Once again, the small village of Brimvale faced a brutal raid—children were missing, animals were slaughtered, and the air was thick with a foul stench. The sheep owners cried out, while the mothers of the missing children wept with raw intensity. The village head, recognizing the gravity of the situation, called an urgent meeting with his council members.
Inside a spacious tent, the prominent figures of Brimvale gathered, the village head presiding at the front, flanked by grim faces—including Emily's uncle. The atmosphere was heavy, as warriors and trained villagers surrounded them. Emily was among as well.
"I won't waste anyone's time," the chief declared, his voice cutting through the silence, as he met their gazes.
"We all have important matters to attend to after this meeting. Let's get straight to the point," the chief stated with authority, clearing his throat as the room fell silent, all ears on him.
"We know exactly who is responsible for the raids on this village and others. It's those rogues in the forest under Raelen's control. He will stop at nothing to make our lives miserable for his own enjoyment, and we've reached our breaking point. This ends now," the chief declared firmly.
Emily listened intently, her expression neutral as she had been trained by her uncle. Yet, inwardly she questioned why Raelen was always blamed. Was he even real, or merely a figment of the legends? They labeled him an immortal, banished from the heavens to the earth. Yet, could it be that their turmoil stemmed from something else entirely? Maybe it was just a wild animal causing the chaos. Regardless, she focused on the chief.
"To put an end to this, we need a volunteer to venture into that forest and bring Raelen back to us—dead or alive. Only then will we find peace," he concluded, the tension in the room climaxed, everyone suddenly avoiding his gaze as their heart pounded inwardly.
Bring Raelen back? It was a suicide mission. Who in their right mind would confront an immortal with such odds stacked against them? Raelen could annihilate any of them in an instant.
The chief scanned the room, "No volunteers?" he asked, his tone sharp, but the silence persisted.
Then, a deep voice resonated from the back, "Emily will go."
Emily's brows knitted together in disbelief. Did she just hear that correctly?
"Have you already discussed this with her?" the chief asked, turning to Emily's uncle, Rafael.
Emily shook her head firmly, "Uncle, what are you saying? Why should I be the one to go?" she demanded, confusion all over her face.
Her uncle faced her, and she took in his features—sharp lines and deep ocean blue eyes. "Because I believe in you," he replied, his tone unyielding.
The murmurs in the room resumed, but Emily remained stunned, her heart racing in her chest. Despite her skepticism about Raelen being a myth, the thought of confronting an immortal sent waves of panic through her. How could her uncle suggest she undertake this dangerous mission? She knew he had never been particularly fond of her, but was he really willing to gamble with her life? This was a suicide mission, and he spoke of faith? Why didn't he summon his own courage to face Raelen?
She looked around at the men present, all boastful about their strength, yet when it came to Raelen, they cowered in silence. Her uncle was perfectly capable; he was a far superior fighter than she was. Why was it her, and why were the men shirking their responsibilities?
He turned back to the chief. "You see, chief, Emily and I have talked this over. Raelen's threats are escalating, and she has expressed her willingness to deal with him—I mean it. She's ready to prove herself," Rafael asserted, words tumbling from his mouth like they were rehearsed.
"Uncle, we never discussed any such plan," she interjected calmly, pushing back against his deceit, anger simmering just below the surface.
"Enough, Emily," Rafael warned her firmly, his glare piercing. He then addressed the chief, stating decisively, "Emily is ready."
The chief scrutinized Emily, noticing the tears welling in her eyes and her fists clenched tightly at her sides. Ignoring her distress, he turned to Rafael. "If Emily is ready, then that settles it. An excellent choice. I knew you always considered the best for this village in mind" He gave Rafael an acknowledgement.
"Now, We have our volunteer, and now we will ensnare Raelen and hold him accountable for his crimes."
Cheers erupted in agreement from the crowd. Cheering for her death right in her face.
Emily's voice cut through the celebration, her voice steady despite the fear. "Why am I the perfect choice? I can only take on a few humans; I am not trained to confront an immortal. You're sending me on a suicide mission," she declared, her gaze shifting fiercely between those who celebrated her potential fate.
Silence fell over the crowd.
The chief responded coolly, "I doubt you'll be fighting, Emily." Her eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. "We all understand the kind of immortal Raelen is, and you happen to be the most beautiful in this village, which makes you the ideal candidate. I could have sent men, but that would only alert him and risk losing our brothers for good. All you need is to seduce him. Gain his trust and bring him here. You are tailor-made for this mission."
"But I—" Emily began. Why was her beauty an asset in this situation?
"I give you ten days, Emily. Bring Raelen in, dead or alive, or do not return to the village."