I Was Reborn, But God's Wants Me Dead

The air buzzed with the sharp smell of pine and heavy, silent promises as Steven Darvin stood at the front of his group, his silver armor shining in the dawn's light like soft starfire. His fire-charged sword, Flamex, hung at his side, its handle glowing faintly red, eager to spark. Beside him, Kelvin adjusted his satchel strap, his slim body free of heavy armor but tense with determination. His dark eyes scanned the Forest of Elves, its old trees weaving a web of shadows and ancient secrets.

Eighteen soldiers, a close-knit group assembled for this perilous mission, stood behind the brothers: six slender and nimble trackers with bows at the ready and senses tuned to the whispers of the forest; six warriors in steel armor with shining weapons; four mages in twinkle robes with itchy fingers; and two support personnel carrying supplies to bandage wounds and cheer people up. Sensing the weight of the task, their powerful and combat-trained horses pawed the ground. Finding Elriya, a maid who denied committing a crime, and bringing her back to face justice—or proving her innocence—was their clear mission.

As the group prepared to move, a cry cut through the morning quiet. "Kelvin! Steven!" Selena, their mother, hurried over to them, her face white with concern, her silk robes dragging in the dirt. Why must you enter that accursed forest, my sons? The Forest of Elves is more than just a forest; it's a dangerous and magical labyrinth! Elriya is innocent; I know it. Please, Steven, don't go!"

Steven's duty-hardened gaze softened as he met his mother's eyes. "Mother, I'm sorry," he said, his voice low but firm. "Father's orders are final. The evidence points to Elriya. We must bring her back." His hand rested on Flamex's hilt, drawing strength from its warmth, though his shoulders subsided under his father's command.

Kelvin stepped forward, his kinder nature shining. He took Selena's trembling hands, kneeling before her, his dark hair falling over his brow. "Mother," he said softly, "I swear on House Darvin's honour, I'll bring Elriya home and prove her innocence. You have my word."

Selena's eyes glowed, but her grip tightened, steadying them both. The soldiers looked away, giving the family a private moment. With a hesitant nod, Selena stepped back, and the group mounted their horses, feet exhilarating the dirt as they approached the forest's dark edge.

But as they got closer to the treeline, Selena's voice reverberated, this time with a sudden urgency. "Hold on, Kelvin!" She rushed forward, breathless, her eyes wide with a desperate truth. Kelvin stopped his horse, his heart racing. He was aware that his mother's next words would carry the weight of fate because she had the utmost faith in him to save Elriya.

"Listen, my son," Selena said, her voice low and fierce, barely a whisper. "The beast you hunt—it's not just a creature. It has possessed an elf named Mariya, a prisoner in our land.

I know her, Kelvin. I believe she's taken Elriya to perform a ritual, one that needs shared blood to transfer her essence into Elriya's body."

Kelvin's breath caught, a hidden truth clicking into place. "Elriya… is Mariya's daughter?"

Selena's nod was heavy, her eyes dark with secrets. "Yes. Years ago, when Mariya was imprisoned, she gave birth. Had the child stayed in jail, her life would have been a torment. So I took her in, raising her as a maid in our house to protect her. Kelvin, your father is unaware. To protect her from suspicion, I concealed her truth and put her in service. Elriya is as much my daughter as you and Steven are my sons in my eyes.

Kelvin's chest tightened, his mother's words sparking a fierce resolve. He squeezed her hand, his voice steady despite the storm inside. "Mother, your heart is boundless. I won't let you sorrow for her. "I will save her in the name of the Seven Gods!" declared Kael, standing tall. Selena smiled weakly, her strength returning. "I feel better now. Thank you, my son. Go, make us proud." With renewed courage, Kael and his companions began their march toward the Elf Forest. Their footsteps echoed with purpose.

Suddenly, Selena's mother frowned, a doubt creeping into her mind. "Seven Gods? Aren't there only five gods?" She paused, puzzled. "Hmm, maybe he's just confused."

The group was engulfed by the ancient canopy of the Forest of Elves, which closed like a living thing. Flamex was a light in the darkness, glowing dimly as Steven rode forward. Following closely behind, Kelvin clutched the reins, his thoughts blazing with his mother's confession. Because of Selena's love, Elriya was more than just a maid; she was family. Although the possessed elf Mariya and the beast loomed as deadly enemies, Kelvin's vow to save a sister he was unaware he had burned brighter.

The hunt started as the forest murmured.