VIP System

Amanda's breath caught in her throat as the elder's words echoed in her mind. Queen? The very idea felt like a relic from a past life—a life she had left behind in pursuit of freedom. The weight of her time outside these ancient trees, fighting her own battles, flashed before her eyes. Here, the forest had always promised stability, but now it seemed like a cage, urging her back into its clutches.

"What happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the shock still evident in her tone.

The elder’s expression grew somber, his eyes reflecting the pain of the memories. "The last king and queen," he began, his voice tinged with sadness, "both contracted a deadly disease. It struck them swiftly and without warning, and they perished within days of each other. Despite our best efforts, there was nothing we could do to save them. Their passing left a void in our leadership, one that has yet to be filled."

Amanda felt a pang of sorrow deep in her chest. "It's… unbelievable," she said, shaking her head slightly. "I can't imagine what it must have been like to lose them so suddenly." She paused, her thoughts racing as she realized the gravity of what she had said. "I mean, it's not that I don't believe it… it's just that—"

The elder gently raised a hand, cutting her off with a soft, understanding smile. "Your feelings are shared by many, Amanda. The loss was a shock to us all. Even we, the elders, were left in disbelief. It happened so quickly that none of us had time to prepare or even comprehend the full extent of what was happening."

Amanda nodded, feeling a mixture of guilt and sadness. "I'm sorry," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of her emotions. "But I don't think I can participate in this. There are so many others who are more deserving than I am."

The elder’s gaze remained kind, but there was a firmness to his words. "Amanda, you are a promising elf with great potential. We would not have asked you if we did not believe in your abilities. However, I understand and respect your decision. But before you dismiss the idea completely, there is something more you should know."

Amanda’s curiosity was piqued despite herself. "What do you mean?" she asked cautiously.

The elder’s expression shifted, becoming more serious. "We are willing to make exceptions for you, should you choose to participate in the queen's selection process."

Amanda frowned slightly. "What kind of exceptions?"

The elder’s eyes bore into hers with a knowing look. "The bestowed runes given to our people within the sanctuary—those sacred markings that protect and empower us—do not function outside our borders. But I believe you have experienced this firsthand, haven’t you?"

As the elder spoke, something in his gaze shifted—too intense, too knowing. Amanda's heart raced. There was something off in the way he said it, as though he already knew more about her fear than he should. But she pushed the feeling aside, eager to grasp the lifeline he offered. The weight of her years outside, the constant struggle for survival, pressed against her desire for the safety and power. Could she really bridge these two worlds, or was she doomed to be torn between them forever?

Memories of her time outside the sanctuary flashed through her mind—the thrill of freedom, the constant danger, the loneliness. She had come so far, learned so much.

But a chill ran down Amanda’s spine as the memory of that day resurfaced—the day the bandits had caught up to her, and her rune had failed to activate. It was one of the most terrifying moments of her life, leaving her feeling powerless and vulnerable in a way she had never imagined. She instinctively reached for her arm, pressing it tightly as if to ward off the memory.

The elder noticed her reaction and continued, his voice gentle but firm. "We are willing to allow you to retain the power of your rune outside the sanctuary, should you choose to participate in the selection. This would be a unique privilege, one that has never been granted before."

Amanda’s eyes lit up with a mixture of hope and disbelief. "You would really do that? Even if I’m not interested in becoming queen?"

The elder’s smile returned, his eyes twinkling with the wisdom of his centuries. "Yes, Amanda. You need only participate once. Whether you win or not, the choice will be yours to make afterward. We merely ask that you consider the opportunity."

She glanced around the chamber, taking in the intricate patterns carved into the living wood, the soft glow of bioluminescent fungi lining the walls. The air hummed with ancient magic, so different from the raw, untamed power she had encountered in the outside world. It was beautiful, but somehow stifling.

Amanda took a deep breath, the air heavy with magic and memory. So different from the crisp, wild scents of the forests beyond the sanctuary's borders. Each breath here felt like a step back into a past she'd tried to leave behind.

Amanda’s mind raced as she weighed the elder’s words. The offer was almost too good to pass up—a chance to reclaim the power she had lost. But the feeling of vulnerability still clung to her, a shadow she couldn’t shake. And yet… the gnawing doubt lingered. Could she really trust them? What would it mean to bind herself to this path again, knowing what she knew about the price of power?

Her thoughts sped as the elder continued speaking, his voice calm and reassuring. "It also seems that you have reached the maximum level of power an elf can attain on their own," he said, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and expectation. "We can help you with your ascension as well, since you are already here. It is a rare gift, one that would grant you even greater abilities."

Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of it—the power of her runes restored, and the promise of ascension. The possibilities seemed endless. She could finally move beyond the limitations she had struggled with, protect those she cared about, and aid Leo in their shared quest. The prospect was almost intoxicating.