>>Amber

Hael let out a sigh

"I told you, it's to give you power." My mouth hung open at his words, "The sooner we get this done, the better,"

I couldn't believe my ears.

"Power, power, power!" I got angry, "That's not all there is to life!!" I threw his arm away, "I won't do it!"

My words got Hael rattled, "You can't back off now,"

"We both will die!" I spoke a little louder, "What's the point of doing it, if we both die?!?"

"I won't let you die," He said,

"And then what? You'll die instead of me?"

He shook his head, "I won't die either," He replied calmly, "I'm part human but the other part of me is stronger, I 'won't' die."

"And what if you do?" I replied, "What if it all goes wrong?"

"It won't," That reply should have come from Hael but before he could say it, Helena said it.

I looked at her with a deeper frown, "And why would you say that?"

"Hael will die," She looked at both of us, "Maybe, it's a maybe, he might survive if he's back to his original power but not now." She placed her hand on his cheek, making him visibly flinch. I watched them, but he didn't remove her hand. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, then opened them again, "I'm right," She looked into his eyes, "You haven't recovered fully and you will die if you try to make her eat the mana piece."

Hael grimaced but he didn't argue with her.

Did she use her power to test his ability?

"I have to do it," He said, "If we don't, both of us will be in trouble." He looked at me, moving his face away from her hand, "Especially her, and I won't let that happen." His gaze softened, making my heart skip a beat, "I can't let that happen."

My pupil shook as I continued to stare at him. He wants to do it for me? So I don't get in trouble? That's so sweet-

No wait!!

I wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for him!

Helena let out a soft sigh, "I said, you won't die, right?", We both looked at her, "I'll help you,"

Her words shocked both of us. Even Hael didn't expect she would say that.

"Why?" He asked, "You have no reason to help me,"

Helena smiled, "I am your aunt, that's reason enough."

Hael's poker face came back, "How will you help us?"

"Elf rulers are connected with their mana core, if I use the power in me to keep this young lady alive, I will be able to keep her alive."

"I will do that myself," Hael replied.

Helena smiled, "Sure, then I'll assist you." She humored him, then turned around, "Follow me. I'll take you somewhere pretty."

Hael and I glanced at each other, then began to follow her as she went up the stairs and disappeared behind a blank point in the wall

***

As Helena led us deeper into the heart of the underground forest, I couldn't help but admire the maze we were walking through. Tiny trees, unlike the ones on the surface, were growing out of the sturdy mud walls.

It was a long way but soon we were at the entrance to the underground sanctuary where the mana core resided. The air grew thick with anticipation, a palpable energy that seemed to hum with ancient power.

WOAH!

At the end of the mud maze was a huge entrance that provided a magnificent view.

My God!!

"We're going down," Queen Helena said as she began to descend the stairs, "Be careful, this close to the core, you might experience some things."

"Some things?" I glanced at Hael

"You'll be fine," He said, "I'm here," He offered his hand to me before we went down but I got shy.

Why is he saying such cheesy things today? I didn't take his hand and crossed him as I went down. I glanced back at him though, and saw him staring at his rejected hand.

It made me feel a little guilty but as soon as he brought his hand down and began to descend the stairs as well, I looked ahead.

Descending into the depths, we found ourselves standing before the entrance to a vast cavern. Huge, it was magnificent. Illuminated by the soft glow of luminescent fungi and the occasional shimmer of magical wisps drifting through the air.

At the center of the cavern was the mana core, a breathtaking sight to behold.

Glistening with a radiant emerald hue, the core rested beneath the intertwining roots of the forest's oldest and mightiest tree. Its surface seems to ripple like liquid, casting ever-changing patterns of light and shadow across the cavern walls. Ethereal tendrils of energy extend from its center, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of magic that dances through the air.

As we got closer, I could feel the core's presence, a gentle thrumming that resonates deep within my soul. It made my skin stand up. It was as if the very essence of the forest itself flew through the core, infusing it with life and vitality. Though rooted in the earth, it seemed to transcend the physical realm, existing in a state of pure ethereal beauty.

A shiver went down my spine

Standing in awe before the underground mana core, I was overcome by a sense of reverence.

I looked at Hael

And this fool wants me to eat a piece from this majestic thing? I can tell just by looking that something so otherworldly isn't meant to be eaten by a mere human.

One glance at it, and I can see why I'm dead as soon as I take it.

"We'll do the procedure here," Helena said, "I'll have everything ready but,"

Hael glared at her, "No," He answered before the Queen even stated what she wanted, "I'm not staying here,"

How the hell does he know that?!?

"Hael, please," Her reply confirmed that his deduction was right. How?!? How did he know she was going to ask him to stay? "Just one night." She looked at him with a distant gaze, "You've been gone for years."

"Those years mean nothing to an elf." He replied, "I will not stay in this place."

"Why not? Everyone will welcome you here!"

"No," His expression contorted, "No one will welcome me here, no one did the last time I was here."

!!!

My eyes grew wide in concern.

"It's different this time," Helena said.

"I don't care," He replied as he looked away, "We're doing it today, and then we leave."

"You can't do it today,"

Hael glared at her, "Why not?"

"We have nothing prepared," She said, "Do you think it's an easy task to take out a piece from the mana core?" I looked at the big ball of mana, "Even a tiny speck from it needs to be taken out with utmost care. It will take time. Especially because we can't disrupt the peace of the core."

Hael wouldn't argue with that. There was nothing he would do to counter that argument. I looked around the place. And indeed, nothing was prepared.

"Fine," Hael let out a sigh, "But don't expect me to go around and mingle with anyone."

"I won't," Helena replied, "I have a small house for you two, you can stay here." She glanced at me and I noticed her. But then she winked at me and that caught me off guard

!!??

I felt like she was planning something and it involved me.

***

I knew she wa up to something

I stared at myself in the mirror. The dress is pretty though. Well, it is pretty, but definitely not appropriate.

I could tell it was crafted from the finest silks and enchanted fabrics, it hugged my curves in all the right places, accentuating my figure with undeniable sex appeal.

The bodice of the dress was daringly low-cut, showcasing my décolletage with a hint of tantalizing cleavage. Delicate lace trimmings added a touch of femininity, while strategic sheer panels offered tantalizing glimpses of skin beneath.

Sleeves, rather than billowing, were designed to cling to the arms like a second skin, adorned with intricate lace patterns that accentuate my slender limbs. Each movement sets the fabric into a mesmerizing dance.

The skirt of the dress was slit high on the thigh, revealing a generous expanse of toned leg with every step. Layers of diaphanous fabric cascade around me like a waterfall.

At the waist, a sash of shimmering silk cinched the dress, drawing attention to the curve of my hips. It trailed down my back in a sinuous line, ending in a flirtatious bow.

Completing the ensemble were strappy heels.

"A prize huh?" I let out a sigh, "I can't believe I let her talk me into wearing this."

I walked out of my room and saw Hael. He was sitting on the couch staring at nothing in particular.

I wonder, is he lost in thoughts about this place? About when he lived here as a child?

I glanced out the window. The sun was setting and it was time for the game that the Queen mentioned to start.

"Hael," I called his name, "I'm going out."

He turned his head to look at me but the moment his eyes landed on me they went wide in shock. He stood up from the couch in a panic.

"You're going out?" He stomped over to me, his eyes stuck to me, "Looking like that?" The way he looked at me made my heart race a little.

He brought his gaze up to my face, his expressions angry, "Absolutely not."