When Flanders Failed Novels & Stories

Elias would think he was ready to talk now. Less than two hundred soldiers could still become two thousand again if given time. As the flare dimmed slowly, Rowan turned away. “Fall back,” he ordered again. “No engagement, we are retreating. We've reached our limit. The Lycans did not immediately respond because Elias, even though he saw it, he didn’t trust it. Elias stood, watching the flare hang in the sky long after it should have disappeared. Behind him, Edyrm approached without announcement.

It wasn't because he agreed with the young men's opinion, but because he didn't want to make his three friends anxious. A minute later, another staff member began announcing the participants who had failed. "The following participants have failed for several reasons. The first is ... not obtaining the required number of items. The second is because they were injured and chose to withdraw. The last is because they were killed in the first phase." Niall Anderson frowned upon hearing this, "What? Withdraw? Is that even possible?" Joseph, the only participant from the Kingdom of Blueming who passed, commented on Niall's statement, "Of course not. Those who withdrew ... were definitely killed."

His stubbornness and relentless pleas only fueled my determination. "No! I refuse to go back. You and I both know the rules. A defeated leader cannot show his face again. The only option left for me is exile, for I have failed in every aspect, Roland. I have failed!" he bellowed, his anger palpable, his eyes ablaze with determination. In a state of profound disappointment, he came to the conclusion, "I have failed not only myself, but everyone around me... including Mira." With his eyes shut tight, he rose to his feet and let out a heavy exhale as he ventured into the forest, completely exposed and uncaring.

With the last ounce of strength, I ripped through the frayed ropes and crawled toward Adrian. My bloodied fingers gripped his phone. My hands—raw, torn, useless. I'd never hold a scalpel again. The mission was over. I couldn't save Chancellor Ravel. Bleeding out, I took one last breath. Through the pain, I forced my ruined fingers to type: [I failed you. I failed the Council's trust. I can never repay this.]

He had handed Vorlag over to a power that was beyond comprehension, a fate that was worse than death. He felt Flora's presence, a warm, steady glow of comfort and shared grief, but it was distant, muffled by the cold, heavy weight of his failure. He had called upon the void, and it had taken its payment. He had won the battle, but he had lost the war for his friend. "We have to go after him," he said, his voice a low, dangerous growl, a desperate, reckless impulse that he knew was a mistake, but one he had to make.

"How was the mission? Tell me it was a success." "How could you?" I hissed, stepping toward her. "How could you leave me out there to die? To fail?" Esther frowned, sitting up. "What are you talking about? I set up my best sniper for you. I was sure he would never miss. He’s the best in the business." "He failed!" I shouted, the sound echoing off her designer walls. "Your stupid sniper failed! Iris is still alive! The only person who hit the dirt was Sandy!"