Prologue
15th century: Somewhere in Northern Europe
Her chest rose and fell as the salty tears burned the cuts on her face. Her ribs felt heavy as if bounded by ropes, and the pain that coursed through her body was weakening her every step. The path she left behind her slowly faded with the falling snow as she continued to lead the girls into the darkness of the woods.
"Illona!" Azzurra and Ainara cried out. Illona turned around to see her little sister, Eliana, on her knees coughing and trembling.
"Sister, you have to get up. We have to keep going" Illona said as more tears streamed down her face.
Eliana shook her head. "I can't, I'm so tired and cold. Go on without me".
The four girls had rushed outside into the freezing snowy night with only their nightgowns after they had noticed a large crowd of villagers with torches, pitchforks and rocks, marching their way to their home. They somehow figured they practiced magic and the girls knew well what their fate was if they stayed.
"No," Illona said. "We are not leaving you. Come on girls. Help me bring her to her feet." Azzurra and Ainara nodded as each one took a hold of an arm, bringing her to a stand.
"Where should we go? We have been running for at least an hour. My bare feet are bleeding with cuts. I can barely feel them anymore," Ainara said.
At the far distance they could hear the shouts of the villagers and the howling of the hounds. "Come out, come out little witches".
"Illona?" The girls cried as they looked at her for help.
Illona spinned around, trying to figure out which direction they should take next. The falling snow and dark night only made it worse for her to see.
"They're getting closer!" Azzurra said, noticing the small light the torches provided.
"Okay, come on!" Illona's leg started to fail her and so she limped as the girls followed behind. She led them behind a boulder, resting her back against it.
"What do we do now?" Ainara asked.
"We need to use the element of nature to form some sort of natural cover," she replied.
"We are too weak to use our powers. Eliana won't be able to handle it," Azzurra stated.
With a small whisper, Eliana spoke, "I am willing to try. We can't just give up."
The girls all looked at each other. They hesitated before they agreed.
They brought themselves to their knees, holding each other's hands. They chanted together in harmony as they called unto earth's elements. Vines, tree branches, leafs and roots all started to form together to create a cocoon. A form of a bush with millions of thorns in the outer layer. Sharp enough to cut anyone who dared get close.
It took all their remaining strength for them to form such protection. They fell back in exhaustion.
"Girls?" Illona whispered as she slowly sat up.
"I'm fine".
"Right here".
Azzurra, Ainara and Illona looked at each other before realizing one of them was still unconscious.
"Eliana!" Illona yelled as she took her sister into her arms. "Wake up!"
"Did you hear that?" Voices said in the short distance.
The girls pressed their lips together in order to not let one single sound escape their lips. Illona silently cried as she held to her sister tightly.
"I heard a cry of some sort.”
"They must be nearby," another voice said.
"Get the hounds!" A man with a deep voice shouted.
Ainara pulled her hands around her knees, hugging them so close that they dug into her chest.
The girl's breathing became more rapid, more shallow as the hounds started to seek out their scent. Through tiny holes in the cocoon they saw the hounds approach. Then a loud yelp was heard as the hounds whimpered.
"Stupid hounds, get out of those thorn bushes!" The owner said. "They ain't here. They're probably up ahead. Let's go!".
The villagers' whispers and footsteps began to fade until they were completely out of hearing.
The girls huddled together as tears streamed down their faces.
"Eliana," Illona cried out again. "Please wake up."

The chirps came in bursts. Birds were calling to one another, as rich as any symphony.
Illona slowly opened her eyes, she lifted the protection off herself and the girls. She tilted her head toward the first rays of the day.
The birds flew through the welcoming canvas of dawn. Illona sat still, her eyes following one particular bird in flight. It landed on a thin branch that sat over them. It hopped on its delicate feet, while its curious brown eyes looked below at the four girls.
Illona met its gaze. Their eyes locked for a moment before the bird looked down at the unconscious Eliana, who had not yet woken. Illona pushed a string of hair away from her sister's face as new tears streamed down her cheek.
The bird began making playful swoops in the morning sky before it joined the others. They moved in a choreographed melody before disappearing into the clouds.
A loud gasp escaped Eliana's lips, as she breathed in a sharp breath. Her eyes bulged open while her body trembled in fear.
"Eliana!" Her sister said as she embraced her in a tighter hug.
"Illona..." she whispered gently.
"I'm here sis. I'm here, you’re alright," Illona responded as she continued to hold her sister in her arms.
"Azzurra! Ainara! Wake up! Eliana is okay."
The two girls who were deeply asleep, awoke. They smiled in relief as they embraced Eliana in a hug.
"What should we do now?" Azzurra asked while she brushed away some ants that made their way up her ankles.
"We need to keep going. Find a safe place. Somewhere nobody finds us a threat," Ainara suggested, looking at the rest for some input or agreement.
Illona hesitated before she spoke, "I— I don't know. Nobody will take us in. Not with the kind of gifts we possess. I can't put you guys at risk. Not again."
"There's no choice sister," Eliana said. "We must try and if we die- we die together".
Illona sighed before nodding, "Okay."
They walked for another hour. Out of breath, thirsty and hungry. Eliana was still weak. Illona and Azzurra had to help her push forward, despite the immense pain they were all feeling throughout their body. The snow crunched beneath their blistered feet as the melt began. Soon the ice would be free-running water, just the same as after a rain-shower.
"Stop right there!" A voice soared at a short distance. The girls instantly stopped in their tracks as an old man stepped forward. With a closer look they realized he was no older than seventeen. His hair was every hue of white-spun to silver, all married into long flowing locks. The perfect kind of wild. His grey eyes had the bluish hue of the morning sunlight. A silvering fire.
"Who are you?" He commanded as he held a sword towards them.
The girls stuttered to respond as they stared back at the young boy who seemed to possess such leadership and authority.
"I am Ill-ona. And these are my sisters".
"What-what are you girls doing alone in these parts of the woods, in only your nightgowns?" He asked, while he scanned the nearby trees and bushes. His stance faltered as if he expected a sudden ambush.
"We are hurt and in need of your help. Bad men are looking for us," Ainara responded.
"Which men?" He asked.
"The oaksmen" Azzurra said.
The boy took a step back as his eyes widened, holding tighter to his sword, " You are- you are the witches that are being hunted down."
Illona took a step forward, "Please, help us. We aren't the bad people that others portray us to be."
"Stay back!" He yelled.
"I beg you! My sister needs care. I promise if you give us aid for a few days, we will grant you anything and I mean anything your heart desires," Illona cried out as she fell onto her knees.
"Illona, no," Azzurra and Ainara mumbled as they fell right beside her. "Do you realize what you’re promising to vicious men?"
"I have no choice," she said between breaths.
The young man stood silent for a moment while he contemplated his next move. "I will bring you to my father. I'll speak on your behalf and he will decide if he agrees to your proposition."
"Thank you, thank you," the girls repeated as they brought themselves to their feet.
"Don't thank me yet. I cannot promise you he will oblige to your request. He might sentence you to death right then and I don't have a say on that matter."
"We will accept our fate, if it comes to that," Illona said.
The boy nodded. "I am Zilver by the way. Zilver with a z."
The girls nodded. He gestured to them to follow him.
"He is someone of importance isn't he, sister?" Eliana whispered to Illona as she admired the clothing he wore.
Zilver's white cloak dragged against the melting snow. It was embedded with beautiful silver swirls around the hood and edges. His trousers were a dark grey that matched his coat. His sword was undoubtedly made by the best craftsmen. The hilt was silver with sapphire stones implemented on it.
"Someone who isn't of noble birth wouldn't dress like that," Illona responded to her.
"This is Arpina," Zilver said as he approached a white friesian mare. The girls watched him pat her head then check his bag to see if anything was stolen while he was gone.
"Two of you can sit on her, while I lead the reins to the village. Now which of you will it be?" He asked, while giving a small barely noticeable grin.
"Eliana, of course" Illona spoke up. "She's the most hurt among us all".
"You should ride with her," Ainara said.
Illona looked at Azzurra and Ainara. "Are you guys sure? I wouldn't mind walking-"
"You're limping," Azzurra interrupted. "We insist you ride with your sister."
"They stand correct. We should make it there by the afternoon if you ride on Arpina. Nightfall, if you walk on your limping leg," Zilver said. "And I can assure you, I will not be waiting for anyone if you stay behind."
Eliana slowly approached Zilver, waiting to be told to hop on. With a stern look, he glanced over at her. His frown had softened to a look of awe, mesmerized by her soft, gentle beauty. He couldn't understand how he didn't notice her before.
Though her hair was in a chaotic mess, there was a warmth her brown hair brought to her features. It softly reflected the light of the sun. Her eyes were the color of acorns. There was so much strength remaining in them despite what they had endured, filled with so much life.
"Uh- need help getting on?" He asked her, not taking his eyes away. Eliana nodded. Zilver entwined his hands together so her foot could get some sort of boost on to the saddle. Once she was settled, he turned towards Illona. "You ready?".
"Yes," she responded and he helped her up as well. Zilver gripped Arpina's rein and led the girls back to his home.

It was at least another four hours before they were able to see the settlement. As they approached the town, the villagers started to look at the girls in wonder, whispering amongst themselves. The girls kept their heads low to avoid any eye contact. They didn't want to be recognized by any of the citizens before they were presented to Zilver's father.
They continued onto another road further north, away from the village.
"How much longer?" Ainara asked. Her aching body was unable to walk any further.
"Up ahead. We are almost there," Zilver responded.
Immediately, nestled in the woodland, was a mansion. The mansion was all concrete with tall glass windows. The girls looked up in amazement. They had never been this close to a noble man's home.
As soon as they approached the stairs, a stable boy ran over to assist Zilver with the mare.
"Give her good grooming, some food and water. She deserves it," Zilver told the boy as he handed the reins to him. Zilver then turned towards Eliana.
"May I?" He asked her. She nodded and he carefully placed his hand around her waist, lifting her off the saddle and setting her carefully on the ground.
"Thank you," she softly said.
Zilver held onto her waist, as he stared deeply into her dark eyes. "You are-"
"Zilver!" Someone yelled from a short distance.
Zilver quickly pulled away from Eliana, facing the very familiar and annoying voice he grew to hate.
"Dorgan," Zilver muttered. "And Kieran," he said as another nobleman jogged not too far behind.
"And who may these grotty ladies be?" Dorgan asked as he took a step forward to get a closer look at the girls.
Zilver blocked his way as Illona placed Eliana behind her and the rest of the girls. "No one you should be concerned about," Zilver answered.
"Oh, come on, little brother. Don't be lame," Dorgan snickered, ruffling Zilver's white hair.
Zilver pushed his hand away while taking a step back, "You are not my brother."
"Of course I'm not, my prince," Dorgan mocked with a lack of care or sensitivity, he bowed towards Zilver.
Ignoring Dorgan, Zilver turned towards Kieran. "Where is my father?"
"Where you always find him," Kieran responded, his eyes locked on the girls the whole time.
"Excuse me," Zilver told them as he turned his back to face the girls again. "Follow me."
Zilver led the witches up the grand stairs. Maids, garden workers and security all stared at the ladies. Everyone seemed curious about what the prince was up to this time.
"Why did Dorgan call you his brother and you denied it?" Illona asked as they tried to keep up with his speed.
Dorgan and Kieran didn't look anything like Zilver. They had dark raven hair while Zilver had hair as white as snow. They were tall and well built while Zilver was more lean.
"They are my father's bastard kids. He slept with many women before my mother was able to finally conceive me. They never treated me as their brother. They loathed me and I don't expect them to treat me as such. I am their superior after all. I am to inherit my father's fortune, estates. I am to be king. Does that answer your question?" Zilver said as he stopped, looked over his shoulder while raising an eyebrow towards Illona.
She nodded without saying another word.
"Wait here," he told them, gesturing to them to sit in a waiting room. "I am to speak with my father. I'll have a guard escort you when the time is right."
Zilver went down the next hall, opening the door where the king would have his meetings with his most trusted advisors. "Father," he said loudly. The King's advisors quickly rose to their feet and bowed towards Zilver's direction.
"Where have you been? You should have been here, learning all this. You can't be wandering around for hours anymore. You have duties to complete. As the future king and only heir, you cannot be playing games—"
"Father, listen. I found them," Zilver abruptly interrupted.
"Who?" His father responded.
"The four witches everyone has been speaking of. They seek your protection."
"Did you bring them here?"
"Yes," Zilver replied.
The King's advisors started to speak amongst themselves, shaking their heads. Their voices thundered around the room.
"The future king has lost his mind-"
"You cannot let those witches live-"
"They will kill us all"
The king pressed his fingers against his temple, massaging it gently as he let everyone speak.
"Father listen-," Zilver said as he tried to speak over them.
"Prince Zilver shouldn't have brought them here-"
"How can we intrust the lives of the villagers in his hands if he brings dangerous people into this palace-"
"Execute them!" They all started to say.
"QUIET!" The king yelled as he rose to his feet. All his advisors fell silent to his demand. "I will have a word with my son in private. Everyone out."
"But your majesty-" they protested.
"OUT!" He yelled. With haste, they all gathered their books and notes and left the room.
"What have you done?" The King's voice fell low as he looked at his son in disappointment.
"Father, they seek your protection, in return they will grant you anything. I wouldn't be stupid enough to bring such women here if it wasn't something the kingdom can benefit from."
"And how do you know they will keep their end of the deal?" The King said as he approached his son.
"I- I just know. They are desperate and in need of medical care. They will do anything in exchange for it."
The king nodded. "Fine. Have them get the care they need before you bring them to me later this evening. I will hold a feast for our special guests."
Zilver nodded, bowing to his father before he exited the room.

"Do you think the king has decided to spare our lives?" Eliana asked her sisters as they were being scrubbed down and washed from all the dirt and blood.
"Maybe," Ainara replied while her hair was being prepped into an updo.
"The king wouldn't have us get cleaned and ready for a feast if it wasn't the case. He must have thought very well what he wanted us to grant-"
"We shall not speak of this matter in front of-" Azzurra snapped at her as her eyes directed to the maids.
Eliana looked at her blood sister, Illona, but she received a nod of agreement in return. Eliana didn't hesitate as she knew they were right. The less people knew, the better. She leaned back against the tub, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the warm water, while the maid continued to scrub her fingers off dirt.

Two maids came in with ivory gowns. Lace upon silk, beauty upon mastery. Beyond anything the girls had ever seen. They were astounded to be presented with something they had never possessed in their entire lives.
"Come on now, don't just stand there! We need to get you lassies into these gowns. Can't keep the king waiting," an elderly maid said.
Other maids swiftly came to the girls' sides, each one helping them get into their dresses as quickly as possible.
Once the girls were all ready, the maids left the room, letting them know an escort would soon come to get them for the feast.
Eliana faced the mirror as she admired how beautiful she looked. "Do you guys think the prince will like my dress?" She said as she continued to adore herself.
"Don't be ridiculous, Eliana! The future king will never have eyes for you! You are just a freak to them, nothing else. A pawn in their game."
Illona and Ainara turned to look at Azzurra. "Azzurra!" They both called. They couldn't believe such spiteful words came out her mouth.
Azzurra brushed off the hard stares she was receiving from her sisters. She took a step forward towards Eliana, whose reflection in the mirror showed a tear streaming down her face. "Remember this, we only have one part to play and it's to grant the king his wish, whatever that is. So stop dragging this sudden puppy love you have for Zilver and focus on what really matters.. to keep our asses alive".
"Azzurra! That's enough!" Illona said, stepping in to embrace her little sister in a hug.
"What has gotten into you?" Ainara told her.
Azzurra was about to speak but was interrupted by a knock at the doors. They paused for just a second before they burst open. An officer from the royal guard stepped in, while three others stood outside in perfect formation.
"I'm here to escort you to the feast," he said.
Azzurra picked up the bottom of her skirt and marched out with her head held high, "Hmmph."
The remaining three soon followed.
Azzurra stopped as she saw the grand staircase that led to the feast the king had prepared. All the girls' eyes widened. Every noble person was there to see the infamous witches. Women, men and children of all ages. All their heads tilted up to look at them. So did the King and his Queen. A small grin played on Zilver's lip as he looked towards Eliana's direction. The girls descended the staircases, the people making way for them as they approached the King and Queen. The girls had never seen such a uniquely regal picture in front of their eyes. The King and Queen sat on beautifully ornamented thrones. Their hair glistened as the silvery, white flecks in their hair caught any bit of light from the room.
"We now know where Zilver gets his white hair from," Ainara whispered to Illona. "Hush," she told her in a discreet manner.
"Your majesty," they said while they bowed.
"That was quite an entrance," the king said.
"I expected them to be… old and raggy-looking wouldn't you say, my love," the Queen said as she looked at the girls up and down. Not very amused by their youthful beauty.
The girls smiled. Not sure if that was a compliment or not.
"Indeed," the king said, smiling as he looked over at Illona. Giving her a seductive look.
"Where would you like to arrange our meeting, my king?" Illona quickly spoke up. Trying to avert his eyes from her cleavage and figure and unto her face.
"Let's not talk business right now," he said. "Let's enjoy the feast!" He signals the band to play some music. Once the music started playing, everyone grabbed a partner and started dancing. The King extended his hand towards Illona. "May I have this dance?".
Illona took a deep breath in. I must do what I must. She smiled, placing her hand on top of the King's. He quickly pulled her onto the floor, not caring what the Queen had to say.
A hand slipped between Eliana's fingers, pulling her away from the crowd of nobles and to a hall that led to the gardens.
"Let me go!" She told the guy who had just dragged her away.
His hand came over her mouth as he pushed her against the wall.
"Shhh," he said before removing his hand from her lips.
"Your highness," Eliana gasped as the moonlight shone over Zilver's face. He smiled as he grabbed a lock of her hair.
"I need to tell you something and— and if I don't, I feel as if my heart might just burst out of my chest."
Eliana's eyes enlightened. Is he going to say what I think he's going to say? "Tell me."
"I fancy you. In fact, I love you," Zilver said.
Tears formed in Eliana's eyes as her grin grew wider. Azzurra was wrong about him. He really does care for me, she thought.
"I know this might sound crazy. I've known you for less than a day, but I haven't been this sure about anything in my entire life," he placed his hand on her cheek as he leaned in. "You are stunning, sweet and feared by many, which I find really enticing," Zilver said with a smile.
Eliana let out a chortle as she wiped a tear away.
"You are someone I want to spend the rest of my life with. Will you marry me, Eliana?"
"Yes," she said as her arms wrapped around his neck. "A million times yes."
"Wait, what about the king and queen?" she asked before pulling away, a sorrowful look appearing on her face. "Will they accept me despite what I am?"
He cupped her chin in his hand while tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, "I will speak with my father about this. He will accept you. I'll make sure of it."
Eliana smiled, all doubt that everything would turn out well disappearing. Zilver then led them into the gardens as they embraced each other in a passionate kiss, which led to them losing what was only meant for their wedding night.

Azzurra made her way around the ballroom. Carefully eavesdropping on people's conversations. Wondering what they had to say about her and her sisters.
While she was listening to a conversation of a group of noble women, speaking of the gowns they were wearing, she came crashing into another lady. "I'm sorry!" She said, stepping back. The noble woman turned around, ready to insult the person who dared bump into her but, instead, she smiled.
"Oh it's alright. It's Azzurra correct?"
"Yes, my lady," Azzurra said with a curtsy.
The noble girl had the same beautiful white locks that Zilver and his parents had. Hers were long and framed her face, accentuating her porcelain skin. She was radiant and of flawless beauty. Her eyes were the color of a crystal river where anyone could see their own reflection in them.
"And you are? If you don't mind me asking."
The girl smiled as her head lifted a little higher and her posture straightened, "I am duchess Eira, betrothed to the future king."
Azzurra couldn't be more shocked. That bastard is betrothed. I knew I was right about him. Eliana needs to stay away from him. This will not end well for her.
"Excuse me," Azzurra told the duchess as she slowly turned around, walking away.
CLING CLING CLING!
"Can I have everyone's attention? As you all know, we have special guests with us tonight. The witches have come to us for our help and as king, I can't deny such requests, no matter who they are."
"Illona," Azzurra said as she quickly came to her side. Illona took hold of Azzurra's hand as they both looked up at the king. "Where's Ainara and Eliana?"
"Guys!" Ainara called out as she jogged to her sister's side.
"Have you seen Eliana?" Illona asked as she looked around the crowd of people.
Ainara shook her head, "No, not since earlier."
Illona bit her lip as her heart skipped a beat. Oh, where are you little sis.

While they were in each other's arms, Zilver planted kisses all over Eliana's bare shoulders. She smiled and said, "I wish we could fast forward to our future together."
"Why don't we?" He told her as his lips moved from her neck to her cheek.
She giggled, "Unfortunately witches can't travel in time."
"Then we shall enjoy every bit of it now," he told her as he pulled her in closer while tracing his lips down her cleavage and stomach. Eliana let out a playful laugh, running her fingers through his white hair.
"Your highness, where are you?"
Zilver sat up, looking through the tall bushes.
"What's going on?" Eliana asked. Zilver quickly placed a finger on her lips.
The guards were looking around for the prince.
Zilver started to quickly get dressed, "I believe my father is doing his speech. We need to head back."
"What speech?" Eliana asked.
"The speech before he has you and your sisters grant his wish."
Eliana nodded as she quickly followed his haste.
Eliana and Zilver quickly joined the crowd. "I'm going to find my sisters," Eliana told him.
He nodded, " I'll find you later." He planted a kiss on her forehead before parting ways.
"I'm here," Eliana said as she joined her sisters.
"Where were you?" Illona asked her with a glare.
"I— I took a stroll in the gardens."
Illona shook her head as she looked up at the king again.
"I want what's best for the kingdom and my people. Uniting with the witches will make us stronger and will open a door to a new beginning for humans and witches. Both sides can live in harmony without the fear of one having to face death.”.
Illona, Eliana and Ainara looked at each other and smiled. Azzurra just glared at the king. She couldn't bring herself to trust him or anyone here. They were being used for their personal gain. They would never be free. They are the King's property now.
"Follow me," the King said as he looked down at the girls. Everyone stared as the King walked away, followed by the witches.
"Now ladies, you all know I have taken you in because you had told my son that in return for your safety, you will grant me something in return. I hope you keep the end of your deal."
"A witch never breaks her promise," Illona said.
"Good," the king replied. "We live in a very cold region. Many adults and children have died due to the bad weather up here. I also have enemies down south which are dying to see my head roll. They’re planning my demise as we speak. This is a small kingdom but I plan to conquer more territory. I want my kingdom to be the most powerful, most wealthy, northern kingdom anyone has ever seen. But we lack so much that I fear we won't get there."
"What do you want?" Illona asked. Wanting him to just get to the point.
"What I want for me and my people is strength that no human possesses. The speed of light, the ability to heal and further most, immortality".
The girls looked at each other.
"That is crazy!" Azzurra said. "That takes a lot of magic. We can't do it."
"Oh, in that case. I can execute you this very instant," the king said.
"No!" Illona yelled. "We can do this your majesty".
The king gestured to them to get started.
"Come on, guys."
The girls gathered in a circle, holding each other's hands as they started to chant in an ancient language. The kingdom started to shake and they could hear the shouts of the noble people. The king fell on his knees as his body trembled.
"I can feel the power coursing through me," he shouted as he laughed.
Before they could complete the last words, Azzurra chanted other words, channeling the girl's magic into herself. Illona, Ainara and Eliana fell back as they lost all their strength. Gasping for air, they looked up at Azzurra.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Illona cried out.
"I will not let them get all that power without consequences. They must pay the price!" Azzurra shouted.
The earth and kingdom began to shake a lot more than before. Windows shattered while walls cracked.
Azzurra raised her hands higher as the wind soared through the shattered windows and gaps. Her eyes shifted towards the king. One of her hands pointed in his direction.
"You shall prey on your own people and enemies. You will be feared instead of loved! You shall never see the day of light as it will become your enemy!"
The king started to cry out in pain as the power burned his insides.
"Stop this!" the girls cried out. "You are hurting him!"
"He deserves it," Azzurra said without any remorse. "We were never going to be free. We were going to be used time and time again for their personal gain."
"You don't know that! You never gave them a chance!" Ainara shouted.
"Yes I do know," Azzurra glared. She raised her hand to the sky.
"Your people shall share the same fate as you!" The screams and cries could be heard from the ballroom. The girls pressed their hands against their ears as they tried to block out the painful screams.
"Ice shall be you and your future generation's element. It will be a part of you. It will be your most powerful ability yet your worst enemy!"
The King's agonizing scream was now a low gasping sound, as if death was around the corner.
"Make it stop, please," Eliana cried out as her body trembled in fear.
Chanting a few more words, the chaotic sounds stopped and Azzurra fell on her knees.
The girls brought themselves to their feet, quickly going towards Azzurra.
"Azzurra, are you ok?"
Azzurra slowly inhaled and exhaled. "I’m fine."
"We need to leave now," Illona said.
"What?!" Eliana said. "I'm not leaving."
Illona grabbed her sister's shoulder, "Listen to me, we will be executed once these people wake up."
Eliana shook her head as she cried, "I love him."
Illona looked into her sister's eyes, something was different.
"You foolish girl," Azzurra said as she stood on her feet. "You laid with him, didn't you?"
"I— he loves me! He's going to marry me," Eliana said in defense.
"Eliana, how could you?" Illona shook her head in disappointment.
"Wake up! He doesn't love you. He isn't going to marry you! He is betrothed to the duchess. She told me herself.”
Eliana felt heartbroken but she continued holding onto his words, "That's not true."
Azzurra rolled her eyes.
"We need to go now," Ainara said as she pointed to the king. He was starting to slowly come to consciousness.
"Come on," Illona said as she and the girls ran out the door.
They ran as fast as they could on their long gowns. As they came to the ball room they could see everyone on the floor, some still unconscious, others groaning in pain.
Eliana stopped as she looked around for any sight of Zilver.
"Zilver!" She cried out. "Where are you?" She made her way between all the people, desperately looking for him.
"Eliana."
She looked at the direction her name was being called from. Zilver was leaning against a wall for support. Compared to the others, he wasn't in much pain.
Eliana ran to him, tears streaming down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around him. "Oh Zilver!".
"Eliana listen to me" he softly spoke.
She pulled away. "Zilver I'm so sorry, I didn't want any of this to happen to you-"
"Eliana, I can't marry you."
Eliana took a step back, she felt as if she had just been stabbed. "Wha-what?".
"Duchess Eira came to me. She saw us when we entered from the gardens and when I kissed your forehead. She spoke with my mother. My mother- ah ugh," Zilver's arm clung tightly around his chest.
"Zilver, please don't do this. I love you and you love me, right?"
"My mother will have you executed if I decide to marry you instead of the duchess."
Eliana gasped as tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably, "But you said you'd fix it. That you'd do whatever it takes to be with me!"
"I-I know what I said but I can't risk your life in the process."
"Liar! You lied to me! How could you lay with me without telling me you were betrothed in the first place. How could you promise me a future when you knew damn well your family wasn't going to allow it!" Eliana started to cry and shout at him hysterically. His betrayal was the worst thing anyone had ever done to her.
"It's- that's not true. I do care about you," Zilver said as he tried to take a step forward towards her.
"You all deserve what's coming to you. Azzurra was right. You are all a bunch of liars and cold hearted beasts. I will never forgive you for this. You shall suffer the consequences," Eliana picked up the bottom of her gown and ran after her sisters who were waiting outside.
"Eliana what did ya do to us?! Eliana!" Zilver shouted as he fell on his knees.
"What took you so long?" Illona asked her.
"I went back for Zilver but-" she turned to face Azzurra, " you were right. He didn't love me.”
"Have you learned your lesson?" Azzurra asked her.
Eliana nodded.
"Well good."
"What are we going to do now?" Ainara asked.
"We’re going to-" Illona was about to answer before Azzurra cut in.
"We should go to the south. The king will not stop until he has our heads on a pike."
Illona couldn't believe her. "The south? Why would we go to the south?"
"The king said that the south is their enemy. An enemy to the king is a friend of ours."
Illona shook her head, "You've lost it. We can't bargain with them!"
Azzurra took a step towards Illona, "Oh yes we can. We will offer them the same deal the king asked us for. In exchange for that power, they shall kill the northern king for us."
"No. I will not let you take us down that road."
"You are always deciding for us Illona. Let them decide which one of us they want to follow," Azzurra pointed towards Ainara and Eliana.
"My little sister is my responsibility, she will always come with me."
"No, I'm not. I am not your responsibility anymore," Eliana said as she walked towards Azzurra's side. "I want revenge. I want all of them to perish, especially the queen and Zilver's betrothed."
"Eliana. Please don't do this," Illona begged. "Don't go down this road. You will become everything we stand against. Everything they made themselves believe we are."
"If that's what they think of us. Then let's embrace it. Why should we keep hiding and fearing them? We are more powerful than those feeble humans," Azzurra replied.
Ainara took hold of Illona's hand. "You guys are wrong. I side with Illona on this. You will turn into your own destruction."
"If that's the case, we will take some of them with us," Azzurra turned away, her eyes showing a new sense of cold determination. "Come on Eliana, it is time to plan our revenge."
Eliana wanted to say something to her older sister, but her pain and anger prevented her from letting go of her pride. Instead, she turned her back on her sister and walked away into the dark night. They were never reunited again.

"Father," Zilver called out as he stumbled towards his father who had slowly sat up.
"Where are they?" He asked his son as he glared up at him in rage.
"They are gone," Zilver replied.
"I want them dead," the king said as he wrestled to rise to his feet.
"Father, I beg you not to kill them," Zilver said as Eliana's lovely smile played on his mind. The images of when they made love in the gardens flood through his memories. He couldn't forget her despite what they had done to his kingdom and family.
"I don't care how much you beg! I want them dead NOW!" As the king spoke he visibly recovered his composure, strongly holding onto his sword.
The king began striding towards the doors, but his son stepped in his way, "I won't let you do this".
"Then you shall die with them!" Blinded by his rage, the king ran his sword through his son's abdomen. Too late did he realize what his actions had caused as Zilver fell down with horror written in his eyes.
"What have I done?" the king said, tears streaming down his cheek. "I'm sorry, my son. I'm so sorry." He fell to his knees beside his son after pulling out and throwing the sword aside. His hands nervily pressed against his son's wound.
"I—I don't know what got into me. I felt this massive rage, I couldn't care who I hurted in the process— Please, son, don't die on me." The king buried his head on Zilver's chest.
Zilver gasped for air as he felt he was taking his last breath. Suddenly the pain stopped and he felt his wound closing. "Dad."
"Yes, son?" The king said as he lifted his head. Zilver’s horror turned into confusion as his father moved his hands away. Through the slit on Zilver’s clothes, it was apparent that there was no blood, no wound. It had completely healed.
"Dad, what did you ask those witches to do?"
The king’s voice came almost in a whisper as he stared, astonished at the consequence of his wishes, "Immortality..."

For the following weeks the nobles who were at that ball were clueless as to what they had become. They couldn't die, they weren't hungry for food all the time. They had immense speed and strength. They also were only able to be out at night. They did crave one thing: blood.There was blood shed during the following months. Through their bewilderment of their current state, they had a rampage through northern towns, killing everyone in their path. It wasn't until around a year later when the king and his family were able to control what was given to them, including the element of ice which none of the other nobles possessed. Once they were able to master their abilities, they were able to gather those nobles and bring them back to the palace and teach them self control.
While in the south, Eliana and Azzurra were building their own army to fight against the north. They gave them the element of fire. The opposite of what the north possessed. What they didn't realize was that the southern king was more terrible than the northern king. Azzurra refused to give him more power and so he executed her for denying his request. Eliana was then on the run again, having both kingdoms aiming for her death.
After a few years, Zilver married his betrothed, duchess Eira, who later became princess Eira. The king, on the other hand, was obsessed with revenge. He never stopped looking for the witches. He blamed them for the struggles they had to face the first couple years. The death of his villagers and the reason they couldn't be out during the day. He went mad.
Eventually, Eliana was found by the northern king and was killed on sight. He never told Zilver about it as he knew he loved her. A confession made by his queen a few days before Zilver's wedding day. The king couldn't let Eliana ruin the wedding and so before dawn he went after her. With no remorse, he had an archer arrow her heart. But if he knew, Eliana had no intention in ruining the future King's wedding. All she tried to do was find her sister once again.
The northern king then pursued to find Ainara and Illona. After many, many years, he found them in the east, where he had them burned alive.
The king was mysteriously killed during a hunting trip. People believed it was revenge done by other witches, the southern kingdom, or by people who knew about their abilities.
After his father's death, Zilver was crowned King, by his side, Eira was crowned Queen. They were blessed with a baby boy who they named Cyan. A baby boy with silver white hair and grey eyes the color of metal, with shades of blue that swirled in steady and radiating arcs. The future crown prince to the northern kingdom.
And that is the start of this story.
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