Delythena's POV
The dragon let out another deafening roar, its fiery breath illuminating the entire cave. The heat was intense, nearly unbearable, but Zadkiel remained unfazed.
With a single wave of his hand, a golden barrier formed around us, blocking the incoming flames.
"I'll handle this" he said coolly.
I clenched my fists. "Like hell you will! I didn't come all this way just to watch you fight."
He glanced at me briefly, as if considering my words, before nodding. "Fine. Just don't get in my way."
Without another word, Zadkiel raised his sword, its blade glowing with radiant energy. The dragon reared back, preparing to strike again.
Taking a deep breath, I summoned my own magic, letting the power of nature surge through me. The ground beneath us trembled, vines slithering toward the beast.
Zadkiel charged forward, and I followed right behind him.
This battle was ours to win.
The dragon let out another fiery breath, but this time, I was ready. I extended my hands, summoning massive roots from the ground to shield us from the flames. At the same time, Zadkiel dashed forward with inhuman speed, his glowing sword slashing through the scorching air.
The dragon roared in fury, its massive wings creating powerful gusts of wind that nearly knocked me off my feet.
Zadkiel turned to me. "We need to find its weak point!"
I gritted my teeth. "Easier said than done!"
I focused, trying to sense any abnormalities in its form. That's when I noticed it right beneath its chest, hidden beneath the glowing embers of its scales, was a faint, pulsing mark.
"There! Below its chest!" I shouted.
Zadkiel nodded and leaped into the air, his blade radiating an even stronger golden light.
I clenched my fists, summoning all the power I had left. "Let's end this."
Zadkiel wasted no time. He launched himself toward the dragon, his glowing blade aimed directly at the weak point beneath its chest.
The dragon roared and swiped at him with its massive claws, but I was faster. I raised my hands, commanding the vines I had summoned earlier to coil around its limbs, restraining its movements just long enough for Zadkiel to strike.
With a single powerful slash, his sword sliced through the glowing mark. The dragon let out a deafening cry, its body convulsing as cracks of golden light spread across its form.
For a brief moment, everything went still.
Then—BOOM.
The dragon exploded into a burst of embers, vanishing as though it had never been there.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself as the heat of battle faded. Zadkiel landed beside me, his sharp gaze fixed on me.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
I shook my head. "No. But what are you doing here?"
He narrowed his eyes. "That's what I should be asking you. Why are you facing an illusion-born dragon alone?"
I crossed my arms. "I wasn't alone. Crisella was with me until we got separated." I said. "We need to free the children" I said
Zadkiel nodded, his expression serious. "I'll cover you. Break the cage while I keep watch."
I hurried toward the large cage where the children were trapped. Their eyes widened as they saw me approach, some of them trembling in fear.
"Don't be scared" I said gently. "We're here to help."
Raising my hands, I summoned vines infused with magic, weaving them through the metal bars. With a firm gesture, the vines tightened and twisted, breaking the lock with a loud *snap*.
The cage door swung open.
"Come on, quickly!" I urged.
One by one, the children hesitated before running out. Some clung to each other, too scared to move. I bent down to a little girl clutching a small stuffed toy. "It's okay. You're safe now."
She nodded hesitantly, taking my hand.
Zadkiel glanced behind us, his grip tightening on his sword. "We need to leave now. I have a bad feeling about this."
I nodded and looked at the children. "Everyone, stay close to me. We're getting out of here."
We made it out just in time. As soon as we stepped away, the entire cave trembled violently before collapsing in on itself. A powerful explosion followed, sending dust and debris flying into the air.
And then just like that the cave was gone, as if it had never existed.
The children clung to me, their small hands trembling. I turned to Zadkiel, who was still gripping his sword, his face set in a deep frown.
"Let's go" he said.
"Where?" I asked, still catching my breath.
"To our camp," he replied, making me frown in confusion.
"Your camp?" I asked.
"We're traveling and temporarily set up a base here" he explained. That made sense so that's why he was here.
Without questioning further, I nodded and followed him, guiding the rescued children along. They were exhausted, their small steps sluggish, but at least they were safe now.
I glanced at Zadkiel. "Your camp... Do they know about what's happening in this village?"
He gave me a sideways glance before answering, "We've heard rumors, but we didn't have proof until now."
I pressed my lips together, already thinking of what our next move should be. One thing was certain this wasn't over yet.
As we walked, the children clung to me, their small hands trembling. Some were still crying softly, while others remained silent, their eyes reflecting the horrors they had endured.
Zadkiel led us through the dense forest, his posture tense and alert. The night was eerily quiet, the only sounds coming from the rustling leaves and our footsteps.
After what felt like an eternity, we finally reached an open clearing.
There, hidden between towering trees, was a large encampment. Tents were scattered around, with several armored figures patrolling the area. A few of them noticed our arrival and immediately approached.
"Supreme Zadkiel" one of them addressed him, bowing slightly before shifting his gaze to me and the children. "Who are they?"
Zadkiel turned to me as if waiting for me to explain.
I took a deep breath. "These children were kidnapped from the village. We managed to rescue them, but this isn't over. There's something sinister happening here."
The soldier's expression darkened. "Then we must act quickly."
Zadkiel nodded. "Get them food and shelter. We'll discuss our next steps soon."
I watched as the children were carefully led away. My fists clenched at my sides.
This battle was far from finished.
They took the children to a tent and gathered them there while I stood, observing the entirety of this place.
"Come inside and get some rest" Zadkiel said as he guided me into a tent.
"Whose tent is this?" I asked upon entering.
"Mine" he replied.
"I'd rather stay with the children" I said, but he only smirked.
"I'm not going to do anything bad to you" he said with a teasing smile.
"Do you want me to do something?" he asked with a smirk, catching me off guard and making me raise an eyebrow.
"Are you insane?" I asked, annoyed.
"You never show respect to a supreme ruler" he remarked.
"Because you're annoying" I shot back.
He just laughed.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything" he said. "But I wouldn't mind if you did something to me instead." He added with teased.
"You really are insane" I muttered.
Zadkiel just chuckled at my reaction, clearly enjoying teasing me.
"Just get some rest" he said, crossing his arms. "You've been through a lot tonight."
I sighed, knowing he was right. My body was exhausted from everything that happened the battle, the illusions, and the rescue.
"Fine" I muttered, sitting down on the soft bedding inside the tent.
Zadkiel smirked. "Good. I'll be outside if you need anything."
He turned to leave, but before stepping out, he glanced over his shoulder. "And don't miss me too much."
I threw a pillow at him, but he just laughed and walked out.
I rolled my eyes and lay down, trying to relax. The moment my head hit the pillow, exhaustion washed over me like a wave.
But sleep didn't come easily. My mind kept replaying everything the illusion, the dragon, the hooded figures, and most of all, the children's terrified faces.
Who were those people? Why were they taking children?
I needed answers. But right now, my body demanded rest.
I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and allowed myself to drift into much-needed sleep.
The night passed in restless sleep. Shadows of past events haunted my dreams glowing green veins, the roaring dragon, and the eerie voice that had taunted me.
I woke up to the sound of voices outside the tent. Blinking away my drowsiness, I sat up and stretched, feeling the stiffness in my limbs from the previous battle.
As I stepped out, the morning sunlight greeted me, along with the sight of soldiers moving around the camp, busy with their duties.
"You're awake" Zadkiel's familiar voice came from behind me. I turned to see him standing there, arms crossed, smirking as usual.
I just nodded.
"Eat first" he said, handing me some food.
I took it and sat down on the chair by the table outside.
"Where did you sleep?" I asked.
"Beside you" he replied.
My eyes widened at his words. "What?!" I exclaimed in shock, but he just smirked.
"Out here" he added.
I let out a sigh of relief. Lunatic!
He just chuckled at my reaction.
"Why are you even here?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"To protect you, of course" he said, leaning back in his chair with a smug expression.
I scoffed. "I don't need your protection."
"You say that, but you were almost roasted by a dragon yesterday" he teased.
I rolled my eyes. "I had it under control."
"Sure you did" he said, clearly amused. "Now, finish your food"
"Aren't you the one Supreme danced with during the celebration?"
I turned to look at one of his comrades who had approached our table, followed by two others.
"Is she the fiancée you've been talking about, Supreme?" one of them asked, eyes widening in surprise.
I glanced at Zadkiel, who was just smiling.
I frowned and turned to Zadkiel, who was still grinning as if enjoying the situation.
"Fiancée?" one of them gasped dramatically. "Supreme, you didn't tell us you were engaged!"
Another one nudged him. "Is that why you danced with her during the celebration?"
I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow at Zadkiel. "Are you seriously not going to correct them?"
He just smirked. "Why should I? They're not wrong."
I groaned in frustration. "Unbelievable."
His comrades erupted into excited murmurs, exchanging knowing glances.
"Wait, wait" one of them said, grinning. "So, you're really engaged? Is this an arranged marriage or—?"
"Or did Supreme actually choose her?" another teased, eyes twinkling with amusement.
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "We're not engaged." I stated firmly, glaring at Zadkiel.
"But you danced with her" The first one pointed out. "And Supreme never dances with just anyone."
Zadkiel chuckled, resting his chin on his hand as he looked at me. "See? Even they know you're special."
I shot him a sharp glare. "You are insufferable."
"And yet, here you are, sitting with me" he quipped, smirking.
His comrades laughed at his teasing, clearly enjoying my growing frustration.
"Wow, Supreme is really different when he's with you" one of them mused, nudging another. "He actually looks... entertained."
"More like annoying" I muttered under my breath.
Zadkiel leaned back with a smug look. "Don't be shy. You enjoy my company too."
I rolled my eyes. "I tolerate it."
The others exchanged glances before one of them leaned in slightly. "So, if you're not engaged yet, does that mean there's still a chance for someone else?"
Zadkiel's playful expression instantly dropped, his eyes darkening as he turned to glare at the guy who spoke.
The air around us grew tense in an instant.
His voice was low but firm. "No."
The entire table went silent.
The sudden shift in atmosphere was almost suffocating. The once playful teasing was replaced by a heavy silence as Zadkiel's intense gaze bore into his comrade.
The guy who had spoken raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I was just joking!" He let out a nervous laugh, but it was clear that he regretted his words.
I sighed, shaking my head. "You guys are seriously exhausting."
One of them coughed awkwardly. "Ahem. So, uh... when's the wedding?"
I nearly choked on my drink. "Excuse me?!"
Zadkiel, on the other hand, smirked. "Whenever she's ready."
I shot him a glare. "You're insufferable."
"Yet you're still here" he said, resting his chin on his hand as he looked at me with amusement.
I groaned, deciding to ignore him. The last thing I needed was to entertain more of his nonsense.
The three men exchanged glances before one of them chuckled. "Supreme, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd be so... whipped."
Zadkiel just smirked. "Oh? And what makes you think that?"
"Well" the guy gestured toward me. "You're letting her talk back to you, and you're actually enjoying it."
I rolled my eyes. "Maybe because he knows I'd kick his ass otherwise."
They all laughed, clearly entertained.
"You're feisty. I like that" one of them commented.
I raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"
"Oh, right! We never introduced ourselves." The first guy placed a hand on his chest. "I'm Kael."
"The quiet one here is Lucian," he pointed to the man beside him, who simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"And I" the last one grinned, "I'm Elias. We're Supreme's most trusted men."
I crossed my arms. "Well, it's nice to know who I'm dealing with."
Kael smirked. "Likewise, Lady Supreme."
I nearly choked again. "I—what?!"
Zadkiel only chuckled, clearly entertained by my reaction.
I shot Zadkiel a glare. "Tell them to stop calling me that."
"Why?" he asked, tilting his head slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes. "It suits you."
"It does not," I huffed.
Elias chuckled. "Well, if you're Supreme's fiancée, then that makes you our Lady Supreme, doesn't it?"
Lucian, who had been quiet the entire time, finally spoke. "You're strong. You faced the illusionist alone and survived. That already makes you worthy of the title."
I opened my mouth to argue but quickly shut it. Damn it.
Kael leaned against the table, grinning. "Besides, Supreme doesn't let just anyone stay in his tent. That says a lot."
I groaned, rubbing my temples. "You people are impossible."
Zadkiel only smirked, clearly enjoying my frustration.
I shot another glare at Zadkiel, but he just leaned back, arms crossed, looking completely unbothered.
"You're all making assumptions" I muttered, shaking my head.
"But are we wrong?" Elias teased, wiggling his eyebrows.
I ignored him and focused on my food, deciding it was best not to entertain their nonsense.
"I need to return the children to their families" I said, changing the subject. "And I need to find out who's behind all of this," I added.
"You won't find the mastermind that easily" Zadkiel said, making me turn to him. "An illusion is difficult to track. Even if you think you've found them, there's no guarantee it's actually them it could just be another illusion."
"Then I'll just have to find a way to break through their illusions" I said firmly.
Zadkiel sighed. "Easier said than done. If this illusionist is as powerful as I think they are, then they won't just let you track them down so easily."
I crossed my arms. "I don't care how strong they are. Someone has to stop them."
Kael leaned against the table. "But first things first you need to return the children. Their families must be worried sick."
I nodded. "That's my priority right now. After that, I'll figure out my next move."
Zadkiel watched me for a moment before smirking. "You're really stubborn, aren't you?"
I rolled my eyes. "And you're just realizing that now?"
By the time afternoon arrived, we decided to return the children to their families. The children were carefully placed in the carriage, and Zadkiel's companions would be the ones to escort them back home.
"Thank you all so much. We'll be going now" I said, bidding them farewell.
I was about to step into the carriage when Zadkiel suddenly grabbed my hand.
"Take care on your journey, my lady" he said smoothly. "I'll be waiting for your answer."
Then, he kissed the back of my hand. I could feel my cheeks heating up again.
I quickly pulled my hand away and shot him a glare. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"
Zadkiel just smirked. "Maybe."
I rolled my eyes and climbed into the carriage without another word. As the wheels began to move, I could still see his smug expression watching me leave.
I sighed, leaning back against the seat. That guy is seriously insufferable.
But despite my annoyance, I couldn't ignore the way my heart was still racing.
The journey had begun, but my mind was still occupied with everything that had happened.
I couldn't shake off my curiosity about who was truly behind all of this. I knew that everything happening here was the work of one person.
The question was who and why?
When we arrived at the village, the people immediately rushed toward us, embracing their children as tears streamed down their faces.
Cries of relief and gratitude filled the air as parents hugged their children tightly, unable to contain their emotions.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" one mother sobbed, clutching her child.
Others bowed their heads in appreciation, their voices trembling with gratitude.
Seeing their happiness, I felt a sense of accomplishment but the lingering question remained in my mind. Who was truly behind all of this?
"Delythena." I turned toward the voice calling my name it was my companions.
"It's a relief that you're back," Shamera said.
"I thought you were dead" Crisella added bluntly.
"Where did you go?" I asked, wondering how we got separated.
Crisella crossed her arms. "Hmph. I should be the one asking you that. You just disappeared."
Shamera sighed. "We lost track of you when that illusion took over. We had to fight our way out."
I frowned. "So, you guys didn't make it to the cave?"
Crisella shook her head. "No. By the time we got rid of the illusions, the cave had already disappeared. We assumed you were either trapped inside or... worse."
I let out a breath. "Well, I made it in, and I found the missing children. But there's more going on here than we thought. This isn't just about kidnappings someone's orchestrating all of this."
Shamera's expression turned serious. "What do you mean?"
I glanced around, making sure no one else was listening. "The kidnappers weren't ordinary people. They were using illusions powerful ones. Someone with immense magical abilities is behind this."
Crisella's brows furrowed. "And you managed to get out? How?"
I hesitated for a moment before answering. "Zadkiel helped."
Crisella and Shamera exchanged glances.
"The Supreme?" Shamera asked in disbelief.
I crossed my arms. "Yes. And before you start asking no, I don't know why he's so interested in this case. But one thing is clear: whoever is behind this isn't just after children. They're after something bigger."
Crisella sighed. "Great. Just when I thought things couldn't get more complicated."