Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 365: A Bargain ()

"Blue bell flower and fresh water." Estelle repeated to herself as she walked through the forest, heading back in the direction they had come.

The fog and darkness that blanketed the sky had cleared to a good enough extent, though the sun was not revealed yet and probably would not till the forest was restored to calm.

The first streaks of daylight dawned on this part of the forest, with four of the storm singers gone, there was just four more to see to and Eidon was on their trail.

Estelle had not taken notice of the patch of blue bell flowers previously, it was hard to see much in the darkness.

But Neveah’s description was apt enough and Estelle knew she would easily find it if she followed Neveah’s instructions closely.

Estelle quickened her pace, leaving Dante at this time left her feeling anxious,

Leaving Dante at anytime at all had become an impossible thought, Estelle realized.

And now, it was even more so since Dante had only gotten that scratch because of her, protecting her as he always did.

Dante was always getting placed in harm’s way because of her and Estelle hated it.

Fort Scabbard had been just fine and well protected, Dante’s family was also back there.

Dante had no reasons to be out here and so far from home in the first place, he was only here because Estelle was out here too.

"After this is over, we will return to Fort Scabbard...or wherever else Dante wishes to go." Estelle vowed to herself.

Though within her heart, Estelle could only wonder exactly when it would all be over.

Estelle breathed a sigh of relief when she caught sight of the blue bell flowers.

She pushed away her thoughts and hurried over to the flowers, Neveah had asked for just a flower but Estelle took a few just in case.

It was not clear to Estelle what Neveah would use the flower for, but Estelle just knew Neveah could be trusted.

Estelle would still have to find fresh water before returning to Dante and Neveah so she hurried on.

Estelle had just gone a little distance away from the patch of bluebell flowers when she sensed a presence behind her.

A little too late as at that exact moment, a hand rested on Estelle’s shoulder from behind.

Estelle tensed, she made to grab a dagger from her waist belt but realized she could not move her hand, or any part of her body for that matter.

Estelle could not even turn her head to see who was behind her, only her eyes could still move according to her will.

"Lady Starron, I have been watching and waiting, it is my honor to finally get you alone." A feminine voice whispered right in Estelle’s ears.

"Who...are you...?" Estelle asked, shuddering in disgust at the warm breath that fanned against her cheek.

"Who I am is of no consequence to you, what matters is that you have something I want and you will give it...or die." The strange woman replied coldly.

Estelle’s heart dropped, she knew exactly what it was the dark fairies were after, she had known since Lord Decaron was attacked.

She had also known they would come after them, she had just thought they would have time enough to get to King Jian.

They could not have known then that going to King Jian was not safe, Neveah had said the Dragon King faced the troll golem,

Going to the Dragon King at this time was not even safe, there was nowhere safe in the entire forest and Lord Decaron’s efforts to lure away the first attack had been in vain.

"I have no idea what you speak of." Estelle replied, forcing herself to remain calm.

"Oh, but you do." The strange woman said, her hand moving around to Estelle’s neck and snatching the pendant her father had left to her.

Estelle struggled against the invisible force holding her but it was to no avail, she could do nothing as her father’s pendant was taken away.

"That is a heirloom of my Starron family, you will pay for laying a hand on it!" Estelle hissed furiously.

"The box was last seen in your possession, where is it?!" The strange woman demanded.

"It’s not in my possession. You will never get your hands on it, so do what you will." Estelle stated firmly.

"Hmmm, I believe I will. I have something you want." The strange woman replied.

"What could you possibly have that I would want?" Estelle asked in a low hiss.

"Your father." The strange woman replied in a blank tone.

Estelle felt the breath leave her at the mention of her father, a chilling feeling of terror settling in the pit of her stomach.

"You will return my father to me?" Estelle asked slowly.

"It would depend on you, Estelle... how much can you give in exchange for what you want?" The strange woman asked.

"Without my father, what happens to the rest of the people of Fort Blazed?" Estelle asked slowly.

"Do not be too greedy, Lady Starron. Are you truly willing to bet your father’s life on your empathy for others? On the Dragon King’s decision?" The strange woman asked.

Estelle did not reply immediately, she was quiet for a long moment before she chuckled.

"My father is the backbone of Fort Blazed, if you were going to return him to me so easily, you would not have taken down the entire Fort Blazed."

"Your first big statement and you would just give it up for a bargain?"

"You must believe me foolish...to fall for your deceit." Estelle said.

The strange woman hummed softly in response.

"You are a smart girl. But it is still a pity, that you shall do exactly as I say...by your will or not." The strange woman said still chuckling.

"The dark art of mind manipulation has no effect on dragons...but dear Estelle, you are no dragon." She added.