Chapter 9 — Light in the Middle of SorrowAria's footsteps echoed between the trees that bent under a grey sky. The wind blew hard, carrying dust and broken branches, like the whole world was holding its breath. The path to Delmar, which usually felt peaceful, now felt strange—heavy air and the rustling leaves sounded like warnings.She kept running, even though her body screamed for her to stop. She was still hurting from her fight with Nyvarn, and her wounds hadn't fully healed. But she couldn't stop. Not now."Wait for me, Lans... Hold on," she whispered.Her boots hit the wet ground, leaving deep footprints in the mud from last night's rain. Dark clouds gathered ahead, spinning over one spot—Delmar.As she reached the final hill, she saw Delmar's outer walls. But what she saw made her stop and gasp.Delmar, usually full of life, was silent. No merchants shouting, no kids laughing, no blacksmiths hammering. The streets weren't empty because people had left—they were empty because sadness had swallowed the city.Aria walked through the main gate. People stood quietly along the streets, wearing dark clothes. Some held white flowers. They all looked at her, but said nothing. Their eyes were full of hope—and sorrow.In the town square, where celebrations usually happened, a strange, cold sight stood: a huge block of blue ice, surrounded by fresh flowers.Inside the ice, Lans Silverkin lay frozen. His face looked peaceful, like he was sleeping, but his skin was pale and there was no breath.Aria's throat tightened. She stepped closer, her knees almost giving out.Two men walked toward her—Renhal Duvane and Aven. Renhal looked older and worn out. Aven, in his worn cloak, still carried his glowing staff.They came to her.Renhal looked deep into her eyes and said quietly,"You're back..."Aria nodded. "I made it. I brought him back."Aven studied her for a moment, then gave a small smile.Renhal placed a hand on Aria's shoulder. "Then... do what you need to do. We're all waiting."And in the silence of Delmar, Aria stood before Lans' icy prison.The real fight was about to begin.
Aria stood just one meter from the ice. She took a deep breath and grabbed her bow. She pulled out a normal arrow—but in her hand, it began to change.Since merging with Solare, she had felt a new power inside her. And now, she called it forth.The arrowhead glowed red-orange like a live ember.She straightened, took another deep breath, and aimed at the heart of the ice block.Renhal and Aven stood nearby, and all the townspeople held their breath.Aria pulled the bowstring tight. Her hands were steady. Her eyes didn't blink."For you, Lans... this is our last chance," she whispered.She let the arrow fly.It soared through the air, hitting the ice with a burst of light.Cracks spread out quickly from where the arrow hit.In seconds, the whole ice block began to shake.CRACK!The ice exploded into thousands of sparkling pieces.Lans' body fell to the ground. Still frozen. Still not breathing.Aria held her breath.She knew it wasn't over yet.
Aria walked slowly toward Lans' frozen body. Every second felt like forever.The people of Delmar watched silently, as if time had stopped.Lans lay in the middle of broken ice, eyes closed, lips blue, chest still.Aria knelt beside him.She didn't know what else to say. She had given everything in that one shot.She gently placed her hand on his chest. Her fingers began to glow, not with burning fire, but with a soft, warm light.The warmth spread from her hand to Lans' body.The ice around him melted slowly, but he still didn't move.Tears rolled down Aria's cheeks."I believe in you," she whispered. "You've been the light for others... now let me be the light for you."She leaned down and hugged him, pouring all her warmth into him.At first, nothing happened.Then, his fingers twitched.His breathing came back—slow and heavy.His body shifted slightly, and a small, gasping breath escaped his lips.Aria lifted her head. "Lans...?"Lans slowly opened his eyes. They looked empty at first, then focused on Aria."Aria...?" he said hoarsely.Aria smiled through her tears, and cheers erupted in the square.Delmar came alive again.
Later, Renhal took Aria and Lans to the Duvane family mansion, a warm stone building glowing with golden light through its windows.Servants welcomed them kindly, still amazed by what had happened.Renhal led them upstairs."These are your rooms," he said, opening two doors across from each other. "Rest well. You've given more than we can repay."Lans glanced at Aria, then nodded and went into his room.But soon after, Aria heard a soft knock on her door."Come in," she said.Lans stood there, wearing clean clothes. His face was still pale, but his eyes were warm."I just... wanted to say thank you," Lans said. "You saved my life."Aria smiled gently. "No, Lans. We're even. You saved me once too, remember?"Lans chuckled and sat down nearby. "But... this was different. I felt trapped, like in endless darkness.""And you felt warmth?" Aria asked softly.He nodded. "It was you, Aria."They sat in a warm silence, feeling a deep bond."I've changed too," Aria said. "After merging with Solare.""You seem different," Lans said."I now have two new powers. I can strengthen my weapons with fire... and create a fire shield to protect myself—or others.""You're more than just a fighter now," Lans said."And you're still Lans... but now you carry a legend's power too," she smiled.Lans stood up and looked at her deeply."Whatever comes next... I'm glad we're facing it together."Aria's heart pounded, but she didn't look away.They didn't hug or say sweet words. They just knew—they were closer than ever.Lans quietly left, and Aria smiled to herself, feeling the warmth inside her.
The next day, after resting, a soldier knocked and told them Renhal was waiting in the meeting room.
The meeting room downstairs was big and filled with maps and military papers.Renhal stood by a window. Beside him was an official-looking man in a dark blue robe with Delmar's symbol.When Aria and Lans entered, Renhal nodded."Let me introduce you to the Governor of Delmar, Mr. Gavin Deyne."Gavin smiled warmly and shook their hands."Your story has already spread across the city," he said."I was away at a diplomatic meeting when Frostbourne attacked. I wasn't here to fight beside you—but today, I'm not just a governor. I'm one of the people, here to say thank you."He motioned for two soldiers to bring a long wooden box."Delmar never forgets its debts," Gavin said, opening the box.Inside were two beautiful weapons: a shining sword and an elegant bow."For you, Lans—this is Valkryn Edge. It's made of rare Veyran steel, light but strong enough to cut through armor."Lans' eyes widened. "Thank you...""And for you, Aria—this is the Stormstring Bow. Made from Flamewood, it's light but fires arrows with great power."Aria stared at it, almost unable to believe it."With these," Gavin said, "we officially name you both: The Heroes of Delmar."The room went silent, then erupted in applause.
But Gavin's face turned serious.He pointed to the southern part of the map."We believe the main enemy force will come through Shaden Valley. We must defend the city—no retreat."Renhal frowned. "How can we hold them off with so few soldiers?"Gavin took a deep breath."We'll arm every citizen. Men, women, everyone who can stand will fight. Children will be hidden safely underground. Women who can fight will be trained in basic defense."Aria nodded fiercely. "The people will fight for their home.""And more," Gavin said."We'll build catapults along the city walls—but not normal catapults."He looked at Aria and Lans."Aria, with your Heart of Fire, you'll turn our catapult stones into fireballs."Aria's fist tightened with excitement."And Lans," Gavin smiled, "with your fast motion, you'll speed up the catapults so fast they won't know what hit them."Everyone could already imagine it—a city not just defending itself, but fighting back.
Gavin's voice grew strong:"Delmar will not fall. Delmar will become a blazing fortress. Together... we will endure. Together... we will win."
The next morning, drums echoed across the city as the people gathered in the main square.There was fear in their eyes—but also new determination.Gavin Deyne stood tall and shouted,"People of Delmar! Today, we make history! We don't fight because we want to—but because we refuse to be victims!"Cheers erupted."They think we'll give up. They think we'll hide. But they're wrong! Delmar stands strong!"More cheers."Even the children know—courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is standing tall even when fear tries to knock you down!"Lans and Aria stood among the crowd, feeling every word shake their hearts."Every hand will hold a weapon! Every home will be a fortress! Every heart will be a wall that will not break!"The cheers became a roar.
"We are Delmar! We are the fire that will never die! We are the last stronghold before darkness takes this land!"
The people shouted together, their voices shaking the morning air.But in the distance, dark clouds rolled in.Lightning flashed again and again behind the black sky.Aria and Lans saw it too.It wasn't an ordinary storm.It was a sign.The war had chosen them.And the storm was their first test.