The fate of two Hybrids: Demian and Alice

The Amazon stronghold was an imposing fortress hidden deep within the dense forests of Blackthorn. The air around it hummed with ancient energy, and its towering stone walls seemed to pulse with the power of the warriors who called it home.

Andrea stormed into the main hall, her pride still stinging from her latest humiliation. She pushed past other Amazons, her expression dark, until she reached the throne-like chair where her mother, Lyanna, the leader of all Amazons, sat.

Lyanna was a commanding figure, tall and regal, with an aura of strength that demanded respect. Her golden hair was tied back in a braided crown, and her piercing green eyes regarded her daughter with a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance.

"Andrea," Lyanna said, her voice calm but firm. "What is the meaning of this outburst?"

Andrea threw her hands in the air. "That witch! That—Alice! She humiliated me again, Mother! Right in front of everyone!"

Lyanna raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "You've already told me about her. And yet, here you are, complaining instead of doing something about it."

"I tried!" Andrea protested. "But she's... she's different. Stronger than she looks. It's like she has some kind of power I can't match."

Lyanna's eyes narrowed, her interest piqued. "What kind of power?"

Andrea hesitated, frowning. "I don't know. It's not like anything I've felt before. She moves too fast, hits too hard. It's almost... unnatural."

Lyanna stood, her movements graceful yet commanding. She approached Andrea and placed a firm hand on her shoulder.

"You are an Amazon," she said, her voice filled with authority. "You were born to be strong, to be a leader. If this girl defeated you, it is because you allowed it to happen."

Andrea looked down, shame flickering across her face. "I—"

"No excuses," Lyanna interrupted. "You will train harder. You will push yourself beyond your limits. The next time you face her, you will not lose."

Andrea swallowed, nodding. "Yes, Mother."

"Good," Lyanna said, stepping back. "Now go. Begin your training immediately."

Andrea bowed her head and left the hall, her frustration tempered by determination.

---

As Lyanna returned to her seat, a dark presence filled the room. A figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked in black and radiating an ominous energy.

"Messenger," Lyanna said without looking up, her tone indifferent. "What brings you here?"

The figure stepped forward, his hood casting a shadow over his face. His voice was low and gravelly as he spoke. "Lucifer has a message for you."

Lyanna finally met his gaze, her expression unreadable. "And what does your master want now?"

"There is unfinished business," the messenger said. "A matter that has been overlooked for far too long."

Lyanna's eyes narrowed. "Speak plainly."

The messenger smirked, revealing sharp teeth. "The last of the mermaids."

Lyanna froze, her body tensing. "That's impossible. The mermaids were eradicated a thousand years ago. You know that as well as I do."

"Not all of them," the messenger said, his voice dripping with malice. "One survived. A child, hidden and protected. She was taken to Northerncrooks, far from the reach of your hunters."

Lyanna's mind raced. A surviving mermaid? It seemed unthinkable. The Amazons had fought alongside other creatures to rid the world of the mermaids after the betrayal that opened the Gate of Baal. Their eradication had been necessary to prevent another catastrophe.

"Why am I only hearing about this now?" Lyanna demanded, her voice sharp.

"The child's existence was hidden well," the messenger said. "Even Lucifer was unaware until recently. But now we know the truth. And you, Lyanna, are uniquely positioned to deal with this... problem."

Lyanna's hands tightened on the armrests of her throne. "And where, exactly, is this mermaid?"

The messenger's smirk deepened. "She is at Blackthorn Academy."

Lyanna's eyes widened slightly, though she quickly masked her surprise. "Blackthorn? Are you certain?"

"Quite certain," the messenger said. "Lucifer expects you to handle this matter swiftly and decisively. The last mermaid cannot be allowed to survive."

Lyanna's mind churned with possibilities. If the mermaid was at Blackthorn, then she could very well be the same girl Andrea had been complaining about. The thought made her stomach twist.

"I will see to it," Lyanna said, her voice steady.

The messenger nodded, satisfied. "Good. Do not fail, Lyanna. You know what's at stake."

With that, the figure vanished into the shadows, leaving Lyanna alone in the hall.

She sat back in her chair, her thoughts racing. If the girl truly was the last mermaid, then this was no ordinary mission. It was a matter of pride, power, and survival.

"Andrea," she murmured, her lips curling into a grim smile. "It seems you'll have more than just training to occupy your time."

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