The Price of Peace || Skynani

Chapter 4: Shadows in the Depths

The River Thylen lay shrouded in mist as the four royals embarked on their reconnaissance mission. Sky led the way, his sharp blue eyes scanning the treeline for any signs of movement. Nani followed close behind, his steps silent but deliberate, while Gemini and Fourth trailed at a safe distance, their banter subdued in the tense atmosphere. The Karithian Riders had been sighted in the area, and every shadow seemed to carry the weight of an unseen threat.

As they approached a narrow ravine, the silence was shattered by the unmistakable whinny of horses and the thunder of hooves. From the fog emerged a group of Riders, their dark armor gleaming menacingly in the pale light. Without hesitation, Sky drew his sword and shouted, "Form a line! Don't let them surround us!"

The clash was immediate and brutal. Steel met steel as the Riders charged, their movements precise and deadly. Nani fought fiercely, his blade cutting through the chaos with calculated precision. For a moment, their differences were set aside as he and Sky worked in tandem, defending each other against the onslaught. But the respite was short-lived.

Amid the fray, a Rider lunged at Nani from behind. Sky's voice rang out in warning as he leaped forward, intercepting the attack. The force of the blow knocked both Sky and Nani to the ground, Sky's arms instinctively wrapping around Nani to shield him from further harm. The sound of the Rider's blade clattering to the ground echoed in Nani's ears as he realized how close he had come to death.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Sky tightened his hold, his breath warm against Nani's ear. "I couldn't let anything happen to you," he murmured, his voice raw with emotion.

But Nani's response was far from gratitude. He shoved Sky away with a force that sent the other prince sprawling. "Don't touch me!" Nani snapped, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and betrayal. "You don't get to act like you care, not after what you did."

Sky's expression faltered, guilt and pain flickering across his face. "Nani, I—"

"Save your excuses," Nani interrupted, his voice cold. "You betrayed me, and I'll never forgive you."

Before Sky could respond, another wave of Riders descended upon them. Nani surged to his feet, his fury fueling his strikes as he cut down the attackers with ruthless efficiency. But even as he fought to protect Sky, his mind screamed at him to remember the pain of the past—the betrayal that had left scars he couldn't ignore.

During a brief lull in the battle, Sky and Nani found themselves standing a few feet apart. Their gazes locked, and for a solid ten seconds, it was as if the world around them had vanished. Nani's fiery brown eyes searched Sky's piercing black ones, seeking answers, perhaps even solace, though his heart resisted the notion. Sky, on the other hand, seemed to be pleading silently, his eyes a mixture of guilt, sorrow, and longing. The tension was palpable, a fragile thread stretched to its limit.

The moment broke as the sound of a distant horn signaled the retreat of the Riders. Both princes looked away, the spell shattered, yet the weight of that gaze lingered heavily in the air.

Unbeknownst to the group, a figure watched the battle from the shadows, their movements silent and deliberate. When Nani found himself cornered by two Riders, his blade knocked from his hand, it was this unseen savior who intervened. A masked figure appeared, their face obscured but their hazel eyes sharp and unwavering. The masked rescuer struck swiftly, dispatching the Riders with a precision that left Nani stunned.

Before Nani could gather his thoughts or even speak, the figure vanished into the mist. Yet, for a brief moment, Nani had caught a glimpse of their eyes—familiar, intense, and unshakable. The image stayed with him as he rejoined his companions.

As the Riders began to retreat, defeated, the group regrouped by the ravine. Sky approached Nani cautiously, his expression pleading, but Nani turned away, his resolve unshaken. "Let's focus on the mission," he said curtly, refusing to meet Sky's gaze.

Meanwhile, Gemini walked alongside Nani, noticing his distracted demeanor. "You look shocked. What's on your mind?" he asked.

Nani hesitated before replying, "Someone saved me back there. I don't know who it was. They wore a mask, but I saw their eyes."

Gemini raised an eyebrow but then smiled lightly. "Don't think too much about it. It's great that you didn't get hurt."

Nani nodded, though his thoughts lingered on the mysterious figure. He couldn't shake the feeling that those eyes held a story he had yet to uncover.

As they made their way back to camp, a pair of hazel eyes watched from the cover of the trees. Dew, the son of the Karithian leader, exhaled a shaky breath as he saw Nani safe and unharmed. Relief and fondness flickered in his expression, though he knew his feelings would remain unspoken. He had saved the crown prince, but not for recognition or reward. He simply couldn't bear the thought of harm coming to him.

Dew lingered for a moment longer, his gaze following Nani until he disappeared from sight. Then, with a faint smile, he turned and melted back into the shadows, leaving no trace of his presence behind.

Thanks for reading, fam! We finally get a peek at Dew, and honestly, what's his deal? The battle's done, but the tension between Sky and Nani is still thick. Things are just starting to heat up. Let's see where Dew takes us next. Catch ya in the next chapter!