Chapter 2 Silent invasion

During the daytime, Elyria was filled with confusion as the news of the king's death spread throughout the land. There was also a rumor that they might soon be attacked, which struck fear into the hearts of the people. Their king was dead, and there was no one left to protect their kingdom.

Hearing this, Elaine was deeply afraid. She stayed indoors all day, refusing to go out.

"Granny, is the king really dead?" she asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Yes, my child. As for the other rumor, don't panic. It's just a rumor, okay?" Nicole said, trying to comfort her.

"But Granny, I heard they're planning to take us hostage, and..."

"Shh... don't say that! It's just a rumor," Nicole interrupted, cutting Elaine off. She was actually scared, but she didn't want Elaine to feel the same. Nicole had watched Elaine grow up, knowing how fragile she could be. She always did her best to be there for her, to give her the best life possible. Hearing the news of the king's death frightened Nicole even more, especially the thought that they might take Elaine away from her, just as they had taken her daughter twenty years ago.

Though Nicole had a heart condition triggered by the events two decades earlier, she usually took herbs to manage it. But she knew she wouldn't last much longer. The pain had become more frequent lately, though she never let Elaine know, not wanting her to worry. Nicole's only wish was to watch Elaine grow up, get married, and live a happy life. But whenever she thought about it, a sad smile crept onto her face, because only she knew how little time she had left.

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At night, all the men in the kingdom gathered to mourn the king. They ate and drank in his honor and discussed who should rule next, as the king had no heir. By midnight, they all fell asleep, unaware of their surroundings.

From a distance, the sound of horse hooves could be heard pounding the ground, and the women who were awake began to shout and raise the alarm. But none of the men could wake up-their drinks had been drugged by an intruder who had snuck in. Soldiers descended on the village, killing all the men and abducting the women, leaving only the elderly behind.

Elaine was hidden in the basement with her grandmother, so she wasn't captured. Nicole, however, became increasingly scared and suddenly started coughing violently.

"It's okay now, Granny. I'll get a doctor for you," Elaine said, her voice filled with worry.

Sensing that her time was near and fearing for Elaine's safety, Nicole spoke through her coughs. "There's no need. I'll die soon," she said, coughing again. "You need to stay out of trouble and live a good life."

"Granny, don't say that! You'll be here with me," Elaine replied, trying hard not to cry.

Hearing Elaine's words, Nicole smiled sadly. "I wish I could, but I can't promise you that," she whispered between violent coughs. "Make sure to be a good mother to your children in the future and marry a good, responsible man who'll love you no matter what."

Tears streamed down Elaine's cheeks. "Granny, I promise you that... but you have to stay with me," she sniffled. "I need you..."

Nicole's coughing grew worse, and she tried to say something, but the words wouldn't come. Her hands fell limp, and she slumped lifelessly in the chair. Elaine's eyes widened in shock, and she shook her grandmother's body desperately, but there was no response. Realizing what had happened, Elaine let out a scream of pure agony.