As Makena stood in the aftermath of the battle, she looked at the corpses around her... they were the bodies of every innocent life she had unwittingly taken.
Her father's voice echoed through her mind, reminding her of her "duty" to the clan, but each of his words felt like another rope tightening around her throat.
She felt suffocated, as her identity was swallowed by a role she had never chosen.
The evil sect, watching from the shadows, sent their acolytes to gather the crimson essences left from the scorched corpses.
They didn't see Makena as the prodigy she was raised to be but as a resource, a well of unending power they could drain.
The High Priest of the sect approached her, a grotesque figure dressed in dark robes.
His skeletal hand reached out, touching her shoulder with a mockery of kindness.
His touch was ice against her skin, chilling her to the bone, yet she couldn't move, bound by the potion that eroded her will.
"Your flames are extraordinary, child," he muttered.
"A gift so rare... but I see your sorrow, your longing for freedom. Perhaps... you have grown tired of the Hafsatu family."
"Come to us willingly, and we can grant you purpose beyond the cage they've trapped you in. Serve us, and your pain will be... transformed."
Makena's heart wavered, a flicker of desperation surfacing in her gaze, but she knew that any deal with the evil sect would lead to a fate far worse than the life she already endured.
Still, her soul was so tattered, and the hope of freedom... was tantalizing.
As she stood paralyzed, her father's figure appeared on a distant hill.
His silhouette was framed by the moon, a shadow watching her, ensuring she fulfilled her purpose.
His gaze was cold and empty of the love she had once dreamed a father should have.
The High Priest's voice whispered once more in her ear. "There is another way, if you so wish it. We have powers that can... ease your suffering. All it will cost you is one small favor."
Makena's heart scorched, her hatred flaring briefly within her hollow soul.
Then the man's gaze flickered to Makena, who was also bleeding with scars and bruises all over her face.
"Makena... quickly give me a healing pill. I lost my spatial ring in the battle."
Hearing her father's command, Makena stood there still, her eyes devoid of any emotions.
He took a step closer, his one good eye narrowing as saw that she is silent. Stay tuned with mvl
The Duke's face contorted with irritation, as he took another step, his voice rising, "Are you deaf, girl? I told you to give me a pill. Now!"
"Curse you, Duke Hafsatu..."
From the shattered walls, some men came there and the High Preist was among them, limping his way towards them with a broken staff in his hand.
"Urrrghhh, We lost almost all of our men, Duke Hafsatu. Your family is ruined, and our sect lies in shambles. We sacrificed so much for this alliance... How are you going to compensate for all of this?"
Duke Hafsatu clutching the blood on his left hand, forced his breath to speak "M-Makena.. you can have her."
The High priest clicked his tongue; he thought that after killing the Duke with Makena, he can plunder the clan's resources.. but now they were all destroyed.
Well, whatever, as long as he gets Makena Hafsatu.
Makena's eyes glistened in disgust looking at the two men bargaining her as if she were some product.
But again, thinking about it...
"Haa..."
For the first time, Makena's lips parted, and a hollow, humorless smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"Hahaha..."
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!