Lunaria struggled to break free from her sister's grasp. She didn't use her powers—not because she couldn't, but because she feared it might worsen Astraea's condition.
Astraea rose from the ground, refusing to let Lunaria go. She stared into her sister's eyes with a bitter smile.
"As, what are you doing?!" Unable to bear the pain any longer, Lunaria kicked Astraea hard, finally freeing herself.
Astraea was thrown against a tree. She got back on her feet, blood seeping from her stomach—her wound had reopened from the kick. Yet even so, she ignited the flames on her arm once more, preparing to strike.
"We should stop. We can train another time. You're in no condition to fight, and I don't want to hurt you," said Lunaria.
"Then stop holding back," Astraea snapped.
In the blink of an eye, Astraea was suddenly in front of Lunaria, flames in her hand forming a blade, ready to strike her down. Lunaria, startled by her speed, suddenly felt her entire body freeze in fear.
Just in time, someone pulled her out of harm's way, saving her from a blow that could have ended her life.
Lunaria tumbled to the ground, seemingly dropped without warning. She quickly got up and saw a hooded woman riding a jet-black jaguar. It was Gala.
"Who are you?" Lunaria demanded.
"I'll explain later. Right now, my focus is on Astraea. You're hurt—let me handle your sister," Gala said, walking away before Lunaria could respond.
•••
Kali gasped and opened her eyes, her thoughts still lingering on the mysterious woman she had just seen. Moments later, a knock came at the door. She allowed the person in—it was Lance.
"What is it?" she asked.
"The prisoner has escaped. Two guards were killed, and we've lost contact with the outer outpost. I've already sent some of my men to investigate," Lance reported.
"You've done well, Lance. But Jake is no longer our priority. I have a more important task for you."
"What could be more important than a fugitive on the loose?"
"Go to Nefaria. Bring Astraea back alive."
"And if she refuses to come?"
"You know what must be done."
Lance understood exactly what she meant. He was ordered to capture Astraea alive. But if she resisted—he would be forced to kill her.
"One more thing," Kali added as Lance turned to leave. "There will be a woman protecting her. She's not from the human realm. Bring me her head."
•••
Gala had subdued Astraea by herself.
Now, the three of them were back home, laying Astraea down in her room.
Gala explained that Nimora had sent her to protect Astraea and had given her medicine to slow the effects of the poison. She also explained why Astraea had lost control.
Kali had used a poison laced with a spell called Remote Possession. As Astraea weakened, Kali could take control of her from a distance. Astraea remained fully conscious—but completely unable to control her body, or even speak of her own will.
"What about Nimora? Will she be alright? Mythren is an incredibly dangerous place," Lunaria asked, worried for her sister.
"Oh, I forgot to mention. She'll be fine. She has a capable team—humans, elves, even a necromancer. They're working together to help her," said Gala.
"A necromancer? Aren't they some of the most vile beings? Why would my sister work with one?"
"Don't worry. She made a pact with Dr. Thrain. If she even harms Nimora in the slightest, the others are allowed to kill her. She'll also be banished from Tenebrous, with no chance of returning to her homeland after betraying her own kind to live among them," Gala explained.
That night, they spent time talking and getting to know one another.
Lunaria, however, looked especially tired.
Gala urged her to rest and recover from her injuries, while she kept watch outside with her companion, Leo.
She lay in the grass, gazing up at the glittering stars.
"Why did humans and elves ever have to fight? Living peacefully with them is so much better… Don't you think, Leo?"
Leo responded by nuzzling his head against her cheek.
Moments later, her instincts kicked in. She sensed people approaching. She stood up, grabbed her binoculars from her bag, and scanned the distance.
"Damn. Enforcers."
She rushed inside to wake Lunaria, warning her that the Enforcers had found them. Together, they hurried to Astraea's room.
They froze at the doorway. Astraea stood by the window.
Gala slowly reached into her bag, preparing the injection in case Kali had taken control again.
Astraea turned around and said, "Luna… I'm sorry."
Lunaria could tell it was really her sister. She rushed over and wrapped her arms around her.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to attack you. I don't know why I couldn't control myself," Astraea whispered.
"It's not your fault. It's Kali's poison—it lets her control you when you're weak. Thankfully, Gala brought something to slow it down," Lunaria explained.
"What about Nimora? Isn't she supposed to bring the cure?"
"She's still searching for it. What Gala gave you only delays the poison—it doesn't cure it."
"Luna, we don't have much time. They're almost here," said Gala urgently.
Astraea was too weak to travel far. Leo could only carry two.
Lunaria turned to Gala and asked her to take Astraea somewhere safe.
"No, I'm not leaving without you," Astraea protested. "If you're going to fight, then I'm fighting too."
"You can't. You're not in any shape to fight."
"And you? Your arm still hasn't healed!"
Without a word, Lunaria tore off the bandage on her arm.
It had already begun to heal, thanks to Gala's help.
"Leave them to me. Trust me," she said firmly.
"Crystal Caves. Promise me we'll meet there."
"I promise. Now go. I'll buy you time."
Gala quickly took Astraea and departed for Crystal Caves—a hidden cavern deep within the forest.
Meanwhile, Lunaria stood by the front window, watching as the Enforcers drew near.
She clenched her fingers. Her arm still ached, and moving it caused sharp pain—
but she stood her ground.