Gena clapped her hands, and Adeline was promptly taken away. She was hurled into a room with Helen, who was also being taken away. In a flash, her white dress was stripped and placed in a tub, which she didn't fit in. They promptly started to clean her body; it was then Adeline got a moment to take in her scarred body.
Her silky smooth skin was now replaced with deep burn and acid scars covering her entire body, but luckily her skin was regenerating at a slow pace.
"There goes my model career."
After they were finished scrubbing her entire body, they dried her and gave her large leather pants. They repurposed a dress into a blouse and gave her a white shirt. She wore large, heavy boots, which she appreciated. They guided her up a flight of stairs into a room, then closed the doors behind her.
A group of high elves and Joseph all sat around a cylindrical table, which was made out of vines with a large tree the size of a six-story building behind Gena.
"Please take a seat."
Adeline took her seat directly opposite Gena, with Joseph next to her.
"I must say you look quite beautiful."
Joseph leaned in and whispered.
"I highly recommend that you shut up."
"I am just saying."
Joseph grumbled while Adeline kept her attention on Gena.
"Cut to the chase, what do you want?"
Gena looked around the room, then cleared her throat.
"We need your help; the humans are encroaching further into the forest. They threaten my people and also the forest itself. With the Balowick now dead, one of our forms of defense is gone."
"I will entertain this, why should I help you?"
"Because we are asking you. I understand you have no reason to align yourself with our interests or the forest, but please consider us."
"Okay."
The answer shocked everyone in the room.
"I spent some time thinking to myself. It would be distasteful if I simply left after saving my life and protecting Helen, but I will not do it for free."
"What do you need?"
"Armor, enough supplies, and a plan."
"We can arrange for that, as for the plan. We were thinking of uniting the orcs, trolls, and the dwarves."
"Who came up with this plan?"
Gena glanced to the man next to her. He leaned forward.
"My name is Loak, and I am the king of Elfhem. I am the one who formulated the plan together with the queen."
"It's a surprisingly good plan. I expected something more stupid, if I am being honest, but there is a problem."
"What would that problem be?"
"You are uniting these different creatures; who will be the leader?"
A short silence filled the room as the elves stared at each other.
"You will."
A female elf answered from behind. Adeline turned and faced her. She looked a lot like Gena but had Loak's gold hair and firm body.
"Jean, do not speak out of turn."
Loak corrected his rowdy daughter as he shook his head.
"You are clearly confused. I am not a leader, nor do I plan to be one."
"You will become a symbol of fear to the humans and admiration to us."
"As I said, you're confused."
Adeline turned back to Gena with a yawn.
"Then everyone will die, including that child."
Adeline erupted in laughter. Joseph, beside her, turned pale. Her scarred face with patches of hair made Adeline look psychotic. Loak frowned while Jean was physically repulsed.
"Let me make one thing clear. I am not your ally or friend. I do not care about this forest or anyone else. I am doing this for Helen and because I have some morals."
"Please, we are desperate."
"Welcome to life."
Adeline answered with a scoff as she lazily sank in her seat.
"If that's the case, let's make a deal. I have information concerning Helen; complete our tasks, and I will divulge it."
Gena revealed her true nature; nothing was off the table.
"Hmmm."
Adeline sat properly after hearing the proposed deal.
"If you want to play that game, then give me assurance."
"Her core and magic are wildly different from both humans and monsters."
"Why is that important?"
"If you want to know why she is being hunted down, then it's important. If you don't care about her, then it's not."
"I was waiting for you to drop your mask. Do you have any other demands?"
"The child stays."
Adeline slammed the table, breaking a huge portion. The elven guards quickly pointed their spears at Adeline. Joseph raised his hands, but Adeline's gaze was fixed on Gena. With a wave, the guards slowly backed away.
"I too want assurances."
"I am finding this deal less appealing."
"You can leave then."
Adeline fell silent as the elves waited for an answer.
"I wonder, why can't Mr. Muscle do all this?"
"I am a king; my presence is needed in this kingdom."
Loak answered. Joseph raised his hand and waited for permission. With a nod from Gena, Joseph stood up.
"The empire grows stronger by the day. Adeline, you are capable, but alone you will lose. The elves might be strong and proud, but they also won't last forever. You should unite now or die alone."
Adeline aggressively pulled Joseph back to his seat.
"I would like to add a demand."
"What will that be?"
"I want that elf to join me."
"No."
Loak instantly turned her down.
"If you plan on holding my daughter, I will take yours. I also need a capable guide, and she looks like one."
"We can lend you one of our scouts. The princess will not leave this kingdom."
Loak spoke with a harsh and threatening voice.
"This is why you're losing. I know you elves, if you're anything close to what I read, that is."
"Please explain."
Loak leaned forward with subtle anger.
"You have lived for hundreds of years, yet you're the same. This lack of change and deep pride has made you stagnant, stale. Humans, on the other hand, do whatever they want—no rules, no honor, just pure greed and bloodlust. How do you expect to survive that?"
"That is the reason why we still stand strong; we have rules, discipline, and respect for mother nature."
"Your enemies don't give a shit. They will tear your kingdom down to pieces, and your people will be reduced to glorified sex slaves if they are lucky."
Loak slammed the table and stood up. Adeline followed suit and stared down at the elf, whose face was now filled with anger.
"She is right."
Joseph broke the rising tension.
"I have seen it with my eyes. We call elves from the forest purebloods; they are enslaved and used for breeding. Their children are treated like commodities and sold to the highest bidder."
Loak turned to Joseph, then cleared his mind. He quietly took his seat and stared up at Adeline.
"I would like to apologize for my reaction."
"Hmph."
Adeline also took a seat as she pushed off some of the debris with her feet.
"My husband speaks from a position of care, I hope you understand. With that said, Jean, I permit your request; you will also act as our representative."
"Then it is a deal."
Adeline spoke. Jean got up and bowed, then took a seat with a wide smile. Adeline still looked upset as she looked around the room, trying to distract herself. Gena got up from her seat and bowed towards Adeline, drawing concerns.
"Thank you, Adeline. I understand the risk you are taking for our sake, even if it's simply a contract."
"Whatever helps you to sleep at night. I would like to leave as soon as possible."
Adeline got up and walked towards the exit, with Joseph exchanging glances between her and Gena. Gena simply smiled, reassuring him, and quickly left with Adeline. Jean bowed, then followed.
Adeline walked down the hallway with short but powerful strides. The elves dove out of the way as Adeline's large body made its way. She walked outside the palace, taking in the greenery and quiet.
"Mommy!"
Helen, on top of Lola, came running, holding a bunch of red flowers. Adeline kneeled as Lola came crashing into her but was unable to tip her. Helen giggled as Lola licked her face.
"You still have your flowers?"
"I made more for Mommy."
Helen reached out and placed some of them on her ears. They started to make their way out of the palace.
"There, Mom is now more beautiful."
"Have you been eating?"
"Yes, Scales even forces me to eat extra."
"Good, I want to have a very important conversation with you."
Outside, Adeline picked up Helen and started walking down the path. They passed the village, drawing more attention, but she ignored them.
"I have to leave for an important mission."
"Where is Mommy going?"
Adeline stared into the vast field, which she deduced was some type of magic.
"I am going to save your new friends."
Adeline placed her down, then sat on the field.
"I want to go with you."
"It's too dangerous."
"I am a big girl now!"
Helen flexed her small hands to the delight of Adeline. Her instincts suddenly flared as she got up and looked around.
"Helen, stay close."
It was then a magical circle appeared above; strong purple energy poured down. Adeline turned towards Helen, but a man wearing a cloak was holding her. She advanced, piercing its shoulder, but a huge explosion blew her away. Her body landed on one of the trees; she quickly recovered and ran with all her strength towards the man carrying the crying Helen. They both disappeared just as she reached them. Adeline fell on her knees, her mind raced, trying to understand the situation. Loak came running with a group of elves on horseback, but they were late. She took some of the dirt, which radiated the same purple energy.
"What happened here?"
"They kidnapped her."
Adeline stated, red mist started to appear, cloaking her. Loak ordered the guards to step away, unsure of what was happening.
"I am leaving now."
Adeline got up, then angrily stomped on the ground, creating a crater, sending shockwaves throughout. The vibrations were very strong, as if they were hit by a small earthquake. Loak stared at Adeline, who was now at the bottom of a crater surrounded by red mist.
"Tell them to hurry."
Loak ordered as Jean and Joseph came running in but were stopped. They stared at Adeline, whose clothes were slightly burnt and dirty, but their main focus was on the red mist.
"You need to prepare your leaving now."
"Did something happen, Father?"
"The child was taken."
Joseph's heart sank; to him, this was the worst-case scenario for the human race. His legs suddenly gave out as he fell to the ground. Adeline turned and walked out of the crater with the red mist dissipating behind her. She instantly grabbed Joseph by the throat with one hand, lifting him up into the air.
"Did you lead them here?"
Joseph started tapping her hand as he tried to breathe. All he could do was shake his head slightly as he pleaded with his eyes. Jean tried to intervene, but Loak stopped her and shared a gaze.
"If you are lying to me, your precious city will burn first."
Adeline let him go as she marched back to the palace. She grabbed regular leather armor; she made her way outside, then saw an elven guard with a shield. She aggressively took it, then strapped it to her back, leaving the guard confused.
Fang was already waiting with a small bag strapped against his chest, with Scales around his neck. He too wore leather armor and had a large axe on his back. Joseph and Jean were next. Joseph wore regular clothes, while Jean had her elvish armor.
"Lose the armor; you will be sticking out like a sore thumb."
Jean did not protest and started to remove her armor, then walked towards Fang, then opened the bag. Her armor suddenly got sucked inside, then she closed it. Now with her leather armor and sword, she was ready.
Gena appeared carrying a mask in her hand.
"This is a special mask; it will help with healing and also change to your commands. It's carved from the bark of the world tree."
Adeline accepted it, then placed it on her face. It completely covered her face, leaving her horns. Narrow eye slits appeared as the wood turned into a dark metal with elven engraving on her right cheek.
"That individual used a teleportation spell. It requires a lot of prepping and power. How they tracked her, I am unsure."
"Tell me, what do you know about that child?"
Adeline stared down at the elven queen. Gena could sense the killing intent seeping out, threatening to consume her.
"The child is neither human nor a monster. She is the first hybrid, an abnormality most likely created rather than born."
Adeline turned and walked away without speaking. Lola followed, then Fang and Scales. Joseph stared at Jean, then Gena. With a face painted in fear, he weakly followed Adeline. Jean bowed and set off.
"My daughter, wait."
Loak called out. Jean turned with a look of confusion.
"Take this."
Loak reached for something in his back and handed her a wooden handle.
"Father, this is the sacred weapon of Elfham."
"It has been passed down for generations, and now it's your turn. You are now the sword of the elves."
"Father, I…."
Jean was shocked by this. She looked up to her father, who had a bright smile.
"Thank you."
"May your bow strike true, Jean, house of Relok."
Jean bowed once more, then quickly ran back to the group. Gena and Loak watched them disappear, then suddenly fell to her knees.
"Are you all right?"
Loak quickly came to her aid. He gently lifted her; she leaned into him and started to pant.
"I am fine, we need to move deeper into the forest."
"The mage might have broken through, but we can still hold this position."
"I am not concerned about the empire; I am concerned about her. Death will soon descend; I don't want our people to get caught in the middle of it."
Loak remained quiet as he stared towards the edges of their kingdom. He made a silent prayer to protect his daughter and his people. Unbeknownst to him, she was the answer.
Adeline walked behind Jean, who led them to the nearest orc camp. She moved through the forest while reading a map. Animals would pause and watch the group maneuver their way through. Joseph stared at Adeline's large back; he was quietly drowning in fear and worry over what she would do next.
"Is there a mage who exudes purple energy and is able to use teleportation magic?"
"I-I-I don't know. I am just a professor, but to use teleportation magic, you need a lot of preparation and resources."
Joseph answered with a shaky voice.
"Do they have a magic tower or building?"
"Yes, it's located in the capital."
"Do you know any grand mage who could pull off teleportation magic?"
Joseph fell silent to the question as he envisioned an all-out invasion by Adeline. He knew Adeline was capable enough to unite all the monsters and amass a serious army. If she managed to get a mage, it might spell the end of not only the empire but the continent.
"I asked you a question."
Adeline spoke once more, bringing back his attention.
"I, uh, don't know anyone, but I can ask around."
"Would you really help a demon?"
"I quite liked the kid, and I feel responsible for the actions of my fellow man."
"I don't care about your motivation as long as you don't betray me."
"I wouldn't dare. I value my life, and I still need to complete my mission."
Night fell as the group continued walking in the dark woods. Jean continued guiding them, but the lack of light proved to be difficult.
"I can't see the map or my surroundings. We will have to camp here."
Adeline raised her hand; Fang instantly shot forward.
"I will prepare camp right away, Master."
In a flash, Fang already collected several branches and placed them in the middle. Adeline sat down and started a fire; she wordlessly stared at the fire. The rest were busy cooking the meat, leaving her alone. She was still very angry about Helen, but it didn't make sense. Normally, Adeline was very closed off and would turn her back to harsh situations simply because it didn't affect her, but now. Adeline removed her mask and placed it next to her, then closed her eyes.
"I can't imagine the agony you're going through."
Jean spoke in a low voice, drawing her attention.
"When my people were getting abducted by humans, I wanted to give chase, but my father always stopped me. It was gut-wrenching watching; I felt helpless."
"Spare me the tears."
"You don't have to put on a tough persona in front of me or any of us."
"You don't know me, little elf."
Adeline picked up her mask and wore it, with her gaze still fixed on Jean.
"You're right, I don't know you, but I know you love that child."
Jean faced Adeline and decided not to press further. An awkward silence filled the camp once again as the group started to eat.
"Mmmhh, this is very tasty. What are these ball-like meat?"
"Stupid human is eating testicles."
Fang pointed and started laughing at him as Scales and Jean joined in. Joseph didn't spit out the meat; instead, he took another bite while staring at them.
"Okay, that's disgusting."
Jean spoke as she placed her food to the side for a moment.
"Unlike most people, I appreciate everything in life."
"You don't have to eat it in front of us."
"It's just meat, nothing crazy."
"Disgusting human."
Scales spoke with a hiss as she took her food and disappeared into the forest. Lola barked at him, then cuddled against Adeline, who lightly petted her head.
"What did I do?"
Fang started once more as he took large bites.
"No wonder you're single."
"Correction: widowed, and my wife loved me so."
"I am sure she did."
Jean spoke sarcastically while nodding.
"You are one to talk, Miss Forever Single."
"My attention is on my people and enhancing my skills as a warrior."
"I am sure that's the case."
Joseph hit back with a sarcastic voice of his own, coupled with a nod. Suddenly, a knife flew through the air, grazing his cheek. Joseph stared at Jean in disbelief. He took a nearby bone, then hurled it at Jean, who casually dodged.
"You bitch!"
"You fucking pig!"
The two started an all-out fight, hurling different items towards each other, with Fang enjoying the fight. Adeline turned her back and quietly drifted into a half-sleep.