Reese was very relaxed, his left hand on his hip and his right hand holding a sword. After parting with Chase, he never expected to stumble upon little Acacia. He was even more surprised to see Zane, fraternizing with the enemy.

Acacia breathed heavily, feeling uncomfortable under Reese's gaze. She slowly stood up, leaning against the tree.

I need a couple more minutes, Acacia thought hurriedly, her eyes never leaving Reese's sword.

When Reese stepped forward, Zane immediately drew his dagger and moved to stand in between Reese and Acacia.

Reese raised his eyebrows in slight surprise. Finding Zane with Acacia was a surprise. He expected that Zane wouldn't have the guts to kill someone, but he never expected Zane to protect an Azalea.

"What are you doing, Zane? Step aside," Reese proclaimed.

"No, I won't let you hurt her," Zane replied, his voice unwavering.

Acacia gasped lightly, a little shocked that Zane would defend her. They had only just met, and they were technically enemies. Although he had expressed no interest in hurting her, she did not expect him to protect her.

Reese narrowed his eyes. "I don't want to fight you, Zane. Now move."

Zane shook his head. "I'm not going to stand by as you slaughter an innocent girl, Reese."

Acacia widened her eyes. Reese... as in, Reese Henessey? Her eyes left Reese's sword to take a better look at him. He doesn't look that much older than Lily, though...

"Innocent? Are you listening to yourself, Zane? What would your parents say if they saw you now?" Reese asked, flabbergasted. Zane shifted uncomfortably when Reese mentioned his parents. Reese continued, "She's an Azalea. She is far from innocent."

"How? What did she ever do?" Zane protested. "Acacia probably isn't even thirteen, for goodness sake."

Acacia exhaled, her energy slowly coming back to her. As long as Zane keeps Reese where he was, she could start running soon. It felt a little weird how they talked about her as if she wasn't standing right there.

"She's still one of them," Reese hissed. "She may not have done anything now, but her magic will go out of control in the future. It's best to kill the Azaleas before their magic destroys the kingdom; our home!"

Zane's grip on the hilt of his dagger tightened. "Acacia has light, Reese! How is that destructive?"

Reese widened his eyes in shock. Light? That was a first, similar to how Aster was the only Azalea to have water and how Ivy was the only Azalea to have earth. He lowered his sword in caution. "How do you know this? Did the princess tell you?"

Acacia flinched at Reese's tone. Zane stood his ground. "I saw it with my own eyes. Her body was engulfed in light when I found her."

Reese clenched the hilt of his sword tighter. That explains why Acacia frequently travels to the Saffron kingdom. Without light, the Saffron kingdom would be in jeopardy. He wished to protect the kingdom from the Azalea's magic, but ridding of all the Azalea's would also jeopardize the Saffron kingdom. Torn between protecting his home and dooming the Saffron kingdom to no light, he finally said in a resolved tone, "She may look all little and innocent now, and yes, maybe her light won't be destructive if she loses control, but what about when she gets older? She can grow to be just as dangerous as the others, Zane. It's better to kill her while she's still young; before she loses control."

Acacia flinched at Reese's harshness. Reese stared Acacia with cold eyes, tempted to drive his sword through her heart. He felt a little conflicted, though. He may have said those harsh words, but he saw an Azalea one moment and a little girl the next. He wouldn't mind killing Aster, for example; he wouldn't feel as bad. Even with the tiara, though, Acacia looked just like an innocent little girl. Before he could decide on what to do, however, he sensed something from his right and immediately parried his sword, clashing with another sword.

He gritted his teeth when he saw who it was.

A knight.

"Thierry!" Acacia shouted.

Thierry? So this is the knight Chase told me about. He couldn't have showed up ten minutes later? Reese thought, annoyed.

"Acacia!" Thierry replied back, dodging a sword thrust from Reese. "Run!"

Acacia sighed in relief. Perfect timing. All my energy is restored now. She turned to run, but someone caught her wrist.

"Wait!" Zane called. "You're running from Crow, right? He might find you if you run off."

Before Acacia could reply, a few small rocks suddenly slammed against Zane's head. Zane dropped to the ground, turning his head slowly just in time to see who had attacked him.

"Stay away from my sister!" Ivy shouted. She had emerged from where Thierry had entered. Seeing Zane's Red Phoenix tattoo, she had assumed that Zane was trying to hurt Acacia. Green ivies were scattered around her feet, and floating rocks circled around her body.

"Ivy!" Acacia cried in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"No time to explain. Thierry will distract that guy over there, but we have to run!" Ivy grabbed Acacia's shoulders.

Reese, who had Acacia in the corner of his eye, saw Ivy and her floating rocks. His eyes widened when he saw Zane fall unconscious from Ivy's attack. Blocking one of Thierry's attacks, he took out a dagger with his free hand. When Thierry brought his arm down to attack once more, Reese rolled away and threw the dagger with a fluid motion.

The dagger soared, and before Thierry could cry out in warning, the dagger struck Ivy's left side. Ivy screamed in pain, the ivies around her immediately disappearing and her floating rocks falling to the ground with a thud.

Reese smiled in satisfaction. You hurt one of us, Ivy. Let's see how you fare from a dagger soaked in salt water.

Acacia screamed in horror as Ivy clenched her wound, blood starting to seep out.

"Ivy!" Thierry's eyes set on Reese, his eyes full of rage. "How dare you!"

Reese raised his sword arm to block Thierry's blade, but he was surprised when Thierry did not attack sword first. Instead, Thierry slammed the hilt of his sword hard against Reese's head, knocking him out cold.

Breathing heavily, Thierry sheathed his sword and rushed towards Ivy and Acacia. "Ivy!" He called. His eyes widened in horror when he saw Ivy's hands red from clenching her wound. She moved to remove the knife but Thierry shouted in concern. "Leave the knife in!"

Ivy nodded and fell forward from being light-headed. Thierry caught her, biting his lip in worry.

I failed once again to keep them safe. Thierry gritted his teeth, ripping apart a piece of Ivy's dress and tying it around the wound.

"We have to get Ivy to Saige, Thierry!" Acacia called in worry. Thierry nodded, carrying Ivy bridal style.

"I am not allowing this man to get off easily after he hurt Ivy." He made his way to Reese and placed Ivy carefully onto the ground. Thierry hoisted Reese over his shoulders, and then picked up Ivy in his arms once more. "Did that boy hurt you, Acacia?"

Thierry gestured his head at Zane, who was still unconscious from Ivy's rocks. Acacia shook her head. "No, he tried to protect me from his leader."

"Leader?" Thierry replied in surprise. "Aster will be pleased, then. Let's go."

Thierry and Acacia ran back towards the castle, leaving Zane unconscious on the forest floor.

--

"The princesses have returned! Open the gates!" the watchtower guard commanded once again. Two other guards turned a metal wheel, opening the gates as Thierry, Ivy, and Acacia strode inside.

Amber emerged from the castle doors. "Thierry! I saw you from the window. What happened?"

Thierry asked desperately. "Where is Saige? She wasn't at her home."

Amber gasped when she saw Ivy, a dagger protruding from her side. "Oh my God! I'm not sure, but I believe she went to check on the stable boy. He was recently poisoned by an arrow and he just recently returned to his duties."

"Can you bring Ivy to her? I must get this man to the dungeons before he wakes up," Thierry asked.

"Of course!" Amber took Ivy. She wasn't that much heavier than Acacia, which made her easy to carry. Amber took off towards the stables while Thierry and Acacia rushed inside.

"Head to the throne room, Acacia. I will meet you there," Thierry said, heading towards the dungeons.

--

Acacia entered the throne room to see Aster, Rose, Lily, and Violet all standing together, talking worriedly. They all turned to see who had opened the door.

Rose was the first one to rush over and embrace Acacia. "Acacia! I'm so glad you're alright!"

Acacia returned the hug, not wanting to let go of Rose. She then embraced with Lily, Violet, and Aster.

"Where's Ivy?" Violet asked.

Acacia's lip quivered as she replied, "Amber is bringing her to Saige. S-She was hurt."

Lily gasped while Aster brought a hand to his forehead.

"What about Thierry, Acacia?" Rose asked slowly.

"We captured the Red Phoenix leader. Thierry is bringing him to the dungeons now," Acacia replied.

"The Red Phoenix leader? Reese Henessey?" Aster finally spoke in surprise. Violet turned away and clenched her fists in anger.

Acacia nodded and meekly asked, "W-Where's Aunt Marguerite?"

Everyone fell silent, as if not sure what to say.

"Guys?" Acacia asked, her voice cracking. "She made it back, r-right?"

"Thierry brought her back." Rose bent down and clasped Acacia's shoulders.

"Then where is she?" Acacia demanded, about to lose her patience. Why wasn't anyone telling her the whole story? She was eleven, yes, but everyone was treating her like a five year old. When she saw guilt on everyone's faces, she knew what had happened. Her eyes glistened with tears as she whispered. "A-Aunt Marguerite is dead?"

The silence was enough of an answer. Acacia broke down and sobbed, not being able to take it anymore. So much had happened that day. She had been touched by Crow, she ran into two Red Phoenix members, Ivy got hurt, and now Aunt Marguerite was dead.

Rose hugged Acacia again, this time not letting go. Lily brought a clenched hand to her chest again in grief, flashing back to what Aster and Rose had told her before Thierry, Ivy, and Acacia returned.

Lily had just returned from Saige's home when she ran into Rose.

"Lily, I was just looking for you. Aster and I wish to speak with you," Rose gestured to the council room. Lily followed Rose inside.

Aster was looking out a glass window, deep in thought. He turned around when he heard the doors open.

"Great, you found her," Aster said.

"What's this about?" Lily asked.

Aster sighed. "It is unfortunate that Aunt Marguerite has died. I was planning to make her the second successor, but now that she's gone..."

"You're asking me," Lily finished.

Rose and Aster nodded. "I know this is a lot to take in, Lily. Now that all of the previous generation is dead, we need to stick together now more than ever if we want to stop Crow and the Red Phoenixes," Aster continued. "I decided to tell you this now rather than later."

Lily didn't reply at first. Many thoughts were rushing through her head. Rose and Aster didn't know that she was partially responsible for Marguerite's death. Saige had convinced her that she wasn't at fault, yes, but deep down she knew that Marguerite's death could have been avoided if she had just turned Crow in to Aster. She no longer thought that she was entirely blame, but the guilt was too strong to get rid of.

Rose seemed to notice the look on Lily's face, because she asked, "Is everything alright, Lily?"

Lily snapped out of her thoughts and recomposed herself. "Yes, I'm fine." Rose didn't look convinced, but pushed the matter no further.

Aster then said in a troubled voice. "I shouldn't have sent Aunt Marguerite to the Saffron kingdom. If I didn't send her there her death might have been avoided."

Rose insisted, "This wasn't your fault, Aster."

Aster sighed, rolling out the parchment with his will on it. "Back to the matter at hand. Lily, will you take the role of second successor?"

Lily's eyes darted at the ground, then at Rose and Aster. She kind of had to take it. There was no way she was going to push the title to Violet unless she absolutely had to.

Lily nodded. "I will take it."

"Then it's settled," Aster said in relief, dipping a quill in ink and writing Lily's name onto the parchment.

Everyone turned when they heard the doors open again. It was Thierry. His armor looked dirty and stained with dirt, and his face was sweaty from running around everywhere.

"Your Majesty, your Highnesses," Thierry addressed.

Aster raised his eyebrows in slight surprise. Thierry never used their titles unless he felt obligated to.

"Thierry," Rose greeted. "I'm glad you returned in one piece."

Thierry stepped forward and knelt on one knee. "I have returned with Princess Ivy and Princess Acacia. We captured the Red Phoenix leader as well. He is currently unconscious and in the dungeons." He took a deep breath and said. "I have failed you all. Princess Ivy was hurt during the journey. She is currently being treated by Saige."

"You did not fail, Thierry," Rose said. "You returned Ivy and Acacia to us. For that, we are grateful."

Thierry looked up, confused. "But Princess Ivy is hurt, your Highness."

"She is alive. Saige will take care of the rest. Thank you, Thierry." Rose smiled lightly.

Thierry rose and bowed once more. "Thank you, your Highness. I will take my leave."

Aster nodded and Thierry turned to leave. When the doors closed, Aster said, "I will speak with the Red Phoenix leader when he wakes up. We've all had a long day. Aunt Marguerite's funeral will take place soon, but for now you should all rest."

Acacia sniffled, wiping the tears away from her face. Everyone else had most likely grieved before she returned, and she couldn't help but feel a little childish crying in front of her entire family when no one else was. Acacia then dashed off, running towards her bedroom. Lily was the next to leave, also not saying anything, but Rose saw a hint of red in Lily's eyes, most likely from crying a while ago.

Violet stormed out, her nails digging into her palms. She muttered in a low voice, "Reese."

Rose and Aster were the last to leave the throne room. Aster looked so tired, having to deal with his will and other kingly duties in addition to worrying about what he was going to say to the Red Phoenix leader. Rose patted him on the shoulder before parting ways.

--

"Has anybody seen Reese?" Devin asked, noticing that their leader has not returned yet.

Everyone shrugged. Bryan finally asked, "Have you seen your brother, Devin?"

Devin shook his head. A few moments later, Zane rushed into the lair with frantic breaths.

"Reese has been taken by the Azaleas!" Zane shouted.

Bryan, Lorraine, and Derek all stood up immediately. Other members were muttering in worry.

"Quiet!" Lorraine shouted, shutting everyone up. "Bryan, Derek, and I will investigate the situation. The rest of you stay here and remain calm. We will report back what we find."

Derek already loaded a few weapons, handing Bryan a crossbow with a look of sympathy on his face.

Bryan's eyes hardened as Derek said softly, "For Tania."

"For Tania," Bryan repeated, taking Tania's crossbow.

The three adults rushed out as Devin approached Zane. "What happened to you?"

Zane sighed. "Ivy attacked me with rocks."

Devin frowned. "Are you okay?"

Zane shrugged. "I mean, I passed out, but I'm okay I guess."

Devin patted Zane on the back. "I'm glad you're okay. If you died, I would have stormed into the castle and killed Ivy myself."

Zane laughed dryly. "Thanks, Devin. I feel a little better."

Devin smiled and noticed how troubled Zane looked. He then said, "Look, I know you don't really want to be a Red Phoenix member, but I'm still your brother. You can talk to me."

Zane nodded. "I know. I just want to sleep right now. I just dashed from my tree house nonstop."

Devin nodded in understanding. "Yeah, sure. I'll talk to you later."

Zane waved dismissively as he headed towards his and Devin's room, collapsing onto his bed.

To be honest, he had mixed feelings about announcing Reese's capture to the other Red Phoenix members, but without Reese, his father, Lorraine, or Derek would take charge. That would not be pretty. Zane also noticed that Reese hesitated in the end when it came to killing Acacia. Reese still had a shrivel of humanity in him, unlike Raymond, Bryan, Lorraine, or Derek.

Acacia... I hope she's okay, Zane thought before he dozed off to sleep.