Please ,keep her safe.

Scene 8

Location: Blessing Park of Theomov

Kael sprinted through the bustling streets of Tetra Market, his eyes locked on the figure of the mysterious girl who had collided with him moments before. But the market was a maze of bodies and noise, and she was quick—far too quick for him to keep pace. As she vanished down a narrow alley, Kael had to rely on instinct. Without thinking, he veered left, trusting his gut.

The turn led him to the heart of Blessing Park, a place whispered to be touched by the gods themselves. Legends claimed that prayers made here with unwavering belief were destined to be fulfilled.

Kael skidded to a stop, his breath ragged. His eyes scanned the park, but she was nowhere in sight.

Kael (panting, frustrated): "I...I ..lost... her."

Moments later, Karlus stumbled in behind him, breathing heavily.

Karlus (catching his breath): "Man, can’t you give a me a heads-up before sprinting off like that?"

Kael’s chest tightened as he struggled to find the right words.

Kael (still breathless): "I ... lost.. h... her."

Karlus raised an eyebrow, confused.

Karlus: "What? Say that again."( Brow furrowed)

Kael (more clearly now): "The girl—she was being chased. I... I just wanted to help her."

Karlus smirked, ever the tease.

Karlus: "And here I thought she stole more than just a glance."

Kael shot him a glare, but the truth was unsettling. His mind was racing, his heart oddly heavy for a stranger.

Kael: "No, I... I just couldn’t leave her like that. But she’s gone now. I didn’t find her."

Karlus’ face grew serious, sensing something deeper beneath Kael’s words.

Karlus: "Then she took the other turn... the one leading away from here."

A wave of realization hit Kael. He had gone the wrong way. Disappointment gnawed at him as he scanned the park once more.

karlus noticed his friends gloomy expressing, he immediately understood what was kael feeling.

Karlus: "And you say you didn’t lose your heart."

Kael (annoyed): "Stop joking around." (looking around again) "Where could she have gone?"

Karlus folded his arms, contemplating for a moment.

Karlus: "She might’ve headed to the Runway Bridge. There are only two paths. One leads here, the other there. If we don’t find her at the bridge..."

Kael’s voice was tight with urgency.

Kael: "Then what?"

Karlus hesitated, his tone darkening.

Karlus: "Then she’s probably been caught."

The words hung heavy in the air. Kael’s pulse quickened, dread clawing at him.

Kael: "And what happens to those who get caught?"

Karlus’ gaze hardened, his next words filled with grim certainty.

Karlus: "Those with ordinary looks are sold as work slaves. But those with angelic beauty..."

Kael stepped closer, his voice sharp with tension.

Kael: "Speak up!"

Karlus hesitated, then continued, his voice quieter now.

Karlus: "They’re sold as... sex slaves."

The weight of the revelation struck Kael like a physical blow. The thought of anyone laying a hand on her, forcing her into such a fate—it ignited a fire within him. His fists clenched, and an unfamiliar pain twisted in his chest.

Without even realizing it, Kael’s lips moved in a desperate prayer.

Kael (whispering): God... let me find her. Take her to me, or take me to her. But until then, keep her safe... please.

Karlus watched him, his usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine concern.

Karlus: "Hey, don’t make that face. There might still be a chance."

Kael looked at him, hope flickering in his eyes.

Kael: "How?"

Karlus: "Prince Noah. He knows this city inside out. If anyone can help us, it’s him. Maybe he knows something about the girl , or about the places where we can find her ."

Kael didn’t hesitate. Without another word, he broke into a run.

karlus : ( seeing karl run ) not again man .

Karlus close behind, heading toward where they hoped they’d find Prince Noah—before it was too late.

...****************...

Scene 9

Location: The Runway Bridge of Theomov

Astraea’s feet pounded against the stone bridge as she sprinted, her heart hammering in her chest. The cold air stung her lungs, but she pushed forward. Her life depended on it. The bridge stretched before her like a lifeline, but just as she neared the other side, her heart sank. The exit was blocked—guards lined up, cutting off her escape.

Without hesitation, she spun around, only to find the guards who had been chasing her now closing in from behind.

Astraea (in her mind): Getting caught by these four losers? What a disgrace. But I won’t surrender.

Her fists clenched, ready to fight for her freedom.

The first guard lunged at her, but Astraea was faster. In one swift motion, she grabbed him by the arm, twisted, and threw him to the ground. Another guard rushed toward her, only for her to meet him with a powerful kick, sending him reeling. She caught the third guard’s wrist, twisting it sharply until he cried out in pain.

But in her focus, she overlooked the fourth guard. As she fought the others, he stood back, watching for his moment. With brutal efficiency, he took advantage of her unshielded back, striking her behind the neck.

A sharp pain exploded through her head. Astraea’s vision blurred, her hand instinctively reaching for the source of the pain. Blood stained her fingertips. The world around her dimmed, and her strength drained away.

Astraea (thinking with a painful smile): So, this is what’s written for me? Pathetic...

Her legs buckled, and she collapsed onto the stone, her body going limp.

The guards, battered and bruised, limped toward her. One of them spat in frustration.

Guard 2 (grumbling): "Tie her up. We’ll take her to Ma’am Fiona."

The others nodded, still wincing from the fight. They hadn’t expected a girl who looked as delicate as a flower to be so dangerous.

They worked quickly, binding her hands and legs with rough rope to prevent any possibility of escape, even if she regained consciousness.

As they tied her up, one of the guards muttered under his breath, a mixture of awe and frustration in his voice.

Guard 3 (grimacing): "She put up more of a fight than I’ve ever seen... Ma’am Fiona’s not gonna like this one."

Guard 4 (quietly): "She’ll deal with her. Let’s just hope we don’t get in trouble for taking so long."

With their captive secured, the guards hoisted Astraea’s limp form onto their shoulders. She might have been unconscious, but the memory of her strength lingered in the air, a reminder that she wasn’t like the others.

They carried her toward the back Spring House, their footsteps heavy with the weight of their task. They couldn’t help but feel that capturing Astraea was just the beginning—and whatever awaited her at Ma’am Fiona’s would be far worse than anything they could imagine.

...****************...

Scene 10

Location: Streets of Stalls

Kael and Karlus had been searching for Noah for twenty minutes, but there was still no sign of him.

Kael (gritting his teeth): "Where the hell has that piece of shit gone?"

Karlus (trying to calm him): "Don’t lose hope. He’s a ladies’ man. He’s probably busy charming some girls."

Kael (growing more irritated): "Yeah, well, he can keep that up. I’m not interested in wasting time while I get creepy stares from all these people."

Karlus (laughing): "Come on, they’re just appreciating your good looks."

Kael (seriously): "Enough with the jokes. We need to find him."

They scanned the bustling streets around them, moving past vendors and stalls, but Noah was nowhere in sight. Frustrated, they turned down the parlour road , hoping they might catch a glimpse of him there.

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