in the vast chamber. I followed close behind, with Zaine at my side, both of us still shrouded beneath our hoods.

The room stretched out before us—vaulted ceilings supported by towering columns, walls draped with rich banners bearing the sigil of Queen Zara's reign. Golden light poured in from the massive stained glass windows, casting intricate patterns on the marble floor.

At the far end, seated atop the ornate throne, was Queen Zara herself.

Queen Zara looked much the same as I remembered—poised, commanding, her piercing gaze steady as a blade. Beside her, sitting with a grace that could only belong to royalty, was her daughter, Princess Kathleen.

My eyes moved instinctively, cataloging the figures arrayed around the throne like pieces on a game board.

Standing slightly behind the Queen was a tall man with long hair—Zhoron, an S-Rank, and the Queen's bodyguard, his presence oppressive even at a distance. Beside him stood a woman I didn't recognize, cloaked in elegant robes, her eyes cunningly sharp. I could feel the weight of her gaze sizing us up. The new Queen advisor, I guessed.

Further along the dais stood others—faces from my past, faces I hadn't seen since the world had turned upside down. Aelbrecht the Taciturn, the Guild Master of the Dark Dragons, and my ex-guild master Stella of Midnight Dawn. Also, Arthur, who now I know, thanks to Amelia, is the new Guild Master of Oblivion, stood a few steps back.

And then—her.

Off to the side, near the columns, stood a woman whose mere presence stole the breath from my lungs.

Ilene.

My mother.

W-Why is she here...

I felt a strange sensation in my stomach and heart. For a heartbeat, the world around me seemed to fall silent. But then Zaine's hand brushed against mine—steadying, anchoring me to the present. We reached the hall's center, and as if on some unspoken cue, Zaine and I lifted our hoods and cast them back.

A ripple moved through the gathered spectators—shock, recognition. Queen Zara leaned slightly forward on her throne, a small, knowing smile touching her lips.

"Welcome home, Darx," She said, her voice carrying effortlessly through the vast chamber. Her gaze shifted briefly to Zaine, lingering with curiosity and caution, "And to you as well, Demon Queen Zaine."