"The Witch’s Redirection" 6
966 Words
------------------------------
Chapter Six
------------------------------
Leon stood behind a massive boulder, his military composure fully restored. He pulled out the "Royal Recording Crystal"—an artifact reserved only for high-ranking commanders—and aimed it toward the cave’s mouth. Inside, Elisia sat comfortably, with no trace of blood or exhaustion on her face. She was speaking with a man in a black cloak, but the tattoo on his wrist was unmistakable: a sorcerer from the forbidden "Shadow Guild." Elisia let out a soft laugh, devoid of her usual innocence. "Cassian thinks I’m dying, and Seraphina is rotting in a cell. Once the Emperor announces the execution, I will emerge as the 'sole survivor' of her dark magic." Leon muttered as he recorded every word, "You snake... even vipers would blush at your treachery."
He didn't just record; he sent a "Red Distress Signal" directly to the Emperor and Cassian—a signal reserved for high treason. He attached the recording with a short message: (Your Highness, Elisia misses you. Come and claim your gift before the sorcerer kills her... or before I die of boredom).
Minutes later, the forest shook with the thundering hooves of the Imperial cavalry. Cassian dismounted like a lightning bolt, followed by the Emperor, whose face resembled a storm cloud. When they stormed the cave, Elisia found herself surrounded by the blades of the Royal Guard. She froze, immediately trying to reclaim her mask of innocence. "Cassian! Save me! This sorcerer kidn*pped me and—" Leon interrupted, stepping out from behind the rocks while waving the crystal with a mocking smile. "Save your tears, darling. We’ve watched the whole 'movie.' Your acting was brilliant, but the director has decided to end your role here." Cassian looked at Elisia with a gaze she had never seen before; it wasn't doubt, but deep, visceral disgust. He didn't utter a word, simply gesturing to the guards: "Arrest them both... and use real shackles this time."
While everyone was occupied with the arrests, Leon mounted his horse and raced toward the Black Tower. He reached Seraphina’s cell, breathless but grinning from ear to ear. He stood before her bars, panting. "Sera... it’s over! Elisia is tied up like a goat on her way to prison. Cassian looks like he’s been hit by a train, and the Emperor is wondering how to apologize to Father without losing his dignity." Seraphina looked at him with a calm smile. "Well done, Leon. Did you get the recording in high quality?" Leon laughed. "The highest! I even captured the look on her face when she saw me. Now, let’s get out of here. Father is waiting for us at home with a victory feast... and I suspect he’ll make Cassian stand at the door just to ask for permission to enter."
------------------------------
The heavy doors of the luxury cell creaked open, but Seraphina didn’t move. She remained seated, flipping her silver coin with a chilling indifference, as if she were in her private suite rather than the Emperor’s dungeon. Cassian entered, his steps lacking their usual confidence; he carried the visible weight of regret and self-loathing.
He stood before her, the silence in the room suffocating. Finally, he spoke in a low, strained voice. "Seraphina... Elisia is under interrogation. The sorcerer confessed to everything. You were... you were right all along."
Seraphina slowly raised her eyes. There was no reproach, no anger—only "nothingness," which pained him more than any scream. She spoke in a tone void of emotion. "I know I am right. I do not need a sorcerer’s confession or a Prince’s regret to know my worth. Did you come to open the door? Or did you come to apologize?"
Cassian took a step toward her, his expression shattered. "Apologize? No words are enough to erase what I’ve put you through. I doubted you while you were trying to expose the truth. Seraphina, I—"
"Don't finish that," she interrupted, rising with regal poise. She walked toward him until they stood face-to-face. "Your apology is an attempt to ease your own conscience, not to mend my heart. In the past, I would have wept with joy to hear those words. But today? Today, they are nothing but useless noise."
Cassian reached out to touch her shoulder, but she recoiled as if his touch were a searing flame. He flinched in shock, realizing that the bond they once shared had been burned to ashes.
"I am leaving now," Seraphina said, heading for the open door. "Not because you permitted it, but because you no longer hold the power to restrain me. As for Elisia... do not be merciful, Cassian. Not for my sake, but for the sake of the Empire you were so ready to sacrifice me for."
At the exit, the Emperor was waiting. He looked at Seraphina with genuine regret. "Lady Ethereon, the Empire owes you a formal apology and fair compensation."
Seraphina looked at the Emperor with a pride that matched her father’s. "Your Majesty, the only compensation I accept is that my family’s name never be uttered in the same breath as treason again. As for the rest... leave it to Leon. He has a fondness for expensive gifts."
Just as she reached the courtyard, Leon trotted up on his horse, leaning over with a huge, mocking grin directed straight at Cassian. "Tough luck, Your Highness! Next time you want to lock up a 'criminal,' maybe try someone who doesn't have a brother who's better at your job than you are."
Seraphina mounted her white horse, leaving Cassian standing in the shadow of the Black Tower. He realized too late that he hadn't just lost a case; he had lost the only woman who would have once burned the world for him.
------------------------------
- Writer
