Zane breathed heavily, staring at Acacia's unconscious form. Her pale yellow dress had dirt and leaves plastered on its skirt. Her face looked a little sweaty from exhaustion, and the tiara on her head was tilted in a lopsided angle. Zane tightened the hold on his dagger.

How is Princess Acacia here, alone? Zane thought to himself. He then shook his head. Wait, no, that doesn't matter! What matters is that I end her, just like Father said.

As Zane stepped closer to her, his heart felt more and more heavy. His brown eyes darted around in a restless manner, looking at Acacia more closely.

She's a little girl for goodness sake! Why do people expect me to kill her? There's no way a girl like this could be dangerous, right? I mean, if she isn't dangerous there's no reason for me to kill her.

"If you don't kill them, then they'll kill you." His father's voice rang in his head once more.

Before Zane could decide what to do, Acacia's body started to glow. Zane immediately jumped back in surprise. "Whoa," he said, mouth agape. The yellow light then dissipated for a moment, but then it enveloped Acacia's body again.

Zane lowered his dagger as he watched the light from Acacia fade brighter and dimmer.

Light, Zane mouthed. All the other Red Phoenix members had always wondered which element Acacia possessed. They had expected her to possess ice like Lily or earth like Ivy. Whatever they were expecting they all thought it would be something destructive. He scoffed to himself, relieved. I was right. She can't be dangerous. Light shouldn't be destructive.

He sheathed his dagger and went to lean Acacia against a tree. Zane pursed his lips and pushed some stray hair away from Acacia's eyes. His eyes then went to the tiara, and he found himself pushing it back into place.

Zane then went to sit against the tree nearby. He sighed. Father will be so mad when he finds out; Reese too. He then frowned. You know what, if they want to kill Acacia, then they can do it themselves. I can make my own choices.

His attention was drawn back to Acacia, who was still glowing and dimming. I guess I should wait until she wakes up, then.

--

"Sir Thierry has returned! Open the gates!" a guard from the watchtower commanded. The palace gates opened slowly.

"You! Take Lady Marguerite to the Court Physician. Hurry!" Thierry handed Marguerite over to one of the palace guards outside. The guard immediately nodded, carrying Marguerite bridal style and hurrying away towards the physician quarters next door.

"Thierry!" someone called from the entrance doors. Thierry snapped his head around to see Rose running toward the palace gates, Lily following just behind her.

"Rose, Lily!" Thierry responded just as they closed the distance between each other.

"You returned on foot? What happened to the carriage?" Lily asked, looking around.

Crow happened, Thierry thought bitterly.

"Where's Acacia?" Rose asked, worried.

Thierry's eyes widened. "She's not here?"

"Isn't she with you?" Rose demanded.

"No! Crow attacked the carriage. I fought Crow off while the Lady Marguerite and Acacia ran back to the castle," Thierry started to explain.

It was Rose's turn to be surprised. "Crow attacked the carriage?"

"I found Lady Marguerite, but Acacia was nowhere to be found. I thought she made it back to the castle," Thierry finished.

Rose shook her head. "No, she didn't."

"Where's Aunt Marguerite, then? You said you found her, right?" Lily asked.

Thierry clenched his fists hung his head in shame. "The Lady Marguerite d-didn't make it. I ordered someone to take her to Saige to treat the wounds Crow inflicted on her. I'm sorry."

Rose and Lily gasped. Rose whispered to herself, "Aunt Marguerite..." Lily could only stare at the ground in horror, grasping her chest tightly.

Rose then snapped back to reality. "Acacia is still out there, Thierry! What if Crow finds her?"

Rose's words felt like darts being embedded into his heart. It was all a reminder of how he failed to bring Acacia home safely. "The forest is huge. I need Ivy's help. I will find her and bring her back, but it was faster to come back here for Ivy's help then to search the forest myself."

Rose had so much more she wanted to say to Thierry, but she held her tongue, knowing every second they waste is another moment for Crow to hurt Acacia, or worse.

She turned to Lily and urgently said, "Get Ivy, now." She then thought in relief, Ivy's earth can find Acacia. It's too bad it only works for family members. She can't track down Crow or the Red Phoenix members, but thank goodness she can find Acacia.

Lily nodded and hurried back inside. Rose turned around to head back inside, but stopped herself when she heard Thierry say, "I'm sorry I failed you, Rose."

Rose turned back around to face Thierry. "This wasn't your fault, Thierry. I trust that you did everything you could." She then glanced at the palace entrance, seeing Lily's figure disappear inside. "I have seen you fight. I believe you are one of the only knights capable of taking on Crow or many Red Phoenix members at once. Please, be careful with Ivy and Acacia."

Thierry bowed as low as he can. "Yes, your Highness."

Rose nodded. Thierry had used her title instead of her name. It shows that he knows how much is at stake.

A few minutes later, Ivy came rushing out, her green eyes determined. She stopped herself when she reached the gates. "I'm ready," she proclaimed.

Rose said to Thierry once more, "Be careful."

Thierry and Ivy didn't respond. They were already dashing back towards the forest.

--

"Marguerite is dead," Chase remarked. He was washing his bloody claws in a nearby river.

Reese crossed his arms. "You said that Acacia was with her too, and that they were both going to the Saffron kingdom?"

"Yes, but I let Acacia run. I needed to talk with Marguerite alone," Chase responded, standing up and waving excess water to dry his hands.

"Did you happen to find out what element Acacia possessed?" Reese asked.

Chase shook his head, finally turning around to face Reese. "Unfortunately, no." He then smiled cheekily. "I did duel with that knight, Thierry, though. Had a tree crush his legs."

Reese laughed in reply, picturing the scene in his mind. He then said, "Anyway, thanks for killing Marguerite. One less Azalea to kill."

"About that," Chase cut in. "I thought about this for a long time, and I came to a decision." He exhaled before saying, "I choose who I assassinate, and I now realize that the main reason I agreed to kill Azaleas is because of my vengeance against those who helped kill my family. Now that my vengeance is over, I don't see a reason for me to assassinate anymore Azaleas."

Chase thought back to Acacia's trembling form, how fragile and innocent she was. In that small moment where he had been holding Acacia hostage, he knew that there was no way Acacia was guilty of anything. He would have to question his morals if he killed her. The other Azaleas may have their own faults, but they didn't deserve to die by his hand. They had no part in his family's death. Well, except for Rose in a way, but he made a promise to Marguerite. Rose's own guilt would continue to eat at her, and that was punishment enough.

Reese held his hand up. "No need to feel conflicted. You've done so much for me already. I can't thank you enough."

Chase nodded. "If you and your allies wish to kill more Azaleas, that's on you." He took off the crow mask that was on his face, staring intensely at Reese. "I guess this is farewell, then."

Reese chuckled wryly. "Yeah, I guess it is, at least for now. You've been a good friend, Chase. I hope we cross paths again." He extended his right hand for a shake.

Chase eyed Reese's hand, as though in thought. He had never had any friends before Reese. He finally smiled, shaking Reese's hand. "You too, Reese. I was lost after my family died, and you helped me get out of that hole when we met. Thank you."

Reese nodded before letting go. "How much?" He then saw confusion wash over Chase's face. He clarified himself. "How much do I pay you?"

Chase laughed, remembering the first time Reese asked him that. "You owe me nothing. The Azaleas that died from my hand pertained to my vengeance."

"You sure?" Reese asked. "I feel bad, making you kill for free."

"You didn't make me kill anyone. I chose to kill them," Chase insisted. He finally turned away. "I know how much you hate the Azaleas. They will be a challenge to kill, and I do have to disagree with your views with some of the Azaleas, but I can't change your mind. If you really insist on killing them, I wish you luck, my friend."

"Thank you, Chase. Best wishes to you, as well," Reese waved.

Chase glanced back, a smile on his face. He also waved goodbye before running off.

--

Lily rushed to Saige's cottage, running past a few peasants along the way. A few knights wanted to ask where she was headed, but Lily paid them no attention.

She finally reached her destination and knocked sharply on the wooden door. A few moments later, the door swung open and Saige appeared at the entrance.

"Lily, what brings you..." Saige started.

Lily burst in, not giving Saige the chance to finish, her eyes darting around. "The Lady Marguerite d-didn't make it. I took her to Saige to be cleaned from the wounds Crow inflicted on her." Thierry had said.

Lily gasped when she saw her aunt's lifeless corpse. She immediately rushed over, holding back a cry when she saw the terrifying claw marks across Marguerite's throat.

He killed her... No... this can't be real. I... "I'm so sorry, Aunt Marguerite," Lily whispered, grasping Marguerite's lifeless hand tightly, tears streaming down her face.

Saige wanted to comfort Lily, but Saige had the feeling nothing she said would make Lily feel any better. Saige glanced at the bucket of the blood she had to clean up from Marguerite's wounds.

Lily looked up at Saige and cried, "This is all my fault. I-I did this to her."

Saige shook her head, rushing over to Lily and taking Lily's hands in hers. "No, Lily. This isn't your fault. How can you say that? Crow did this."

"Don't you get it?" Lily gestured at Marguerite. "I didn't turn Crow in to Aster. If I did, Aunt Marguerite wouldn't be d-dead."

"If that is the way you see it, then I am to blame. I should have turned Crow in when you approached me. I decided to heal him." Saige grabbed Lily's shoulders and said in a serious tone. "This is not your fault, Lily. It's mine. Please, don't blame yourself."

Lily shook her head. "I still brought him to you. I should have just turned Crow in to Aster."

Saige sighed. "You had your reasons, Lily. Aster may have turned into a tyrant if you turned Crow in. Besides, even if you did turn him in, he still could have found a way to hurt us. He would be in the same castle as you, Lily. He could have broken out and hurt your sisters too. You can't say this is your fault."

Saige's words made Lily feel a little better, but deep down Lily knew that she could have prevented this. Seeing no point in arguing anymore, Lily calmed herself, wiping the tears away. She then gasped in alarm and said, "Acacia hasn't returned to the castle yet. What if Crow finds her?" She looked at Saige in horror. "Saige, if Crow hurts Acacia, I..."

Saige insisted, "Acacia will be okay. Believe, Lily. Everything will work out."

Lily exhaled, looking at Saige. "Do you really think I did the right thing, bringing Crow to you?"

Saige sighed. "There's really no right answer. I understand why you did it. This is between you and me, but Amaryllis could be very impulsive, and not in a good way. Bringing Crow to Aster would have turned him into his mother." Seeing the look on Lily's face, Saige added. "Lily, this was not your fault. Repeat after me. 'This is not my fault'."

"This is not my fault..." Lily said softly. She then nodded curtly at Saige. "Thank you, Saige. You're a good friend."

Saige gave Lily a long hug. Deep down, Saige felt guilty too, but if she spent all day blaming herself she wouldn't be able to concentrate on more important matters.

Lily is too kind. I just hope her kindness won't be her downfall.

"Listen," Saige started. "I told Aster about that night."

"You did?" Lily gasped.

"Well, I didn't mention you, but he knows that I healed Crow," Saige replied. "I know you told me to keep that night a secret, but Aster is the king and I had to tell him something." Lily said nothing. "I thought Aster was going to exile me at least, but he ended up forgiving me. Maybe you should tell him too."

Lily broke free of the hug, a flash of fear in her eyes. "I ordered you to heal Crow, and because of that I put your life at risk. I... I deliberately withheld Crow from Aster, he's never going to forgive me for that if I tell him."

Saige sighed. "Alright, I'm not going to force you to do anything, but I think you should have a little more faith in Aster. He's your family."

Lily nodded. "I know that. I feel upset with myself that I don't want to tell him. Maybe not now, but I will come clean one day."

Seeing Lily's troubled face, Saige gave Lily another hug.

--

Acacia fluttered her eyes open, adjusting to her surroundings. The golden aura around her body stopped glowing and fading once she woke. She saw the wooden tree house, and forest all around her.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a voice from nearby. "You're awake."

Her eyes looked to her right to see a boy with brown hair leaning against a tree. His right arm was perched atop his right knee.

"Where am I?" Acacia asked softly. "Who are you?"

"My name is Zane," Zane replied. "You somehow stumbled upon my tree house."

"Tree house,"Acacia repeated. As if remembering something important, her eyes snapped more awake. "I must get back to the palace." She tried getting up, but large movements proved to be quite tiresome. Acacia sighed, Why must I always be tired after giving up my light?

"Whoa, your Highness," Zane brought his hands up in a stopping gesture. "You're still tired. Rest here for a bit, regain your energy. Your family can survive another hour."

Acacia was about to protest, but then her eyes saw Zane's left forearm. Her eyes widened and she blurted out, "Y-You're a Red Phoenix. S-Stay away from me."

Zane stumbled for words, realizing that he showed Acacia his left arm. Acacia tried to get up to start running again, eager to get away from him. She had ran from Crow not too long ago, and in the same day she just had to run into a Red Phoenix.

"Wait! I won't hurt you. You were passed out when I found you. You're going to tire yourself out if you don't rest," Zane called.

"You're... still... a... Red... Phoenix," Acacia rasped out through heavy breaths.

"I'm alone, it's just you and me here," Zane replied. He then sighed. "Cut me some slack, will you? I'm thirteen, I don't plan on killing anybody unless I have to. Look, if I wanted to kill you, I would have done it while you were passed out."

Acacia finally stopped herself, as though considering what Zane was saying.

"Fine," Acacia finally decided, bringing her hand to her forehead. "I'll rest, but..." Acacia looked around, seeing a tree on her left equidistant from both of them. She slowly pointed to the tree. "Cross that tree and I will run."

"Works for me," Zane replied, holding his hands up in surrender.

Acacia didn't smile. She sighed deeply as she sat herself back down. Just a little longer and I should be all good. I guess regaining my energy is smarter than trying to find my way back to the castle right now.

Acacia glanced back at the boy. He seemed relaxed, and his eyes held no ill intention towards her.

"You're thirteen?" Acacia asked softly.

Zane nodded lightheartedly. "Yeah, but thirteen's no fun when you have this tattoo on your arm."

Acacia knit her eyebrows in slight confusion. "You don't like being a Red Phoenix?"

"No," Zane shook his head. "When your parents and older brother are members, you're kind of expected to follow in their footsteps."

Acacia's eyes softened. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault," Zane replied, staring longingly at the sky. "By the way, how did you stumble upon my tree house? I didn't expect to climb down the ladder to see you passed out on the ground."

Acacia pursed her lips. "Well, um, I was kind of running from Crow."

"Crow? Like the assassin, Crow?" Zane asked, surprised.

"That's him," Acacia nodded.

Zane was silent for a moment. I guess Crow has no limits, chasing after a girl like Acacia. "Listen, if you ever need someplace to go. You can come here. The only other person who knows this place is my brother, but he doesn't come here often."

Acacia smiled at the ground. "I never would have thought a Red Phoenix could be nice."

Zane didn't notice, but his cheeks flushed a little. "Oh, well, I..."

"If you don't want to be a Red Phoenix, then don't," Acacia added, her voice soft and innocent.

"What?"

"You don't have to be a Red Phoenix if you don't want to," Acacia repeated.

Zane scoffed. "It's not that easy," he said longingly.

"Zane, what a surprise," a new voice suddenly erupted from nearby. Acacia turned to her right while Zane turned to his left. "Just my luck that I found this place. I didn't expect to find you here, yet alone Princess Acacia." He glanced at the tree house before setting his eyes back on Zane and Acacia. "Nice tree house, by the way," he said sarcastically.

Zane widened his eyes and immediately stood up. Acacia gasped and her eyes landed on the boy's Red Phoenix tattoo. He was holding a sword in his right hand, and he appeared big as she was sitting. The boy was staring right at her, and he looked as though he had just won the lottery.

Zane cursed under his breath, his hand hovering over his sheathed dagger.

Reese.