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[alissawrites-blog]

Chapter 2: Haylee

In Lys, the capital of Fields of the Light, people were scurrying from left to right. It was late in the morning and the streets were already busy. Children, played with wooden swords, when the women washed and hung wet cloths.

Inns were crowded with new visitors and outside shops were full of merchants, trying to sell their daily goods. In the distant, where schools were located, were hearable shouts and commands of teachers, showing students the right way to use their powers. Air was scented with fresh fruits, blossom flowers and balmy greens. Sweet summer breeze blew just from the west and the sun was high enough to heat up the body.

Haylee and Harvey Light couldn't be any happier today. They were finally old enough to participate in annual beast hunt. Celebrated their 16th birthday, they were officially called "adults" from now on.

However, these two were always naughty and playful, breaking any rules possible. So, in fact, twins continued their foolish jokes and tricks, annoying older brother Desmond and getting punished by Lady Light, who couldn't stand rebellious and riotous disciples.

Clan's image of fairness, purity and honor was of great significance for her. She cared so much for their clan's reputation to the point where it often raised disquiet. Edlyn Light did not even hesitate to use physical force against disobedience, making no exceptions.

Even so her children still played pranks on people. And today their victim was Desmond. He was their favorite. Always too morose and too sullen, he fell for their tricks inevitably.

Desmond was sunbathing outside the tavern. His silvery blond hair was lightly blown by the summer wind, making it a a bit messy, his almond shaped brown eyes softly shone and his creamy skin sparkled with rays of sunshine. A homely girl approached him and poured intoxicating red wine, collected from southern harvest. Haylee and Harvey hid behind the corner, upholding small giggles. Everything was going as it was planned.

Desmond took a small sip, smiling to a serving girl. His smile quickly died, when he felt his tongue burning from the spicy hot taste. Blonde guy found himself opening and closing his mouth like a fish, which was thrown out of the water. The taste was so tangy, his face turned a vermeil tomato and a maiden exclaimed: "Somebody, please, bring some water to this Young Master!"

She started muttering apologies, claiming she didn't know the wine was too spicy. Then Harvey and Haylee made their appearance, offering a small bottle of water. Desmond desperately took it, not looking at his saviors.

After some sips, he cleared his vision, glancing at rescuers gloomily. "You bastards!" he spitted, rising his posture from the table.

"What, brother? We helped you and this is how you thanking us?" Harvey theatrically sighed and threw hands.

Desmond only tsked and rolled his eyes. "Don't pretend I know it was your tricks again."

"At least you tasted the real burning hot wine," winked Haylee and twins chuckled. "Miss, don't blame yourself. As you see our brother is fine and it was none of your fault," Haylee turned to the serving girl, who looked both shocked and relieved.

"Y-yes, I-I won't, thank you." She responded swiftly and then in an instant, fled, too scared to assume what they will do next.

"Humph, you spoiled my wine," unhappily noted Desmond, glancing over the table.

"But we brought good news instead," licked his lips Harvey and seated himself next to his brother.

"Good for you or good for me?" skeptically raised a brow older one.

"I believe it's good for our clan," acknowledged Haylee, taking a seat too.

"And what is it?" snorted Desmond.

"We all will be representing our clan on annual beast hunt!" excitedly exclaimed Harvey.

"I know it very well, dork. Father told it a couple hours ago. What does it change?"

"Don't you get it, Des? It means we have a chance to win for the second time!" happily announced Haylee.

"Mn, we three are the best disciples here and if we unite..." Harvey pointedly gave a looked.

"We will be unstoppable," finished Haylee.

"So, you came here to offer me a partnership," stated Desmond.

"Kind of so," agreed Haylee, shrugging her shoulders.

Older brother smirked and teased: "Why you think, I'll agree?"

"Ugh, don't start this. Can't you do something without profit for yourself?" clicked his tongue Harvey.

"It's not that fun then," innocently peered off Desmond.

"Shameless insolent," mumbled the twin.

"I heard everything!" inserted the older one.

"Shut up, you two," put forth Haylee and turned to Desmond, "What do you want of us?"

"Promise, you won't ever be playing your tricks on me," he looked quite serious saying that.

"That's not possible and you know it. Ask for something feasible," cut him immediately Haylee.

"Alright," grumbled Desmond, "you won't be irritating my life for three months."

"One," started to bargain the blonde girl.

"Two," frowned the older brother.

"One and a half," insisted Haylee.

"Fine," gave up Desmond. "So be it."

"Great," she smiled and winked to Harvey, who understood they emerged victorious.

He stretched out and saw a glance of a running man with a letter in his hand. He was heading towards their table.

"Who is it?" he asked and his siblings turned to face the messenger.

"Alfie?" confusingly questioned Desmond.

"Young Master Desmond! Your servant was ordered to hand over this letter," he put the neatly folded envelope on the table's surface.

The siblings spotted the receiver's name, wrote in the peculiar handwriting.

"To Clan leader Light, from Clan leader Dark," read out loud Harvey and swallowed nervously.

"Father needs to see it," heavily sighed Desmond, but before he could do anything, Haylee snatched the letter from the table and run away.

"Hey! Give it back!" exclaimed her brothers and started chasing her, poor servant, complaining about his fate, behind them.

The girl with silver hair only giggled and sped up. She was like a fish in the water, hopping and maneuvering with such dexterity, no one could ever outsmart her, or even compete.

People in the streets either scattered from them, fearing to be pushed down, or cursed at how shameless kids scared away customers.

"Haylee! If through your fault the letter is lost, I will skin you down myself!" shouted in fury Desmond.

"We all understand perfectly that you won't," teased back his sister.

"I don't think he is joking now," cried Harvey, glaring at Desmond's contracted facial muscles.

Haylee did not hear what her twin said or pretended not to, but continued their run, gradually approaching their father's residence. It was a massive white building, walls of which were marble thick. In length it went up, almost reaching the clouds, the top of the castle reminding the tip of a sharp spear.

The guards on the front gate were not an obstacle for Haylee. She swiftly slipped through them, breaking the inner courtyard. Now not only her brothers were following her, along with the servant Alfie, but also the guards.

"You stop!" they were shouting.

"Come and get me!" Haylee provoked.

"Clan leader Light will hear about this!"

No matter how they all throw threats, the silver girl did not give a single damn. She was already approaching father's audience room. Bursting in, all eyes were on Haylee and her out of breath followers. Whispers and disdained glances greeted them.

A tall middle-aged man with blond hair, flowing from his shoulders rose from his upper seat, both anxiety and dissatisfaction in his gaze. "What is so urgent you had to interrupt the audience?"

"Father, when we were on the walk, Alfie handed over this letter," Haylee lifted her arm with parchment in it, "he got it just from the messenger and..." she looked at the servant, as if to get courage.

"And it says the sender is Clan leader Dark," finished Desmond.

Sighs of astonishment and disbelief swept over the room. "This is definitely provocation!" "Rasmus Dark cannot be trusted!" "This is another clever-planned trick!"

"Silence," Keyon Light in the instant hushed the noisy courtiers, wrinkling his nose. "Haylee, be so kind, give me the letter."

The girl did as it was bid and retreated to her companions. Meanwhile, her father was carefully unfolding the paper. It took him a few moments to read the contents and mysteriously smirk.

"What is it about, Clan leader Light?" someone from the audience questioned in curiosity.

"Clan leader Dark is going to be on annual beast hunt with his family members," announced Keyon with a hard sigh. "He will arrive in three weeks with other clans."

"Is this some kind of a joke?" snorted Desmond, "they didn't participate for seven years and now they suddenly back?!"

Courtiers agreed with the older heir, loudly proclaiming their suspicions.

Keyon Light was in disarray, he knew Rasmus conceived something big, but they can't blame Clan leader Dark without any evidence. Nobody liked idle talk, especially the elders of each clan, who were judges to all men. They won't believe in empty accusations.

"We will accept them in our house!" ordered Keyon with the thick voice of his.

"Father, b-but," started Harvey with eyes full of misunderstanding.

"We can't deny them hospitality just because we have ill blood," cut Clan leader Light and looked around the room, meeting confused glares. "I get why you are so hostile, I feel the same way, however, and as an honorable man and Clan leader I should treat each clan member with the equal respect and homage. We will provide Clan Dark with all the needs they crave and allow them to participate in annual beast hunt."

The audience room fell silent for a moment. Nobody could object Clan leader's decision, only to nod with sad understanding.

"Keyon Light declared a wise and weighted resolution; even I have nothing to protest."

And there she is. Haylee turned her head to the front door, expecting to see Lady Light. Her proud and noble figure stood in the entry, pearly hairpin in her silver hair and crystal blue eyes scanning the room with a hushed snort.

"Madam Light," courtiers bowed to their mistress.

"Edlyn," Keyon faintly smiled to his wife and then spoke to the retainers, "for now it's all. You shall be dismissed."

The audience folded hands and bowed to their leader and then scattered in different directions, leaving kids with their parents alone.

"Before we start, I have already been informed about your little japes in the town," with a stern voice addressed Edlyn the twins.

Haylee and Harvey exchanged doomed looks with each other, prepared to bear consequences.

"What were you thinking?!" she dramatically threw hands, "you are adults now, but still behave like an uncouth ragged fellows! Is this how you want to present our Clan on annual beast hunt? Do you really want to completely disgrace our clan and its image?!"

"Mother," softly called Desmond, "This was their final prank, they for sure are no more kids. We discussed it and together came to mutual understanding. I vouch for them if anything beyond rules would happen."

Edlyn austerely glanced at Haylee and Harvey, who were on their knees with head down. "They still get punished."

"As the mother says," folded his hands in a bow Desmond.

"You are free to leave," carelessly waved her hand Lady Light, "I have a matter to solve with your father."

Haylee wanted to ask about Dark Clan more, but presently she knew that her mouth should be shut, before their mother come up with a new punishment. The silver girl casted farewells glance on her parents, until the guards closed down the doors.

*** The visuals for this chapter:

Haylee Light

Harvey Light

Desmond Light

Keyon Light

Edlyn Light

Fields of the Light

Hello again) I'm happy to be back:3 Give me some feedback about the story, this may crucially help, when I'll be editing<3 I hope yall stayed hydrated and enjoyed your day!

[alissawrites-blog]

Chapter 1: Rasmus

4 years ago at Emperor's court.

Clan leader Rasmus Dark was summoned on an audience with His Imperial Majesty Dorian the Great. He arrived half an hour ago, accompanied by his devoted escort. All dressed in finest silks with streaks of onyx color a party of flying men made an impression to the townsfolk. They were greeted by immense and lofty buildings with folded ceramic tiles that stretched up to the mountainside. A long and swift waterfall foamed at the top of the capital beside Emperor's Palace, which had black-golden threaded outlines and tall, eye-catching tea trees.

Now, walking behind court's eunuch Flavian, whom everyone secretly called runt, Rasmus could only guess what Dorian wanted of him.

The letter he received several days ago was very brief and screamed of its urgency. His lady wife warned not to test Emperor's patience and leave as soon, as it was possible. She would take care of their palace in his stead. Rasmus never doubted Felicia and her abilities. He considered her as his equal. Two parts of the same coin they were.

Clan leader furrowed his brows, when his companion suddenly stopped next to the guards.

"Your weapon please, Master Dark," Flavian turned to him with a polite smile. "You know well the rules."

Emperor was always cautious, especially with invited guests. Nobody could enter his throne room with weapons in hands. Actually, no one could enter the Royal Palace without being inspected. The guards on the city walls examined their party a while ago.

Still with a somber look in his eyes, Rasmus obeyed and handed his scabbard with plain steel in it. Dorian must understand that such powerful man as me doesn't need a sword to manage dark energy. If I wanted to hurt him, I could do it with my own hands.

"Thank you, Master," runt took the sword with a light bow and gestured to the guards, "open up the doors for our friend."

Wards did as they were told and in a few moments massive ebony wooden doors burst open. Eunuch stepped forward and entered throne room first, Clan leader Dark steady and confidently following him with the guards in the rear. In six years nothing really changed here.

Rasmus scrutinized the room with apathetic expression. The same marble tiles, high ceiling with patterns of strewn gold, pots of incense everywhere and in the center, at the top of the steps, seated on a black wooden carved throne, was the Emperor himself. He wore a sable hanfu, painted with golden dragon features, perfectly emphasizing his slim figure and a pearly royal barrette that adorned his shiny crow hair.

"Your Imperial Majesty, Clan leader Rasmus Dark arrived at your call," bowed deeply eunuch, eyes on his boots.

"I see," Dorian's heedful purple eyes shone with delight at the sight of a man in front of him. "Thank you Flavian. You may take your leave. "

Bowing one more time, runt turned his back to Emperor, when suddenly Dorian drawled: "Actually...you may all be dismissed. Leave me and Clan leader Dark alone."

Flavian evaporated at the exact same moment, servants and guards with him. Only then His Majesty shifted in his throne, offering a taunting smile. "Well, well, look who finally graced me with his presence, Clan leader Rasmus Dark. Come here."

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes, forcing his lips into a smile and took a few steps closer. "Yes, it's been a while Your Highness."

"How's your wife Rasmus? I heard Lady Felicia has been attending public events more often. Decided to get out of your hole after all?" mocked Dorian with that annoying smirk of his.

"Haughty turkey,"Rasmus thought to himself.  "Your Highness has a witty mind. In fact, we've been thinking of leaving the shadows. I believe it is time to reclaim our known power and respect."

"Oh, I almost forgot about your past great leader status among clans. I should've known you'd want to get that glory again." Emperor pretended to sound innocent, but his eyes spoke of sneering.

Clan leader Dark gritted his teeth, managing rising anger in his voice: "It is never late to return our roots. I hope Your Majesty wouldn't mind this decision to be made."

"Eh, Rasmus as you know I don't interfere in your magic disputes," Dorian idly replied. For as long as it doesn't concern your interest and purpose. "So, do as you wish. I'll just stay in the background and entertain myself. I bet those proud mages will get defensive of their high position. What a laughable show."

Rasmus only bowed his head, as a thanking gesture. If it's just a game to him, I should provide a good show. So he'll remember it very well.

"I bet you wondering, why I sent after you so urgently and suddenly," after a small pause, stated Dorian.

"From your letter it seemed like a matter between life and death," confirmed Rasmus half-seriously, half-mockingly.

To his surprise, Emperor got off his throne and vigorously made the way to Clan leader Dark. His posture and face muscles were tightened, gaze jumpy and fussy. Am I dreaming, or is our beloved Dorain the Great afraid of something?

"Rasmus, jokes aside," His Imperial Majesty pulled at man's sleeve, with penetrating gaze to the bones, "They are back."

"What? Who? What do you mean?" Clan leader was taken aback; he forgot all stupid quarrels and disputes with Dorian.

"Those ancient dark creatures that were long ago forgotten," muffled Emperor, fear clearly visible in his eyes, "Shadow Demons."

"You might be mistaken, they are all-..."

"Extinct! I know it very well!" he snapped, unable to control his emotions. "Brother, you're the only one who I can trust with this. Don't make me regret sending after you."

Even though we separated from each other and didn't talk much these few years, he still cares about the bond that we used to share.

"Our ancestors made a strong alliance, Rasmus. They saved each other by creating a powerful union that lasts now over hundred years. I ask you like my brother," Dorian sighed and stared at him earnestly. "Help me to protect my people. They live carefree and airily, not aware of the cruel things that happen behind capital's borders. I don't want them to suffer or die. They deserve peace."

Dorian might be a total jerk, but he indeed worries and cares about common folk. Those innocent people are so dear to him; he'll do everything in his power to guard them. It's worthy of respect.

"What made you think it were them?" Clan leader Dark inquired, changing subjects.

"A corpse," swiftly recalled Emperor, "two guards that night brought a dead man. The body was mutilated; guts with the rest of organs spilled out and face nearly carved. Nobody slaughters that savagely."

He is right. No one is able to forge this specific ruthless style of torture. Shadow demons are back. But who is their Master? And why they decided to show themselves only now?

"Where I'll have to go to do my job?" straightforwardly asked Rasmus.

"Young fellows Bao and Sahar and will show you the way," Dorian hesitated, looking restlessly, "be careful, brother. If these creatures are out of your control, don't think twice, just run back. We will then decide what to do instead."

Clan leader Dark only bowed and hasted to the wooden doors, wishing to end this all soon. "You heard me?" nervously bellowed Emperor.

"Yes, brother, will do as you said," not turning around, shouted back Rasmus and went outside.

Guards that greeted him and Flavian before still remained, so Clan leader Dark cleared his throat to gain attention. "Bring me back my sword and send after border warders Sahar and Bao."

They turned their heads and glanced at Rasmus incredulously, clearly not wanting to obey. Suppressing another influx of annoyance, Clan leader Dark stiffly said: "His Majesty's orders."

The guards shared a single look with each other, exclaimed "Will be done!" and then, in a wink disappeared from the spot.

With a heavy sigh, Rasmus gazed at a setting sun above capital's harbor. Warm rays of gleaming orange pleasantly touched his stubble covered face. He plunged into deep thinking. Dorian is so desperate that he had to call upon me. He hopes I could find a source of a problem and get rid of it. Even though our relationship is strained, he expects me to help him out of brother's love. Rasmus chuckled silently. I'll do it, but not for him. I am now intrigued by those dark creatures and especially their Master. I can try claiming their power, maybe even save some for Felicia. Our clan needs to rise with pride again. He suddenly shifted, remembering approaching big event. My sons Philip and Isaac must well present our clan in annual beast hunt. They can't fail, or I'll skin them myself.

"Clan leader Dark!" someone called from behind.

Rasmus turned and found two curly-haired lads with lances in hands. One of them was holding his sword. "You must be Bao and Sahar."

"Yes, Master Dark. We were told that His Highness wants to see us."

"Give me my sword," ordered Rasmus firstly. Poor guys ran together and promptly handed in the scabbard with plain steel in it. "Actually it's me who's been looking for you. His Imperial Majesty told me about the corpse you two found the other day." Peering up, Clan leader Dark saw their anxious faces and tried his best to uphold the coming smirk. "He has planned to send me in the woods, where the accident happened."

"A-accident?" timidly asked one of them. "Master Dark, not to sound rude, b-but...I-I think it's a brutal murder. And judging by the cruel methods that were chosen, it might be..."

"Shhhhhh," Rasmus put a finger to his lips and the youth immediately fell silent. "I know who it might be. However, there's still a need to check upon the spot, don't you agree?"

"Y-yes, Master," the fellow nodded his head multiple times.

"Good. Show me the way then."

Guys did as it was bid. They took off to the sunset sky that shimmered with strongly red, orange and yellow, and headed to the up top mountains, surrounded by Great Greenwood. Rasmus followed quickly behind without sparing a single word. He was now determined to unravel the mystery.

Chaps were swift enough to reach the place in a couple of minutes. Tall cedars and pines circled the area where they softly landed. Lads gazed at Clan leader Dark with awe. "Here we found him."

Rasmus examined the surroundings and lazily said: "Your work is done here. Leave the rest for the elder."

"You can't mean it, Master. We won't leave you alone, we may help you with-..."

Rasmus loudly chortled while youths stood there confused and embarrassed. "You are only green boys. You'll die the second you see the Shadow Demons. You'll be a hindrance for me." Fellows lowered their heads, cheeks red.

Having a good laugh, Clan leader Dark turned, and without hesitation went forward into the woods. "Leave now or you'll not make it out of here alive!" Lads shared a dull look and with a pitiful sigh, took to air. Their silhouettes disappeared in dawning clouds soon enough.

Drawing his sword, Rasmus slowly paced with ears strained up and eyes scanning the territory. Each blow of a cold wind and quiet rustle of leaves would not go unnoticed. He was strung and taught, focused on nature's sounds. Step by step he plunged deeper.

By that time, he reached the inner depth of Great Greenwood; darkness has long fallen on the horizon. Everything around him was pitching black, although the moonlight helped him to distinguish certain object outlines. As each member of his clan, Clan leader Dark, as a child learned how to rely on his five senses, so it would be easier for him to accept family roots and spiritual energy. Now he could freely walk in the darkness, without fearing of being trapped.

A sudden branch cracking interrupted his peace unity with night woods. It is time. For a moment, Rasmus stopped breathing, wishing to catch the slightest signals of potential foe's location. There was a frightening silence and no motion. And then, he caught the change in the air streams. Ducking down in time, Clan leader Dark saved his head from being torn apart. Long sharp horns passed through the air and the Shadow Demon disgruntled.

"I was waiting for you," licked his lips in excitement Master Dark before attacking the creature.

His sword sparkled with a silver stroke and was swift in its movements. Striking beast's chest, Rasmus received a hard blow in return. Demon apparently smashed his loin area with the flap of wings. Suppressing the groan of pain, Clan leader Dark sucked in air and rolled to his right. The sword that was squeezed in his hand was full of dark energy within. Using his clan techniques, Master Dark cut through his way and hit the spot between creature's eyes. The monster wailed in agony, swinging acute nails to scratch opponent's face. Rasmus got away from the blow and tried to plunge his sword into demon's heart, however the dark creature was now furious and began to flap its strong wings, forcing Clan leader Dark to bend down. He was getting annoyed and irritated, mumbling curses under his breath. Throwing a wave attack at Shadow Demon, the dark being roared and flew a few leagues away. That gave Rasmus the opportunity to regroup. He stroked the cold metal under his fingers and in that exact moment the silver steel glistened with his clan symbols. Doing a circle move with it, he eventually sent the sword in the flight. The sharp weapon scrolled in the air and the instant it must've pierced right into Shadow Demon's heart, somebody beat off the charge.

The unknown figure in indigo hood appeared in front of the monster, covering it with his back. Rasmus squinted, but unfortunately could not tell who the person might be. "In the name of His Imperial Highness, I command you to show yourself!"

Stranger did not stir, however the quiet bits of his laugh reached Rasmus ears. Clan leader Dark clenched sword with a hard power, understanding that it might be Demon's Master, the main haul.

"Hush, dear," the person whispered to Shadow Demon, when he began to whimper, "I'll heal your wound later."

"Who are you? And what do you want of Emperor Dorian the Great?" in fury snapped Rasmus.

"I don't give a shit about Emperor or his throne," frigidly returned the unknown figure. "I lured you out not just like that."

"Me?" Clan leader Dark didn't expect this answer, he was taken aback.

"Yes, you, fool. I know for sure you are looking for Seal of the Seven Elements. And don't try to convince me otherwise. I'm here to offer you a deal."

Emotions quickly changed on his face. Master Dark was in dismay. "Name the conditions and I might think."

"I won't ask much, just a small favor," Rasmus could hear the jibe in his voice.

"And what it will be?" impatiently asked Clan leader Dark.

"Marry your elder son to Haylee Light, Clan leader Light's daughter."

*** The visuals for this chapter:

Emperor Dorian the Great He is a dilf, in his early thirties😩

Clan leader Rasmus Dark He is also a dilf, so just assume he has a stubble of beard😭

Shadow Demon

The Emperor's Palace:

In the next chapther you'll meet one of the main characters) I don't know when i'll update the story, but promise not to delay it for too long. Stay safe and keep yourself warm<3