It has been half an hour since the Grandmaster decided the final play in the game. Elite groups of threes were selected to scourge the area. Each team has different directions. On their hands, they have a small spherical device that indicates their location, and it works as a communication system.
If any of the team came face to face with the necromancer, they can simply activate the crystal to alert the other. Each sphere has a unique colour indicating the teams. Apart from that, there's also a periodic check-in communication system to ensure the safety of each member.
The Grandmaster's order was simple. If you run into the necromancer, immediately alert the others. If you find any survivors, sent them to the nearest cathedral or to the shield.
Celeste, Laila, and Derick formed a team. Calen, Daenys and Nevil formed another team. Lumiere, Aurelia and Danielle formed another team. Daphne, Barnie and Marcus formed an unfortunate fourth.
It was an odd selection, but this was the best scenario. Like them, so many elite teams were formed to defend the city and its people from the necromancer and the undead.
The most bizarre team was, of course, the two-man team of Daemon and Viper. Their pairing raised eyebrows and sparked intrigue among the city's defenders. Both renowned in their own right, their alliance seemed like an odd concoction of fire and ice
...
In the private room, Danielle was carefully tightening her arm straps when she heard a soft knock on the door.
"Come in."
Aurelia entered, her long blonde hair tied back, and her sword strapped to her back. Despite her confident appearance, there was a flicker of unease in her eyes.
"Are you ready, Danielle? We'll be leaving soon," Aurelia said, her voice slightly shaky.
Danielle put on a reassuring smile. "Yes, I'm all set. Just give me a sec." Although her heart was heavy with worry for her missing brother, Damien, she didn't want to burden Aurelia with her concerns.
Aurelia hesitated, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her cloak. "Dani, I..." she trailed off, her voice faltering.
Looking up from her task, Danielle could see the turmoil in her friend's eyes. She put a gentle hand on Aurelia's arm. "What is it? You can tell me anything," she encouraged, her voice warm and inviting.
Aurelia took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I'm sorry for what happened at the meeting hall," she finally managed to say, her voice tinged with regret.
Danielle tilted her head in confusion. "Oh, Aurelia, there's nothing to apologize for," she replied, her expression softening. "It wasn't your fault. The situation was tense, and you were just trying to do what's best."
Aurelia's eyes welled up with emotion as she looked at her friend. "But I promised you that I would help you, and I froze when they apprehended you," she admitted, her voice trembling.
Danielle stepped closer, her heart going out to her friend. "Hey, it's okay," she said gently, taking Aurelia's hands in hers. "You don't need to beat yourself up over it. You've been an incredible friend, always supporting me in every way you can."
Aurelia swallowed hard, tears brimming in her eyes. "I just wish I could have done more," she whispered, feeling the weight of her own limitations.
"You've done more than enough," Danielle reassured her, her voice unwavering. "You've stood by my side through thick and thin, and that means the world to me."
Aurelia's emotions finally spilled over, and tears rolled down her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around Danielle, seeking comfort and solace. "I'm so sorry," she murmured, her voice choked with emotion.
Danielle held her friend close, gently stroking her back in a soothing gesture. "Shh, there's nothing to be sorry about," she whispered, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You've been an incredible friend, and I couldn't ask for anyone better by my side."
As they stood in each other's embrace, their hearts connected in a profound moment of understanding and support. The room felt warm, and the weight of their worries seemed to lessen in each other's presence.
Aurelia clung to Danielle, finding comfort in the strength and warmth of their friendship. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with sincerity.
Danielle smiled, her heart swelling with love for her friend. "You don't need to thank me," she replied, her voice gentle. "We're in this together, and we'll face whatever comes our way, side by side."
In that moment, the depth of their friendship was reaffirmed, and they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they could rely on each other for support and understanding. Their bond was unbreakable, and together, they would navigate the turbulent waters of the unknown.
As they held each other, Lumiere entered the room, a little hesitantly. She had been looking for Danielle and Aurelia, curious about what they were up to. But the sight that greeted her surprised her, and she felt like an intruder in their moment of vulnerability.
Lumiere's eyes widened, and her face turned even redder as she tried to process what she had just witnessed. "Oh, um... I-I didn't mean to interrupt your... moment," she stuttered, her mind racing with all sorts of wild thoughts.
Danielle couldn't help but chuckle at Lumiere's flustered state. "It's not what you think, Lumiere," she said, trying to hide her amusement. "We were just hugging. Aurelia was feeling a bit guilty about something, that's all."
Aurelia nodded quickly, her cheeks still flushed. "Yes, that's right," she added, her voice a little higher than usual. "It was just an emotional moment, nothing more."
Lumiere let out a nervous laugh, her embarrassment slowly turning into relief. "Oh, thank goodness," she said, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "I was starting to think I walked in on something... private."
Danielle and Aurelia both burst into laughter, the tension in the room dissipating. "Definitely not private," Danielle said, her smile brightening. "Just two friends having a moment."
Lumiere grinned sheepishly. "Well, I'm glad it's nothing scandalous," she said, playfully rolling her eyes. "Next time, I'll make sure to knock louder."
They all shared a laugh, the awkward moment turning into a funny misunderstanding. Lumiere felt relieved that she hadn't accidentally stumbled upon something she shouldn't have, and Danielle and Aurelia were amused by the whole situation.
They made their way out of the private room, joining the others who were already gathered in the hallway. The tension in the air was palpable, but there was also a sense of determination and unity among them.
As they walked through the corridors of the Judicial building, Danielle couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. She shook her head and readied herself.
The group reached a large chamber where the leaders were assembling, discussing their plans and strategies. The atmosphere in the room was serious, but there was also a glimmer of hope in their eyes.
Danielle took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for the Grandmaster and Madelyn. Despite their differences and the weight of their responsibilities, they stood side by side, united in their determination to protect the city and its people.
As she looked around the chamber, she saw the faces of her companions, each wearing expressions of resolve and courage. Lumiere's eyes gleamed with determination, her magical prowess ready to be unleashed. Aurelia's royal composure hid her underlying nerves, her hand firmly grasping the hilt of her sword.
Their group was a diverse mix of talents and backgrounds, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Yet, here they were, brought together by the gravity of the situation and the belief that they could make a difference.
The room buzzed with hushed conversations as leaders and strategists discussed the best course of action. Danielle listened intently, absorbing the information like a sponge. She knew that every decision made in this room could mean life or death for countless people outside.
Suddenly, the room fell silent as the Grandmaster stood up, his presence commanding attention from all. His weathered face carried the weight of many years, but his eyes were filled with a fire that spoke of unwavering determination.
"My friends," his voice resonated through the chamber, "today, we face a darkness that threatens our city and everything we hold dear. But we are not alone in this fight. We stand together, united in our purpose, and that gives us strength."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room, locking eyes with each person present. "I have seen the courage and resilience that each of you possesses. You are not just leaders or warriors. You are the beating heart of this city, the guardians of its people."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room as the Grandmaster's words struck a chord with everyone present.
"We may be facing an enemy that seems unbeatable," the Grandmaster continued, "but remember this: we have faced darkness before, and we have emerged victorious. We are the light that will drive away the shadows, and together, we will triumph."
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