Double Edged

Inside the cozy stone house nestled in Alderwyn Vale, Selene busied herself tidying Lucian's room. Broken wooden fragments and disheveled books lay scattered across the floor, remnants of his unauthorized training. Despite Lucy's explicit ban on practicing wind control indoors, Lucian had ignored the rules.

Selene sighed as she picked up a shattered vase, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "He's always making a mess when he practices," she thought, recalling the countless times she had cleaned up after him. But this time, there was a difference. The amount of broken items was noticeably less. "At least he's improving," she murmured, shaking her head.

Her musings were interrupted by an ear-piercing roar that shook the walls, sending a chill down her spine. Her heart seized with worry. "The children!" she whispered in panic, dropping everything and rushing outside.

Emerging from the house, she froze at the scene before her. Lucy stood protectively with her arms around Lucian and Megan, shielding them. Eldric stood at the forefront, his sword drawn, his stance unwavering as he faced the threat.

Surrounding them were five demons. At the center stood a massive figure cloaked in a miasma so thick it withered the flowers in his vicinity. His imposing horns curved like jagged spires, and his grayish skin shimmered with an ominous sheen. This was Ravikhar, the infamous master of curses. Flanking him were four smaller demons, their hunched forms clutching cursed tools. Behind them, three enormous creatures—a grotesque blend of dog and bear—growled menacingly, saliva dripping from their jagged maws.

Selene's healer instincts took over, and she moved toward the children, her mana already surging to assess them for injuries. But before she could reach them, one of the smaller demons pointed at her, unleashing one of the monstrous source hounds in her direction.

Lucy's sharp voice cut through the tension, furious and commanding.

"You! Ravikhar, cease this at once! Nobody needs to be harmed. State your business!"

The massive demon tilted his head, his voice smooth but laced with venom. "Ah, Lucy Hale. It's been years. I thought you might have forgotten me."

Lucy's eyes narrowed. "You aren't someone who's easy to forget. Most demons barely wear rags, let alone the elaborate attire you parade in. You've always stood out, Ravikhar. Master of curses." Her grip on her sword tightened. "Cease this hostility and state your intentions clearly. If you're here in peace, this is no way to approach my home."

Ravikhar chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "Peace? No, Lucy, this is far from peaceful. I came here for a reason, and it's a reason that might just make you want to kill me." His yellow eyes gleamed as he continued.

"I've come for the kin of Sovarath."

Lucy stiffened, her expression darkening.

Ravikhar's voice grew cold. "Since Sovarath's death, our race has been in shambles. We've been pushed to the brink of extinction. The only path forward is through the bloodline of Sovarath. Hand over the children. Raise them to lead the demon race. It's the only way we survive."

Lucy stepped forward, drawing her sword with deliberate force. Her voice was ice. "You've gone mad, Ravikhar. I would sooner die than give up my children."

Ravikhar sneered. "Ah, I was hoping you'd say that. The bitch who corrupted Sovarath—you'll pay for what you've done. Enough talk."

He turned to his followers, raising his hand. "Take them down."

The smaller demons began chanting, their cursed tools glowing with ominous light. The source hounds growled, ready to attack.

Eldric moved closer to Lucy. "Lady Lucy, they're preparing wide-range curses. We need to protect the children and Selene!"

Lucy's jaw tightened. She turned to Eldric, her voice steady. "Eldric, if… if I don't make it through this, will you protect Lucian and Megan? Will you be as loyal to them as you are to me?"

Eldric's voice cracked with disbelief. "Lady Lucy, don't say that! You'll live to raise them yourself. We'll take care of these bastards together."

Lucy shook her head, her gaze softening. "Answer me, Eldric." She paused. "My health has worsened. If I go all out against Ravikhar, this may be my last fight—even if I win."

Eldric's eyes filled with tears, and he bowed his head. "I owe you everything, Lady Hale. If you fall, I will dedicate my life to the young master and young lady. That, I swear."

Lucy smiled faintly. "That's all I needed to hear. Thank you… brother."

With a sudden burst of wind, Lucy propelled herself forward, appearing before the chanting demons in an instant. Her blade flashed, and in one fluid motion, all four demons fell, their heads severed.

Ravikhar raised an eyebrow, unimpressed but not surprised.

"Even after all these years, the moniker of 'Wind Queen' suits you. But don't think for a second that I'll fall so easily."

He raised his hands, dark smoke pouring from his palms, spreading like a suffocating fog.

Lucy's voice rang out. "Eldric, grab the children!"

Before Eldric could move, the smoke enveloped the area, thick and choking. Eldric and Selene collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. Summoning her mana, Selene quickly healed herself and rushed to Eldric's side, but the children were nowhere in sight.

Lucy's heart froze. She frantically dispelled the smoke with a fierce gust of wind, revealing the battlefield. Eldric and Selene knelt, coughing, their faces pale, but Lucian and Megan were gone.

Lucy fell to her knees, her sword clattering to the ground. Tears streamed down her face as her voice broke. "Lucian… Megan…"

Ravikhar's laughter echoed from the shadows, chilling and triumphant. "The kin of Sovarath… are mine now."