The sky above the village darkened unnaturally as the portal stabilized. A deep hum resonated across Aetheria, and a chilling energy seeped into the air. Ethan, Julia, Jack, and Lyra stood with the rest of the Aetherians, waiting anxiously for the inevitable invasion.
The fighters were armed and ready, but tension rippled through the village like an unspoken warning. Suddenly, Luna burst into the central square, her pale blue wings glowing faintly as she ran, her white dress fluttering in the wind. She was younger than most Aetherians, about the same age as Ethan. Her golden hair framed her soft, concerned face, and her breathing was labored from the urgency of her message. "Cael!" Luna called out, stumbling to a halt in front of the council leader. Cael turned to her, his face grim.
"What is it, Luna?" "It's Kyre," she said, her voice trembling. "He's leading the hunters. He came through the portal with them, and they're heading this way." Gasps erupted from the gathered Aetherians. Lyra froze, her eyes wide in shock. You sent "No," Lyra whispered. "That's not possible." Luna's expression was pained. "I saw him. His wings... they're red now, like blood. And he's not alone. The hunters are with him—he's guiding them straight to the village." Jack's face twisted in anger. "That traitor! He's sided with the hunters?" Lyra shook her head, her voice shaking. "Kyre would never... there has to be some mistake." "There's no mistake," Luna said firmly. "He's leading them, and they're close."
Ethan stepped forward, his hands clenched into fists. "How much time do we have?" "Not much," Luna replied. "They'll be here by nightfall." Cael turned to the gathered villagers. "Prepare yourselves. The time has come to defend our home."
As the village mobilized, Julia pulled Ethan aside. "I need to leave," she said urgently. "Leave? Now?" Ethan asked, startled. "Where are you going?" "There's someone who can help us," Julia said. "The Queen of Aetheria. She's the guardian of this realm, the most powerful of all Aetherians. If anyone can turn the tide of this battle, it's her." "The Queen?" Ethan repeated.
"Why hasn't she come already?" Julia hesitated. "She only intervenes in the gravest of situations. But if Kyre has betrayed us... this qualifies." "I'm coming with you," Ethan said firmly. "No, you're needed here," Julia said, shaking her head. "Help defend the village.
I'll return before the battle starts." Ethan looked conflicted but nodded. "Be careful." "I will," Julia said, giving him a small smile before spreading her wings and taking off into the sky.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the first signs of the enemy appeared. Aetherians stationed on the outskirts of the village reported seeing shadowy figures approaching through the clouds. Ethan, Jack, Lyra, and Luna stood ready with the other fighters.
Lyra's grip on her scythe was tight, her knuckles white. "They're here," Jack said, his voice low. Out of the mist, Kyre emerged. His red wings glowed ominously, casting an eerie light on his surroundings. Behind him marched a squadron of hunters, clad in metallic armor and wielding weapons designed to counter Aetherians. Lyra stepped forward, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Kyre! What are you doing?" Kyre's expression was cold, his green eyes glowing faintly. "What I should have done long ago, Lyra.
Aetheria has grown weak. We cling to our traditions, blind to the opportunities the hunters offer. They'll bring order to our chaos." You sent "Order?" Lyra shouted. "You're helping them destroy our home!" Kyre spread his crimson wings, the light from them intensifying.
"Our home is already doomed. I'm ensuring we survive." Jack growled, stepping forward with his sword drawn. "You're a coward and a traitor, Kyre. Whatever deal you made, it won't save you." Kyre's lips curled into a smirk. "I'm not the one who needs saving." He raised a hand, signaling the hunters to advance.
YOU ARE READING
The Hidden Wings
Teen FictionA story of a boy who live normally in the city and he and his family move to a old village and after that he met a girl and he discover a new fantasy world because of that girl.
