I had been excited, maybe even a little too excited. But what I saw next left me speechless.
The village was overflowing with blossoms—cherry trees, wildflowers, petals drifting through the air like snow. It looked like something pulled from a forgotten tale. A fairytale world hidden within the borders of reality. My steps slowed, eyes wide in wonder. Raiden glanced at me and smirked.
"This is the well-known Village of Flowers. You can see it too, I assume."
I nodded slowly, unable to hide the awe in my voice. "It's… beautiful."
But as we walked further in, I realized it wasn't just flowers and beauty. There was something strange in the air. Too quiet. Too perfect.
We settled at a small tea stall near a wooden bar. The air smelled sweet—like jasmine and danger. I sipped my tea while Raiden pulled out a worn book from his bag, leafing through it without a word.
"What's that?" I asked.
"A book about all the kingdoms," he replied, his tone casual. "Magic, legends, powers... and the secrets of nature. I got it from an old man who studied everything—and remembered even more."
My curiosity flared. "Can I see it?"
He passed it to me. The moment I touched it, I felt something. Like a pull, a spark. As if the book had a memory of me, too. The pages were old, the drawings masterfully detailed. Words I didn't fully understand danced across the margins like whispers from a forgotten tongue.
But before I could ask more, he gently took it back. "I need to find someone," he said. "Someone who knows the forest we're about to cross. They say it's cursed… Not everyone who enters makes it out alive."
A chill ran down my spine. "Should I come with you?"
Raiden stood, shaking his head. "No. I'll return soon. Stay here. You'll be safe."
I nodded. But as he walked away, something in my chest tightened. Without him, I realized, I was truly lost. Still, I told myself to trust his words. I remained at the table, hands wrapped around the warm cup, staring into the tea like it held answers.
That's when I felt it.
Three men. Strangers. They sat at the table opposite me, but their eyes were anything but subtle. They stared too long, too deep, too hungry.
One leaned forward, a crooked grin spreading across his face. "Oh, my dear lady. Alone, are we? Shall I keep you company?"
I tilted my head, letting my lips curl into a cold smile."You want to keep me company?" I asked sweetly. "Too bad—I've no room for boredom today."
They laughed, mockingly. "Who said we're boring?"
I stood up to leave, but before I could step away, one of them grabbed my wrist tightly, yanking me toward him.
"Don't you want to have some fun?" he hissed into my ear.
That was it.
I glanced at the path Raiden had walked, wishing he'd come back—but I shook the thought away. Why should I wait? I wasn't helpless. I wasn't afraid.
I slammed my foot onto his and jabbed my elbow into his arm until he let go. I grabbed my bag and ran.
"STOP!" they shouted behind me. "We just want to have fun!"
I turned slightly, eyes blazing. "Come closer—and you'll learn that even flowers have thorns."
They laughed. "That's what I want to see!"
The village was no help. People watched like I was part of some show. No one lifted a finger.
I turned a corner and slipped, hitting the ground hard. Pain shot through my leg. One of the men grabbed my ankle.
"Don't steal and run, girl," he growled.
I panicked. My hands trembled, and my voice cracked as I screamed for help. No one came.
But then… something changed.
My body moved—on its own. No fear. No hesitation. Only instinct and memory. Like something inside me had awakened.
I kicked hard, so hard that the man staggered. I reached into my bag and pulled out my weapon—a hidden blade shaped like a petal—and swung it wide. They backed away, startled.
"Don't be like that!" one of them shouted. "A pretty girl like you can't carry real weight!"
I stared him down, unwavering. "I'll show you what I carry."
He drew his sword. I didn't flinch. I stepped into position—feet firm, breath steady. The fight began.
Steel clashed. I moved fast, too fast. My body remembered what my mind didn't. Duck, strike, twist. One man cried out as I slashed across his leg. Another tripped and fell, laughing until he saw his own blood.
Only one remained.
He got down on one knee, snarling like a beast. His fury grew—his strikes wild and fast. I couldn't match his strength, but I could outthink him.
I ran again.
This time, up a roof. I climbed quickly, my hands scraped and aching. The tiles were slippery, but I didn't stop. He followed.
From below, a voice shouted. "ELOULA!"
Raiden.
But the man was already on the roof. We fought again. Blades flashing, hearts pounding. I knocked his leg hard—he collapsed.
Raiden was watching. I turned to wave at him—but too late.
"LOOK OUT!"
The man lunged. He struck me, and I slipped backward.
I caught the ledge just in time. My fingers burned. He stood above me, laughing cruelly.
"You've lost," he sneered. "You should've known better than to defy men like us."
Anger boiled in me.
"I'd rather die alone than be touched by something as disgusting as you!"
And with that, I let go.