Chapter 3

"We've reached Edolon," Alif whispered, his eyes wide with what he saw. A dark, foreboding world greeted them—a vast land filled with ruined buildings and an unsettling silence. The once-beautiful castle was now half-destroyed, its walls scarred with cracks and the marks of a great battle.

"Welcome back, kid," Calsipher said, his voice cold and emotionless. He seemed accustomed to this kind of environment.

"Half the castle is destroyed," Alif commented, his voice filled with wonder and anger. "Because of Verona's treachery..."

"You're right," Calsipher agreed, his eyes fixed on the ruined castle. "Her betrayal caused this devastation."

"Where's Verona?" Alif asked, his voice filled with determination. He needed to save his mother.

"Shall we?" Calsipher said, a corner of his lip slightly rising. A dangerous smile played on his face.

They entered the castle. The inside was even more shocking than the outside. The once-luxurious rooms were now dark and dusty. The walls were covered with scratches and traces of blood.

In the middle of the dark room, they found Verona. She sat on her mother's throne, her face filled with power and malice. Upon seeing Alif, an evil smile spread across her lips.

"Oh, you're finally back, my dear nephew," Verona said, her voice dripping with mockery.

"Verona! Where's my mother?!" Alif shouted, his voice filled with anger and worry.

Verona smiled an evil smile. "Want to see?"

"Why are you sitting on my mother's throne?!" Alif shouted, his anger rising.

"It's mine now," Verona replied, her voice full of pride.

"It's not yours!" Alif shouted, his fists clenched.

"Calsipher, I know you brought him here. Thank you," Verona said, her eyes fixed on Calsipher.

Alif looked at Calsipher, his eyes filled with doubt and anger. "What?" he asked, his voice trembling with rage and betrayal. Calsipher's betrayal was even more painful than Verona's. His trust in his uncle was shattered.

"Surprised?" Verona asked, hands on her hips, a taunting smile on her face. Alif, though confused and hurt, didn't show fear.

"Where is my mother?!" Alif demanded.

"Don't worry, you'll see her soon enough," Verona replied, her smile widening, full of malicious intent.

"You can leave, Calsipher," Verona ordered her companion, who had been silently watching.

"I've been waiting for this moment, Alif," Verona said, her eyes fixed on Alif. "Don't worry, your mother is in an underground cell. Her skin will blister if she touches the iron."

"You vile creature, Verona!" Alif shouted, rage overflowing.

A powerful energy burst from Alif's hand, a display of his power. But Verona was quick, dodging the attack.

Verona smiled, a mocking smile. "Oh well, Alif. You're too weak," she said, her voice full of disdain.

The cold gleam of the jade in Verona's necklace seemed to reflect the anger in her eyes. She grabbed Alif by the throat, her fingers like iron constricting his breathing.

"V… Verona…"

Alif's hand weakly reached for Verona's, a desperate attempt to plead for mercy. But mercy was not found in Verona's eyes.

"You're weak! So weak! Did you think you could stop me? I possess the power of the jade!"

She suddenly threw Alif against the wall, his body hitting with a deafening thud. Before Alif could recover from the fall, a green lightning bolt enveloped him, emanating from Verona's jade. A horrifying scream erupted from Alif as he cried out in pain and agony. The jade's power was merciless.

A contemptuous laugh escaped Verona's lips. She watched Alif struggle to rise from the fall, his body betraying extreme physical exhaustion. The difference in their strength was glaring; the jade's power gave Verona a significant advantage.

"Alif, can you still stand?" she sneered.

Her words were full of mockery, a reminder of Alif's hopelessness. Despite his condition, Alif tried to stand, his eyes containing a determination that masked his weakness.

"Lock him in the iron cell!" Verona commanded authoritatively.

Her vampire companions obeyed without hesitation. They roughly seized Alif, his body like a defenseless toy in their hands. They dragged him to an iron cell, the cold, hard floor awaiting his fall. They threw Alif inside, his weakness serving as his sentence.

He might begin interacting with other prisoners, seeking allies and gathering information. He might discover secret passages or weaknesses in the prison's security. His knowledge of Edolon and his abilities will be key to his escape. The story could continue with his efforts to break free, building tension and hope as he prepares for a long fight against Verona and Calsipher. His captivity would be only a temporary defeat, not an end. His hope would remain alive, waiting for the right moment for his revenge.

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