Ch. 281..285: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 281-285

Chapter 281: I’ve to meet someone

Venus kept her gaze low, her fingers clenching the bowl that contained a small, square-shaped sweet. She contemplated fleeing, her heart pounding in her chest, and finally made her move. However, Odin’s firm grip on her arm stopped her abruptly.

"Where are you heading?" he asked, his eyes shifting from her face to the bowl. "Give me that. Didn’t you bring it for me?"

Reluctantly, Venus lifted the sweet, offering the sweet to him. Her gaze remained downcast, avoiding his piercing stare. Odin bent down slightly and took a bite of the sweet, their eyes meeting briefly. He straightened up, chewing it thoughtfully.

"Can you let my arm go?" Venus’s faint voice reached his ears. Promptly, he let go of it and stood before her. "I thought you would not allow me to eat the sweet," he said.

"Initially, I thought I would keep it for myself," Venus began, her voice steadying along with her heartbeat. "But later, I felt I should give you one. Did you find it good?"

"It’s bland for me," Odin replied, his tone flat and dismissive.

Venus’s lips twitched in irritation. "That’s why I told you not to even dream of eating one," she muttered under her breath.

"But you’re the one who brought it for me. I didn’t even ask for it," Odin said, gazing at her in bewilderment. He often found her difficult to understand.

Heading to the cupboard, Odin pulled out a crisp white satin shirt and slipped it on with unhurried movements. "I’m going outside. If you want something from the market, you can tell me," he offered in his casual voice.

Venus pivoted on her heels, her expression shifting to one of concern. "I don’t need anything. But why are you going to the market suddenly? Isn’t it dangerous to go outside? You heard Prince Magnus this morning," she said, her tone laced with worry.

"Because I’ve to meet someone," Odin replied.

"Who?" Venus arched her eyebrow in curiosity.

He turned around after closing the cupboard. "Aren’t you shy? I saw you blushing earlier. I need to change, so turn around if you wish to speak or leave," he stated.

Venus knitted her brows together and quickly turned her back to him. "You shouldn’t go out as per Prince Magnus’s instructions," she said firmly.

"If it weren’t important, I wouldn’t have to," Odin replied, tucking his shirt into his trousers with deliberate precision. He reached for his overcoat, shrugging it on as if preparing for a battle.

"What’s so important in the market?" Venus inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

"You ask too many questions," Odin stated, slipping his feet into his long boots. He was ready to leave, striding past her purposefully. Just as he reached the door, she grasped his sleeve, her grip surprisingly firm.

"At least tell me why you’re going to the market," Venus urged, her eyes searching his for answers.

"To see someone," Odin said, gently yanking her hand off. His tone was calm, yet it carried vagueness. Without waiting for a response, he turned and left.

Venus watched him go, her mind swirling with unanswered questions. "He wants to see someone. How could I forget he’s still unmarried?" she mumbled to herself.

~~~~

Odin inhaled the wine’s scent before taking a slow, deliberate sip. He rested the cup on the table and leaned forward, his eyes boring into Solomon’s. "Forget Venus and stop lingering around the house," he said, his tone low and menacing. "I have no intention of fighting with a werewolf. Do you get it?"

Solomon met Odin’s gaze unflinchingly, his expression calm. "I suppose that would be my personal matter to talk with Venus," he replied evenly. "Just allow me to go into the residence. Her parents are back, and I wish to see them," he added, finishing the wine from his cup in one swift motion.

Odin’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "This isn’t about personal matters. It’s about keeping the peace. Don’t make me repeat myself."

Solomon placed his empty cup on the table, his movements slow and deliberate. "And I’m not here to disrupt the peace. I simply wish to visit Venus and her family. Surely, you can understand that."

Odin’s hand clenched around the stem of his wine cup, his patience wearing thin.

"Venus and her family have a deep-seated hatred for werewolves, Solomon. You have no chance of even speaking with her, so stop bothering me," Odin warned him in a stern voice.

"I believe the real issue here is a vampire," Solomon retorted. "Venus’s parents are indeed seeking a suitable groom for their daughter."

"They certainly don’t want a werewolf, especially one connected to Eugene. Venus endured countless hardships because of her late husband and committed many crimes under his influence. She is still in the process of recovering, so it’s best for everyone if you stay away. If you persist, we’ll let the jury decide your fate," Odin asserted firmly.

Solomon clenched his fists. "I am not Eugene. I don’t have any mate because I’m a Beta. And I like Venus. What’s the problem in that? You are not even connected with the Wilson Family, then why are you doing this?" He gritted his teeth in anger.

"You are forgetting Princess Alora is the one whom I’m related to. She doesn’t want any werewolf to linger around her sister. Why don’t you see Princess Alora rather than attempting to convince me?" Odin opined. He was aware that Princess Alora would never even allow him to see Venus.

Odin finished the wine and rose to his feet. "This was the last time we met. I’ve plenty of works to do, Solomon. Find yourself a werewolf rather than a human," he affirmed and walked away.

"I will see Prince Magnus then. I’m sure he will allow me to enter the Wilson Family Home. Then, I’ll show Odin who has the upper hand," Solomon stated while slamming his hand on the table.

Meanwhile Odin stepped out of the wine shop and entered the carriage. The chauffeur drove the carriage back to the home.

Chapter 282: You belong to me, Magnus

The next morning, everyone was prepared to leave for the City of Sakaris, the place, which Qasima had chosen for the meeting with Alora. The journey to Sakaris was arduous, spanning over eight hours of travel, and by the time they arrived, evening had settled over the city.

Accompanying Magnus and Alora on this journey were Izaak and Alaric, along with their trusted aides. As they finally arrived outside the rest house, Magnus turned said, "Let’s proceed inside," his gaze sweeping over them.

They were promptly greeted by the owner of the local rest house, who ushered them inside with warm hospitality. Each member of the group was swiftly shown to their respective rooms, ensuring they were comfortably settled for the night ahead.

Alora settled onto the soft mattress, her gaze drifting to the open window through which she could glimpse the darkening sky. "The mattress here is surprisingly comfortable. Do you think they always cater to their customers like this?" she pondered aloud, reaching for the water jar on the nearby table.

Meanwhile, Magnus draped his overcoat over a chair and began to loosen the laces of his boots, finally taking a moment to relax on the recliner. "They’ve certainly made special arrangements for us," he acknowledged, feeling the tension of the journey ease from his shoulders.

Alora took a sip of water, setting the glass down gently. "The perks of being royals," she remarked with a smile, glancing over at Magnus. "Are you thirsty?"

"Yes, indeed," Magnus replied, meeting her gaze with a nod. "They must be bringing the blood," he added, glancing at the door now.

"Magnus, after we meet Qasima, I want to visit Elliot. I’m curious to see how my brother is doing," Alora asserted, her smile widening as she spoke.

Magnus observed Alora’s composed demeanor—she showed neither fear nor nervousness. "Sure," he replied, acknowledging her request with a nod.

A soft knock interrupted their conversation, prompting Alora to swiftly cross the room and open the door.

She welcomed in a maidservant, who entered with a jar in hand and a warm smile on her face.

"Your Highness, this is your drink," the servant said, addressing Magnus. She then smiled at him, adding, "Shall I pour a drink for His Highness?"

Alora narrowed her eyes slightly, noting the servant’s overly friendly demeanor towards Magnus. It seemed as though the maidservant was attempting to woo her husband.

Before she could finish her offer, Alora interjected firmly, "No. I’ll handle it. You may leave." With a decisive tone, she took the jar from the servant’s hands. Magnus, amused by the exchange, raised an eyebrow at Alora’s reaction.

Once the door closed, Magnus asked, "What was that? You talked so harshly. That’s a newer side of you I witnessed for the first time."

Alora filled the shiny cup with the blood and set the jar on the table with a thud. "Did you not see how she’s giving you a smile? Some women are hard to understand. She was aware of the fact that I, your wife, was also here. Still, she talked in a tone as if she attempted to fancy you."

Magnus laughed to hear her. "So, you were jealous because a woman approached me. My sweet bun, since when did you become like this? I thought you would even kill that servant if she would have attempted to flirt with me more," he muttered, his smile brightening with astonishment.

"It seems you found that amusing," Alora retorted, shooting him a playful glare. "You shouldn’t let any woman get too close to you. You belong to me, Magnus," she declared possessively, crossing her arms across her chest.

She turned towards the bed, intending to continue with her tasks, when Magnus’s strong grip on her wrist gently pulled her back towards him. His chin rested on her shoulder as his arm encircled her waist.

"Say that again," Magnus whispered softly into her ear.

Alora tilted her head, locking gazes with him. "You belong to me, Magnus," she repeated, her voice steady yet tinged with a hint of playfulness. "Now, please let go," she urged.

"No," Magnus murmured, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine. "I love holding you like this," he admitted, his grip tightening slightly. "Always be this possessive," he added with a gentle tone.

"You should quench your thirst," Alora suggested, gesturing towards the cup filled with blood. As soon as he released her, she stood up and handed him the cup.

"Thank you," Magnus said appreciatively, taking a slow sip of the drink. Alora walked over to the bed, turning her back to him. She began to remove her jewelry one by one, placing each piece on the mattress. Loosening the knots of her corset, she informed Magnus that she intended to take a bath first.

"Sure," Magnus replied, offering his assistance and suggesting he call a servant if needed.

"No, it’s fine," Alora declined politely before making her way to the washroom.

After an hour, Alora exited the washroom, now dressed in more comfortable clothing for the night. Her eyes fell upon Magnus, who had fallen asleep on the recliner, looking peaceful yet slightly worn out from the day’s journey.

"He must be exhausted," Alora murmured softly to herself. She approached him quietly, her chocolate brown tresses falling over her shoulders as she leaned down. Gently, she wiped the remaining traces of blood from his lips with a tender touch.

Magnus stirred and slowly opened his eyes, meeting Alora’s concerned gaze. She straightened up as he rose from the chair. "Forgive me. I didn’t mean to disturb you," she said, a hint of apology in her voice.

Magnus smiled, reaching out to pull her close. "It’s good that you woke me up," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "Your intoxicating scent drives me mad, Alora," he whispered against her lips, his voice filled with a blend of affection and desire. He rested his forehead against hers, savoring the moment with her.

Chapter 283: Call me selfish

"Are you ready, Alora?" asked Alaric.

"Yes, I am." She dabbed the napkin across her mouth before putting it down. She had enjoyed a hearty breakfast. The food in Sakaris was completely different from that in Velaris. The chefs here specialized in rich, flavorful sauces that added a unique depth to each dish.

As the servants cleared the table, Alaric continued, "Alora, aren’t you nervous?"

She lifted her gaze and shook her head. "For some reason, the fear in me has vanished, Brother Alaric," she responded truthfully.

"That’s wonderful to hear," he smiled at her.

"Brother Alaric, you didn’t eat," Alora pointed out.

"Because I’m not hungry," he answered. "Magnus and Brother Izaak will return a bit late. You can rest for a while before we head to the Hanging Forest," Alaric suggested. He left his seat and walked away, while Alora made her way to the bed after the door closed. Resting her back on the soft mattress, she began to think about what might happen in the forest.

Qasima had insisted on Alora wearing a blindfold because she needed Alora’s blood before the ritual. According to the teachings of the Lunar God, any such ritual remained incomplete without the ultimate sacrifice. Today’s meeting wasn’t about understanding Qasima better; it was about obtaining Alora’s blood to complete the ritual.

"How am I supposed to prevent it? Can I push her away easily?" Alora murmured, staring at her hands and recalling the day she had effortlessly repelled the palace guards. The memory of her unexpected strength gave her a glimmer of hope.

Sighing, Alora glanced at the door, wondering when Magnus would return. "If anything goes wrong, everything will be pinned on me. I need to be careful," she reminded herself.

The blindfold lay on the bedside table, a symbol of her past challenges and triumphs. She reached for it and grasped it, feeling its smooth texture between her fingers.

"It’s been a long time since I last wore this," Alora said, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. Despite being a symbol of her weakness, the blindfold also enhanced her other senses to an unimaginable degree, turning her vulnerability into a strength sometimes.

The door creaked open, and Magnus walked in. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, a silent understanding passing between them. Alora straightened up and stood on her feet, preparing herself for what lay ahead.

"Everything is checked. We need to leave," Magnus said.

"Hmm." She lifted the blindfold when Magnus caught her hand. "You don’t have to wear it now," he opined. His hold on her hand tightened as he drew her close to hug her. His arms possessively clung to her back as if he hasn’t embraced her in a long time.

"Are you confident, Alora?" Magnus asked.

"Yes."

"There are eleven more days for the rare celestial events. You truly think she will not take lives of the innocents after today," Magnus needed an assurity from her.

"I think she won’t harm anyone after today," Alora said, her words meant to reassure her husband.

"Then, let’s go." Magnus held her hand and guided her outside. They walked together, their steps in sync, each drawing strength from the other.

Entering the carriage, they settled into their seats and departed for the Hanging Forest. Alora inhaled deeply, trying to calm her racing thoughts as she made herself comfortable inside the carriage. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the cobblestone streets provided a soothing backdrop to her contemplations.

The journey wasn’t long, and soon they arrived at the edge of the forest. Alora peeked outside the window and was struck by the sight of the colossal trees, their canopies so dense that the sunlight couldn’t penetrate to the forest floor. A thick fog enveloped the entire area, making it difficult to see even a short distance ahead.

"This is the reason I opposed Father’s decision. We can’t even see a person after some distance," Magnus’s words grabbed her attention. "There’s more hidden in this forest. The noises seem to come from every direction, so it becomes impossible to locate a person," he affirmed. His tone laced with worry for Alora once again.

"Don’t let yourself get harmed. Because if it happens, I am not listening to anyone. I’ll leave Velaris with you," Magnus declared, his voice tinged with desperation.

Alora’s brow furrowed in confusion. "Leave Velaris? But why would you...?"

"Because I don’t care if this Kingdom falls or people die," Magnus interrupted, his voice raw with emotion. "All I want is for you to be safe. Call me selfish or whatever you want, but this is who I am."

"That won’t happen," Alora said with a determined gaze.

The carriage lurched to a halt, the abrupt stop unsettling Alora and Magnus as they stepped out into the dense, oppressive atmosphere of the Hanging Forest.

"You should proceed alone from here," Izaak advised, his voice carrying a weight of solemnity as he addressed Magnus, whose concern was visible on his face. "Give her the blindfold," he instructed, his tone brooking no argument.

Magnus retrieved the blindfold from his pocket and passed it to Alora with a grave expression. She accepted it, her fingers tightening around the fabric as she prepared herself mentally for what was to come.

"After you’ve walked a good distance, put it on and stand ready for Qasima," Izaak continued, his voice steady but edged with caution. Alora nodded in acknowledgment.

Magnus reached out, gently touching her arm. "Be careful, Alora," he murmured.

"I will," she assured him, offering a small, reassuring smile before turning to begin. She waited for him to let go of her arm and he finally did it reluctantly.

For the first time in his life, Magnus was terrified. He watched Alora going ahead. Her each step caused his heartbeat to raise. The vampire whom vulnerability never touched, for the time, he felt it in every part of his body.

Griffin came by Magnus’s side and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Princess Alora will make it," he affirmed.

’She should or else, I’ll unleash my wrath,’ Magnus thought.

Chapter 284: One move, and he dies

Alora glanced back, her heart pounding as she realized the dense fog had swallowed the world behind her. She could no longer see anything beyond a few feet, and the silence was eerie.

Though she had only walked for a few minutes, it felt as if she had been transported miles away from Magnus and the others.

Alora looked at the blindfold in her hand and decided not to wear it unless she would hear Qasima.

Just at that moment, Qasima’s voice pierced through the air, "Alora, put on that blindfold." She looked around herself, finding nobody.

"I can’t," Alora said.

"You don’t have any option to refuse, Alora. Why do you think I chose this location?" Qasima’s voice reverberated in her ears, each word dripping with menace. As Magnus had warned her, she couldn’t pinpoint the source of the voice; it seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.

"Tell me, Qasima, why did you choose this location? I’m more than curious to know," Alora replied, her voice steady despite the growing unease gnawing at her.

A sinister chuckle echoed through the fog. "Isn’t your dear younger brother in Sakaris? It will be quite the spectacle to see a newly formed vampire attacking you. You wouldn’t want to burn him alive, would you?"

The words struck like a dagger, instilling fear deep within her. Alora’s heart raced, the image of her brother’s innocent face flashing before her eyes. She clenched her fists, determined not to let Qasima’s threats break her resolve.

However, at that moment, Alora recalled how Magnus had already warned her about this.

’Do you really think she will use my brother?’ Alora had asked.

’Why not? Evil people like her don’t care about anyone except themselves,’ Magnus had replied, draping his arm around her shoulder.

’So, what should I do if she brings Elliot into the conversation?’ Alora had inquired, tilting her head to look at him.

’Show her your strength. That’s what you need to do,’ Magnus had stated firmly.

Drawing on his advice, Alora took a deep breath and faced the present threat. "Qasima, such threats won’t work on me," she asserted. "You’re already afraid of me. Do you think the strongest witch should show her weak side to me?" Her eyes continuously scanned the fog, searching for any sign of Qasima’s presence.

And then, the fog suddenly dissipated behind Alora, revealing a chilling clarity. A prickling sensation crept up her spine—she sensed someone was behind her. Before she could turn around, she felt the icy grip of Qasima’s hands rest on her shoulders, making her unable to move.

"I’ve heard quite different rumors about you," Qasima’s voice was close, almost whispering in her ear, yet dripping with disdain. "It seems you’ve gained confidence while staying with Magnus."

Alora’s heart pounded fiercely within her chest, but she forced herself to remain composed, determined not to let Qasima see her fear.

"Why did you demand an audience with me?" Alora asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "And what fault did those innocent people have, whom you so mercilessly murdered?"

Qasima smirked, a cold glint in her eyes. "I call it sacrifice," she replied, her voice dripping with disdain. She reached out, grasping Alora’s wrist with a grip like iron, positioning the blade against her vein.

Just as Qasima prepared to cut, a golden hue began to shimmer around Alora’s body. Qasima’s eyes widened in confusion, her brows knitting together in disbelief.

Suddenly, an unseen force surged forth, striking Qasima and hurling her back with a huge impact. She crashed into the far tree stunned and disoriented, as Alora stood protected by the radiant glow.

The force of the blow was so immense that Qasima felt a sharp, agonizing pain in her back, as if it had nearly broken. Struggling to breathe, she lay sprawled on the ground, momentarily incapacitated.

Magnus and the others, though some distance away, spotted the radiant golden glow emanating from Alora and immediately knew where she was. Without hesitation, Magnus sprinted towards Alora, followed by the others.

Magnus skidded to a halt a few meters from Alora, awestruck by the brilliance of the golden aura surrounding her. He turned his head slightly to the left and saw Qasima lying on the ground, dazed and wounded. Behind her, a massive, tall tree had been uprooted by the force of her collision, its roots exposed and splintered.

Izaak and Alaric stopped beside Magnus, their eyes fixed on Alora, who still glowed with an ethereal golden light. They were captivated by the sight, unable to look away.

Qasima, however, had no intention of lingering. Realizing that her chances of escape would dwindle if she were captured, she weighed her options. Fleeing was the safest bet, but then her eyes landed on Magnus, who was momentarily dazed by the spectacle before him.

A sinister grin spread across Qasima’s face as she decided on a more daring course of action. Using her dark magic, she vanished from her spot in an instant, reappearing behind Magnus with silent swiftness.

Before anyone could react, she wrapped her arm around his neck and pressed the dagger to his throat, the blade glinting menacingly in the golden light.

"One move, and he dies," Qasima hissed, her voice cold and venomous. Magnus stiffened, feeling the sharp edge against his skin. Izaak and Alaric turned their heads in shock, telling Qasima not to do anything.

"Leave Magnus," Alora demanded, taking a step forward.

Qasima, however, was too clever to not meet Alora’s gaze directly. Instead, she kept her eyes trained on Magnus, her grip on the dagger tightening.

"Only if you cut your hand and give me your blood," Qasima retorted, her tone dripping with malice. She pressed the blade closer to Magnus’s throat, making him wince.

"Refuse, and I’ll kill your husband. This dagger is coated with a deadly poison. One wrong move, and Magnus, even though he belongs to the family of immortals, will be dead in seconds," she proclaimed, her eyes flickering with triumph as she watched the fear spread across Alora’s face, including the others.

Chapter 285: Her vision blurred

"Qasima, you made a wrong move," Magnus said.

"Silence, Magnus," Qasima snapped, her lips curling into a sinister smirk. "I may be weakened, but my magic still holds power." She stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with malevolent intent as she pressed the cold edge of the dagger against Magnus’s neck, drawing a thin line of blood on his pale skin.

"Alora, did you not hear me?" Qasima’s voice was sharp and commanding. She increased the pressure of the blade, causing Magnus to wince.

"Stop! Don’t hurt Magnus," Alora cried, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes. She took a hesitant step forward, her heart pounding in fear.

Qasima’s gaze remained locked on Magnus’s, her eyes reading his troubled expression with cruel satisfaction. "Then you must do as I say," she stated coldly. Her attention shifted to Alaric, who stood nearby.

"Alaric, go to Alora and cut her hand," Qasima ordered, her tone leaving no room for disobedience. She flicked her wrist, and a tiny flask appeared, floating through the air towards Alaric. He caught it, his hands shaking slightly as he looked from Qasima to Alora.

"Don’t do it, Alaric. Qasima won’t kill me," Magnus said.

"Don’t you want to live?" Qasima questioned him, her eyes narrowing. Blood dripped from the dagger onto the floor, the crimson droplets stark against the stone. "Alora is alive because of you. You two can lead a happy life," she asserted, her tone almost mocking.

Magnus glared at her, his jaw clenched. "You won’t keep us alive to lead a happy life. I’m not a fool, Qasima," he muttered, his words filled with defiance.

Alora recalled about the power to control. She focused her gaze on Qasima, who could do anything to her husband. Alora noticed the blood was already pooling down his neck, making her heart muscles tense.

Without hesitation, Alora ran to Alaric, snatching the flask from his trembling hands. "Alora, listen to me. You can’t do this," Magnus called out, his voice strained with pain and request.

But she didn’t listen. Her mind was set on saving him. "Brother Alaric, give me a dagger," she demanded with watery eyes.

Alaric shook his head, his eyes wide with fear and confusion. "I don’t have one," he stated.

Izaak gazed at Alora, wondering if she had a certain plan in her mind. Seeing the determination in her eyes, he quickly approached her and handed her the dagger.

"Here, do it," he urged, his voice low but insistent.

Alora nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. She turned to face Qasima, her heart pounding in her chest. Drawing the dagger from its scabbard, she made a deliberate cut on her hand.

The sharp pain was immediate, but she didn’t flinch. The scent of her fresh blood filled the air, reaching Magnus’s nostrils and causing his pupils to dilate.

’Magnus, trust me. I’ll make sure Qasima dies today. You need to cooperate,’ she projected her thoughts, knowing Magnus would hear her.

"Fill the flask, Alora," Qasima said, looking at her bleeding hand.

Alora kept her gaze fixated on Magnus as she filled the flask with her blood. Once it was full, she pulled her hand away and sealed it with a wooden cork. "I’m done. Let go of my husband," she demanded.

Qasima’s eyes gleamed with triumph. "Hand over the flask first," she countered, her grip on the dagger tightening.

"First, you need to let go of Magnus," Alora insisted, her voice firm. ’I need to save him. My eyes should work now,’ she thought, focusing her gaze on Qasima’s hand that held the dagger.

As she concentrated, Qasima’s hand began to tremble involuntarily. Confusion flashed across Qasima’s face as she felt an unseen force pulling her hand away. Magnus seized the opportunity and, with a swift motion, pushed Qasima back, freeing himself from her grasp.

Qasima staggered, her eyes wide with shock. She tried to flee, but her movements were erratic and uncontrolled. She glanced down at her hand, realizing with horror that it was no longer under her control. "Stop that, Alora!" she screeched, her voice echoing through the forest. "I’m going to kill you all."

Magnus was at Alora’s side in an instant, his hands gripping her shoulders. "You did well. Let’s end this," he affirmed, his voice filled with resolve. Using his vampiric speed, he took Alora with him, and they halted right before Qasima, whom Izaak and Alaric had restrained by grabbing her arms.

Qasima struggled, her eyes blazing with fury. "Leave me!!!" She screamed and tried using her magic, but for some reason it stopped working.

Why? Why did it happen?

Alora leaned forward, her heart pounding, as Magnus’s sudden stop nearly threw her off balance. He steadied her and kept his hands on her shoulders.

"Look at me, Qasima," Alora said.

"N-no," Qasima’s voice trembled. Her body wasn’t in her control. She lifted her head involuntarily, and she finally locked her gaze with Alora’s eyes.

As their eyes connected, Qasima’s mind raced. She recalled the prophecy, a dark and ancient foretelling of destruction wielded by eyes like deep ocean blue. Alora’s eyes held that power—the power of the universe itself, capable of annihilation.

Qasima’s eyes widened in terror as she found herself staring into Alora’s once deep blue eyes, now glowing with a brilliant golden hue that seemed to radiate an intense, otherworldly power.

The air around them crackled with energy, and even the trees seemed to sway in response to the growing force.

Izaak and Alaric, instinctively pulled away and shielded their eyes, unable to withstand the blinding brilliance emanating from Alora. The golden light intensified that threatened to destroy everything in its path.

Qasima screamed in sheer agony as the radiant energy enveloped her, searing through her dark essence. Her own malevolent powers faltered in the face of Alora’s divine wrath. The screams stopped as Qasima was perished.

As the light began to diminish, Alora slumped forward, her entire body feeling drained and heavy with exhaustion. She took shallow, ragged breaths, her chest heaving as she struggled to regain her composure.

A peculiar sensation washed over her, and she instinctively touched her face, only to find her fingers smeared with blood.

Her eyes stung, and she blinked several times, trying to clear her vision. Tears mingled with the blood trickling down her cheeks. Amidst that, a sense of relief washed over her as she realized the threat of Qasima was finally extinguished.

Magnus, sensing Alora’s weariness, moved swiftly to support her, his arms enveloping her in a protective embrace.

"I feel so tired," she murmured, her voice barely audible. Her vision blurred, not able to see anything before her clearly.