Daria
1004 Words
“Wake him up,” Daria’s voice was sharp as she stood before the dungeon door. Her dark eyes glowed under the torchlight, and the guards quickly bowed.
“My lady,” one of them stammered, unlocking the gate.
“Carry him to the healer. Now.”
The guards obeyed, lifting Axton’s limp body from the cold floor. His head hung low, hair damp with sweat, his breathing shallow. They carried him down the stone corridor and laid him on a wooden bed in the healer’s chamber. The air smelled of herbs and burning incense.
Hours passed. Finally, Axton’s eyes fluttered open. He groaned, clutching his chest. His throat felt dry, his body weak. When his vision cleared, he saw Daria standing by the window, her arms folded, her face calm but unreadable.
“You’re awake,” she said, her tone cold.
Axton tried to sit up, but his arms trembled. “Why am I here?”
“I saved your life,” she replied, stepping closer. “But I want something in return.”
His brows furrowed. “What?”
“Half of your kingdom.” Her words were like a blade. “If you want my help, you must give me half of what you own.”
Axton’s chest rose and fell heavily. He clenched his fists, shaking his head. “Never. I will not trade my people’s land for your greed.”
Her lips curved into a small, mocking smile. “Then you will die, and your sister’s death will mean nothing.”
She turned and walked away, her steps echoing on the stone floor. The door closed behind her with a heavy thud.
******
Later that night, Daria sat in her room, staring at the flames in her fireplace. Her hands trembled as she pressed her palms together. Her heart was restless. She had sworn never to reveal her secret. That secret was the only thing she lived to protect.
The sound of footsteps broke her thoughts. She turned sharply. A man in a black coat stood at her door, his face hidden beneath a hood. The air grew cold as he stepped inside.
“Who are you?” she demanded, her voice low, her hand resting on the dagger at her waist.
“I am only a messenger,” the figure said, his voice deep and strange. “I bring an offer.”
“I don’t want your games. Speak.”
“You must help Axton. If you do, I promise you something far greater than half his kingdom. He will give you a kingdom of your own. And I will protect the secret you guard with your life.”
Her breath caught. Her chest tightened. “How do you know about my secret?”
The man tilted his head. “I know many things. And I can keep it safe. But only if you help him.”
Her fingers dug into the arm of her chair. She wanted to refuse, but her mind raced. If her secret was exposed, everything she had built would crumble.
“What happens if I refuse?” she asked.
“Then your secret will burn with you,” the man said simply.
She lowered her gaze, her jaw clenched. Silence filled the room. Finally, she whispered, “Fine. I’ll help him.”
The hooded man gave a small nod and stepped back into the shadows until he was gone, leaving only the sound of crackling fire.
*****
The next morning, Daria entered the healer’s chamber again. Axton was sitting up this time, his face pale but his eyes sharper.
“You came back?” he asked bitterly.
She crossed her arms. “I will help you.”
Suspicion flashed in his eyes. “Why?”
“That doesn’t matter,” she said firmly. “All you need to know is this—you can’t survive this quest alone.”
Axton studied her face. He could sense she was hiding something, but he had no choice. He gave a stiff nod. “Then we leave now.”
*****
They left the palace before dawn. Malik, loyal as always, followed at Axton’s side. Daria wore a dark cloak, her face hidden beneath the hood. The three rode their horses through the misty forest, the air damp and cold. Birds scattered as the sound of hooves broke the silence.
The deeper they went, the darker the forest became. Branches clawed at their cloaks. Strange whispers echoed between the trees. Axton gripped the reins tighter, his heart pounding.
“Something is wrong,” Malik muttered, scanning the shadows.
Axton felt it too. The air was heavy, and the forest seemed alive, watching them. His skin prickled with unease.
“Keep moving,” Daria ordered, her voice steady, though her hand gripped her sword.
Hours passed. They reached a clearing where the light of the moon spilled across the ground. Axton slowed his horse, his eyes narrowing. “This feels… off.”
Before anyone could answer, the earth beneath them shifted. The horses neighed in panic. The ground cracked open.
“Hold on!” Malik shouted.
The soil gave way, and they plunged downward. Axton’s stomach twisted as he fell. He hit the ground hard, the air knocked from his lungs. Pain shot through his chest. Dust filled his mouth.
Daria coughed, pushing herself up, her hands scraped and bleeding. Malik groaned somewhere nearby.
Axton forced himself to his knees, his vision spinning. “Is everyone—”
Before he could finish, sharp clicking sounds echoed around them. Dozens of glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness of the pit.
Daria’s face hardened as she drew her sword. “We’re not alone.”
The creatures stepped closer, shadows moving with unnatural speed. Their growls filled the air, low and hungry.
Axton’s heartbeat thundered in his chest. His fists clenched, sweat dripping down his face. He rose to his feet, his
voice low but firm. “Stay together.”
The growls grew louder, closer, surrounding them in the dark.
- Writer
