Chapter 252: Saving the Queen 18

As Mavis recounted the harrowing events that led to her escape, Christine, Siena, and even Tristan listened with disbelief etched across their faces.

"A demon let you escape?" Siena's voice carried a tone of incredulity as she stared at Mavis, as if struggling to comprehend the absurdity of the situation. Demons were renowned for their cruelty and malice, making it unfathomable that one would willingly aid in someone's escape, especially someone as significant as Mavis.

"Yes, as hard to believe as it is, the one who let me escape from that torturous place was a demon," Mavis confirmed, her voice tinged with a mixture of gratitude and confusion. Even she couldn't fully comprehend why the demon had chosen to help her, nor the motivations behind their actions. It only served to add more layers of complexity to her already dire circumstances.

"Your Majesty, you mentioned being familiar with the queen of the demoness who aided in your escape... You didn't mishear her name, did you?" Christine inquired, her expression filled with concern.

"Unfortunately, no... Queen Elaniel, that was what the demon surely said," Mavis affirmed, her voice heavy with sorrow at the memory.

The revelation of Queen Elaniel's involvement only deepened the mystery surrounding her escape and added another layer of complexity to their current predicament.

Their were too many questions than answers.

Siena already knew of Eleniel's involvement with the demons already so she wasn't that surprised.

However knowing that she was alive was something she couldn't fathom... she was sure that thing died back at the academy, the grip she had on her sword tightened as she looked at her disciple.

If that monster makes a move she was prepared to abandon everyone here for Tristan's sake.

.....

'Elaniel'

The name resonated within Mavis's mind, triggering a flood of memories of her friend and fellow queen, Elaniel Elaris, the ruler of the forest elves.

Princess Christine felt a sudden onset of unease as she processed the implications of what she had just heard. If Mavis's account was accurate, then the situation was far more dire than she had ever imagined.

There was only one individual in the entire world who bore the name mentioned: the queen of the elves in the great Kaksan Forest.

The revelation that Elaniel had succumbed to darkness and become a demon posed myriad challenges and raised countless questions. The knowledge of her transformation cast a shadow over everything they thought they knew about their world.

'Estelle Academy wasn't the first tragedy...' Christine mused, her thoughts racing as she connected the dots. "And the first invasion of the demons... it happened much sooner, right at the borders of our countries, within the great forest of Kaksan."

Not that long ago, the Empire, the Holy Kingdom, and several other nations had conducted investigations into the anomalies within the Kaksan Forest. However, reports had suggested that nothing significant had occurred.

Now, with the revelation of Elaniel's fall, it became clear that the demons had succeeded in concealing the forest's downfall, hiding their dark influence beneath a veil of secrecy and deception.

In a sudden surge of awareness, Christine's draconic eyes activated instinctively, her senses sharpening as she perceived the looming threat drawing nearer.

Her gaze pierced through the obstacles of ice and snow, scanning the landscape until it settled on two figures cloaked in darkness, leisurely making their way along the forbidden paths leading to their camps.

Despite the presence of monsters and demonic entities scattered throughout the area, all seemed to instinctively avoid the two individuals. Their blood-red eyes, glowing beneath their dark cloaks, met Christine's gaze with a sinister gleam, sending a shiver down her spine.

As Christine observed them, a distinct scent filled the air, unmistakably identifying the approaching danger: vampires. But not just any vampires—these were of an exceptionally high level, their presence radiating an aura of power that sent a chill through Christine's veins.

One... two... six... and finally, twelve magic circles hovered in the air, casting an eerie glow against the darkening sky. The group huddled together upon the designated circle, bracing themselves for the impending magic that would transport them to safety.

As the red lightning crackled along the ground, signaling the commencement of the spell, tension hung thick in the air. Moments later, the swirling red magic circles morphed into a tranquil blue hue, reminiscent of twinkling stars against the night sky.

"Everyone, close your eyes. It's about to get bright—" Mila's instructions were cut short by the unexpected sound of shattering glass, followed by the splintering of two of the magic circles above them.

Fragments rained down upon the group, sending shockwaves of panic rippling through their ranks.

In the distance, two short explosions erupted, mere meters away from their location, before culminating in a devastating blood bomb that engulfed the towering trees in a fiery inferno.

The once serene atmosphere was shattered, replaced by chaos and uncertainty.

"Oh, my, what's the hurry?" A sensuous voice echoed through the air, halting their movements.

Before them stood a woman with long black hair cascading down her back and luscious red eyes that seemed to pierce through their souls.

Her sharp fangs gleamed in the dim light, giving her an air of predatory elegance.

Despite the chill in the air, her cloak billowed around her, adding to her aura of mystery and allure.

Beside her lurked another figure, their features obscured by the shadows of their hooded cloak. Yet, the palpable aura of bloodlust that emanated from them was unmistakable—a chilling reminder of their true nature.

"Vampires..."

The whispered realization spread among the group like wildfire, accompanied by a shiver of fear.

These creatures, feared and reviled throughout history, embodied the darkest depths of humanity's sins.

"Sasha... you're drooling," muttered the vampire standing behind the black-haired one.

"Ah-ah, I'm sorry, that was quite rude of me. Please forget that," the black-haired vampire apologized hastily, cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she scrambled to her feet, flailing her hands in the air.

"Who are you two?"

Siena's voice resonated through the tense atmosphere, her aura pulsing with restrained power.

She knew she shouldn't reveal her full strength here, but the presence of these vampires demanded a response.

Her companions shifted uneasily, aware of the potential consequences of Siena's display of power.

The vampires, seemingly unfazed by the aura emanating from Siena, exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable beneath their hoods.

"Try to guess~?" The response was teasing, almost playful.

Click...!

With a sharp sound, a blinding white flash enveloped the scene. In the blink of an eye, Siena's sword was drawn and then returned to its scabbard, leaving Sasha's body sliced and diced, though her regeneration prevented the pieces from falling apart entirely.