Serene’s POV

A shriek escaped my trembling body seeing the boy collapsed. Everyone jumped out of their seats not believing the scene untangling in front of their eyes. No one had anticipated this to happen so no one was prepared for it. Exactly the reason no one moved until it was too late, except Kilamin.

Being the pessimist that he was, I was sure he had been observing others like a hawk from behind me. No wonder he was the first one to react and kill the boy who dared to attack me. Others might have restrained him but not Kilamin; he had no regard for life when it came to saving one of his own kind. His wings were still wrapped around me protectively as he stood behind me like a guardian angel. I turned around and peeked at him in horror. He was fixated on Vilarja with absolute disgust and revulsion prominent on his face.

"What’s the meaning of this? How dare you attack my daughter?" My father roared at Vilarja. "Well I just wanted to see if she could defend herself, it was never my intention to kill her. Seems like she is as pathetic and weak as she looks. Your guard on the other hand is quite a piece of work." She licked her lower lip with her succulent red tongue. How was she so calm? As if nothing has happened.

"Vilarja, you have caused the blood to be spilt on sacred grounds. This will result in a penalty. Eradius your man could have restrained him instead of killing him. There will be consequences to these actions." Alexis spoke up with anger emanating from his body as he called the guards to take away the body and clean up all the splattered blood. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"I am ready to face any consequences as long as Princess Serene is safe. And, yes I won’t hesitate to kill again if anyone repeated this antic." Kilamin shot out with utmost disgust at them, his wings still forming a protective barrier around me.

"He merely protected his Princess against a foreign attack. I don’t think he deserves to be punished for that." Prince Zhoun Li added.

"That’s up to us to decide. This is our land and our rules are needed to be honoured here." Alexis spoke again.

"We wanted a peace meeting where all of us could just sit down and come up with a solution. Since all of you are incapable of not revolting toward violence for even a few hours. I will make this simple. Here is the plan I have formulated. If you are in favour raise your hands. The majority of the votes will decide Serene’s fate." Artins Sensei had clenched his fists so tightly at his side as he addressed us.

"Serene will remain under my supervision at the institute. I and my staff will be personally responsible for her well-being, training and all that yet has to pass. We will keep her safe and out of reach of the Dark Realm, she will lead a normal life like all our other novices. No one will be allowed to inflict any harm on her, anyone found guilty of attempting what trespassed a few moments ago will be thrown into the depths of our dungeons. If you agree with our plan, raise your hand."

My father was the first to raise his hand, followed by Prince Zhoun Li, and then Alexis raised his hand as well, and finally, Alpha Anmadius raised his as well. Only Vilarja remained unmoved.

"I only voted in favour because blood was spilt without a need. I would like to have seen her imprisoned for life but I guess we don’t always get what we desire. Remember, Artins once she will cause the barrier to be broken. You will be blamed for this blunder and for letting that happen. I hope you are prepared to take in the consequences of your actions." Alpha Anmadius’ hostility dripped from every word he spoke.

"It won’t be Artins Sensei’s fault, it will be mine. I came here today ready to confront all of you and accept whatever faith would have been decided for me. I would even accept death if that’s what will retain peace in our world. Sadly I felt I had no say in the matters as every decision was decided for me, without being asked what I wanted. I intend to strive onward keeping in mind that I bear this obligation to emerge as ’Harbinger of Hope’ instead of ’Destruction’. I will not let everyone’s efforts and sacrifices go to waste. All I ask for is a little more faith in me." I finally mustered up enough courage to speak up, standing on shaky legs I faced the most powerful people in our world.

"Well, good luck with that but you don’t instil much hope in me." Vilarja sneered at me.

"Bold of you to assume that we expect that much from you. Lavaria spoke highly of you, but he is a big softie and I see nothing remarkable in you." Alpha Anmadius threw his opinion at me. I knew it won’t be easy to gain their respect and nothing I would say right now will change their view. I will just have to wait and let my actions speak.

"It’s decided then Serene is our responsibility. Once all of you return to your Realms, increase the patrolling on the wall and keep an eye out. Try to keep this under the wraps, we don’t want people panicking without any reason." Alexis announced.

"Really? You want us to keep our people in dark?" Vilarja jeered at him.

"It’s wise if we do. Chaos will break out if this information is made public. Only a trusted few in every Realm should know about it. Besides Vilarja you are banished from our Realm for attempting to take Serene’s life. You are not to set foot in our Realm again. The situation is so fragile that I can’t impeach you or you would have faced the worst consequences." Alexis’ voice thundered in the hall, his whole body shaking with anger. Vilarja looked on in disbelief but didn’t speak.

He then turned to my father:

"Kilamin cannot go back with you. He will need to finish his punishment here and would be sent back later." My father was about to protest but Kilamin spoke first: "I accept your punishment." He finally removed his wings from me and folded them. I looked at him in bewilderment. Punishment, what punishment?

"This meeting is adjourned now."

Two guards came and placed anti-magic cuffs on Kilamin. "No, where are you taking him? What are you going to do with him?" It was my fault that I couldn’t defend myself and he had to step in. I was frantic. He turned toward me as his blue eyes met mine and he mouthed, "It’s ok," before being led away. Leaving me grappling with the pain of someone bearing the consequences of my existence.

(Note= Some explanation about Kilamin’s powers. He can materialize any object he wishes from thin air using magic. The only limitation to his magic is his imagination.)