Away in an unknown field, the cracked earth lay still beneath a pale, dust-choked sky. Nothing moved. No birds. No wind. Only silence.
Until it hummed.
A soft vibration trembled through the ground, and then—light bloomed. A portal tore itself open midair, spiraling with flickers of dark energy, pulsing with quiet malice.
From within, a tall figure stepped out—her posture precise, her presence cold and commanding.
Tahini.
On the far end of the broken ridge, two figures waited. Layla and Kayla stood side by side, arms folded, tension practically visible between them.
"The hell you want?" Kayla snapped, her tone already sharp with contempt as she folded her arms tighter across her chest.
"I was instructed to assist you today," Tahini replied coolly. Her voice was smooth—measured and untouched by emotion.
"We don't need your help, so you can leave," Kayla shot back, her scowl deepening like a storm cloud ready to break.
"You know Killian sent her. We don't have a choice," Layla muttered, her voice flat with restrained rage. Her gaze never left the horizon.
"Precisely," Tahini said, a smirk curling on her lips. "His words were, and I quote, 'These stupid children wouldn't be able to kill a fly without messing it up.' You have quite the reputation, my dear."
"I'll kill his smart ass the second I get the chance," Kayla growled, her fists shaking slightly with barely contained fury.
Tahini's smile only widened, her voice laced with venomous amusement. "Please be warned. Although I'm here to assist you, any threats made toward my lord Killian will be met with force—even if that person could never lay a finger on him."
"Wanna see if that confidence carries over to your own life?!" Kayla snapped, stepping forward.
Tahini didn't flinch. Her expression was unchanged, as if even Kayla's fury bored her. "Your idle threats fall on deaf ears. My life is only to serve Lord Killian. Nothing else matters. Now, shall we proceed with your plan, or do you want to keep wasting time?"
"Fine, whatever," Kayla muttered, turning her back with a huff of frustration.
Tahini's gaze slid toward Layla, who had said nothing since her arrival. Her violet eyes remained locked on the distance.
"Well, aren't you quiet today?" Tahini said mockingly. "I hope your little predicament didn't affect you too much."
Layla offered no response. She didn't blink. She didn't move.
Tahini chuckled softly to herself. "Today's going to be interesting for sure."
Earlier that day…
Inside the vast training grounds of the Valkyrie Sanctuary, morning sunlight streamed through the open dome above, casting long rays across the polished stone. The field echoed with the rhythmic clash of training weapons, the thud of boots, and the breath of exertion.
Kalanie lunged forward, her movements urgent and aggressive. Her breath was ragged, sweat clinging to her brow. She aimed one final strike—
But her footing slipped. Her form faltered.
Her opponent stopped instantly.
"That's enough for right now," Cecilia said, lowering her blade with calm precision.
Cici stood tall, her long light blue hair catching the sunlight like threads of light. Her armor was elegant and battle-worn—white and gold with deep blue accents, fitted over a flowing combat skirt and reinforced plating. Her sharp blue eyes held a commanding calm, and behind her, broad white wings folded neatly at her back. Even at rest, she radiated the confidence of a seasoned warrior.
"You lost focus and started to panic."
"I know, I'm sorry, Cici," Kalanie said, straightening as she caught her breath. "It's hard fighting you even without your ice."
Cecilia gave a warm laugh, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "The harder the fight, the more you improve. You'll get the hang of it. Just keep it up."
Kalanie rubbed her arm, still winded. "You really think I'm getting better though?"
"Yeah, you—" Cecilia began, but a firm voice interrupted from behind.
"Excuse me, Cecilia," called Captain Araya, striding across the field with her usual quiet authority.
"Yes, Captain?" Cecilia responded quickly, standing tall.
"Emergency Valkyrie meeting. Elemental Valkyries included. You too, Kalanie."
"Yes ma'am!" Kalanie said, straightening instinctively.
"Whoa. Must be serious," Cecilia murmured, eyes narrowing. "I'm right behind you, Captain."
They fell in step, boots echoing through the winding halls of the sanctuary. The further they went, the more Valkyries joined them, drawn by the same summons.
As they neared the grand meeting hall, the low murmur of voices grew louder, echoing across the arched ceilings.
Then they stepped inside.
Kalanie's eyes widened. "Whoa…" she breathed.
The massive hall was filled—rows upon rows of Valkyries standing at attention, armored and silent. The sight of so many gathered in one place made her heart race.
"Over here, Kalanie," Cecilia called from ahead, waving her toward a formation of Valkyries marked by elemental crests and unique accents in their armor—the ELOs.
Kalanie hesitated. "Is it okay for me to be over there?" she asked quietly. "I don't have an ELO crest."
"Of course it is," Cecilia said, already tugging her forward. "You're with me. Stop worrying so much and come on."
Kalanie followed, nerves fluttering as she stepped among the group.
"Cici's here. That's everyone," said Kiyuri, a sharp-eyed woman with an alert presence.
Kiyuri had soft, wavy violet-blue hair that framed her face with an effortless flow. Her expression was calm but observant, like someone who noticed everything without making a big deal out of it. She wore lightweight indigo armor with gold trim, layered over a flowing skirt that matched her easy confidence.
"Good morning, Kiyuri," Cecilia said, offering a nod of respect.
"Good morning. And who's this?" Kiyuri asked, her tone curious but welcoming.
"This is Kalanie. She's shadowing me," Cecilia explained. "Kalanie, this is Kiyuri, the ELO Lieutenant."
Kalanie gave a quick, polite bow. "It's nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you too, young lady," Kiyuri replied, a brief but genuine smile softening her sharp features.
Before the conversation could continue, a voice cut through the chamber like a blade.
"CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION," came Commander Fyla's powerful call—steady, commanding, and unmistakable.
Instantly, the entire hall fell silent.
Every Valkyrie raised her arm in unison, saluting with flawless discipline. The room became still—like a perfectly coiled spring.
At the front, Araya walked to her place beside Fyla.
The chamber held its breath. Every eye fixed forward.
Something was coming.
And they were ready.