Episode 22
727 Words
The Hidden Village
The thunder of pounding feet echoed across the valley.
Kael stood at the palace gate, his sword already drawn as the Shadow Army surged toward the kingdom like an endless black tide. Every instinct screamed at him to fight, but he knew the truth.
This battle could not be won.
"Your Majesty!" Ronan shouted as he rushed across the courtyard. "The eastern wall has fallen!"
Before Kael could answer, a deafening explosion shook the palace. Stones rained from the towers, and terrified cries filled the air.
The Shadow Dragon swooped low, its silver flames sweeping through the advancing enemies. Hundreds of shadow warriors crumbled into ash, but for every one destroyed, more emerged from the darkness.
"They're endless," Eryx muttered.
Lyria tightened her grip on Kael's arm. Her heart raced as she watched innocent families flee through the palace gates.
"We have to get them out."
Kael nodded.
"The evacuation comes first."
He turned to Ronan.
"Lead the civilians through the western passage. Don't stop until everyone is beyond the mountains."
Ronan bowed before running toward the frightened crowd.
Another blast echoed through the palace.
A section of the outer wall collapsed, allowing dozens of shadow warriors to pour inside.
Kael shifted into his massive black wolf without hesitation.
His powerful body slammed into the front line, scattering enemies in every direction.
The palace guards rallied behind their king.
Steel clashed against shadow-forged weapons.
Silver light collided with darkness.
For a brief moment, hope remained alive.
Then the mysterious ruler raised his hand.
A wave of black energy swept across the battlefield.
The surviving guards were thrown backward as if struck by an invisible force.
Even the Shadow Dragon stumbled before regaining its balance.
Lyria gasped.
"His power..."
"It surpasses the Shadow Spirit," Eryx whispered.
The realization settled over them like ice.
This enemy was unlike anything they had ever faced.
A guardian hurried toward Kael.
"Your Majesty!"
Kael returned to his human form.
"What is it?"
"The old escape tunnel beneath the palace is still open."
Kael's jaw tightened.
"The tunnel leading to Crescent Valley?"
The guardian nodded.
"It was built by the first Moon Kings. Few remember it exists."
Kael looked at the burning palace behind him.
Every second they remained meant more lives being lost.
He made his decision.
"We retreat."
Several warriors stared at him in disbelief.
"But the palace"
"It can be rebuilt," Kael said firmly. "Our people cannot."
The order spread quickly.
The remaining soldiers formed a protective circle around the fleeing civilians.
Lyria stayed close to Kael as they descended beneath the palace through a narrow stone passage hidden behind the ancient throne room.
The air inside the tunnel was cool and damp.
Old moon symbols glowed faintly along the walls, lighting the path ahead.
Behind them, another violent explosion shook the mountain.
Dust drifted from the ceiling.
The children began to cry.
Lyria knelt beside them, offering gentle smiles despite the fear in her own heart.
"We're almost safe," she whispered.
The Shadow Dragon folded its wings and followed behind the group, barely fitting inside the ancient passage.
Hours passed before a faint light appeared ahead.
Fresh air rushed into the tunnel.
They emerged into a quiet valley surrounded by towering cliffs and silver-leafed trees.
Small stone cottages rested beside a winding river, hidden from the outside world.
Dozens of villagers stopped their work and stared in astonishment.
An elderly woman stepped forward.
When she saw the crescent mark glowing on Lyria's wrist, tears filled her eyes.
"The Moon Queen..."
She slowly dropped to one knee.
One by one, every villager followed.
"We have waited for your return."
Kael exchanged a surprised glance with Lyria.
"You know who we are?" he asked.
The old woman smiled sadly.
"For generations, our village has remained hidden, waiting for the day the royal bloodline would need sanctuary again."
Lyria suddenly placed a hand over her stomach.
A sharp pulse of silver light spread beneath her skin.
She winced as warmth surged through her body.
The crescent mark on her wrist flared brighter than ever before.
The villagers gasped.
The elderly woman's expression changed from joy to concern.
"The Moon's power is awakening."
She looked directly into Lyria's eyes.
"And it is becoming unstable."
Silence settled over the hidden village as everyone realized their greatest battle had only just begun.
- Writer
