Chapter Text
It was a warm, sunny day on the northern markets when Lilia made her way to a secluded cave to meet her best friend Meredith. Her hands, holding the small bundle of her newborn daughter Ava, trembled slightly, although the day seemed peaceful and calm. Ava was only a few weeks old, but Lilia knew her time was short.
Meredith had children of her own - her young son Viggo, barely two years old, and Ryker, who was already a little older. But Viggo was the most important concern. Meredith's husband, Gerald Grimborn, was a cruel man, a dragon hunter and psychopath who not only oppressed his family, but also destroyed anyone who opposed him. Meredith had decided to save Viggo from his father and bring him to safety. At the same time, Lilia knew that she had to give Ava to her father to protect her from the dangers of the northern markets.
When Lilia finally reached the cave, Meredith was already waiting for her. Her dark brown, almost black hair shone in the light of the sun, and her face showed traces of worry, but also of determination.
"Lilia, how nice to see you," said Meredith, stepping towards her. Her voice was soft, but there was a palpable tension beneath the surface. They hugged each other tightly, both wishing that this had been a reunion under better circumstances.
"It's been far too long," Lilia whispered as they pulled apart. Their eyes met, and a brief moment of understanding broke through between them.
Meredith was the wife of the powerful dragon hunter boss Gerald Grimborn, but she had dared to escape. She had taken her younger son Viggo with her to save him from his father's cruel influence. Lilia, on the other hand, was a simple waitress who had to come to terms with many things in life in order to survive. But now, at this moment, their fates were inextricably linked.
"We have to make it," Lilia said quietly. "You will take your son to safety, and I will take Ava to her father."
With one last hug, the two women set off. Lilia held Ava tight while Meredith led her little Viggo by the hand. They walked silently through the forest, their destination a remote bay where a small boat was waiting for them. It would take them away from the northern markets, to a safe place.
But they did not know that the wind was turning against them and they would never reach their destination. What was intended as a last escape attempt for the children would end in a nightmare.