• Scarlett’s hand flew on the hilt of the dagger and drew it with a quick motion; the blade glared with a white light and as it exits its scabbard. She rose from the Prince’s bed with no delay and jumped to the side of the bed. Even by sleeping, Scarlett’s nose had already recognized the sharp pungent smell of the Diriyan; for she couldn’t breathe at all when they’re near.
    And there it was, a Diriyan; only one? She thought and her eye went wild, scanning the dim pavilion for more but there were only one. The creature of Death is standing rigid on the foot of the bed, hand raised high in the air with its black blade, ready to strike a deathly blow but there’s something wrong. The Diriyan only stood there, rigid and for some reason, twitching. But then Scarlett notices something…
    Veins of thin, golden lighted Shielu were enwrapping the Diriyan, scorching its skin with a sizzle. The Diriyan was frozen and now screeching as the light envelops and the image of the creature dissipated into thin air. Leaving Scarlett, breathing and sweating heavily. “What?”
    The light subsides and Scarlett walked slowly toward the foot of the bed and watched traces of scorch mark and black dust on the rug, trailing from the door of the pavilion. As her eye travel toward the door, she could hear thumps of boots approaching and the image of Prince Athan, Jman and Elard appeared. “Great Merciful Mother!” he could hear Elard exclaimed in shock.
    “Are you okay, Scarlett?” Scarlett stood straight, sheathing the dagger and try not to look scared. “I’m fine.” Prince Athan walks toward the foot of the bed and kneeled. His leathered fingers ran on the black dust.
    “What happened?” Scarlett didn’t answer Elard’s question for she herself have no idea what had just happened. “Is that your doing Prince? That light?” Scarlett asked and the Prince smiled a naughty grin.
    “Well, indeed.” He removed his gloves, touching the rug. A circle of Shielu shone and the veins that Scarlett saw earlier appeared, flinging its small hand of light high in the air as if they’re dancing. “Painted the rug with Riril Oil and enchanted it with my Shielu, the Diriyan won’t stand a chance.” He rose and the veins dimmed and disappeared.
    “You’re safe, Scarlett. Go rest, you look terribly tired.” With that, Prince Athan leave followed by Jman. Scarlett and Elard looked toward each other, speechless.
    She looked down toward the dagger in her hand and then toward Elard. The man strides forth and in a quick motion, hugging her close. Scarlett could feel his breath on her ear, “If there’s any sight of them again, scream and run. I’ll rush here as soon as possible.” She wished she could answer “I’m not a coward, Elard.” But she kept her mouth shut.
    Scarlett ran her fingers and hugged him back, trying to find safety in his arm and she has it. He lets her go and as usual, kissed her forehead and retreated, leaving her alone in the pavilion. “Is he a friend or more than that?” She wondered.