Chapter 16
Back in the grand hall, the final battle raged on.
Though the Dark Tribe was now outnumbered, their ancient magic made them fierce opponents. Warriors from the allied tribes fought valiantly, but many fell to the raw, overwhelming power of the Dark Elders.
Esther and Jane clashed like titans—fire against dark flame—neither giving ground. Sparks flew with each strike.
But at the center of it all stood Jacob and Eric. Their battle was nothing short of catastrophic. Every time they collided, the air cracked. Anyone caught between them was destroyed instantly.
Eric fought with all he had—ice and fire blazing from his hands—but Jacob was relentless, absorbing blows and retaliating with shadows that devoured light.
Meanwhile, Philip hesitated. He didn't want to leave young Esther's side, but her power—commanding both fire and earth—left him stunned. How is she so strong? he wondered.
---
Deep in the Dungeon
Clare and Cynthia stood before their imprisoned loved ones, staring in horror. The captives were pale, barely conscious. The cells around them pulsed with dark magic.
Clare stepped forward. "Take my power, Cynthia. Maybe you can break the spell."
But Cynthia shook her head. "No, Clare. Eric is your brother. That doesn't mean he has to be stronger than you… does it?"
Clare looked at her, confused. "Why are you saying this now?"
"He has ice, fire, and earth," Cynthia said gently. "Search for it in yourself, Clare. It's already there. Use it. You're his sister."
A pause. Then Cynthia's voice softened even more.
"Did you know… that young Esther, the woman with earth and fire, is your real mother? She's also Eric's. She gave you both up to protect you. You grew up hiding your truth. Not as a princess, but as an ordinary girl. But now—show the world who you are. Show your father. Free him."
"Look—Philip's father died trying to protect you. His mother is now a widow. Are you going to hide… or rise?"
Clare's eyes welled with tears.
Suddenly, a surge of power burst from her core. The dungeon trembled. Cynthia was thrown back, shielding herself with a dome of leaves. The dark magic shattered. The entire dungeon began to collapse.
From the crumbling walls, King Azuu rushed forward—eyes wide.
"Clare!" he shouted, pulling her into an embrace.
The moment he touched her, his strength surged back.
King Green followed, wrapping his arms around Cynthia. His power returned in full force as well. Queen Lila joined them, tears falling freely.
In that moment of reunion, the broken families began to heal.
---
Back in the Hall
Eric slammed Jacob against the wall, but the building trembled, stones cracking above them. In the chaos, Jacob broke free and stabbed Eric in the stomach, lifting him into the air as shadows coiled around him.
"You are nothing!" Jacob roared. "A cursed prince—"
But then… Jacob's magic began to fade.
"What's happening?" he gasped.
A voice rang out behind him—calm and firm.
"Something that happens to anyone who tries to claim what belongs to me," Cynthia said, stepping into view.
Eric smiled weakly, the shadows receding. "You came," he whispered.
Wounded but alive, Eric summoned the last of his strength and struck Jacob, sending him flying. King Azuu appeared beside him, forming a blade from ice and fire. Without hesitation, he plunged it into Jacob's chest.
"Goodbye, brother," Azuu whispered. "And… thank you for the reunion."
Jacob gasped, then went still.
"Azuu!" young Esther called out.
"My love!" he replied.
Eric blinked, confused. "My love?!"
Clare laughed. "She's our mother, Eric."
Azuu pulled Esther into a fierce embrace. Eric joined them, stunned but overjoyed.
The surviving Dark Elders tried to escape, but their bodies burst from within. Trees and thorns exploded through them.
Clare stood tall, her eyes glowing. "I'm done hiding," she said.
She joined the hug.
Cynthia smirked. "Someone's acting violent like her uncle."
Clare shrugged. "Well, someone just killed her uncle. Guess I'm not that violent after all."
"I could hit you," Cynthia warned, teasing.
"And I wouldn't hit back—because you owe my brother," Clare grinned. "My sweet wife."
Old Esther strode forward and threw Jane's skull at their feet.
Azuu's voice cracked. "Mummy…"
"We need to get out—now—before we're buried with these fools," Old Esther barked.
But before she could lift a finger, Cynthia stepped forward. Power surged from her body, linking her to everyone
around her.
In a single flash of light and leaves, she transported them all out of the collapsing ruin