To Kill A Villain (Descendants Series #1)

Chapter 5

I rise, my dress soaked in mud, but I am thankful that my bow remains on my back. I grasp it firmly, preparing in case I encounter an Eldershade again.

I have no idea where the swamp Jorge mentioned is located, but the fireflies around me seem to be guiding the way, as if expecting me. I follow their lead, hiking along the rocky, muddy trail while keeping a wary eye on my surroundings.

The mountain is dense with tall trees, their dark, twisted branches creating an ominous atmosphere. The area would be dark if not for the blood-red moon and the winding path illuminated by a golden glow from the fireflies that frame my route. The ground is covered with thick vegetation and flowers that emit an eerie light. I’m startled to see pixies flying around the glowing tree branches. They whisper to each other, their eyes following me with curiosity. I sense their interest in me, as if they expect another traveler to meet her end in their realm, though I’ve become quite accustomed to the idea of death these past weeks.

The mountain doesn’t seem like the isolated place of legend. Instead, it resembles a pixie village. There’s light everywhere, though I can’t ignore the dangerous magic in the air.

I remain silent, avoiding eye contact. I can’t afford to waste energy in fights when I haven’t even reached my goal. I’m tempted to ask the pixies for directions to the swamp but decide against it, fearing they might mislead me. I stick to following the fireflies.

Fireflies in this realm are known for guiding travelers.

Pixies are under the rule of Valor, one of the Five Keepers of this realm. Valor oversees the terrestrial realm, maintaining the balance of land-based ecosystems, flora, and fauna. He ensures biodiversity and the fertility of soils. Yet, the trees here seem lifeless. Alongside him is Selene, who governs the ocean and its inhabitants and regulates the weather. Astra, to whom Luke belongs, oversees cosmic forces, fates, and celestial bodies. She governs the sky. Then there’s Slyvan, who manages time, knowledge, and the cycle of seasons, and Drakon, who nurtures emotional and social balance among mortals. These five immortals guide descendants but do not interfere directly. My brother Kalid is a descendant of Slyvan, while I’m uncertain of my own lineage. Dark magic does not align with any of the Five Keepers, as they are protectors, and dark magic brings harm.

Though not siblings by blood, my brothers and I were raised by the same mother. Kalid and Luke were found on her doorstep one night, and I was saved from execution by the Terrestrial Council when my magic was discovered. She protected me until her death. Only Kalid remembers her. Luke and I recall her only through the memories we created together.

I stop when I see a campfire not far ahead. Surrounding it are women seated on the grass, dressed in shimmering white gowns. Their white hair is neatly braided, and their hands move as if they’re fueling the fire. In front of them lies a swamp, its tall mangroves rising from what seems like shallow water, but I’ve had enough of deceit for one day.

I move closer to the women until I am almost at the edge of the swamp. One of them notices me, tilting her head with curiosity. Soon, all the women turn to look at me, their faces eerily similar.

One of them speaks in a melodious tone, “Are you lost, maiden?”

I open my mouth to respond, but my gaze falls upon the swamp. The still water ripples as a long strand of white hair emerges and wraps around my feet, pulling me underwater. I let myself be dragged down.

Fortunately, my dark magic allows me to see clearly in the dark. I recite an incantation, surrounding myself with a shroud of darkness that filters the water and provides me with oxygen.

Soon, I see what appears to be an ancient temple submerged below. The cavern floor is covered in rock formations and glowing blue plants, with mortal bones scattered around. The temple looks centuries old but must have once been grand.

The weight of the water is heavy, but it doesn’t bother me as much as the sight of a woman’s sad blue eyes. Her hair releases me.

I float in the water. For a moment, she is silent, watching me. She wears a long white gown that obscures her feet, and though she is eerily beautiful and graceful, the bones around us are a grim reminder.

"You are not truly lost, are you, dear one?” Her voice echoes in my mind.

I shake my head, bubbles forming as I reply, “I came here willingly. My brother is lost, and I hope you can help me.”

She looks at me with a sad, yet compassionate expression, then moves to a trunk and sits. She caresses it gently. “I know your brother. He is a very… sweet child.” Branches sprout from the trunk, creating an armrest. “Yet, he is in the grasp of one who would bring ruin upon this world.”

My heart races. “Who is it? Where is he?”

“Alas, I must keep my secrets unless we reach a gentle accord, my dear one.”

“I am willing. What must I do?”

Her hair encircles me gently. “It is quite lonely here. After centuries of solitude, I have yet to find a friend.”

I feel a pang of empathy. “What can I do to ease your loneliness?”

She gazes at me with a mix of sadness and hope. “Once I have given you what you seek, will you listen to my stories until they are all told? Will you be my companion for a while?”

I nod. “I will.”

“Then it seems the answer has been with you all those years. The time that endangers him is indeed a brilliant mind.”

I frown. “What do you mean? That’s not the answer I’m looking for—”

“Silence!” Her sudden shout makes the water rumble before it calms again. She smiles at me. “My dear child, will you now listen to my stories?”

Strangely, I swim closer and sit beside her, leaning my head on her shoulder in a relaxed gesture. She strokes my hair. “Long ago, I lived in the quiet depths of these waters, with only the whispers of the past for company. One day, a traveler came, his heart full of kindness. He offered to share my solitude, and for a time, his presence brought me great joy. Yet…”

“What happened?”

"Yet, as quickly as he arrived, he left, and the silence returned, as deep as before.” Her comforting voice makes me drowsy, and my eyes begin to close.

“Now, however, there is a gentle change. Lost travelers, seeking solace, find their way to me.” I realize what’s happening as I struggle to move. It feels like my body is too tired... to sleepy to fight.

“They come to listen to my stories, seeking comfort in my words.” Her magic weakens my spell, and water starts filling my lungs, but I feel no pain. I am overcome by a sense of calm and sleepiness.

I try to fight it, but my body betrays me. The magic is too strong.

Then I understand—this is how she drowns her victims, with stories… and I’m about to become one.

I think of Luke, Kalid, my brothers, and the offer Talin made. I think of…

“Now, I am no longer lonely. With each visit, I have all of you.”

“Help me,” I plead silently.

I cough up water, unable to breathe but feel no pain.

My amulet flashes.

“Please…” My mind is my only refuge.

The woman strokes my hair affectionately.

My eyes close, and just before I lose consciousness, I feel a sudden pull upward. The water around me stirs violently, and I’m pulled back to the surface by a familiar magic.

I cough and gasp as warm arms envelop me, replacing the cold water.