Uvera handed the baby over as well then proceeded to toss a blanket over Miliana leaving only her head visible. This allowed her to privately feed the newborns.

Miliana sighs and looks at Axel who had already begun tearing up. “My brave boy”, she said with a warm smile. “Although I won’t be able to watch you grow up and have a full life, I know that you will be just fine without me. Whatever the future brings, know that I will always be proud of you”.

Axel leans on her left shoulder trying to hold back the tears and failing to do so.

“Axelleus Blackstone, my firstborn know this… Whatever the outcome of your future battles may be, the most important thing that you must keep dear to your heart is your family. These 2 little ones will look up to you and I know that you will be a great brother. I see your potential though you may not know it yet, no matter what, never give up and you will be just fine living in this world”, Miliana reassured him.

Elias took her words to heart as he floated downwards and stood beside her. Miliana then looked at Odeus who lowered his head avoiding her eyes. He had the same sad expression on his face that could be seen every now and then.

“Odeus my love… I know that look”, said Miliana as she tilted her head trying to get him to make eye contact.

Odeus looks up at his wife with tears already welling up in his eyes.

“Please do not blame yourself for this… do not wallow in despair. It’s ok not to be strong all the time, cry if you have to but also be fierce when you have to”

Miliana glances at Axel once again before returning her gaze to Odeus. “In the coming years our children will need you the most. Wolves are after our family, we have to let them know that there are no sheep here, only dragons”. Miliana’s eyes flicker a bright crimson light.

“My love… there is nothing for me to say that you do not already know, but I’ll say it anyway. I love you always and I want you, our children and our family to be happy after I’m gone”

Odeus leans on her right shoulder. The family then sat in silence until the hour was over. 

Now it was time. Miliana handed her children over to Odeus and she quickly changed her clothes and began walking to the door. Odeus, who had the twins in hand and Axel followed her as she made her journey towards the stairs. The time they spent walking down the hall seemed shorter than usual, maybe it was the anxiety that had built up within them,  they reached the top of the staircase and it was time to descend it. 

At the bottom of the staircase, she saw the Elders and the entire family waiting for her. They greeted her and said their farewells as she walked down and into the gathering. She smiled and hugged everyone then made her way towards the exit where Wendi was waiting for her.

Miliana hugged Wendi who was also crying and said, “Wendi, my friend whom I’ve known all my life. Let’s not make this goodbye a sad one… on the other hand, Odeus no doubt will struggle with the twins, he's so clumsy sometimes”, the two women giggle mid crying. 

“If possible I ask that you help him out for as long as you can before returning home”, Miliana continued.

“My Lady, no… Miliana you know you don’t even have to ask”, said Wendi.

“Thank you for looking after me all these years… Thank you for everything Wendi”. 

Miliana leaves, walking through the bright light coming through the door. The skies that were dark and gloomy before were starting to clear up showing the evening sky.

Neveen, who was waiting before the entrance, quickly entered his carriage. The guards then took Miliana to the one behind it. As she stepped up into the carriage she turned, smiled and gave her final wave goodbye. Axel who was now clinging to his father waved goodbye to his mother; Elias also waved goodbye even though no one could see.  Odeus held the twins as steadily as he could and tried his hardest to smile at his wife.

The guard shut the carriage and soon they were off, getting further and further away. Everyone who watched as the carriage left was now in a foul mood. One of them was taken away and they hadn’t the power to do anything about it. 

. . .

That night after Axel and the twins were put to bed, Odeus decided that he would not wait till morning to go to the capital. Members of the branch family had to be there to witness the execution and Odeus wanted to be with her as soon as possible. He knew that from Solcrest city, it is a 4 days journey northwest to get to Kiomire City. From there, people can use a Tera ring since the 1 in Solcrest city has ceased to function. 

Tera rings are large ancient portals of unknown origins; high magicians employed by the imperial court can use the Tera rings to instantly transport people and objects to other Tera rings. These structures can be found all over the continent. There are many of them across the land although most are not currently in use. The people of the past built towns around them, so most major settlements will be close to a Tera ring.

With nothing but the moonlight, Odeus stealthily went to the stables behind the mansion and readied a horse himself. As he was about to mount it, he felt a presence behind him. It was Axel.

Odeus gasps. How did he manage to sneak up behind me, he thought.

“You can’t leave me behind”, said Axel softly.

“I left you asleep, you should be sleeping… Axel no, you shall leave with father in the morning”, said Odeus as he mounted the horse.

Axel used his body to block off the only exit from the stables. “No, I’m coming too”, he yelled.

Odeus Sighs. “Why are you suddenly being so stubborn?”, he asked.

Axel did not respond.

A voice emerged from the shadows behind Axel, “Why not take him”. 

Elder Ernis stepped out from the shadows, followed by Leonard, Odeus’ guard and David, Elder Ernis’ guard. They all stood behind Axel also blocking the exit.

“Father, you know how dangerous the capital is. I can’t protect Axel while I leave my power to protect the citizens of this city”, said Odeus.

“I know, that’s why we are all going right now”, replied Elder Ernis.

“What?!”, yelled Odeus, puzzled by his father’s statement.

“As if I don’t know my own son. There is a carriage out front if you had bothered to check. As for Axel, He won’t be going to the capital without us anytime soon. Why not allow him to enter the lion’s den once while we can protect him”, Elder Ernis concluded.

“Hmm”. Odeus sighs. “I guess… and he would probably never forgive me if I prevented him from seeing her again”.

“Hmm”, Elder Ernis agreed.

“Axel, know that this will be a gruesome moment, I never wanted you to experience. It will either destroy you or Empower you to seek vengeance on our oppressors. However, If this is what you choose then so be it”, said Odeus with a heavy heart.

“Yes father”, replied Axel.

“And don’t worry about the twins, Margrett and Wendi are looking after them”, said Elder Ernis as he turned and began walking.

Odeus dismounted the horse and they all followed Elder Ernis to the carriage.