18. Selena

18

SELENA

S moke chokes my lungs as I race through the palace corridors. "This way!" I shout, ushering a group of terrified villagers toward the eastern exit. The flames lick at the tapestries, consuming Zephyr's beautiful home.

"Hurry!" I grab an elderly woman's arm, steadying her as we descend the grand staircase. Outside, the evening sky glows orange as the sun sets, but also reflecting the inferno my own people have unleashed.

Once the last guest stumbles to safety, I spin on my heel. My tribe. My family. How could they?

I storm across the courtyard, fury building with each step. The tribal elders huddle near the gate, faces illuminated by the blaze they've created.

"Are you satisfied?" I snarl, planting myself before them. "Is this the justice you sought?"

Elder Mira, her silver hair gleaming in the firelight, meets my gaze. "We're protecting our people, Selena. This demon--"

"His name is Zephyr!" The words rip from my throat. "And he's done nothing but help us!"

Whispers ripple through the gathered warriors. Good. Let them hear the truth.

"Look around you!" I gesture to the evacuees huddled in the courtyard. "These are the people you claim to protect. Yet you've burned their shelter, destroyed their hope for peace. Innocent lives could have been lost today if Zephyr didn't act fast and told me to evacuate."

Shame flickers across a few faces, but Mira remains unmoved. "We cannot trust--"

"No." I cut her off, voice low and dangerous. "You refuse to trust. You cling to fear and hatred because it's easier than change."

I turn, addressing the entire tribe.

"Zephyr saved my life. He's protected our villages. He opened his home to strangers, seeking only understanding in return." My eyes narrow. "And this is how you repay that kindness?"

The crackle of flames fills the silence. I can see doubt creeping into their expressions, the weight of their actions settling in.

"We were to be married today," I continue, softer now. "To show that humans and demons can live in harmony. Instead, you've proven why that harmony is so desperately needed."

A young warrior steps forward, lowering his weapon. "I... I didn't know."

Others murmur agreement, looking uncertainly at their leaders.

I lock eyes with Mira once more. "You've taught us to fear demons our entire lives. But tell me, who are the real monsters here today?"

The silence that follows my words is deafening. I can see the doubt creeping into their eyes, the weight of their actions settling heavy on their shoulders. But I'm not done yet.

"You call yourselves protectors?" I spit the words out, disgust dripping from every syllable. "Look at what you've done. You've destroyed a place of peace, a symbol of hope for both our kinds."

A few of the younger warriors shift uncomfortably, their weapons lowering. Good. Let them feel the shame of their actions.

Suddenly, a cry rings out from behind me. "The fire is growing to the east side of the palace!"

"Oh no! Zephyr!" I shout and without hesitation, I spin on my heels, racing towards the burning palace. To my surprise, I hear footsteps following me. A quick glance reveals three demon guests and several of my tribesmen, determination etched on their faces.

"We'll help," one of them says, meeting my eyes. "We were wrong." They turn towards the demon guests, extending their hand as a gesture. The demons nod their heads, offering their hands in cooperation.

Together, we form a bucket chain, passing water from the nearby well to douse the flames. One demon who can control water uses his hands to command a whirlpool of water to flood the east side of the palace. Sweat drips down my face, mixing with tears of frustration and hope. As we work, I notice more and more humans joining our efforts, not just my tribe, but villagers from nearby settlements who saw the rising smoke from a distance.

"He saved my daughter last winter," a woman says as she passes me a bucket. "I won't let his home burn."

"The demon, Zephyr, has been leaving us healing herbs. It helped to heal my son's ailments," another man adds, his voice thick with emotion. "We owe him this much."

As we battle the flames, I realize something extraordinary is happening. This attack, meant to divide us, has instead united humans in defending Zephyr. The very people my tribe sought to "protect" are now standing shoulder to shoulder, fighting to save a demon's home.

The water-controlling demon commands a gush of water towards the last area the fire is trying to spread through, a gush of wind combines with the water to put out the fire once and for all. I spot Zephyr materializing from the smoke. Our eyes lock, and a silent understanding passes between us. The crowd roars in victory as the helping members hug each other, humans and demons, celebrating among each other.

The victory is brief as a bone-chilling roar cuts through the air. My blood runs cold. I know that sound.

"Monsters!" I shout, spinning to face the gathered humans. "They sense the chaos in the air and are drawn to it. Everyone, arm yourselves!"

Panic ripples through the crowd.

"Selena," he growls, four arms flexing as he scans the tree line. "I count at least a half dozen. Large ones heading here fast. We don't have much time!"

Nodding, I turn to Elder Mira. "Mira! We need your warriors. Now!"

To her credit, Mira doesn't hesitate. "Form ranks!" she barks. Elder Thorne steps forward from the crowd. I stand face to face with him. He lets out a heavy sigh before speaking, "I may not like the situation but I will not let innocent blood shed today. We are at your command, Selena."

I nod in understanding. Zephyr uses his control of the wind to bring forth my bag of weapons. I turn to face the crowd. "My tribe, our guests, we need your help once again. Rallying everyone together who is willing to fight. It's time we join together and defend our lands against the true monsters."