---
Chapter 34: The Path to Power and Peace
A Kingdom's Decision...
The celebration had ended, but the real work was just beginning. Inside the grand hall of the Avan Kingdom, Queen Lysandra and King Morphine gathered with the tribal leaders. The air was thick with urgency as they sat around the long, polished table, candlelight flickering over their solemn faces.
"We must think ahead," Queen Lysandra began, her voice firm. "The Shadow is still out there. If we wait, we give him time to grow stronger."
Murmurs spread across the room. Everyone knew the danger, but no one had a solution—except the Queen.
King Morphine rose. "We have decided to leave for Shawana Temple, miles away from here. There, we will restore the kingdom's magic."
The leaders exchanged uneasy glances. "Will you need an escort?" one of them asked.
Queen Lysandra shook her head. "Your duty is here. Watch over the kingdom in our absence."
A moment of silence. Then, in unison, the leaders bowed. "We will guard the kingdom with our lives."
The decision was made. Their journey would begin at dawn.
---
Secrets in the Shadows...
Billy and Ella wandered through the abandoned halls of Elara's old mansion. Dust and shadows clung to the air, the eerie silence only broken by their footsteps. This place once belonged to Ella's family—before everything changed.
Then they found it.
A large, leather-bound Dark Shadow Spellbook sat on a stone table, its blackened pages glowing faintly with dark energy. Surrounding it were vials of unknown potions, arcane symbols scrawled across the walls, and a chest filled with more forbidden relics.
Ella reached out, brushing her fingers over the spellbook's cover. A strange sensation crawled through her skin.
Billy watched her closely. "Are you sure you can't be influenced by it?"
Ella didn't look at him. Her eyes were fixed on the book. "It depends on your soul and mind," she murmured. "If dark, you're in."
Billy clenched his fists. He could feel the power pulsing in the room, whispering. "I have a feeling she will come for me," Ella finally said, her voice quiet but certain.
"Your… mum?" Billy asked, crossing his arms.
"Yeah, soon or later."
Billy frowned. "And how do you know that?"
Ella turned to him, tapping her temple. "Through the connection here, in."
Billy exhaled sharply. "Then we need to be prepared. For everything."
---
The Rise of a King.....
In the Aerithian Kingdom, thousands gathered in the royal courtyard. A sea of warriors, citizens, and young soldier recruits stood in eager anticipation. Queen Sara stepped forward, her golden robes flowing as she addressed them.
"Leaders, citizens, children soldiers, my fellow Aerithians," she began, her voice carrying across the open air. "I stand here today as your queen—to comfort, to lead, and to stand beside you."
A roar of approval rose from the crowd.
"It hasn't been easy since my parents, their Highnesses, passed on. They entrusted me with this throne, and I ask you—have I disappointed you?"
"NOOO!" the people shouted.
"Have I served you well?"
"YOU HAVE!"
A small smile touched her lips. "And now, my people, I ask you—do you need a King?"
"YESSS!"
Queen Sara turned to the man beside her, the one who had fought beside her since childhood. "Good. Then a king you shall have. By my power, I present to you… King Marcos."
The kingdom erupted in cheers. Sir Marcos stepped forward, raising his hand in greeting before kneeling before Queen Sara. A royal crown, forged in silver and sapphire, was placed upon his head. The moment he stood, the cheers doubled.
His brother, James Joe, was appointed as the General Commander of the Aerithian forces, and new unit leaders were named. Order was being restored.
Then, King Marcos turned to address his people—his first speech as king.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice steady. "I am honored to stand before you as your King. I promise to lead with power, courage, and every ounce of strength I have."
The crowd cheered.
"But we are at war. And we are at risk. Tell me—is it wise to march against the Avan Kingdom for nothing? To die in a losing battle?"
"NOOO!" the people roared.
"Are we going to sacrifice more lives for a war that holds no victory?"
"NOOO!"
Marcos nodded. "Then let us think differently. What if… we form an alliance?"
A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd. Queen Sara watched silently, smiling as she let the people consider his words.
Then Marcos spoke again, hitting the heart of the matter.
"What about an alliance with the Avan Kingdom?"
Silence. The Aerithians looked at one another. A decision like this was unheard of.
Then, one voice rose above the quiet. "Alliance! Alliance! Alliance!"
Soon, the entire kingdom was chanting.
King Marcos raised his hand to silence them. "Then it is decided. I will travel to the Avan Kingdom with my council to negotiate. If successful, this alliance will bring us the peace and protection we need."
A breath of relief spread through the kingdom.
"In the meantime," he continued, "tonight, we celebrate Queen Sara's ten years of leadership. Let the celebrations begin!"
The cheers returned, louder than before, echoing across the kingdom as the night of celebration and change began.
To be continued…
[Very soon I will take you back to New York . You miss Leo and Sophie, don't you?....New adventure awaits... please vote ✅✅]