The moon rose high over Elowood, casting its silver glow over the thatched roofs and cobbled paths like a soft lullaby. The villagers were asleep, their homes dark, their doors locked — unaware that tonight, the sky watched silently as their peace was marked for destruction.
But something was off.
No wolves howled. No crickets chirped. Even the wind had stopped.
Only Leo felt it.
He sat in the forge, polishing his sword as a flickering candle lit the edges of the iron tools hanging from the walls. His father had gone to bed early. His mother had kissed Fina goodnight. But Leo… couldn't sleep.
His instincts — trained by long mornings, countless sparring matches, and hours spent listening to the whisper of mana in the air — screamed.
He rose.
Stepped outside.
And saw shadows.
At first, he thought it was the shape of the trees or night-draped rocks. But no — they were men. Moving too quietly. Wearing no armor. Faces masked. Weapons drawn.
Bandits?
No.
Leo's heart sank.
They were too organized. Moving with formation. Some split off toward the elder's home. Others surrounded the blacksmith's forge. He saw a pair slip toward the barn where the children liked to play after dark.
And then — a scream.
A sharp, short sound. A woman's voice cut off too quickly. And then fire.
Real fire.
Orange flame burst from a roof across the square. Then another. And another. The invaders lit the thatch with torches soaked in oil — not to loot, but to destroy.
"Elowood is under attack!"
Someone shouted, but the words were swallowed in chaos.
Leo's legs moved before his mind caught up. He dashed into his home, yelling, "Mother! Father! Fina!"
His father was already there, sword in hand. His mother clutching Fina tightly. The three stared at Leo, wide-eyed and pale.
"Take Fina and go," Leo said. "Run to the forest. Hide in the fox caves. I'll stall them."
His father opened his mouth to argue — then saw the look in his son's eyes. There was no time for pride.
They ran.
Leo turned back toward the village center, his blade gleaming with reflected flame. He had trained for years, dreaming of one day becoming a royal knight. Now, he fought not for titles or crowns — but to survive.
He clashed with the masked invaders. Three at once. Steel met steel. Wind magic burst from his hands, scattering one attacker into the dirt. Earth rumbled under his feet, unbalancing another. Fire scorched the shoulder of a third.
But Leo was only one boy.
And they were many.
He took a gash to the ribs. Another to his leg. His vision blurred, blood spilling onto the dirt. A blow knocked him back, and he collapsed against a cart.
They closed in.
But just then—
Horns. Royal banners. The Kingdom's soldiers.
They came pouring down the road in shining armor, bearing the crest of Valistheria — a twin-bladed phoenix. The masked invaders, already fading into shadow, vanished into the night, their work complete.
The "rescue" had arrived.
Leo's eyes blinked open weakly as a knight approached. A woman in gold-trimmed armor knelt beside him.
"You're safe now," she said with a warm smile.
But Leo didn't believe her.
Because behind that smile, something in her eyes glittered — cold and calculating.
She wasn't surprised.
She knew.
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End of Chapter 2