Ravena: A love written in Ash

Chapter 5: The Fall of Solarelia

Chaos tore through the kingdom.

Screams echoed in every direction as fire devoured the capital. Smoke blackened the skies, and the once-bright kingdom of Solarelia collapsed into panic. People ran for their lives as armored invaders stormed the peaceful city. Doom hovered like a shadow, ready to swallow everything whole.

Inside the palace, guards barked commands. Steel clashed against steel.

"Princess Ravena! Come with your sister—hide!" a soldier cried.

King Aelric turned swiftly to his daughters, his voice heavy with urgency.

"We're getting you and the Queen out. Now."

"Father, I'm not leaving," Ravena protested. "I can fight. I want to fight!"

"You must go, Ravena!" he ordered, eyes stern. "This isn't your battle now."

"Please," she whispered. "Come with us. Don't stay behind…"

"General Kael!" the King called. "Take Ravena to the safehouse—immediately!"

"Yes, my King," Kael replied, stepping forward.

"Ravena," he said softly, "Come. We don't have time."

"No!" she screamed, struggling against his grip. "Please, Dad! Come with me! Don't do this!"

"Take her now!" Aelric commanded.

With pain in his eyes, Kael seized her arm and pulled her away as she kicked and cried.

"Father!" her voice cracked. "Please! I'm begging you!"

Her screams echoed behind her as the throne room disappeared in flame and smoke.

Outside, the Queen and her daughters were hurried onto the royal horses.

Solana sobbed. "Mummy—I don't want to die! I'm too beautiful to die!"

The Queen wrapped her arms around her youngest. "It's alright, darling. We'll get through this. Just hold on."

Ravena sat silently on her horse, staring up at the burning sky. Her heart twisted.

"Please, Father," she whispered, "Be alive."

Then, without warning, she turned back toward the flames.

"I have to go back."

The Queen snapped, "What's wrong with you?! Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Solana scoffed. "Let her go, Mother. It's better this way."

Ravena said nothing. She leapt off the horse and ran—straight into the fire, straight back to the palace.