Stood hundred feet away, on the mountain, was the palace of Burmindough, calling on to the birds and humans which came in sight.

For years, it had been evacuated, right after Zeno got sealed in it by Cedric, rendering the once powerful Palace, weak.

No one dared go there, not even to sight-see.

Staring at it from where he stood, Orion could feel the staff which he held in his hands slowly coming to life.

It was being called by its master, Zeno.

For days, they had all been journeying, dealing with the horrors of the seven valleys, crossing through, right before they finally got to the top mountain of Burmindough.

Cedric was no longer with them. He had decided to go a different way, mainly because he could still feel Orion's anger and also to start something new, going back to his roots.

"ughhh!" The groans of Elpida was heard.

She fell from Aiden hands, slumping to the grounds, while her head twisted from side to side.

"Elpida" Bellona called, hurrying over to hold her hands.

"Stay with us" She uttered softly.

"I can't" Elpida replied in a raspy voice.

"I've resisted the force for days, Bellona. I no longer can" She murmured.

"We're close to the palace. Do not give up now" Bellona cried.

"Whatever happens, make sure we win"

She heard the voice of Elpida croak.

"No!"

"Don't do this" Begged Bellona.

Tears stung her cheeks, staring at Elpida as her fingers quivered, bringing them to her cheeks.

"You have to hurry, Bellona" She whispered.

"Go with Orion, and set everything right" She added.

"We're not leaving you here" Aiden interjected, picking her up and hurrying away.

They all moved forward, hurrying towards the mountain, climbing rocks and crossing paths. Their feet ached but they never took a stop for once.

They had scaled through and were close to the entrance of Burmindough when Aiden halted in his tracks, staring at Elpida who laid frozen still in his hands.

He bent slowly to the grounds bringing her down, and with weak eyes and voice, he uttered:

"She's dead"