princess

Avalia

The Wyvern

Interaction: @Helo@HowlsofWinter@Tae

---

The wyvern was quick. Her size was not nearly as large as a dragon so she was able to maneuver through the sky area with no issue. She was just a bit bigger than a large horse. Slices of light bounded through the air toward her and she managed in her movement to almost dodge it. Still, it burned into her foot as she was sweeping upward and she roared.

Then a bird flew toward and soon her vision reduced to half its size as she went blind in one eye. Enraged from the attack, she quickly moved toward it with an open mouth. She had not expected the bird to have much intelligence and clamped her mouth shut over it, but the tiny bird ended up dragging its talons down her tongue on its descent. The wyvern struggled to cough it or swallow it, blood dripping from her mouth.

In her distraction, she didn’t notice the ice daggers flying right for her wings, or the earthly materials getting packed onto her tail. Just as she finally got rid of the bird problem, ice daggers flew into her wings as they flapped, penetrating the skin and also deeply shredding the skin. Roaring in agony, she struggled to keep up in the air, descending slowly until she crashed into the ground leaving her vulnerable. The sudden weight on her tail had made things more difficult. However, the rage of seeing her baby get stepped on was still fresh and she was not ready to lay down and die.

She roared forward at the group, menacingly beginning to charge toward them. Suddenly, pressure on her tail caused immense pain to radiate through it. It was increasing by the moment and in her agony and anger, she spun around, swinging her rocky tail toward them. The weight and pressure was too much, causing the end of the tail to tear off its body, sending it flying at the group. The wyvern screeched in agonizing pain as blood splattered everywhere from what was left over from her tail.

Avalia

Time:Afternoon
Location:Forest
Interaction:@Tae@Helo@HowlsOfWinter
Outfit:This outfit, but imagine the cape is down to her ankles and the skirt is shorter.
Inventory:Ama pouch, map, berries, 2 potato cakes, a knife, some rope, and a blanket.

Clara had quickly maneuvered herself out of the way of the beast’s attack, however it managed to scratch her and rip into her forearm, scratching into her skin. Blood trickled down onto the grass but she ignored it. It didn’t feel like it was too deep. She glanced over at Kenia’s comment as she straightened herself upward to prepare to attack , “Nah. We got this.”

She listened to Kenia’s commands as it was distracted by the light magic. ”Coming right up!” Clara called to her. She wondered what was so bad about the tail, but figured it did not matter as long as she listened. She began to focus on lifting dirt and rocks from the ground to smash on to her tail. Clara spent a decent amount of time doing this before she noticed Boreas flying up toward the creature. ”Boreas! No!! Here, here little bird! Come back!!” Clara tried to call him back, even trying to make bird noises after she spoke. She stared in shock as he clawed at the eye, blinding it in the one. Boreas ended up swooping back around and he went straight into its mouth. The beast began choking, blood spilling from its mouth.

Had he just… killed himself… to help them?

Her gaze slid toward Bowyn and she felt heartbreak for him. He had seemed to have been so fond of the bird, treating it more like a friend than a pet. Her eyes watered but she tried her best not to start crying as it would just make this harder.

Bowyn soon started going insane on the wings, conjuring what looked like really sharp icicles to Clara. With the wyvern distracted, she was sure the attack could possibly make the wyvern fall to the ground, giving them a much better advantage. Then maybe she could ground it in place so it couldn’t charge at them once that happened. For now, she packed on as much dirt and rock onto the center of the tail until it looked like the tail was being weighed down.

An idea popped into her head. Clara could imagine the light bulb over her own head in that moment.

She began to move her hands toward each other in a crushing motion as if she was trying to pop an invisible balloon in her hands. The elves had taught her that using motions she wanted with her hands helped solidify her intent. She attempted for the case around the tail to begin squeezing the tail harder and harder. Clara’s face contorted from the effort but she didn’t stop.

Avalia

Time: Afternoon
Location:Port 10
Interaction: @Alivefalling
Outfit:What she's wearing
Inventory:Bag for her belongings(It's along her belt behind her cape and not a backpack). Inside that bag: ama pouch, small water flask, plant seed pouch, small bag of berries, small flowery perfume, small knife, thin nightgown, and Risa has transferred some of her hygienic supplies into small, portable bottles: hair and teeth cleansers, hair softener and armpit fragrance.

The smell of salt and moisture in the air told Risa they were just where they needed to be. She stepped down off the amora to stare down the road, the sound of seagulls filling the air. The buildings that spanned down the road were humble. They seemed to be housing buildings for the civilians here. A cobblestone road was beneath her. All sorts of species of people moved through the road. The town was not too loud and only one or two carriages could be spotted moving down the road in the distance.

”Yeah this place is nice.” Risa replied calmly to Kyran’s words. ”I’ve received word that Elsea is alright yesterday. She’s so strong I’m sure she’ll make it here soon. Oh, how I miss her.” She said with a sad smile. When he asked about where they’d go, she went to tell him she’d like to go scope out the town, but a voice in her head interrupted her.

About time you showed up.

Out of the nearby bushes came the brown-furred wolf, his green eyes fixated on her. Risa beamed and ran over to kneel on the ground in front of him and throw her arms around him. "Hades! I don't think I've ever been more glad to see you!" He leaned his head on her shoulder in return of her hug.

No need to fret, little one. I have been well. However, I have good and bad news, so please pay attention.

Risa let go of him and placed her hands on her lap to listen. She felt her jaw clench as she anticipated already what the bad news was.

I was intercepted on my way to bring Dionaea home safely and it was by your brother, Helio. I was able to locate her, but it was too late. His scent was that of what I remember and it was no demon, but make no mistake, he is not the man we knew. He reeked of dark energy.

Risa was thoughtful of his words, her gaze leaving his as she petted his fur, "I know. I ran into him too... I hope he didn't hurt you. She looked over her shoulder to throw Kyran a glance. Risa had no idea whether he even knew about Dionaea or not, but she still did not have the guts to bring it up.

Hades tilted his head, perhaps having braced himself for a different reaction. No. I got away alright. You seem like you've already begun the grieving process. This means we can move on to business. I have found you a meeting place that can be rented out for tomorrow when the others arrive. Also, I have located my old pack leader and his pack. Risa stared in surprise as eight more wolves emerged from the woods and bowed their heads to her. They are patrolling the woods around this town to keep an eye out for who arrives. They've been introduced to human scent and will come to alert me. I have asked the fairy girl who works at the clothing store to aid me. She is a long time friend. She has written down 'Meeting Hall tomorrow at 2' on bits of paper and given it to the neighborhood dogs to hand to anyone who smells like a human.

"Wow... You've thought of everything. How do they know what human smells like?"Risa asked. Hades had always been wise and had a way of thinking ahead. She was grateful he had done this much. Over the amora ride, she had been trying to brainstorm how to find everyone if she didn't know every rebel by face yet, and had struggled to come up with any solution.

I had saved a piece of that metal human's shirt from the woods, then I introduced the wolves and town mutts to his scent. Now, no time to waste. You and Kyran must follow me to see the hall I want you to rent out. Hades moved past her and began going down the road, expecting them to immediately follow.

Risa climbed back on her feet and then took Kyran's hand to lead him along. They soon found themselves outside a decent sized building. Inside, there were wooden benches and a small stage with a podium for someone to speak out of. "This'll do."She commented as she looked inside through the doorway.

A demihuman man was sitting at a desk inside. He glanced over, "Looking to use this place for an event? It's 10 amas per hour.

"I'll take 8 hours tomorrow starting 2 pm if that's free."Risa wasn't sure they'd be talking for 8 hours, but it was better safe than sorry.

"Hmm." He opened the packet he had and looked over the schedule. "Looks good. If you go a bit over, don't worry. No one else has an event in there tomorrow night. I won't be around as I have things to attend to tomorrow."

Risa paid him then stepped out of the meeting hall. Hades nodded to her and moved back into the woods. She knew he'd be around if she needed him. She came back to take Kyran's hands.
"Wanna get a bite to eat?"

Avalia

Time: Afternoon, Day 2
Location: By a spring, closer to River Port
Interactions:@13org@Helo@Potter@Eviledd1984

"Aklenroth isn't the only one doing misdeeds in this world. Blaming him solely would make him a scapegoat. It's understandable how your kind feels. There are many problems and the only issue is that Aklenroth needs to either start listening and start sharing his power to make decisions with others, or we need to make him leave his throne and have those more capable and not bias toward treating any race better than another."Malachi spoke to Valok, sharing his thoughts on his statements. He enjoyed his unbiased and intelligent philosophy, finding him comfortable speak to. However, before they could continue their conversation, dreadful noises filled the air.

He turned around, stringing his bow with an arrow as a large owlbear stood up on his hind legs. Mathis spoke first, urging them all to stay close, then inquired of his plan. His gaze fixated on the staff as it turned to a scythe. He pushed his thoughts about that into the back of his mind. "Yes-" He lowly began to speak, intent on rapidly giving them orders but Belladonna spoke to the bear, challenging it with a stupid phrase as if it could understand her. His eyes traveled to her reluctantly when the sound of water moving reached his ears.

Oh you've got to be kidding me you dimwitted little... Do you have any idea what you have just done? He thought, but said nothing aloud.

He watched the droplets of water stretch into shields with a look of pure irritation. With full intent on Belladonna seeing his expression, his head to glare at her as if knives would shoot out of his eyes. It wasn't often too strong a feeling arose, but he felt it rising. The girl started talking to the bear again and he almost threw his arms up in the air when she threw rocks at it.

He grumbled under his breath a few curses before shaking his head. He fired a light imbued arrow and aimed to shoot another one rapidly after, "Belladonna stay back and continue the shielding. I shall keep it busy. Mathis, use that thing and hit it while it's distracted by me. Valok, attack it too. Then, Myra, keep on the lookout in case this vile beast has brought its friends."

Avalia

"Thanks for stopping by you two!"
@FunnyGuy@dreamingflowers

Updated Store

Casual Full Outfits for Males(6 of them pictured) - 40 amas

Casual Full Dresses for Females(8 of them pictured) - 40 amas

Full Seaside Male Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Female Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Female Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - No necklace - 80 amas

Full Adventurer Male Outfit - 50 amas

Full Adventurer Female Outfit - 50 amas

Mood bracelet - 10 amas

Hair Growth Serum - 40 amas - "This instantly grows your hair at least 5 inches longer!"

Plain Dress(comes in any color) - 30 amas

Food items Nonmeat = 2 amas, Meats = 7 amas

Gray Coat - 70 amas

Owl Bear Cloak - 150 amas

Avalia

"Welcome to Odds and Ends! We have a limited supply of goods we pick up from merchants and travelers. We have great deals. Please take a gander!"
@FunnyGuy@dreamingflowers

Utility belt - 15 amas

Rose Scented Perfume - 30 amas

Casual Full Outfits for Males(6 of them pictured) - 40 amas

Casual Full Dresses for Females(8 of them pictured) - 40 amas

Full Seaside Male Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Male Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Female Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - 80 amas

Full Seaside Female Outfit(Trendy in River Port) - No necklace - 80 amas

Full Adventurer Male Outfit - 50 amas

Full Adventurer Female Outfit - 50 amas

Mood bracelet - 10 amas

Hair Growth Serum - 40 amas - "This instantly grows your hair at least 5 inches longer!"

Plain Dress(comes in any color) - 30 amas

Large backpack with blanket and add-ons - 50 amas

Food items Nonmeat = 2 amas, Meats = 7 amas

Large red potion - 3 amas

Wayfinder (compass) - - 5 amas

Gray Coat - 70 amas

Owl Bear Cloak - 150 amas

Mysterious Instrument - 25 amas

"My name is Hanai! Let me know if you want me to tell you more about any of these items. "

Avalia

The Wyvern

Interaction: @Helo@HowlsofWinter@Tae

---

The Wyvern had taken a moment to recover after Clara's attack, but soon had moved backward. She readied her wings as she began to rise back into the air. Flapping into the sky she made a circle as she then turned back, scouting the area only momentarily as she fixated on the group. Swooping downward at them as soon as she had a good opening, she angled herself to strike her claws toward the four of them. After her attempted attack, she swooped upward to gain back some distance from them, remaining in flight as she hissed at them.

Avalia

Time:Afternoon
Location:Forest
Interaction:@Tae@Helo@HowlsOfWinter
Music:Battle music in Clara's head

Clara kept a steady gaze with Kenia as she spoke, taking only a moment or two to think of her opinion of them. She nodded to her, turning a moment thoughtfully as she addressed the other two. Perhaps Elthrael had done something worse before she had come, but he hadn't seemed to be threatening at all. Kenia's definition of being dangerous could be anything as far as Clara knew. It could mean they would ditch her at any moment too. She shrugged off her concern for now as Kenia urged them to keep going. The real heroes would be waiting for her in the port.

Bowyn spoke up, almost as if addressing her thoughts. She smiled when he stated he wouldn't abandon them, but it fell into a frown soon after when he said that if she or Zephyrin were left behind, it'd be a death sentence. "Aw. And on the flower crown too. How can I not trust you after that high a swear? I will have to swear on my flower crown too." She replied, but then gave him a sly grin, "However, stating we'd die without you is a little judgmental. Zephyrin and I are capable, strong young women. Maybe we'll be the ones saving your ass."

That was when she felt one of her ears start to drip a little downward. What?! How did it get loose? I had it on so tight. Quickly, she made a motion to give her head a scratch to hold it up. "You know. Before we get going, let me just answer nature's call real quick. Be right back." She spun on her heels and moved through some bushes, making sure to take a decent amount of space away from the group. She came to a secluded spot and stood on a rock as she adjusted the fake ear back on. Once she finished, she began to step off it, applying more pressure with one foot to step forward.

The rock made an audible crack beneath her feet. Her gaze moved down to see growing lines all along the rock. Her shoe sunk downward and she quickly pulled it backward, watching as yellow substance dripped off the heel of it. Clara climbed off the rock quickly, shaking the substance off her foot as she did. Is that... yolk?

A low growl emitted, booming through the woods. It was hard to pinpoint where it had come from.

Clara's brows raised and she slowly turned around. She squinted, but she did not see anything at first. Then the sound of wings flapping filled the air as a dragon-like creature clumsily swooped down from the sky and landed in front of her, making space for herself where there wasn't. Clara shielded her eyes by holding her arms up as dirt rained down. When she looked again, some of the trees were practically bending beneath its claws. It wasn't as huge as she thought a dragon might be, but it was large and scary enough looking to do the trick.

For only a moment, fear paralyzed her. She had never seen anything like it before.

Determinedly, she interrupted her own terror.No... No, I won't be that character that just stands there or screams and runs away. I have superpowers and I got this. Buffy has nothing on me. If she used them, she'd surely be revealed to the others. However, if the other option was to not protect them, then she would surely scream to the skies that she was a human.

Clara took a deep breath, humming the tune to Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes a bit nervously to herself as she thought about her move for a few seconds. The creature stepped toward her with heavy, loud steps. "Hungry, big guy?"She asked with a grin as she raised her hands. Dirt rapidly rose from the ground in front of her. She waved her hands as she sent it forward into the creature's mouth and eyes. It coughed on it and roared loudly and menacingly. The roar echoed and also sent enough a powerful force of wind that sent Clara soaring backward through the bushes right back to Kenia, Bowyn, and Zephyrin.

She hit the grass, a wave of pain radiating through her back. Clara groaned as she straightened up on her palms. Clearly, stating they had company would just be stating the obvious at this point. She climbed back to her feet, raising her arms again as the rocks and stones around them began to rise back into the air. Whether they'd want to fight or run, Clara did not know, but she knew she wasn't ready to back down.

Avalia

Time:Afternoon
Location:River Kingdom Plaza
Interactions: @Tae @FunnyGuy @Potter

The dark elves had been adjusting Tigerlily's cage in her spot near the throne. He'd have them drag her to the River Kingdom dungeon under the Political Center soon and then relocate, as sitting here had seemed to run out of entertainment. However, he had been so very wrong about that. Helio tilted his head simply as the dark elves near him looked around wildly at the sudden sound of a voice, the sky suddenly becoming "overcast." He grinned knowingly. Umber soon revealed himself, emerging from the south. He listened as Umber continued to speak.

"And here I thought you would have appreciated the artwork. "Helio replied with a smirk to his first comment. Though Umber seemed distracted by Tigerlily while Helio had spoken. Amusement filled Helio as the demon seemed to recognize her. Oh this will be fun.

"Hmm. "Helio was thought of his words for a moment. Aklenroth had asked him to not cause too much chaos and just keep the kingdom under control. He shrugged finally, figuring he had thrown it out the window by destroying the village anyway, "Yeah, you're right. No wonder I'm still bored. What do you have in mind?"

Footsteps and the sound of sobbing made Helio smile. "As if on cue."He mused softly, sitting up in his throne to watch Azriel approach them. When she greeted him, he caught the tongue in hand and examined it as if he were a geologist examining a rock. It was as if there weren't sobbing fairies in the background. Whistling, he commented, "This is a nice one..."

Helio finally slapped it into a dark elf's hand who stood next to him. "Cook this. I want to eat it."

He stared at him in disbelief and Helio stared at him expectantly until the dark elf moved from his spot nervously.

Helio turned his attention to Azriel, "Azriel. You know how to win a man's heart. So glad you could join our family reunion. I was worried you had gone a little soft, saving my sister like that, but you came just in time for the review. "He told her with a wink. Standing up, he moved over to the hands and picked them up, watching the blood trickle from the wrists, "Now, Umber, shall we take a hands-on approach?" The fairies wailed beneath him.

Sudden humming made Helio glance over his shoulder at Tigerlily's cage. She was singing that damn waltz.

Why are you doing that?

Avalia

Artemis & Helio

Time: Afternoon
Location:River Kingdom

---

An hour prior, Artemis had gone to snooze under a tree for a momentary rest, only to be awakened, tangled in netting. The Dark Elves had found her even after all her efforts. She had tried to scream, but one of them jammed a muzzle on her face. She kicked and screamed at her captors as they dragged her with them through the woods. She would be damned if she was taken back to River!

Eventually, she found herself being dragged down the road of the River Kingdom plaza. Then, she was thrust onto the cobblestone in front of a throne, her arms tied behind her back. Artemis stared ahead of her the way one did when they had seen a ghost.

“Well look what the dark elves dragged in!” Helio greeted her cheerfully as he gazed down from her in his lounging position. He waved off Lamaia from his lap, who walked off to take the opportunity to take a break. He leaned his elbow on the side of the throne and bent his neck to stare straight down at her, his grin persisting. “So. My Tigerlily still likes herself a little rebellion, does she? And apparently blue hair.” Helio studied her for a moment before pulling the muzzle off.

Artemis jumped at the unexpected, familiar voice. The image in front of her came at her quickly, and all she could do was stare. The eyes she’d fallen in love with were drowning in darkness. He didn’t seem threatened, and although she was, she wouldn’t show it.

”I suppose so.” Artemis responded. She felt despair and fury fill her simultaneously, ” I haven’t heard that name in a long time,” She replied quietly. Then, her expression morphed into worry and concern, '' What have they done to you?”

”What have they done to me?” He echoed in an eerily calm voice, still bent down and staring her in the eyes, ”More like what did you do to me?” Helio suddenly grabbed her by the throat and gripped it with growing tightness. The dark elves at her sides were all staring, awestruck. ” Don’t you remember, Tigerlily? It was all you. You, you, you-”

Artemis’s eyes widened. It would have been easier if she had been stabbed by knives. She inhaled as he began to choke her,gasping for air and struggling. Black dots danced across her vision. The violet eyes she stared into belonged to Helio, but his mind was gone.

Suddenly, he let go of her throat dramatically with enough force to push her backward onto the floor. His expression changed to a gentle smile, ” You made me… better. I’m much stronger now.” He paused as if digging back into his memories. He lounged back on the throne and materialized a ball of dark energy into his hand. ” See I couldn’t quite do this before, could I? So thank you, Tigerlily.“ He juggled it in his hands, not looking at her as he continued, ”Looked like you got stronger too. Killed everyone I sent at you. At first, I was just trying to keep you away so I can play with Risa, but I was genuinely interested in your limits. I found the elf with her throat ripped out and I was just so proud. Had to personally fetch you some presents to leave you this morning as a reward.”

Once he relinquished his grip, Artemis dropped to the ground, gasping. She fought off flashbacks in the back of her mind. Struggling to stay present, Artemis gritted her teeth. She narrowed her eyes at him and finally began catching her breath.

”Impressive.” She managed to say and let out a haughty grin. She blanched when he revealed he’d been sending the Dark Elves to kill her. She fought back a scowl. ”I hope you enjoyed the show.” Her voice was dry as she glared down at him.

Helio smiled wide, watching her every move like a hawk. He dissolved the orb before speaking, ”Oh sweetheart, you were amazing. Great show!” He made an effort to even applaud for her. He nodded to the elves and clapped with more vigor with a threatening look to edge them into clapping along with him, which they did reluctantly, ”Terrific technique. Didn’t know you could be so vicious.”

”What did you do to Risa?” Now, her voice rose as concern filled her. When he didn’t answer fast enough, she asked again, ”What did you do to her?”

He grinned wider, staying silent as she pressed on again about it. He thought for a moment before answering, ”I just paid my little sister a visit, that’s all... Then I hurt her.” His eyes were still glued to her but his tone and body were relaxed. He didn’t seem threatened.

Artemis gritted her teeth. ”This isn’t you.” She finally took a deep breath and steadied herself. ”You’re still in there. I know it.” Her expression softened, ”I’m so sorry that they did this to you, Helio. You must have suffered greatly.” Her voice was gentle as she focused on compelling him not to attack her. ”Tell me what it is you want with me right now and how I can make it up to you, and how to fix you.”

Helio let her speak, glancing down at her. Anger crossed his expression and he thought about lashing out at her, but he couldn’t put the words into action. “Fix me? There’s nothing to fix, love.” He reached out and rubbed her cheek. ”I don’t want anything with you right now, not even to hurt you… I just wanted to see you.” His voice had become gentle and low only for her to hear.

Artemis noticed him stiffening and retreating. His anger caused her to tense then relaxed when he didn’t move to harm her. ”This isn’t you.” She repeated and fell silent. ”Me too.” A faint smile wanted to cross her face but she didn’t let it. ”I’m here now, and I’m sorry to tell you, I won’t be leaving you again if I can help it.”

Helio knew he was playing a game with her, toying with her, and bringing out the words she wanted to hear, yet part of it felt too real. Seeing and hearing her felt familiar and nostalgic and for the moment it felt as if he was somewhere else and someone else. He asked with some genuine interest, ”If this isn’t me, then who is it, Lily? Who am I?”

”I’m not sure.” Her voice was quiet as she leaned her face into his hand. Part of her knew he was toying with her but she didn’t want to stop staring at him either. She’d dreamed of him every night after the betrayal and now he was here.”I want to believe it is you, I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I want you to be you again.” Her voice cracked as her eyes filled with tears. ”I’m so sorry you had to suffer like this, and that it was my fault. I bet they didn’t tell you the whole story though did they?”

Memories went through his mind. His expression was soft for a moment, but then it twisted and he suddenly shoved her down onto the cobblestone. ”You did this to me.” Helio stated with rising anger. ”I know the whole fucking story. You gave me up! You told them I took the DROM! And I even…!” He spat, dark energy starting to form in his hands. He started to laugh, ”Oh Tigerlily. I may be something else now, but you were always twisted, you sick bitch.”

Artemis’s eyes widened. The sudden shift to anger had overwhelmed her and caused her to stiffen. She didn’t know how she had a heart anymore, but the shitty thing broke all over again. She took several deep breaths and scowled. ”Helio I was forced to give you up… We stole that DROM then they had my family. I didn’t know they’d do this to you.. I’m so sorry. ” She was struggling to talk, her voice choking up. Her vocal cords were sore. ”I told them I had responsibility in it too and even talked you into doing it. I’m sorry.``

Her words were like the buzzing of bees in his ears. When she stepped back, he threateningly stepped off his throne and forward, laughing and not answering her. His body had an aura of dark energy coming out of it as he moved. Helio started to hurl dark matter from his hands at her with a crazed look in his eyes.

Artemis stared at him with horror. Her eyes widened as she began trying to duck and dodge the dark energy, struggling to roll out of the way. ”Helio please stop!” She called over the noise of the dark energy.

A dark elf finally grabbed his arm and gave him a look so he paused. Helio met his eyes and suddenly shrugged, straightening from his attacking position. ”Yeah. Guess I can’t break my new toy so soon.” With a smile, he moved over, knelt down, and began tightening the muzzle back around her head. ”I think I’d like to put my pet in her cage.”

Artemis’s eyes filled with tears but she didn’t let them fall. She scowled as he put the muzzle on and genuine fear filled her eyes. ”No plea-” she began but it was useless as it was pulled over her face. She tried to compel him, but it was fruitless. She stared at him pleadingly but knew it wouldn’t do any good.

Helio tilted his head at her pleading look and stroked her hair, ”Such a pretty face. You look absolutely divine when you’re so distressed. I could almost kiss you. ” He smiled down at her, leaning down as if he were about to give her a kiss, then he pulled away and hopped back up to his feet, snapping his fingers. ”Lock my estranged in her cage!”

For a moment, her heart fluttered. She tore her gaze away from him and looked over her shoulder. Dark Elves began grabbing her and pulling her backward into a metal cage, which he seemed to just have prepared ahead of time. She let out a murderous growl at the elves as they locked her into it, slamming it shut. She felt tears sting her eyes and let them fall this time. Trembling, Artemis pulled her knees up to her chest and avoided gazing at anyone. Her gaze locked onto a watching bluejay and then away.

Helio relaxed back in his throne, stating pleasantly, ”You were right, Tigerlily… You won’t be leaving me again.”