(Other Realms)
Alethia glanced back at the joyful crowd, their laughter and dancing oblivious to the presence of the God of Chaos standing before her.
Kakaron, unrecognized by everyone else, pulled her hand and guided her towards the dance floor as the song changed. He held her close against his chest, cherishing the rare opportunity to be near her.
"You've never held me like this, Kakaron," she replied, her voice tinged anger.
He sighed, shaking his head as he spun her around before pulling her back into his embrace. "You are the only one I've ever held like this. Ask your father about the times the Elders erased your memories."
Alethia shook her head, skeptical of Kakaron's words. "You're just trying to turn me against my father. I remember everything. I know what I'm supposed to do, and I intend to fulfill my duty."
Kakaron smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the crowd, causing Alethia to believe that the enchantment concealing Kakaron's presence had faded. However, as she looked up, she saw anger etched on his face as he stared behind her. She turned her head to see who had disrupted the serene atmosphere.
"Tanis? How did you get here?" she exclaimed.
Standing alone in the center of the dance floor, Tanis was created by the Elders to protect Alethia. However, something had gone terribly wrong, and he had become a threat to her, even more dangerous than the God of Chaos himself. One night, he had cornered her in her room, attempting to harm her before she managed to escape through teleportation. The Elders had no choice but to imprison him, as they couldn't destroy him. And now, he stood before her, eyes filled with madness, wielding a broadsword, his gaze shifting between Alethia and Kakaron.
"I missed you, Alethia. I needed to see you again. I... I can't live without you. If I can't have you," he smiled, glancing at Kakaron before returning his gaze to her, "then no one can!"
Alethia gasped as he lunged towards her. Before she could react, Kakaron swiftly pulled her behind him, dropping the veil of magic that had concealed his identity and energy from everyone but her. A sword materialized in his hand as he intercepted Tanis's strike. Alethia stumbled backward, landing hard on the ground.
Her father's hands lifted her up, swiftly guiding her away from the dance floor that had transformed into a battleground.
"We must put an end to this," she pleaded, looking at her father with desperation.
Marcus shook his head, contemplating the chaos unfolding before them. "Perhaps we should let them destroy each other. It might bring us some semblance of peace." He glanced at Alethia, doubt flickering across his face for a brief moment before he nodded. "I... I know you wouldn't have danced with him if you had known."
The scene on the dance floor was a blur of clashing metal, fists, and flying feet. It had a certain twisted beauty, except for the collateral damage inflicted upon the tables and decorations. The battle seemed to stretch on endlessly until Tanis finally fell to the ground, panting, his gaze fixed on Kakaron. Everyone anticipated the final blow as Kakaron approached, reaching out as if to seize Tanis's neck.
Alethia shook her head, unwilling to let her sister remember this day tainted by death. She stepped forward, her voice firm. "That's enough!"
Kakaron growled, glancing back at her with a hint of defiance. "Mind yourself, Princess. He deserves what's coming to him."
"I said enough, Kakaron. We will remove him and lock him away once more."
"I don't have to obey your commands, Princess."
Turning her attention to the guards, Alethia commanded, "Tanis is weakened. Take him to the Elder's council room. They will know what to do. Hurry before he regains his strength."
Four guards rushed forward, seizing Tanis and hauling him to his feet, leading him away.
Alethia stood beside Kakaron, her gaze meeting his. "You should leave now."
He looked up, a flicker of anger in his eyes. "Marcus! You are not going to win, I meant what I said all those years ago." And with that, he vanished.
Alethia surveyed the aftermath of destruction, sighing softly as her sister, Alhanna, rushed over and embraced her tightly. I'm deeply sorry for all of this. Your beautiful wedding night marred by a fight because of me."
Alhanna smiled warmly. "Don't be silly. As long as you're safe, that's all that matters to me."
Alethia returned the smile as attendants began tidying up the chaos.
Jarhan approached, taking Alhanna's hand. "We should take you home, where you can rest after such a long day."
Alhanna nodded, her grip tightening on his hand as she bid Alethia farewell with one last embrace.
Cordelia approached, casually draping an arm over Alethia's shoulder. "Well, that certainly was an unexpected turn of events. Our sister's wedding is one to remember."
Chuckling softly, Alethia leaned against Cordelia, her eyes fixed on the attendants tidying up the aftermath of the celebration. Cordelia followed her gaze, her curiosity piqued by the intense conversation happening between their parents. "I wonder what has them so worked up."
Alethia shrugged, her brows furrowing in confusion. "I wish I knew."
Cordelia turned her attention back to Alethia, her playful grin resurfacing. "So, how did you manage to make him begrudgingly listen? Teach me your ways, in case I ever find myself with a husband."
Gently pushing Cordelia, Alethia chuckled. "I truly have no idea how I did it, and I don't think your husband would appreciate such tricks."
Cordelia pondered for a moment, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well, you should definitely figure it out and let me in on the secret."
"You're incorrigible," Alethia laughed, observing their father and mother concluding their heated discussion. In a huff, their mother vanished through teleportation, leaving Marcus to shake his head before disappearing himself. Uncertain of what transpired, Alethia resolved to uncover the truth.
