Legend Book One

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//<div align='left' style='font-size: 150%;'>\ Introduction\ </div>// //Legend of a Savior is an interactive fiction game series being made in Twine Sugarcube. It's a dark urban fantasy that focuses on morality, tragedy, redemption, and damnation. Your desire, whatever that may be, could be the very thing that ends it all. Game Rating: 18+. Reader discretion is advised. Before we get started, please read the content warnings.// <<link"Continue" "Content Warnings">><</link>>

//<div align='left' style='font-size: 150%;'>\ Content Warnings\ </div>// // *Optional Sexual Content *alcohol/smoking *verbal/physical/emotional abuse (from your mother) *death *blood and gore *War As development continues, this list may change. If I have forgotten any content that is present in the demo, please let me know (either on itch.io, discord, or Tumblr).// <<link "Continue" "Next">><</link>>

<div id="container"> <div id="header"> <span id="header-text" onclick="toggle(this)"></span> <div class="menutoggle"><span id="zero" onclick="toggle(this)"><i class="fa fa-ellipsis-v" aria-hidden="true"></i> </span> <span id="one" style="bottom:-180px;"> <div class="menu-flex"> </div> </span></div> </div> <div id="story"> <div id="passages">  </div> </div> </div>  <script>function toggle() { var x = document.getElementById("one"); if (!x.style.bottom ||x.style.bottom === '-180px') { x.style.bottom = '0px'; } else { x.style.bottom = '-180px'; } } $("#story").click(function() { var x = document.getElementById("one"); if (x.style.bottom == '0px') { x.style.bottom = '-180px'; } }); $("#one").click(function(event) { event.stopPropagation(); }); </script>

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<<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>00</b> journal</div>''journal'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>01</b> settings</div>'>><<script>>UI.settings()<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>02</b> credits</div>' 'credits'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>03</b> saves</div>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>>

Legend: Act One

<li>Banner assets: <a href="https://www.canva.com/">Canva</a></li> <li>Fonts: <a href="https://fonts.google.com/">Google fonts</a></li> <li>Template: <a href="https://ccrberus.itch.io/twine-sugarcube-template</a></li> <li>Background: <a href="https://storm-arts-games.itch.io/fantasy-bg</a></li> <<link Return>><</link>>

a passage for testing the """$return""" function! it returns you to the last visited passage that isn't tagged with 'noreturn', whereas the general back button in the menu simply navigates through all visited passages. helps you avoid getting stuck in a loop! <<link "return to game" $return>><</link>>

<<set $gamechapter = "chapter">> <<set $act = "act">> <<set $journal = []>>

//You may choose to change font size, font style, and more in the //SETTINGS// menu. If you would like to see something added, please let me know! Anything with this symbol (-) is a choice. Once chosen, there is no going back. // <<link "Continue" "Introduction">><</link>>

//Each choice you make matters, no matter how big or small it may seem. Once you choose, there is no going back. Think carefully and you might just make it to the end. With that out of the way, let's create your character.// <<link "Continue" "Character Customization">><</link>>

<h2>What is your gender?</h2> //Note: this will give you automatic pronouns as that gender. Ex: male = he/him. It is possible I will add an option to change this in the future.// <<cycle "$gender" autoselect>> <<option "Male">> <<option "Female">> <<option "Nonbinary">> <</cycle>>. <<link "Continue" "CC1">><</link>>

<h2>What are your origins?</h2> //Note: As of right now, the pop-up window is broken and no matter what, you will go to the next portion of the character creator. Here's one sentence that sums up each species until I can get it working: Human: An uncommon species just trying to find the truth. +Physical Endurance -Weather Immunity Silvermoon Elf: The first species of elf who may be more than meets the eye. + Night Vision -Frost and Fire Weakness Phoenix: A fiery species of forgotten history. +Immunity to fire -Rejection by Light Magik Baharatach: A man-made creature that are just looking for a home. +Invisibility -Poison// <<link 'Human' 'CC2b'>> <set $species to "human">> <</link>> <<link 'Silvermoon Elf' 'CC2b'>> <set $species to "silvermoon elf">> <</link>> <<link 'Phoenix' 'CC2b'>> <set $species to "phoenix">> <</link>> <<link 'Baharatach' 'CC2b'>> <set $species to "baharatach">> <</link>>

<h2>What color is your hair?</h2> <<cycle "$haircolor" autoselect>> <<option "grey">> <<option "blonde">> <<option "auburn">> <<option "brown">> <<option "white">> <<option "purple">> <</cycle>>. <h2>What style is your hair?</h2> <<cycle "$hairstyle" autoselect>> <<option "bald">> <<option "buzzed">> <<option "short">> <<option "mid-length">> <<option "long">> <</cycle>>. <h2>What texture is your hair?</h2> <<cycle "$hairtexture" autoselect>> <<option "wavy">> <<option "coiled">> <<option "straight">> <<option "silky">> <<option "curled">> <</cycle>>. <<link "Continue" "CC4">><</link>>

<h2>What color is your skin</h2> <<cycle "$skintone" autoselect>> <<option "pale">> <<option "ivory">> <<option "beige">> <<option "olive">> <<option "tan">> <<option "russet">> <<option "obsidian">> <</cycle>>. <h2>What color are your eyes?</h2> <<cycle "$eyecolor" autoselect>> <<option "grey">> <<option "blue">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "green">> <<option "brown">> <<option "violet">> <</cycle>>. <<link "Continue" "CC3">><</link>>

<h2>What is your height?</h2> <<cycle "$haircolor" autoselect>> <<option "very short">> <<option "short">> <<option "average">> <<option "tall">> <<option "very tall">> <</cycle>>. <h2>What is your name?</h2> <<cycle "$name" autoselect>> <<option "Aldwin">> <<option "Iris">> <<option "Seren">> <<option "Cincia">> <<option "Axton">> <</cycle>>. <h2>Input your own</h2> <<if $gender is "male">><<textbox "$name" "Reiko">> <<elseif $gender is "female">><<textbox "$name" "Nyx">> <<else>><<textbox "$name" "Iris">><</if>> <<link "Continue" "Quote">><</link>>

<div align='center' style='font-size: 125%;'>\ “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee.” Matthew 5:29.\ </div> <<link "Prologue" "S1">><</link>> <<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>The Heir Unlocked<</notify>><</if>>

//<div align='center' style='font-size: 150%;'>\ Prologue\ </div> "Are you her?" The man asks, $eyecolor searing into the woman across from him. A dagger is gripped lightly in his clammy palm, the worn leather falling into pieces in his closed fist. He points it at the woman, rusted tip shaking lightly in the dim light. The woman doesn't bat an eye, not giving the weapon a single glance as she stares at the man, a kind smile on her pinkish lips. Brown hair hangs just above her shoulder, swaying as she walks forward, a look he cannot decipher in her hazel gaze. "Yes," She releases a quiet chuckle, amusement flowing through the single word. Her voice is melodic, smooth as if he was touching honey. He stands tall, chest puffed out, gaze not wavering from hers. He inhales deeply, shakily. "How can I know for sure?" He questions, lips thin. She laughs again, closing the distance between at a slow pace. Her purple dress sweeps the rotting, wooden floors, her heels clicking quietly with each step she takes. "Because I can give you what you seek. Something you have wanted for so long." He quirks a brow, raising the near useless dagger at the woman as she gets close. "What is it you're offering?" She stops her assault when the tip touches her chest. "The only thing you have wanted since you were a child." A beat of silence passes between them. He presses on the dagger, the tip digging in, a droplet of blood slowly flowing from the small hole. The word comes out in a single breath. The shutters slam shut as she speaks. "Power." The dagger eases up, the man takes a step back, hope crossing his face. He licks his chapped lips, scratching his jaw. "You can give me that?" A sigh leaves her. "I can," she pauses, reaching out to lightly run a finger down his scraggly chin. "I just ask you to give me something in return." The man nods, eyes wide and he drops the blade, tripping over his own feet as he takes a step towards the woman. "Anything you desire, I will give it to you." He promises. She smiles, cold and wicked, so unlike the kind smile she wore earlier. Her eyes crinkle at the edges, her scar stretching. She says the next words in a sardonic whisper, a chill seeping into the small room once it's spoken. The sun hides behind darkness, the moon screams. A crack of thunder sounds, a lightning strike lighting up the room. The front door creaks open, the floorboards squeak under a heavy weight. The man howls. //"Your child."// <<link ">" "S2">><</link>>

!!Journal <<if $journal.length gt 0>> \<<print $journal.join('\n\n')>> \<<else>> \No journal entries. \<</if>> <<back>>

Double-click this passage to edit it.

A neck abused, a hand-print bruised around once perfect skin. Thin lines stretching all around, over, mimicking a lightning bolt. It shivers in the cool air, in the palm of an icy hand, under a dark gaze. Sweat coats the tortured flesh, droplets slowly trailing down to an untouched chest, following the path of purple veins. It's her favorite part to touch, favorite part to abuse, hurt; her favorite part to jolt with sparks. They're afraid they can't speak. They try, of course they do but nothing comes out except a pained whimper, a hoarse mumble. They can't form words, their tongue heavy in their mouth, the taste of iron and copper present. Lips quiver, a cut chin wobbles, short, labored breaths leave between parted lips, a wheeze echoing in the vast space. Eyelids too heavy to open, thin red lines scarring maroon flesh. Tears run down gaunt cheeks, cuts stinging when water hits teared flesh. An expression of hysteria, fear. Ears ring, words and sounds muffled, blood rushing out of a wound. They twist and turn, their back stretching uncomfortably. A muffled slam of a door opening. A scared whimper. Soft yet unwelcoming fingers grabbing their chin, a cold thumb pressing into the gash and they flinch, body tensing. Another thrash against binds. A forceful palm enveloping a sensitive throat, a pair of soft lips hovering over an ear, frigid breath fanning across hurt skin, sharp teeth scraping against their lobe. A chilling voice sounding muffled, a slurred, indistinguishable plea forcing its way out of pale lips. A sadistic laugh sounding in their mind. A mocking caress up their arms, slender fingers lacing through their own swollen ones, a jerk of a body when raw skin is peeled away with sharp nails. "Let's finish what we started, shall we, pet?" <<link ">" "Chapter One">><</link>>

<div align='center' style='font-size: 125%;'>\ "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." - Matthew 10:28.\ </div> <<link "Chapter One" "S4">><</link>>

<div align='center' style='font-size: 175%;'>\ Act One\ </div> You're alone when you take a step out of the walls unseen from the guards posted on every street, every corner. Your personal guard is nowhere to be found, nowhere to be seen. Towers loom over you, cascading a shadow above the green land. Stone and spruce mixed together, a dark contrast against a bright field. A spotlight moves over the field, slowly roaming its way across the vastness. You walk in the shadows, body flat against the wall behind you, chin tilted up, eyes staring at the creatures rooted above you, their weapons loosely drawn, their eyes sweeping through the mountain fields surrounding you. Holding your breath, you make your way to the other side, hands flat against the cool wall and you're not surprised when nothing sharp or jagged cuts into your palms. You keep your gaze locked above, your lips thinned to keep any sound of your breath from leaving. Your ears pick up slight conversation from the creatures, muffled but there. "Do ya think she's gonna keep it?" A small chuckle pricks at your ears. "Dunno," a pause. "She'll have some fun with it before deciding anything else. You know how she is." "Do you think it deserves that?" You keep making your way around the rounded tower, pausing to hear the answer. "It killed half of our men from the search group. Do you think it should go unpunished?" A sigh and the voice gets quieter. You have to strain your ear higher, halting all movements in order to hear the response. "I think death would be kinder than whatever Her Majesty has in store for it." You grimace, deciding you've heard enough. Continuing along the wall, you keep close, avoiding the bushes, careful not to rustle them as you make your way through. You're almost in the clear when you hear the last bit of conversation from the guards above. "...death is mercy, Alian. That creature butchered our friends and others in cold blood. It doesn't deserve mercy." Clenching your fist at the admission, you take a deep breath, eyes closing. Your mother has a new plaything to add to her collection you realize. You can't help but wonder who 'it' is though... <<link ">" "S5">><</link>>

Shaking your head, you make for a dash for the trees. Dirt flies up with each kick, each step, and you keep your head down. The treeline gets closer... and closer... and closer... The spotlight from before makes its way back to your location. It sneaks up, bright white creeping, and creeping, and creeping until... You make it. You dive for the trees, leaves flying up around you as you land in a heap. The spotlight stills on your location before continuing its search. You heave a sigh and drag a hand down your face; leaves rustle as you do. "Plan on staying there for the rest of the night or can we go?" A voice says from above you, amusement lacing the words. A huff escapes you and you sneeze when a leaf gets too close to your nose. Sitting up, you stare at the creature staring down at you, an amused grin planted firmly on her lips. "I'm only asking," she defends, lifting her hands palm out in a surrender. You scoff, pulling yourself to stand on your feet, brushing the rogue leaves left on your attire. Your companion watches you with a smirk the entire time. Her silver hair glinting in the night as if it was the moon itself. Sea-green eyes stare into your own $eyecolor ones, mischief shining bright. "Not even gonna say anything? I'm hurt," she playfully pouts, dropping her shoulders in an exaggerated motion. Rolling your eyes, you finally step out of the leaf pile, the spotlight from before making its way back to your location. "This was your idea," you say, stepping further back into the darkness of the trees. The white light barely misses you, sweeping past without a second thought. The guards from the tower talk absently, their silhouettes highlighted from the torches strewn about the smooth rock. The woman in front of you laughs, low and deep. "You could've said no," she counters, raising a single eyebrow. She crosses her arms, the loose material of her sleeves riding up a little with the motion. You shake your head. "When was the last time I said no to you, Elex?" Elex hums, a cheeky grin still on her lips. She moves ahead of you, starting to walk in between the trees. "There was a fishing incident. You told me 'no' when doing that." "I remember I still helped you steal a ship." <<link ">" "S6">><</link>>

"Ah," a brief chuckle, a sly wink over her shoulder. "I remember that as well." "So your argument is irrelevant." You jog slightly to catch up, eyes amused and lips in a grin. "I believe the answer you are looking for is: 'No, $name, there hasn't been a time you've told me no.'" Elex smirks, laying her hand on your shoulder. "And you have fun every time, don't you?" You shrug her shoulder off, bumping her with your own. Sighing, you can't help but chuckle. Nodding, you stare up at the night sky. "I do." "See? So no complaining!" The half-elf declares, eyes alit with a phantom of happiness you hardly ever see from her anymore. Her lips curved into a teasing smirk, the only thing she ever seems to be able to do. You don't think you've ever seen a genuine smile on those lips. The fabric of her tunic brushes against you, the scratchiness of the material causing you to jolt. "Why do you wear those?" You suddenly ask, careful not to trip over overgrown roots. She cocks her head curiously. "Wear what?" "Those clothes. Why do you wear the scratchy ones?" "Ah," she shrugs, running a light wooden hand through long strands of hair. "Takes less time to clean, and makes me feel equal to the people of lower status." A slyness enters her gaze. "You don't like the color? Is that it? I wore it just for you," she says it coyly, in a joking manner, but you can't help the feeling that there's a hidden meaning underneath the layer. Clearing your throat, you give her a quick glance over. The dark purple is barely seen in the dark but you can easily see your mother's emblem stitched on the hem. Her breeches blend in the dark too, black seeming to be one with the night. "I have no issue with the color, Elex. It suits you. I just don't understand the material." And how could you? You've only ever worn the softest made lounge clothes for as long as you can remember. Your mother always did make sure you had the best of everything. Your companion shrugs again, helping you over a fallen log. Grunting as she does, she speaks, "It's to feel equal like I said. And so that I don't forget where I came from." Humming, you nod still not quite understanding but knowing it's important. "How long until we get there?" You ask, changing the subject. "Any second now," <<link ">" "S7">><</link>>

You walk in companionable silence. The only sound is the crunching of leaves and wild animals roaming through the woods. Scratching your arm, you let your eyes roam the surrounding area, looking for something to do while you walk. Trees, trees and more trees are the only thing that greet you. "How'd you hear about this place anyway?" You suddenly ask, holding onto Elex for support as you walk. The ground trembles, the rock underneath your feet bouncing and shaking as the sound of rushing water fills your ears. "He found it," she simply states, brushing back an overhanging vine. "Did he say how?" Her wooden arm pops as she shakes it and you see droplets of something dropping to the still trembling ground. "He said he heard of it from a patron at the bakery. He was told the water turns a special color of pink if someone special touches it." Water that turns pink if you touch it. You scoff, shaking your head. Sounds like nothing more than a quick story to make a few coins. "Does it?" "I don't know, but really? I doubt it's real," You can't help but agree. "We're here. He should be right up ahead." Here is nothing more than fallen trees littering the path in front of you, blocking your way except for a tiny opening hidden behind a purplish moss. She's already striding ahead, walking through a branch and holding it back for you to follow. <<link ">" "S8">><</link>>

Gasping, you choke on your breath at the sight in front of you. A crystal-blue lake sits in the middle of an overgrown clearing, vines and moss covering every inch they could reach. Flowers of every kind and color spring out from the ground away and near the water. Reds and blues and greens and yellows contrasting beautifully with the blue water. You can easily see fish and turtles swimming below the surface, frogs and bugs hopping and crawling in and over the water. A waterfall pours into the lake below, smaller ones beside it leaking out from the rocks above. Fog sits at the bottoms of each one, white clashing with blue. "It's beautiful," you mutter, staring in awe at the sight. Elex murmurs an agreement, walking closer to the pool. Rocks lay on the edge, small and large. "Do you wanna see if you're the 'special someone' that can change the color?" She asks, a playfulness twinkling in her eyes. A grin overtakes your lips, throwing her a wink as you walk towards the edge of the riverbed. Crouching to your knees, you wait until Elex is beside you, her knee touching yours. Placing the tips of your fingers in the cool water, you wait, gaze focused on the blue. And you wait. And wait. ...and wait. <<link ">" "S9">><</link>>

"This is stupid," you mumble, flicking the water off your fingers at the half-elf. She flinches, laughing. Shoving you backwards, you fall in your ass, a pout heavy on your lips. "Awe, don't worry, your highness. You're still my special someone!" She exclaims teasingly. You roll your eyes good-naturedly. "Oh that makes me feel so much better!" The words rolling off your tongue sarcastically. She smirks. "As it should," she pauses, glancing at the water then looks back at you. Raising an eyebrow, she juts her chin towards the pool. "Think I should try it?" You shrug. "I don't see why not. Though, if you're the 'special creature' that makes it turn pink, I'm gonna be upset." A small chuckle is all you get in response. Taking your spot back right beside you, you watch as she slowly puts her fingers, then her hand into the blue depths. The light oak of her prosthetic gets darker once it's submerged and you and her both wait. Your thighs start to burn as you don't move, waiting with bated breath. Elex doesn't remove her hand even though the seconds pass. Even when you know the wood of her arm can possibly crack the longer it's under. A crinkle is between her brow, a serious expression on her face something you've never seen before in all the years you've known her. Yet still you don't move, you don't say anything. You watch. And watch. <<link ">" "S10">><</link>>

...and watch. <<link ">" "S11">><</link>>

"What are we doin'?" A familiar voice whispers in your ear, startling you. A deep chuckle rings in your ears and you feel water splash onto your skin. Whipping your head towards the source, you glare at Elex who winks in return. Shaking her arm and wiping it with a cloth, she moves her gaze to the cause of the voice. "Trying to hide from you, Castemont," she snarks, throwing her now soaked cloth at the man. Hiding a snicker behind your hand, you whip your head towards the man. His light blue eyes glare at her, his lips set in a frown. He lifts to his feet, crossing his arms. "I think you wanted to be found, Trianj." His gaze slides from her to you, his eyes softening once they land. "I didn't meant to startle you. I'm sorry. Did you get here alright?" He asks, voice quiet. Taking a step towards you, he looks you up and down, looking for any sign of harm. "I'm fine, Ran. Don't worry about me," you shake your head, gesturing towards the half-elf. "Still haven't forgiven each other yet, huh?" Elex moves to stand next to you. "He started it," she remarks gruffly, though you can see a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. He straightens, standing to his full height... which isn't a lot. Elex looking down at him with a phantom of a smirk, standing almost an entire foot taller than him. "That's a lie and you know it," he replies, not backing down. She scoffs. "You should've let me have it," "You know I can't do that," "Not even for a friend?" "Oh, we're friends now?" "That hurts. Really. It does!" Not hiding your laughter, you place a hand on both of their shoulders, squeezing in a comforting gesture. "What was this all about again?" They both look at you, disappointment coming from Elex, disbelief from Ranvir. <<link ">" "S12">><</link>>

"You seriously don't remember?" She asks. "Really?" He says at the same time. "Uh, no," you reply, confused. They both shake their head, giving a silent look to each other. Sighing, Elex turns towards you. "He wouldn't give me his famous pie for a couple pins short. No discount for his friend." She faux pouts. He raises his hands in exaggeration. "If I do it for you, everyone else will want me to do it for them! You know that!" She gestures towards you then. "So then why does $heshe get free pie whenever $heshe wants?" He rubs the back of his neck, glancing at you nervously. Chuckling, you raise your hands in surrender, backing away. "I'm not in this," you say, slowly making your way to the flower field around them. Elex plants a hand on your arm, stopping you from leaving. "Not so fast, calen. We both need to hear the reason." Sighing, you give Ran an apologetic shrug. "I tried, Ran." He laughs nervously, a shaky smile aimed your way. It's several moments before he speaks, Elex staring at him with her head cocked to the side the entire time. "Because $heshe isn't you." She scoffs, turning her head. "That one hurts. Shame on you." "Funny, I don't feel any," he snarks, a smugness you only ever see on him when they're at it. "Unbelievable," she mutters. Shaking her head, she turns to you. "I believe the reason he gives you free pie and not me is because he's-" "Oh would you look at that! $name, come look at this flower I found! It has to do with why you're here." He interrupts, quickly turning away from the two of you. Elex laughs, shrugging. "Might as well follow the man." She lets you go before following, staying a couple steps behind you. You're pretty sure you're safe out here, in the middle of nowhere. Well, not nowhere as home is only about a mile away but still. A protector's job is never done it seems. <<link ">" "S13">><</link>>

"What's the flower, Ran?" You call out, squinting your eyes to catch a glimpse of the man in the darkness. Ranvir stalls, waiting for you to catch up before responding. "A Rhododendron, a cluster of them up by the ridge." He points up ahead, a smile rests gently on his lips. "A what?" Elex says, confusion evident. "Rhododendron. A type of azalea," he explains. "What does that have to do with the reason we're here?" she asks, eyes glancing around, landing on every shadow, every crack. "You don't know much about flowers do you?" He drawls, a teasing lilt to his words. "Not these ones, no," she defends, lightly pushing his head as she moves in closer. He swats her hand away. "Rhododendrons symbolize a warning, a danger. And they only grow in the heat. Summer, spring, even a little bit in autumn. I think it's a little odd this one is still blooming when we're two weeks into the winter season already. And so many of them too!" "What do you mean so many?" You jump in. "Take a look," he comes to a stop and gestures out. You follow his arm and gasp. Red flowers line the mountain ridge, fully bloomed and alive. Plots against plots filled with the flower, no end in sight. "Wow," you mumble, gaze not once looking away. Ranvir hums in agreement. "What does this have to do with why we're here?" Elex says. "It's pretty, but I'm not understanding." "That's because your brain is too small to comprehend," Ran teases, smirking over his shoulder. "Why you-" "Anyway," he interrupts, "we're here because these flowers don't usually grow those far south. Especially in the winter time." "It's not exactly winter though, is it?" <<link ">" "S14">><</link>>

"I do admit it's as if summer has been extended but we are in the winter season if the cool mornings are anything to go by." "What about the flowers, Ran?" You interrupt, finally facing the duo. "I already told you what they symbolize. Danger. A warning. What I didn't tell you is that they only grow when something big is coming, and I believe I may have stumbled upon it during my free time with Lilas." "What? The stage performer? What were you doing with him?" Elex asks, eyes scrutinizing the man before her. "Studying," he shrugs. "That's not what's important. What is important is the books I've read mentioned a story." "Well that is usually what is in a book." "Elex," "Sorry, sorry. Please enlighten us on this story you've found.' "A story about your-" He doesn't get to finish. A loud siren sounds off from the direction of the palace, the shouts of guards heard through the thick forest. "Shit," Elex mumbles, grabbing your arm and hauling you with her. "You need to get back, find your way into your room. Go the way I showed you." You nod, bunching the sleeves of your tunic around your elbows, throwing a glance to the man behind you. "Stay safe," you say to them both. Ranvir gives you a small smile, tipping his head. Elex grins, winking. "When am I not?" Ranvir sighs, shaking his head and she laughs. The shouts get closer, the light beaming in your direction. Elex and Ranvir step together, bumping shoulders. The soldiers footsteps make their way closer from the left, the right, in front. <<link ">" "S15">><</link>>

Your friends tense. <<link ">" "S16">><</link>>

Sticks snap. <<link ">" "S17">><</link>>

Voices shout. <<link ">" "S18">><</link>>

...And you run. <<link ">" "S19">><</link>>

Your body thrums, your legs pushing you forward, closer and closer to the walls, the palace. Your legs are burning somehow, already, misty air enters your lungs, gulping and gulping down each lung full as if it could be your last, your blood pumps through your veins; flowing rapidly throughout your body just to get away. Just to be safe. If they caught you... if they took you back to her... You shake your head, not wanting to relive memories so old, so new, so fresh. Your heart racing, sweat beginning to form on the back of your neck, your cheeks, your back. Your ears ring with the shouts behind you. Muffled orders from the guardsmen reaching you, barely making it past the heavy sounds of your breathing. Elex shouts words you know to be obscene, Ranvir yells words not so obscene. Steel clashes with steel, yells of pain echo throughout the trees, into the dense night. You don't look back, you don't go back. You can't even if you wanted to. Not when the punishment would be so severe. Not when she'll do anything to make sure you stay. You know she'll do anything. You know she'll still find out and when she does... She's gonna kill your friends and then- Shaking your head, you force yourself to keep your eyes forward. Sweat coats your body now in a thin layer, your breaths ragged and sharp. You lick your lips, salt explodes on your tongue. Your legs burn and ache and you know they'll be sore in the morning, your sides burst with pain, your throat burning. You ignore the commotion behind you, trying to focus on where you are, on where you need to be. <<link ">" "S20">><</link>>

//"Look for a door in the ground three miles west. It'll be under a tall, thick spruce tree and a boulder. Go there and it'll lead you straight to the kitchens. From there, you'll be back in your chambers in no time."// Elex's instructions ring in your head and you frantically look around. Oak tree. Small spruce. Not a big enough rock. Too thick, but too short a spruce tree. You can't find it. Did you even go west? How do you tell which way is west? Which way is north? Did you pass it? Did you go too far? Not go far enough? Rustling is heard behind you, armored clinking together getting closer. Deep voices, high voices, nasally, and all sorts shout commands, orders. You hear your title, the sound of a sword entering its scabbard, one leaving it. They're close. Gods, how did they get so close? Where's Elex? Ran? Are they dead? Did they run? Are they okay? Gods, don't let them be dead. Not for you. Can't be for you. "Find $heshe! Alive! No matter what, do not hurt $heshe." The voices are closer now. Your eyes flick around your surroundings; the sky, the trees, the ground. Where do you go? Which way is safe? [[Breathe. Hide and wait.]] [[You spot a towering tree. The treetop just barely out of eyesight.]] [[Pick a direction and hope for the best.]] [[You're panicking. You can't breathe. You can't move. You can't-]]

You don't move, don't breathe as Percival idly walks the area. The sound of steel crunching leaves has your heart racing more than it already was. Your fingers grip the bark of the tree, your nails breaking under the pressure. The man stops in the middle and you assume he's glancing into the trees. You know how he acts, how he finds the very people who are supposed to be gone. You've heard the stories from the rest of the council, from your own best friend. His own son. Other than Xantara, Percival is the only one who can find anyone. It's what drew your mother in, the rest of the council. He made a name for himself that way. He rose through the ranks, getting the top spot everyone else was too scared to try for. He has an army at his beck and call. He controls over eleven thousand creatures and that number is rising. You heard how your mother is confident the empire will have twenty thousand by the end of the winter months. And from what you could tell of Percival, he believes the same. A snarl makes itself known through the trees and you bite your tongue. An onslaught of pounding sounds, a pack of something cruel and vile making its way through the woods. A voice shouts. The dogs are here. <<link ">" "S23">><</link>>

And they're hungry. <<link ">" "S24">><</link>>

Glancing around hurriedly, your breath ragged in your ears, your blood rushing through your veins. Whipping your head to the side, You spot a thick tree and you make a dash for it. Sliding across the bark, you hold your breath. Your feet sink into the ground below and you realize you're standing in mud. Quickly bending down, you gather some on your hands and rub the pungent mud over your face, your clothes. Anywhere that could give you away. You press yourself against the tree, closing your eyes and stilling your breathing. The voices enter where you once stood. A gruff, commanding voice shouts above the others, ordering the two flanking him to search ahead. The commander, you've heard before. That voice has the hair on the back of your neck rising, gooseflesh rising on your arms. You know all about him. You know him. Percival Castemont. Ranvir's father. And your mother's military advisor. <<link ">" "S21">><</link>>

Groaning under your breath, you make your way to the towering tree. Craning your neck to look upwards, you wonder if it's worth it. A shout to hurt but not kill has you shuddering. You have your answer. Sweaty hands grasp tightly to the bark, perfect, muddied soles brace themselves below. You grunt as you use your arms to heft your body up, branch by branch. Puffs of air escape you, sweat trickles down your face, making a path on your cheek, down your jaw. Bark digs into your palms, an itchy feeling taking over and you grit your teeth. Pulling yourself higher and higher, you chance a glance down, catching sight of the guardsmen entering the area. Four creatures walk through the pile of leaves; three in deep purple armor, one in bright gold. The one in gold barks something to two of them and they swiftly make their way forward -- in search of you ahead you suppose. The golden armored creature's voice is muffled from how high up you are, but you would notice that weapon resting on his hip anywhere. You know what's inscribed in the hilt; you know the two letters that marr the brown leather. A chill sweeps through you, running up your spine down to your fingertips. Percival Castemont. Ranvir's father and your mother's military advisor. <<link ">" "S21b">><</link>>

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"Run, Your Highness. The dogs will get you before I do." Percival's voice rings out, a hint of... something you can't quite place in his tone. You hear steel against a scabbard, going back into the darkness on the man's hip. He's put away his sword. You suck in a breath as the realization hits you. He wants to see you caught. He wants to see you //ravaged.// <<link ">" "S27">><</link>>

//Elex runs, Ranvir hot on her trail. His heavy breathing pounds in her ears, her own sounding foreign even to her. Branches and rocks poke and stab into her skin, the bottom of her shoes torn completely off. Deep gashes sting on her back, her clothes tattered and shredded. Ranvir is no better. Marks line his face, blood dripping down his cheek. A rock is gripped tightly in his hand, red running down the object to his fingers all the way to the ground. Growls fill the air and panic chills them to the bone. Elex pushes herself harder, Ranvir struggling to keep up. "Was that-" "Yes." A roar shouts off into the distance, snarls filling the crisp air. Ranvir sucks in a deep breath. Elex narrows her eyes. "We have to hurry," she breathes. Ranvir doesn't respond, only sharing a quick glance. He grips the rock harder, nails cracking under the pressure. He mutters under his breath, words only the Gods can hear.// <<link ">" "S28">><</link>>

Your heart pounds in your chest, your shaky legs barely holding you up as you dash through the dense forest. Trees surround you, the darkness blanketing the world making it hard for you to see where you're going. The moonlight doesn't reach beyond the canopy of the treetops. Howls sound in the distance. Snarls echo as they rush to catch up. You push forward, pants leaving your lips, your side aching. You twist and turn doing your best to lose the animals behind you, to find your way home. Your eyes strain to see an opening, a sign that you're close to the palace walls, that you're going to be fine, but they catch nothing but the forest. Rocks and trees and branches and leaves fill your vision and you want to scream, want to howl at the unfairness of the situation. Sweat beads down your forehead, your clothes sticking to your skin. Every bare inch is covered in mud, the stickiness an uncomfortable feeling. You push forward, willing your legs to go just a little further until you see something, someone that can help, that can hide you. Panic gnaws at your mind, trying to weave itself inside. It pushes and pushes, the tendrils making you shudder and gasp, your throat suddenly dry and it hurts when you wheeze out a breath. Thrashing your head wildly to each side, you look for caves, streams, anything and nothing appears. Nothing appears. He's going to kill you. He's going to kill you and there is nothing you can do to stop him. <<link ">" "S29">><</link>>

//The barks of the dogs sound all around them and Elex curses under her breath. Crimson drips down her arm, thin lines streaming towards her fingertips, down the wood of her bow. Half-pointed ears twitch at every sound around them, at every stick that snaps in half under her weight. Her clothes stick to her body, her blood boiling in her veins. She has to get there. She needs to get there. She **will** get there.// <<link ">" "S30">><</link>>

You push forward, willing your legs to go just a little further until you see something, someone that can help, that can hide you. Panic gnaws at your mind, trying to weave itself inside. It pushes and pushes, the tendrils making you shudder and gasp, your throat suddenly dry and it hurts when you wheeze out a breath. Thrashing your head wildly to each side, you look for caves, streams, anything and nothing appears. Nothing appears. He's going to kill you. He's going to kill you and there is nothing you can do to stop him. You burst through the tree line, finding yourself on the edge of a vast cliff. Stopping before you can fall to your imminent death, you crane your neck down. Waves crash against the rock, their frothy white foam illuminated by the barely glowing moonlight. There's nowhere for you to go. A snarl. There's nowhere for you to escape. A growl. You're trapped. They're behind you. You freeze. <<link ">" "S31">><</link>>

//Ranvir eyes his companion, blood dripping into his left eye and he blinks, trying to see through the red. He runs beside the woman, his breaths ragged. He hears the dogs. He hears the armored feet of soldiers running through the trees. And he hears you run for your life.// <<link ">" "S32">><</link>>

Turning around slowly, you see the horrifying creatures before you. Their coarse, black fur cover their sinewy bodies, slobber dripping - flowing - out of their too large mouths. Fangs bigger than your head glint in the soft light; bits of flesh peel off their back, their neck, their legs. Their ears are tagged, silver needles shining in the dark, their red eyes glowing with a mission to kill. With a mission to kill //you.// <<link ">" "S33">><</link>>

//Crunched leaves and worn dirt lead to an opening in the trees that catches their attention and they come screeching to a halt. He snaps his gaze to Elex, a crease between his brows as he wonders why they don't barrel through. He knows you went this way. So why aren't they- "He brought the dogs! Fuck, we need to go! Now!"// <<link ">" "S34">><</link>>

Blood pounds in your ears, your breath stutters in your chest, your clammy hands trembling as you slowly raise them in surrender. Footsteps sound behind the dogs, armored and heavy, making their ways calmly through the trees. Bright gold appears, a drastic contrast against the black canvas. Your eyes narrow, your lips thin, a shiver runs down your spine. Percival appears, his weapon not drawn, his face emotionless. He stops behind the creatures, his gaze never once leaving yours. Fear grips your heart but you don't look away, forcing yourself to keep composure. He rests his hand on his belt. "Nowhere to go, Your Highness," his voice deep and low, dangerous. <<link "I did tell you to run." "S35a">><</link>>

This is the end of the demo for now! Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed! :)

It makes sense he would be out here looking for you himself. Afterall, he was probably the first one to realize you weren't in your chambers. But what about Ranvir? Would he hurt his own son? Would he *kill* his own son? No. He wouldn't. But then again, you've heard the stories of the infamous Castemont Family. You've heard how they'll take anyone, anything; do anything just to reach their goal. Would they kill their own family? Did he? You perch on a branch, trying your best to push yourself more into the tree. Leaves obscure your vision, your breath halting in your throat when Percival tilts his head up. And he stays looking up. His head doesn't move. Then you hear his far-away voice bark an order that has shivers running up your spine. "Tristan, get the drios. I have a feeling we're going to need to look higher to find who we're looking for." "Right away, Ser," Tristan replies, scurrying back the way he came. Percival doesn't respond. You don't move. Neither does he. His head stays tilted up and you swear you see a flick of the corner of his lip. Your heart pounds in your chest, shivers running their way up your back, under your skin, into your veins. Everything seems to slow. You grip harder into the bark, pressing yourself impossibly closer to the tree as if it can offer you any protection. You know how he acts, how he finds the very creatures who are supposed to be gone. What he does to the creatures once he has them. You've heard the stories from the rest of the council, from your own best friend. <<link ">" "S22b">><</link>>

His own son. <<link ">" "S23b">><</link>>

Other than Xantara, Percival is the only one who can find anyone. It's what drew your mother in, the rest of the council. He made a name for himself that way. He rose through the ranks, getting the top spot everyone else was too scared to try for. He has an army at his beck and call. He controls over eleven thousand creatures and that number is rising. You heard how your mother is confident the empire will have twenty thousand by the end of the winter months. And from what you could tell of Percival, he believes the same. He doesn't move a muscle as he waits, he doesn't speak or even so much twitch. If he's breathing, you can't tell. You've played this game plenty of times to know his tricks; to know when he's caught on. His golden armor glints in the speckles of moonlight that manages to break through the tower of trees, and they form cracks on his pristine protection. You stare him down and you swear he's looking straight at you. A roar breaks through the tense silence, a roar you're all too familiar with. Wings echo as they flap swiftly, high screeches ring in your ears, rattling in your head. They get closer and closer and closer... Footsteps run through the woods, a voice bouncing off the trees, demanding the creatures to find you. The creatures screech in return and snarls fill the night. Your eyes widen. <<link ">" "S24b">><</link>>

The hair on your arm rises. <<link ">" "S25b">><</link>>

Shivers race down your spine to your fingers down to your toes. <<link ">" "S26b">><</link>>

Blood rushes in your veins, your heart pounds and screams against your ribs. You breathe in a gasp. <<link ">" "S27b">><</link>>

And Percival shouts, his gaze trained on you. "Run, $name." <<link ">" "S28b">><</link>>

Your heart drops as the realization hits you; He's intentionally unleashed the deadly creatures known as the drios, the very ones he uses to hunt and capture targets. Panic grips you, but you know you can't afford to stay frozen in fear. With adrenaline surging through your veins, you scramble to climb higher up the tree, seeking refuge from the looming danger below. The roars of the drios resonate through the forest, and you can hear the chaos unfolding beneath you. They're relentless predators, and even the guardsmen would have difficulty dealing with them. As you climb further, you can see Percival's eyes tracking your every move. His golden armor gleams in the moonlight, but there's a sinister glint in his eyes that sends shivers down your spine. The decision to run higher and deeper into the forest is clear—Percival cannot be trusted, and facing him would be a grave mistake. You hear the drios drawing closer, their wings flapping and screeches echoing in the night. The creatures are skilled at tracking their prey, and the thought of being hunted by them only intensifies your fear. You continue to ascend, finding footholds and branches to propel yourself higher into the canopy. With each passing moment, your heart pounds louder in your ears. Your body is pushed to its limits, but the urgency to survive pushes you forward. As you make your way further into the treetops, you become one with the shadows, trying to blend into the darkness and conceal yourself from Percival's keen gaze. The drios' roars grow closer, and the forest floor below is enveloped in a chaos of running footsteps and screeches. They are getting closer, and it won't be long before they find you. Branch after branch, you climb higher and higher, until the forest floor appears like a distant memory. The trees sway gently in the night breeze, whispering secrets of the forest's ancient past. You dare not look down, knowing that even the slightest noise or movement might give away your location. As you climb higher, you begin to notice a faint light emanating from the highest point of the tallest tree—the full moon bathes the treetops in an eerie glow. <<link ">" "S29b">><</link>>

The drios' roars intensify, and you can tell they're drawing closer. They are relentless, and you know they won't rest until they find you. The hope of escaping them dwindles with each passing second. Gritting your teeth, you push yourself further, driven by the instinct to survive. The whispers of the wind are drowned out by the adrenaline rushing through your veins. But just as the drios seem to close in on your position, the wind carries a different sound—a distant horn. The drios pause momentarily, their attention shifting to the new threat. This could be your chance to escape. Taking advantage of the distraction, you climb even higher, pushing yourself to the very top of the tree. From this vantage point, you can see the entire forest spread out before you, and just to your left is the Palace in all of its glory, glowing brightly against the black shrouding the world. You're almost there. The horn's sound echoes through the night, and you can see the drios becoming disoriented, unsure of which direction to follow. It buys you a precious few moments. Taking a deep breath, you make a daring leap to the neighboring tree, and then to another, moving further away from the danger below and closer to your safety. The forest's canopy becomes your labyrinth, and you dart through the treetops with the agility of a woodland creature. As the drios' roars fade into the distance, you allow yourself to hope that you might just make it out of this nightmarish chase alive. But this is far from over. As he will not stop until you are either dead or in your chambers before he catches you. <<link ">" "S30b">><</link>>

This is the end of the demo for now! Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed! :)

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