Demoness 3 - Chapter 3: ​Framework (18,318 Words) (Patreon)

Elania settled into a plush armchair in one of the estate’s guest rooms, her eyes following Yolani’s every move as the other girl worked her artifice magic on the windows and glass.

The room hummed with a subtle energy, a testament to Yolani’s skill and the divine power flowing through her as a Priestess of Artifice.

Elania couldn’t see any visible changes, but she could feel it—the wood and brittle glass transforming, taking on the durability of steel under Yolani’s careful ministrations.

Elania’s gaze drifted to the collar in her hands, the metal cool against her skin.

They’d purchased it from Arlois for a hefty sum of crit, a magic device that would allow their new guest a measure of freedom. Freedom... Elania turned the word over in her mind, a bitter taste on her tongue.

Was it really freedom if it came with a collar?

But then again, wasn’t it better than being locked in a cage, denied the right to live at all? Elania’s thoughts churned, a storm of conflicting emotions.

“You’re being uncharacteristically quiet,” Yolani said, her eyes meeting Elania’s over her shoulder.

Elania blinked, drawn out of her reverie. She offered a small smile, but it felt strained. “Just thinking,” she replied.

Yolani set down her tools, crossing the room to kneel before Elania.

She took Elania’s hands in her own; the collar nestled between their palms. “About the collar?” she asked, her voice gentle.

Elania nodded, her throat tight. “I don’t like it,” she admitted, her words heavy with the weight of her hesitation. “But if we don’t use it, he’ll be locked away, or worse.”

Yolani squeezed Elania’s hands, her touch a comforting anchor. “It’s not ideal,” she agreed, her voice soft.

Elania turned the collar over in her hands again.

She looked up at Yolani, her eyes searching. “Is it alright to use this?” she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Yolani met her gaze, her expression serious. “I think it is the best choice,” she said, her tone gentle but firm.

“I killed his parents,” Elania said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I feel bad about it.”

Yolani was quiet for a moment, her eyes studying Elania’s face. “Did you need to kill them?” she asked, her voice free of judgment.

Elania nodded, swallowing past the lump in her throat. “I did. I was doing my best to survive, and we fought a battle over ralfots.”

Yolani reached out, her hand resting on Elania’s knee. “You shouldn’t feel like you did anything evil,” she said, her voice filled with conviction.

Elania’s expression turned into a weak smile. “I fed the cub part of the ralfot so it wouldn’t starve. I’m happy he survived.”

A knock at the door drew their attention, and Darius entered, his expression solemn. “The guest has arrived,” he informed them.

Elania stood up, squaring her shoulders. Yolani gave her a reassuring nod. “I’ll finish the cat-proofing.”

Elania descended the stairs, her footsteps echoing in the empty foyer.

She pushed open the front door, the heavy wood moving smoothly on its hinges. Outside, a linen-shrouded cage awaited her, a low growl emanating from within.

The Silvers escorting the cage nodded at her approach, their armor glinting in the morning sun. The leader stepped forward, his voice firm. “We can’t transfer custody until you’ve applied the bonding collar.”

Elania nodded, her fingers tightening around the collar in her hand. The Silvers unlocked the metal door; the hinges groaning as they swung it open. Elania slipped inside, the door clanging shut behind her.

An assault was as sudden as it was expected. The weight of the darkwalker slammed into her palm, claws and teeth snapping at her with a hiss. The attack didn’t find its mark—she had already raised her [Demonic Aura] and tinted it into a physical shield clinging tightly to her skin.

He bounced off and then retreated to the far corner of the cage.

The light filtering through the linen shroud was gray and muted, casting shadows across the darkwalker’s fur. His yellow eyes glowed in the dimness, fixed unblinking on Elania.

Elania took a step forward, her voice steady. “I’m here to let you out of the cage,” she said, holding up the collar. “But you have to work with me.”

The Darkwalker hissed, his hackles rising. He crouched low, his muscles coiled and ready to spring.

Elania’s heart raced, but she kept her expression neutral.

She took another step, her movements slow and deliberate. “I know you’re scared,” she said, her voice soft. “But I’m not here to hurt you.”

The darkwalker’s ears flattened against his skull, his tail lashing. He let out a low growl; the sound rumbling deep in his chest.

Elania held out the collar, the metal glinting in the dim light.

A clang at the bars drew the attention and ire of both the cage’s inhabitants.

“Make it quick,” one of the Silvers said, their words a stern warning.

“Do that again, and I’ll rip it off, Silver or not,” Elania said, seething.

“Assault on a—”

She interrupted him. “I’m in a cage with a wild beast—that was attempted murder. I’m sure Arlois would understand. Either way, you’ll be missing an arm. Fuck off.”

The only reply was a shifting of metal armor and then silence. Maybe they got the picture, maybe not. The darkwalker let out a hostile hiss, blaming her for the exchange and resetting their progress. Not that there had been much.

Elania let out a weary sigh.

She locked gazes with the darkwalker, his yellow eyes burning with feral intensity. She took another step forward; the wagon creaking beneath her feet. The sound was a signal to attack, and he lunged at her again, a blur of fur, tooth, and claw.

For a moment, she was reminded of Tessa, the flash of confrontation all too familiar.

It wasn’t possible to spend enough time for him to get used to her, so her hand shot out to grab him by the neck. She used his own momentum to turn his leap into a throw that landed him on his back.

He kicked at her as she jumped on his middle. His back paws raked into her outfit. The sharp claws found no purchase and slid off her like she was a solid piece of smooth metal.

“Sorry,” Elania muttered. With a swift motion, she slid the blue metal around the darkwalker’s neck, the metal sealing itself with a soft click.

His struggled ceased for a moment, his body going limp beneath her.

She wasn’t sure exactly how the magic worked, but it was supposed to adjust its shape and tightness to the wearer, so it was comfortable and unobtrusive. It would also enforce and translate commands given by an authorized authority.

Elania climbed off him. He rolled onto his belly, his eyes fixed on her with a mixture of confusion, fear, and resignation.

Her hand hovered over the collar, her fingers brushing against the cool metal. She could feel the magic thrumming through it, a subtle pulse of energy that seemed to attune to the darkwalker’s heartbeat.

It also earned her a snap, his teeth clamping down on her hand. He was lucky he didn’t chip a tooth.

“No bite,” Elania warned.

He released her, letting out a low growl.

Elania yelled to the guards, “I have the bonding collar on him!”

The shroud was lifted, eliciting a hiss from the darkwalker. The bars swung open, and the creature squirmed out, making a break for the door.

“Heel!” one of the guards shouted, and the darkwalker came to a sudden halt; his escape thwarted. He wheeled around, hissing at Elania and the Silvers as she emerged from the wagon.

“I can take it from here,” Elania said, nodding to the guards. She turned to the darkwalker. “Follow me.”

The creature hesitated, its eyes narrowing in defiance. But the collar glowed, and it reluctantly complied, falling into step behind her.

Elania sighed, a weariness settling over her. It was done.

She hoped they could be friends, that the darkwalker could learn to get along with everyone. Was she mimicking her mother? The woman had always been bringing home feral cats and trying to re-socialize them.

A pang of guilt pricked at her heart. She had been putting off the conversation she wanted to have with Yolani about them. Soon. Maybe. Later…

The Silvers departed, and Elania shut the estate gate behind them. The Darkwalker darted ahead, leaping onto one of the fountains. He perched there, his tail lashing, eyes fixed on Elania.

She met his gaze, her voice firm. “You may not leave the Estate,” she said, pointing to the iron-wrought fence that encircled the property.

The collar glowed again, registering the restriction.

The darkwalker’s ears flattened against its skull, a low growl rumbling in his throat. But he made no move to challenge the boundary, his eyes darting between her and the fence.

Elania watched as the darkwalker explored the estate’s lush gardens, his nose twitching as he sniffed the various plants and flowers.

He seemed to relish its quasi-freedom, bounding from one bush to another with a frenetic energy.

But her eyes couldn’t leave his neck. The collar around was a stark reminder of the demon contracts she’d seen in Neftasu—were in use by even the Towers in Contia.

She had, mercifully, avoided such a fate. But if she hadn’t, then she would have hoped to at least be treated without cruelty or malice.

She shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside.

This was different. The collar was a necessary precaution, a way to ensure the safety of everyone on the estate. He wasn’t sapient—and was dangerous—and that was a critical distinction.

“Hey,” she called out, her voice firm. The darkwalker’s ears perked up, his yellow eyes fixing on her. “You may not claw or bite or hurt any humans or creatures that aren’t causing you damage. And you may never claw or bite me or Yolani hard enough to draw blood. Understand?”

The collar glowed, registering each restriction. The darkwalker cocked his head, seeming to consider her words for a moment before turning back to the plants, his attention already wandering.

Elania sighed, running a hand through her hair.

A window above them creaked open, drawing both Elania and the darkwalker’s attention. Yolani leaned out, her raven hair fluttering in the breeze. “The room’s ready!” she called down, a smile on her face.

Elania nodded and turned to the darkwalker, gesturing for him to follow. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

The creature hesitated, his eyes narrowing. He tugged against the collar, testing the limits of its new bond. But after a moment, he relented, falling into step behind her.

The cultist staff and Darius stood in the foyer, their eyes wary as they took in the creature’s imposing form. The darkwalker growled, his hackles rising, and the staff shrank back.

Elania sighed, turning to the darkwalker. “Follow me,” she said, her voice firm. She glanced at the staff, an apologetic smile on her face. “Sorry about that. He’s still adjusting.”

The darkwalker sniffed the stairs, his nose twitching as he took in the unfamiliar scents. Elania led the way, climbing the steps with a determined stride. The creature followed, his claws clicking against the polished wood.

Yolani was waiting in the guest room, her green eyes bright with curiosity. Elania gestured to the darkwalker, a wry smile on her face. “Yolani, meet our new guest.”

The darkwalker prowled around the room, his yellow eyes darting from one corner to another. He paused at the window, his claws scrabbling against the glass.

With a sudden lunge, he threw his weight against the pane. He thumped heavily and bounced off in a scramble of claw and fur.

Yolani raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her voice. “Well, that didn’t take long.”

*

Elania’s brow furrowed in thought. “We need to find a way to make him comfortable. Maybe some raw meat will help.”

She called out to one of the cultists, requesting a plate of fresh meat. The darkwalker’s ears perked up at the sound of her voice.

Elania and Yolani settled onto the plush couch, watching as the darkwalker explored his new surroundings. He sniffed at the furniture and then pawed it, his claws leaving no scratches on the polished wood.

“Looks like the reinforcement worked,” Elania mumbled.

The sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway, and the darkwalker’s head snapped up, his nostrils flaring. A low growl rumbled in his throat as the cultist entered the room, a plate of raw meat in their hands.

Elania stood up, taking the plate from the cultist with a grateful smile. She placed it in the middle of the room, the scent of fresh blood filling the air.

The darkwalker’s eyes fixed on the meat, his muscles coiled and ready to spring… but then his eyes flicked to her and Yolani and he stopped.

Elania watched as he started to prowl around the room, agitation palpable.

He finally paused and moved to sniff the plate again, his eyes gleaming with hunger. He didn’t eat, though. Instead, his eyes unmistakably flicked toward Yolani, and a hostile hiss escaped his throat.

Instinctively, Elania hissed back, the sound sharp and guttural. Yolani raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think that’s going to help, love.”

Elania felt a blush creep up her cheeks, her skin warming with embarrassment. “I couldn’t help it,” she mumbled, ducking her head.

Yolani’s expression turned thoughtful, her green eyes studying the darkwalker. “What about your transformation ability?” she asked, her voice curious. “Maybe you could transform into a darkwalker yourself, make him feel more at ease?”

Elania blinked, surprise flashing across her face. “I’ve been afraid to use it at all,” she admitted. “I’m not sure how it would interact with my Demi-Divine status.”

Yolani nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. “I think your Demi-Divine status would be permanent, regardless of any transformations.”

Elania considered this, her mind racing. “Maybe we could ask Eziel.”

She reached behind her, pulling the sword from her back. With a shake, she roused the weapon from its slumber.

[Your transformation ability won’t affect your Demi-Divine status as long as the concept seed is within you.]

Elania opened her mouth to ask about the ‘concept seed,’ but before she could speak, the glow around the sword disappeared. She shook it again, but Eziel remained stubbornly asleep.

“He’s a troublesome Magic 8-Ball now,” Elania grumbled, a wry smile tugging at her lips.

Yolani blinked, confusion etched on her face. “What’s that?”

Elania laughed, the sound bright and carefree. She stood up, stretching her arms above her head, then moved to lock the door to the room.

The latch clicked into place with a soft finality.

She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze meeting Yolani’s. A silent understanding passed between them, and Yolani nodded, her fingers arriving to work at the clasps of Elania’s gear.

The darkwalker watched from the other side of the room, his yellow eyes tracking their every move. He prowled back and forth, his claws clicking against the polished floor.

Elania shrugged out of her jacket, the heavy fabric pooling at her feet. Yolani’s hands were gentle as she helped her disrobe, her touch lingering on Elania’s skin. Elania closed her eyes, focusing on the warmth of Yolani’s presence.

Then she reached inward, seeking the core of her being and calling on [Soul Management].

Her [Darkwalker] essence was there, nestled deep within her. It had been neglected, overshadowed by the surge of [Human] and [Divinity] that had flooded her system in recent weeks.

Elania frowned, her brow furrowing in concentration. The [Darkwalker] essence was low, less than twenty percent. She had never tried to transform on purpose into something with low essence, and for a moment, nothing happened.

Yolani’s voice broke through her concentration, concern lacing her tone. “Are you alright, love?”

Elania mumbled a response, her eyes still closed. “I’m fine. Just... if I lose myself, remind me why I should transform back, okay?”

Yolani’s hand squeezed hers, a silent promise. Elania took a deep breath, centering herself once more. She reached for the [Darkwalker] essence, willing it to respond to her call.

Something clicked into place.

A rush of energy surged through her, and Elania felt her body begin to change. Her skin rippled, fur sprouting from every pore. Her bones shifted, realigning themselves into a new configuration.

Thankfully, it didn’t hurt.

A cloud of essence swirled around her, obscuring her form. Elania could feel the power of the transformation, the raw energy that coursed through her veins. It was intoxicating, a heady rush that threatened to overwhelm her senses.

Elania’s senses sharpened as the transformation took hold, the world around her shifting into a kaleidoscope of scents and sounds. Darkwalker instincts surged through her, primal and powerful.

A low growl rumbled in her throat, and she shook her head, trying to clear the fog that clouded her mind.

Yolani’s hand brushed against her fur, the touch gentle and familiar. Elania leaned into it, nuzzling against her life-mate’s palm, the contact grounding her in the moment.

She turned her attention to the young male darkwalker, his scent thick with fear.

He was small, barely half her size, and she could see the tension coiled in his muscles as he watched her warily.

A memory flickered in the back of her mind, a flash of blood and bone. She had devoured his parents, a fact that struck her as odd, even in her darkwalker state.

Elania prowled back and forth, her claws clicking against the polished wood floor. The male hissed, backing away from her, his yellow eyes wide with terror. She sat down, her tail curling around her paws, and waited, watching him with a predator’s patience.

He growled at her, the sound high-pitched and uncertain. Elania’s gaze flicked to the plate of raw meat, the scent of blood making her mouth water.

She padded over to it, tearing into the flesh with her sharp teeth. It was tasty, but not as satisfying as the fresh ralfot she remembered hunting in the depths of Neftasu.

The male watched her eat, his eyes tracking every movement. Elania could sense his hunger, the way his body tensed as she devoured the meat. She pushed the plate towards him with her nose, a silent invitation.

He hesitated, his gaze darting between her and the food. She moved away, halfway between the plate and Yolani.

Then Elania waited, her body still and relaxed, her eyes fixed on his. Slowly, cautiously, he crept forward, his nose twitching as he sniffed at the meat.

Elania watched as he tore into the flesh, his movements quick and furtive, as if he expected her to snatch the food away at any moment. She remained still, letting him eat his fill, a strange sense of protectiveness welling up inside her.

When he was done eating, and there was nothing left, the young male darkwalker growled, his yellow eyes flashing at her.

Elania let out a growl of her own, the sound rumbling deep in her chest. She turned away from him, her tail flicking dismissively as she decided to ignore his posturing.

The air shifted behind her, and Elania’s instincts screamed a warning. She whirled around, her body moving with a speed and grace that belied her size. The male pounced, his claws outstretched, his teeth bared in a snarl.

Elania met him head-on, her paw lashing out to bat him aside. The blow connected with a solid thud, sending him tumbling to the floor. He hissed, his body twisting as he tried to regain his footing.

But Elania was faster. She pounced, her weight pinning him to the ground. He struggled beneath her, his claws scrabbling against the polished wood, his jaws snapping at empty air.

Elania leaned in, her muzzle brushing against his cheek. The male froze, his eyes wide with surprise. She rubbed her scent on him, marking him as hers. Then, with a quick motion, she bit down on the scruff of his neck, her teeth sinking into his fur.

The male went still, his body going limp beneath her. Elania held him there for a moment, her growl vibrating through his skin. When she was satisfied that he had submitted, she released him, stepping back to give him space.

She turned her attention to Yolani, who had been watching the exchange from her seat on the couch. Elania padded over to her life-mate, her body moving with a fluid grace.

She jumped up onto the couch, settling her head and paws on Yolani’s lap.

Yolani’s fingers sank into Elania’s fur, scratching behind her ears in just the way she liked. Elania closed her eyes, a contented rumble building in her chest. She could feel the warmth of Yolani’s body beneath her, the steady beat of her heart.

From the corner of her eye, Elania watched as the young male darkwalker picked himself up off the floor. He shook himself, his fur standing on end. But he made no move to challenge her again, his gaze wary as he watched her from a distance.

Elania let out a soft huff, her tail thumping against the couch cushions. She knew that there was still a long way to go before the male would truly accept them. It was not normal for more than a mated pair to work in a pack.

But it wasn’t impossible, either.

*

Elania breathed in the crisp morning air, her eyes scanning the horizon. The recent cold front had blown over, replaced by a sunny blue sky.

Clouds stayed attached to Contia, generated by the artifice keeping the city afloat, but other than that, Elania could see far, far into the distance.

All the shades of green greeted her, and she pointed toward the massive lake that sat at Contia’s northwest border with Monevoian Empire.

Yolani nodded, her gaze following Elania’s finger. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured.

They made their way down the city wharf toward their two new airships that were now fully functional and manned.

The ships gleamed in the sunlight, their hulls polished to a high, bronze-hued shine. Elania couldn’t help but smile.

“We need to name them,” she said, turning to Yolani with a grin.

Yolani hummed, her brow furrowing in thought. “Maybe we should name them Elania and Yolani, since they are a pair,” she suggested, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Elania laughed, shaking her head. “No way. I don’t want my ship to sink.”

Yolani grinned, bumping her shoulder against Elania’s. “I’d probably lift her back up and make her airworthy again if that happened,” she teased.

Elania smiled, warmth blooming in her chest at the thought. She turned back to the ships, her gaze roving over their sleek lines and gleaming metal.

“How about ‘Heart’ and ‘Gold’?” she suggested.

Yolani nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I like it.”

Elania laughed, the sound bright and carefree. “If we had just one ship, it would be Heart of Gold.”

Yolani raised an eyebrow. “What’s that mean?”

Elania smiled and shook her head. “Just a fun name for a ship, I remembered.”

As they neared the jetty, a sense of excitement began to build as they watched the Ironfist mercenaries load up the airships.

The sight of tools and artifice gear being carried aboard filled her with a sense of purpose. This was their first official contract, and would be the pilot to a steady stream of crit that would take care of half their problems.

Sergeant Harlock approached as they were spotted, his weathered face creasing into a smile. “Elania, Yolani,” he greeted, inclining his head respectfully.

Yolani stepped forward, her voice clear and confident as she pulled out a tiny scroll and reiterated the details of their contract. “Our mission is to deliver a load of supplies to the town of Freyhoi, then proceed north to a Contian lumber camp. There, we will find two full loads of dried lumber ready for transport back to the city. The Bank of Contia is acting as broker and insurer for a local company, and they’ve agreed to a payment of six hundred crit upon successful completion. The entire mission should take two days, today and tomorrow.”

Harlock raised an eyebrow. “That sounds accurate, yes.”

Yolani rubbed the back of her head and smiled. “Sorry, just… it sounds very official, something that we put together in a hurry.”

Elania smiled. “I’ve seen Freyhoi before, when I was with Arlois. I know where it is.”

Harlock chuckled, patting a pouch at his belt. “No worries there. We’ve been provided with a map that shows an updated position within Contia’s borders, so getting lost won’t be an issue.”

Yolani glanced at the mercenaries loading the ships, her brow furrowing slightly. “How’s the loading coming along? It would be best if we could depart soon, to ensure we stay on schedule.”

“We’ll be on time,” Harlock assured. He turned and gestured down the jetty toward the ships.

The three fell into step together. The sound of boots on the planks echoed across the wharf.

Harlock cleared his throat. “Which ship will you be departing on personally?”

Elania gestured to the two vessels, indicating each in turn. “We’ve named them Heart and Gold. Take your pick.”

A smile tugged at the corner of Harlock’s mouth. He pointed to the ship on the left. “The flight captain will be on Heart. That alright with you?”

Elania nodded. “Fine by me. We’ll ride along on her, then.”

They boarded the ship; the deck creaking beneath their feet.

Elania watched as the crew loaded both vessels, their movements efficient. Crates and barrels were moved downward into the hold, or stacked and secured on the deck, the ropes pulled taut.

Yolani’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’m gonna go check on the engines.” She disappeared below deck in a flash.

Elania chuckled, shaking her head.

She turned to Harlock, who stood at the railing.

“How has the Ironfist been adjusting to their new roles?” she asked.

Harlock shrugged. “Things are fine. The work isn’t all that different from what we’re used to. But some of the airship-specific tasks and knowledge are a bit lacking.”

Elania raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“We’ve hired some locals to assist, but the men will need time to adjust.” Harlock’s voice was gruff, but there was a hint of pride in his tone. “They’re good men, though. They’ll get there.”

Elania nodded, expecting as much. She had a high opinion of the Ironfist, but airships weren’t exactly… something you found underground.

The sound of the engines rumbling to life filled the air, and the ship began to vibrate beneath their feet. Elania felt a thrill of excitement run through her. They were going to take a trip on real bona fide airships!

She’d read so many sky pirate steam punk things that this definitely qualified as scratching off an entry from her favorite fantasy-trope checklist!

An hour later, Elania leaned against the railing, her fingers drumming an impatient rhythm on the polished wood.

The loading process seemed to drag on forever, the crew moving at a steady pace as they hauled crates and barrels onto the ship. She sighed, her gaze drifting to the bustling wharf below.

What had seemed efficient before now just felt… slow? Probably because she was bored out of her mind.

“You’d think they’d move a little faster,” she muttered, her voice barely audible over the din of the crowd.

An hour passed, then another, and still the ships remained tethered to the dock.

Elania groaned, her boredom reaching new heights. She pushed off from the railing and made her way to the front of the ship.

A narrow pole jutted out from the bow, its metal gleaming in the sunlight. Elania hopped up onto it, her arms outstretched for balance. She grinned, the rush of the wind in her face a welcome distraction from the tedium of waiting.

“One, two, three...” she counted, her eyes scanning the crowd below. “…five-hundred, five-hundred and one, five-hundred and two…”

A flash of movement caught her eye, and she turned to see Yolani approaching from behind.

“What are you doing?” Yolani asked, her eyebrows raised in amusement.

Elania shrugged, her gaze still fixed on the wharf. “Counting people. It’s not like there’s anything else to do.”

Yolani bit her lip. “We’ll be ready to go soon. Just waiting on your word.”

Elania’s eyes widened, and she jumped down from the pole. “Really? Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

Yolani rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I just did.”

Elania bounced on the balls of her feet, her excitement palpable. “Let’s go, then! What are we waiting for?”

Yolani waved to the men watching them, and Harlock’s voice rang out across the deck, his orders crisp and clear.

The crew sprang into action. Elania watched as a rope pulled a flag up the side of the ship, the fabric fluttering in the breeze.

“What’s that for?” she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Yolani glanced at the flag, then back at Elania. “Signaling. It lets the other ships know we’re ready to depart.”

Elania nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “So why aren’t we moving yet?”

Yolani sighed, her expression patient. “It’ll take an hour for us to get out of the city and moving faster.”

Elania groaned, her shoulders slumping. “An hour? Seriously?”

Yolani patted her on the back, a sympathetic smile on her face. “Patience, Elania. We’ll be on our way soon enough.”

Eventually, her wish came true, and they started to move.

It wasn’t until they were away from the city that things finally stopped being so dreadful.

Wind whipped through Elania’s hair as the airships soared through the sky, leaving the bustling city of Contia behind.

The propeller engines hummed, their steady rhythm a comforting sound amidst the rush of the wind. Elania stood at the front of the ship, her arms wrapped around Yolani’s waist, holding her close.

“This is great,” Elania murmured, her voice barely audible over the roar of the engines.

Yolani nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “The airships are designed for speed, even with the enormous balloons. But this is about her top speed, or we risk knocking the crew overboard.”

Elania grinned. “Speaking of flying, do you want to go? Just the two of us?”

Yolani shook her head, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “Maybe later. I want to watch the ships for now.”

Elania nodded, her eyes drifting to the Gold, which followed slightly behind and to the right of their vessel. The two ships moved in tandem while keeping a safe distance.

“I was getting worried we had misjudged the time,” Elania admitted, her brow furrowed in concern. “But it looks like we’ll reach the town soon enough.”

Yolani sighed, her expression thoughtful. “Landing and takeoff procedures take up a huge chunk of trips like this one. Airships are dangerous and require a lot of work to operate safely in crowded areas.”

Elania nodded, her gaze returning to the front of the ship. “But out here in the open, they can really zoom.”

In the distance, faint whiffs of chimney smoke rose from their destination.

As they reached Freyhoi, the airships descended while cutting their speed. The large balloons acted as an effective airbrake.

Elania watched from the deck, her eyes fixed on the landing docks below. They were smaller than the ones in Contia, and the ships had to maneuver carefully to slot into their designated bays.

“Steady now,” Harlock called out, his voice carrying over the wind. “Nice and easy.”

The crew moved with practiced efficiency, adjusting the trim and securing the ropes that were launched up to them from the waiting ground crew. Elania felt the ship shudder as it touched down, the wooden planks creaking beneath her feet.

As soon as the ships were docked, the crew began unloading the cargo. Elania watched as they hauled crates and barrels off the ships, their muscles straining with the effort.

Yolani emerged from below deck, her face smudged with grease. “I made some adjustments to the artifice,” she said, wiping her hands on her pants. “Based on what we learned during the flight.”

Elania nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Always tinkering, aren’t you?”

Yolani grinned. “You know me. I can’t help myself.”

Harlock approached them, his weathered face creased with a smile. “We’re on schedule to reach the lumbermill,” he said, his voice gruff. “We’ll overnight there and head back to Contia in the morning.”

Elania sighed, her gaze drifting to the sky. “It would be nice if we could fly at night,” she mused, her voice wistful. “Get back to the city faster.”

Harlock shook his head, his expression patient. “There’s no point,” he said, his voice firm. “Night docking isn’t permitted. We’d be stuck circling the city in the air until morning, and our trip isn’t that far.”

Elania nodded. “I just wish we could speed things up,” she admitted, her brow furrowed in thought. “The faster we deliver the cargo, the more income we generate.”

Harlock grunted, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Doing it safely and without crashing is much better than risking going faster for slightly more income.”

Elania grinned, her shoulders relaxing. “You’re right,” she said, her voice light. “Safety first. And not just because of my investment in the ships. The crew is important, too.”

“Glad to hear that,” Harlock replied, a chuckle in his voice.

Elania turned back to the ships, watching as the crew finished unloading the cargo. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the town.

Their first successful delivery. It really had really been routine, but that wasn’t bad, was it?

A few hours later, the wind was whipping through her hair again as the airships soared over the dense forests east of Contia’s lake.

The trees stretched out below them, a sea of green that seemed to go on forever. Yolani stood beside her, her eyes wide with excitement as she pointed out every variation of tree she could spot.

“Look, there’s a grove of ironwood trees!” Yolani exclaimed, her voice barely audible over the roar of the engines. “And over there, those are silverleaf oaks. They’re prized for their durability and resistance to rot.”

Elania smiled, amused by Yolani’s enthusiasm. It was funny to see her so obsessed with wood, but she didn’t mind at all.

She loved it every time—seeing Yolani so passionate about something, even if it was just trees.

As they flew on, a large circular clearing came into view. Two makeshift docks jutted out from the center, their wooden planks gleaming in the sunlight.

Yolani pointed to the clearing, her voice excited. “That’s the camp! We’re almost there.”

As they drew closer, Harlock approached them, his brow furrowed with concern. “We have a problem,” he said, his voice gruff. “The landing crews aren’t there to wave us in.”

Elania frowned, her gaze scanning the clearing below. He was right - there was no sign of any woodcutters or workers. The camp looked deserted, as if everyone had suddenly vanished.

“Can we still dock?” she asked, her voice tense with worry.

Harlock nodded, his expression grim. “We can, but it’ll be slightly more dangerous without the crews to guide us in.”

Elania’s frown deepened, her mind racing with possibilities. Where were all the woodcutters? Had something happened to them? She turned to Yolani, her voice low with concern. “Something’s wrong.”

Yolani nodded, her own expression mirroring Elania’s worry. “We should be careful,” she said.

Elania turned back to the clearing.

Whatever was going on, they needed to find out. And fast.

*

Elania kept her wings hidden, staying close to Yolani as they watched the airship descend towards the makeshift dock.

Choosing between advanced recon, or springing the trap, had been hard. They finally decided having her close to the ships would be best. She could protect them with her abilities if needed, and if the attack struck at the ships while she was somewhere else…

They didn’t want a lance of light drilling through the hulls, for sure.

The Ironfist mercenaries stood on guard, weapons at the ready, their eyes scanning the surrounding forest for any signs of trouble. Hands tightened on weapons, and the only words exchanged were those required for managing the ship’s movement.

Without the ground crew to guide them in, the mercenaries had to improvise.

They tossed weighted ropes over the side of the ship, looping them around the dock’s posts. Capstans creaked and groaned as they slowly lowered the ship, the crew working unison to maintain neutral buoyancy.

A breeze made the task more difficult, the ship swaying gently. But they guided the ship safely into place, the hull sliding smoothly into position. The Gold managed the same feat in the second bay half a minute later.

Elania looked around. Things seemed fine.

That was probably the cue.

A chorus of shouts erupted from the nearby tree line.

Crossbow bolts slammed into the side of the ship, the sharp twang of bowstrings filling the air. The bolts pinged off the bronze plating and artificed wood, leaving small dents in their wake.

The Ironfist reacted with lightning speed, their weapons at the ready. The men hid in cover, waiting for the order to return fire with their own crossbows.

Elania glimpsed rough-looking figures darting between the trees, their outfits a mishmash of tattered leather and rusted metal.

“Bandits,” Elania hissed, her eyes narrowing as she turned to Yolani. “Or pirates. It doesn’t matter. We’re under attack.”

Elania stepped to the side of the ship, her wings unfurling behind her. A large machine pushed out of the trees, its gears grinding and pistons hissing. It fired, flinging a massive harpoon with a rope toward the ship’s hull.

She leaped out, her wings catching the air as she slapped the harpoon out of the air with a wing, mid-flight. The bandits froze, their eyes wide with shock at the sight of her.

“Demi-Divine!” several of them shouted, breaking ranks and fleeing into the forest.

Elania landed amongst them.

One of the bandits, a scrawny man with a rusted dagger, stabbed at her. She sidestepped the blow, her hand lashing out to grab his wrist. With a twist, she ripped his arm from its socket before tearing him to shreds.

[You have slain Bandit - Human - Lvl 23]

[You have gained 7 Karma.]

[Absorb the lingering Power from Bandit - Human - Lvl 23?]

[You have gained a rank in Intimidation!]

The bandits close to her gave up retreat and charged at her en masse.

Elania grinned, her eyes flashing with a predatory light. She moved like a whirlwind, her wings and claws tearing through flesh and bone.

[You have slain Bandit - Human - Lvl 19]

[You have gained 2 Karma.]

[Absorb the lingering Power from Bandit - Human - Lvl 19?]

[You have gained a rank in Bribery!]

[You have slain Bandit - Human - Lvl 26]

[You have gained 3 Karma.]

[You have slain Bandit - Human - Lvl 21]

[You have gained 9 Karma.]

[Absorb the lingering Power from Bandit - Human - Lvl 21?]

[You have gained a rank in Archery!]

[You have slain Bandit - Human - Lvl 24]

[You have gained 5 Karma.]

[Absorb the lingering Power from Bandit - Human - Lvl 24?]

[You have gained a rank in Archery!]

In a matter of moments, the bandits lay dead at her feet, their bodies mangled or evaporated. The spam of messages she discarded, distractions in a fight.

Her white and gold wings dripped with blood, mostly for the intimidation factor.

From another direction, she spotted a larger machine—a catapult.

Elania’s wings flared out behind her as she launched herself into the air, the wind whipping through her hair. Its crew scrambling to load a flaming projectile.

It fired while she was still only halfway to it.

The air filled with a dozen smaller stones, all burning with some type of oil drenched over them.

With a flick of a wing, she sent a barrage of razor-sharp feathers slicing through the air, each one tracking a different incoming projectile.

The rocky fireballs exploded mid-air, raining down a mist of flame and debris.

The airships bobbed and swayed in the wind, their thick canvas balloons absorbing the impact without so much as a scorch mark. Elania smiled. It was nice to know that the ships were a bit more durable than she thought.

But there was no time to dwell on that.

With a powerful beat of her wings, Elania shot forward faster, closing the distance between herself and the catapult in a matter of seconds.

She landed heavily beside the machine, the ground cracking beneath her feet as she drew Eziel from its sheath.

The bandits scattered like frightened rabbits, their eyes wide with terror as they beheld the Demi-Divine in all her glory.

Elania didn’t hesitate, her blade flashing through the air in a golden arc.

The catapult split in two, its wooden frame splintering like kindling under the force of her blow.

As the machine collapsed in on itself, Elania couldn’t help but recall Arlois’ words.

Only champions counted in armies, she had said. And now, standing amidst the wreckage of the catapult, Elania understood why. There were people like her that were too strong, too powerful for people to contend with.

It was a lesson she had learned all too well in Neftasu, where the Magisters, Elders, Paladins, and she had served as the primary pieces on the battlefield.

Here, in this moment, it was a lesson that the bandits were learning the hard way.

Those that remained nearby threw down their weapons, their hands raised in surrender. Those further away turned and fled, their feet pounding against the earth as they sought to escape the wrath of a Demi-Divine.

Elania turned her attention back to the airships, her eyes scanning the decks for any sign of trouble.

But the Ironfist crossbowmen had done their job well, picking off the attackers before they could even reach the ships.

And on the other side, on the Gold, Yolani was flinging projectiles with deadly accuracy, her artifice skills put to good use in defense of their vessels.

Elania soared back to the airship, her wings slicing through the air with powerful strokes. As she landed on the deck, the Ironfist mercenaries were already disembarking, their weapons at the ready as they rounded up the surrendered bandits.

Harlock approached her, his face grim. “Absorbing them might not be the best idea, Elania. We only get bounties on the ones we bring in alive.”

Elania blinked, her brow furrowing. “Bounties?”

Harlock nodded. “As mercenaries, it’s one of the jobs that pays well. Each one we bring back is worth half a crit from the Towers.”

Elania grunted, her eyes narrowing. “Then we should capture ALL of them. Why didn’t you tell me that first?”

She watched as Yolani climbed up a rope on the other ship, her movements swift and agile. With a deft swing, she launched herself across the gap between the ships, landing gracefully on the deck of the other vessel.

Elania’s eyes widened in shock. Yolani was panting, her chest heaving with exertion. “The other ship is secure,” she said, a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Are you a pirate?” Elania asked.

Yolani blinked, then paused for a moment, a smile tugging at her lips. “Only for your heart,” she quipped, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

They both laughed, the tension of the moment easing.

But Elania’s expression quickly turned serious. “I’m going to round up all of our ‘friends’ as gently as I can,” she said, her voice low and determined. “They’re going to take a pleasant trip back to visit Arlois.”

Yolani nodded, her gaze sweeping over to the large, untouched bundles of cut lumber near the dock. “The cargo looks intact,” she said, her voice brisk and businesslike. “We should start the process of loading it, just in case.”

That was going to be a lot of work without the woodcutter teams to assist, Elania realized. It would probably take all night, actually. The sun was already starting to set.

Maybe she could create some type of light?

It turned out the crew—or Yolani—was way ahead of her as the sides of the ships lit up with spotlights and bright artifice lighting.

Elania’s jaw opened, but she realized she shouldn’t be surprised. She had seen the Contia wharfs at night after all, and they were always brightly lit, even when watched from a distance at the Estate.

Elania swallowed. She’d gotten distracted. There was shouting in the distance—wounded or fleeing enemies. Her wings unfolded behind her and she launched into the air.

She would find them, and she would wring every single crit they were worth out of them.

It was only fair, since they had intended the same to the Heart and Gold.

*

Elania stood stiffly, her back ramrod straight as she watched the bandit prisoners being offloaded in chains. The clanking of their shackles echoed across the wharf, drawing the attention of the massive crowd that had gathered to witness the spectacle.

Arlois glared at Elania, her eyes narrowed in annoyance.

Elania felt meekish under the intensity of the Demi-Divine’s gaze, her confidence wavering for a moment.

“Next time, only bring back the heads,” Arlois said, her voice dripping with disdain. “This is the first time in years that anyone has brought actual, live prisoners into the city.”

Elania glanced towards the wharfs, taking in the sea of faces that had gathered to watch the unloading. The crowd buzzed with excitement, their eyes wide with curiosity as they craned their necks to get a better view.

“None of us knew about that,” Elania said, her voice quiet but firm. “We were just interested in the bounty for dealing with the criminals.”

Arlois grunted, her expression softening slightly. “It’s fine—this time. Next time, be more circumspect. We don’t have room for that many prisoners and you’re monopolizing the Arena we usually have the pit fights to the death in.”

Elania’s eye twitched, but she remained silent without commenting her thoughts on… that.

Yolani walked up to join them, her eyes darting between Elania and Arlois. “Is it common for bandits to attack places and wait in ambush?”

Arlois frowned, her gaze turning distant. “There have been stirrings of problems all season.”

Elania frowned, trying to put that together. “Do you mean like the digger crabs?”

Arlois nodded, her expression grim. “Yes, like the digger crabs. And other things too. There have been reports of increased monster activity in the surrounding areas, and now these bandits attacking in broad daylight. Something is stirring, and I don’t like it.”

Elania and Yolani exchanged a glance, their expressions mirroring each other’s concern. If Arlois was worried, then they had every reason to be as well.

Arlois gestured toward the island, and the three women strode down the jetty and onto the wharf. The crowd parted like a sea before them, not daring to block the path of the Demi-Divines.

Whispers followed in their wake, the people’s eyes wide with awe and fear.

“The Sun Emperor’s been pressing the borders of his neighbors,” Arlois said, her voice low and urgent. “Bavia, Boesia, Wenia, in the west. He’s getting bolder.”

Elania’s head swam with the unfamiliar names, the weight of the world beyond Neftasu—and now Contia suddenly pressing down on her.

“Why not just move the city, then?” she asked, her brow furrowed. “If there’s danger...”

Arlois shot her a look, her eyes hard. “Scar to the north can’t move. They’re our allies. And this position is ideal, resource-wise for our purposes.”

“Scar?” Elania echoed, the name feeling strange on her tongue.

“Another city-state. Like us, they have a Celestial Engine.” Arlois’ jaw clenched. “The Sun Emperor has one too. If the Monevoians get their hands on another... The Sun Emperor might take the risk of consuming one. That…”

She didn’t need to finish the sentence. The implications hung heavy in the air between them. Eziel’s words echoed in her memory.

The world couldn’t handle another Celestial Engine falling so soon.

How long was that ‘soon’, though?

Yolani cleared her throat, her eyes darting between the two Demi-Divines. “What about the other nations? Bavia, Boesia, Wenia? Don’t they have Celestial Engines?”

Arlois shook her head. “No. They’re smaller, weaker. Easy pickings for the Sun Emperor if he sets his sights on them like this. They can make it expensive for him, but they can’t stop it. They’ll eventually submit, die, or be displaced.”

Elania’s stomach churned, a sense of unease settling over her.

The talk of war and the Sun Emperor’s ambitions gave her a grave sense of foreboding. She glanced at Yolani, hoping to find some reassurance in her partner’s eyes, but Yolani looked just as confused and worried as she felt.

Arlois turned to face them, her expression grave. “Contia will be preparing for war once more,” she said, her voice heavy with the weight of her words. “We cannot afford to be caught off guard.”

Elania’s hand instinctively went to the hilt of Eziel, the sword a comforting presence at her back. Arlois’ eyes followed the movement, her gaze settling on the weapon with a curious intensity.

“That’s a new magic sword,” she said, her tone almost accusatory. “Where did you get it?”

Elania and Yolani exchanged a confused look, their brows knitting together in shared bewilderment.

“It’s pretty nice,” Elania said eventually, trying to keep her voice casual. “I’m hoping it will be a useful weapon.”

Arlois’ lips pressed together in a thin line, her expression unreadable. “If you want to survive, work on your Regalia. Your new bauble might make an excellent base for one.”

With that, Arlois turned on her heel and strode away, leaving Elania and Yolani standing alone on an island surrounded by spectators.

Elania turned to Yolani. “Why didn’t Arlois remember Eziel at all?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Yolani shook her head, her expression mirroring Elania’s own. “I don’t know,” she said, her voice tinged with worry. “But something strange is going on here.”

Elania glanced around, her brow furrowed with concern.

The wharf district bustled with activity, the crowds milling about like ants in a disturbed nest. She turned to Yolani. “Let’s ask him directly?”

Yolani nodded, her eyes darting from side to side as she scanned the area. “There’s a quiet spot near that building over there,” she said, pointing to a nondescript structure a short distance away.

They made their way through the throng of people, Elania’s hand resting on the hilt of Eziel as they walked. The sword seemed to hum with energy, as if it sensed the impending interrogation.

Once they reached the secluded spot, Elania pulled Eziel from her back and held him aloft.

The blade glinted in the sunlight, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly sheen. “Alright, Eziel,” Elania said, her voice firm and commanding. “What’s going on here?”

Yolani watched with rapt attention, her eyes fixed on the sword. But Eziel remained silent, the blade unmoving in Elania’s grip.

Frustration welled up inside Elania, and she zapped the sword with a burst of [Divine power]. Eziel glowed with an intense light, his blade vibrating with energy. Finally, the sword spoke, his voice echoing in their minds.

[Why are you bothering me, Godling?]

Elania’s eyes narrowed, her grip tightening on the sword’s hilt. “Don’t play dumb with me, Eziel,” she said, her voice sharp and accusatory. “I know you’re always listening, and you were trying to avoid the subject earlier. Now spill it.”

Eziel was silent for a moment, as if weighing his options.

[It’s best to keep my presence hidden.]

Yolani’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why?”

[The Demi-Divine would not appreciate my assistance to Elania. They would be jealous of it and wish to possess me for themselves. Your alliance with the Towers is tenuous at best, and only because they think you might be useful to them.]

Elania and Yolani exchanged a glance, their expressions once again mirroring each other’s worry.

*

Elania and Yolani returned to Cloud district. When they spotted half the cultists milling about outside the residence, they picked up the pace. The cultists’ faces were etched with distress and worry.

“What’s wrong?” Elania demanded.

A cultist stepped forward, his hands trembling. “The beast... it’s rampaging through the mansion, my lady.”

Elania and Yolani exchanged a glance, their eyes wide with alarm. They rushed inside.

The evidence of the beast’s rampage was everywhere—torn furniture, shattered vases, and deep gouges in the walls.

Shouts and crashes echoed from upstairs. Elania raced up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

The door to the secure room for the darkwalker was wide open.

A small group was huddled around the entrance to their master bedroom and they sprinted over. Someone from the crowd noticed them and they moved to let them through the damaged door.

Darius stood in the center of the room, a chair held in front of him. He was trying to control the darkwalker. But the beast reached out and turned the furniture into firewood.

Darius cursed and jumped back, but the darkwalker didn’t attack him further.

The collar was working for that much, at least.

Yolani’s artifice lay scattered across the floor, knocked over and broken. The bed was ripped to shreds, the sheets torn and tattered. The walls bore deep scratches, the marks of the darkwalker’s claws.

And the windows... the windows were shattered, the glass littering the floor in a glittering carpet of destruction.

Water flowed out of the bathroom, a steady stream that pooled before running out on the balcony and then providing a waterfall into the garden.

The sound of it mingled with the growls and snarls of the darkwalker, creating a cacophony of noise that assaulted everyone’s ears.

Elania’s eyes darted around the room, taking in the destruction with a growing sense of horror.

The shock finally broke, and she strode into the room. “Sit!” she barked at the darkwalker, her voice cracking like a whip.

The collar around the beast’s neck glowed, and he froze mid-leap, just inches from the shattered window. He dropped to the floor, his claws scrabbling against the wood as it struggled against the collar’s power.

Yolani stood in the doorway, her mouth agape. “By the divine...”

She stepped into the room, her boots crunching on the broken glass. She bent down, picking up a shattered piece of her artifice. “This is going to take forever to clean up.”

Darius cleared his throat. “I’ll... I’ll prepare the others and we shall clean up the mess.”

Yolani sighed. “I’ll take care of the bedroom. You can work on the rest of the place. Bring the broken things to one place for me to repair later.”

Darius nodded and bowed, then hurried out of the room, the cultists trailing behind him.

Elania grabbed the darkwalker by the scruff of his neck and hauled him to the only clean spot in the room, a corner untouched by the destruction. He growled, his eyes flashing with defiance, but he obeyed.

Elania kept a firm grip on the beast while Yolani moved about the room, picking up broken pieces of furniture and shattered artifacts. She dumped them in a pile near the door, her face set in a grim line.

After a few minutes, Yolani looked up at Elania. “This is a time for a miracle, don’t you think?”

Elania nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Yolani closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The girl, and then the room, began to glow with a soft golden glow.

Elania could feel a tug on their conduit, but she didn’t jerk or resist the drain.

The broken pieces of furniture and artifacts began to move. They floated into the air, the shattered edges knitting together as if by magic. The bed reformed, the sheets mending themselves and settling back into place. The windows pieced themselves back together, the glass shards flying up and slotting into place like a jigsaw puzzle.

In a matter of moments, the room was restored to its former glory, as if the darkwalker’s rampage had never happened.

Elania tightened her grip on the beast, pulling it into a chokehold. “You need a name,” she growled, her eyes boring into the darkwalker’s. “Something fitting for a creature like you.”

Yolani wiped the sweat from her brow, surveying the now-clean room. “Elania, maybe keeping him in the estate isn’t the best idea.”

Elania frowned, her hand absently stroking the darkwalker’s fur.

The beast had calmed under her touch, his eyes half-closed in contentment. “I know, I know. But where else can he go? The city would just keep him in a cage. And I can’t recreate his habitat. It’s... it’s gone now.”

Yolani nodded quietly. “Yeah, we have that in common.”

“He might be the last darkwalker in the world, Yolani. The very last one.” Elania’s voice cracked, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Yolani moved to her side, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “There could be others in the other underground city states.”

Elania shook her head. “From what we read, they were far apart, never connected. The fauna wouldn’t be the same.”

Yolani frowned. “It’s sad to think he could be the last one. Other than you, if you count. Since you have a darkwalker core.”

Elania’s hand stilled on the darkwalker’s fur. “Yeah. Other than me.”

The beast stirred under her touch, his eyes opening. It looked up at Elania, his gaze almost... understanding. As if it knew the weight of the conversation, the gravity of his own existence.

“He needs a name,” Elania said suddenly, her voice firm. “A proper name.”

Yolani blinked. “A name?”

Elania nodded. “He deserves a name.”

Yolani smiled and then came to join them in the corner. “Alright then. What did you have in mind?”

The darkwalker let out a low unhappy growl, but didn’t move.

Elania rubbed the darkwalker’s head, her fingers sinking into his soft fur. The beast’s growls faded, replaced by a contented rumble deep in his chest. He sniffed at Elania’s hand, his wet nose tickling her skin.

“Maybe he was just looking for our scent in the room,” Elania mused, scratching behind the darkwalker’s ears. “He’s calming down now.”

Yolani snorted, her hands on her hips. “Nah, he was just being naughty. That’s how darkwalkers are, you know.”

Elania raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh? And how would you know that?”

“Because of you, of course!” Yolani said, pointing an accusing finger at Elania.

Elania gasped, placing a hand over her heart in mock offense. “Me? Naughty? I’ll have you know I’m always well-behaved.”

Yolani rolled her eyes, a grin spreading across her face. “Oh really? The last time you transformed, you slept on top of me and I could barely get you off!”

Elania chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “What can I say? You’re very comfy.”

Yolani huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “I don’t accept that excuse. You’re just a troublemaker, admit it.”

Elania held up her hands in surrender, still grinning. “Alright, alright. But back to the matter at hand. This little guy needs a name.”

Yolani raised an eyebrow. “Little?”

Elania looked down at the darkwalker, who was now curled up at her feet, his tail thumping against the floor. “How about... Shadowbite?”

Yolani stared at her, her mouth hanging open. “Shadowbite? Long and kind of edgy, don’t you think?”

Elania shrugged, her fingers still tangled in the darkwalker’s fur. “I think it suits him. He’s a creature of the shadows, after all. And his bite is pretty fierce.”

Yolani let out a long hum.

Elania rolled her eyes. “Alright, how about just Shadow then?”

Yolani nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. “Shadow. I can work with that.”

Elania grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she looked down at the newly named Shadow.

“So, Shadow,” she cooed, reaching out to scratch behind his ears. “How do you like your new name?”

Shadow’s eyes snapped open, and he lunged at her hand, his teeth bared in a snarl. Elania yanked her hand back just in time, laughing as she held him at bay.

“Oh, you must love it!” she exclaimed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Such enthusiasm!”

Yolani rolled her eyes, shaking her head as she watched the exchange. “You’re insane, you know that?” she muttered, turning back to the task of reorganizing her scattered projects.

Elania ignored her, dropping to the floor and wrestling with Shadow. He growled and snapped, his claws scrabbling against the wood as he tried to gain the upper hand. But Elania was stronger, and she soon had the beast pinned beneath her, his tail lashing in frustration.

A knock at the door drew their attention, and Darius poked his head into the room. His eyes widened as he took in the scene—Elania sprawled on the floor with Shadow, Yolani surrounded by broken artifacts.

“Ah, my lady,” he said, clearing his throat. “I’m afraid there will be no meat for dinner tonight. We used it all trying to bribe the beast to stop destroying things.”

Elania looked up, her hair disheveled and her face flushed from the wrestling match. “That’s alright, Darius. And his name is Shadow now. Shadowbite, actually, but we’re just calling him Shadow for short.”

Darius raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching with amusement. “I suppose that means we’re keeping the beast in the estate, then?”

Elania nodded, grinning. “Of course! He’s part of the family now.”

Darius managed to keep any judgement out of his voice. “As you wish, my lady.”

Yolani groaned, rubbing her temples. “I’m going to need to upgrade the entire estate at this rate. Reinforce the walls, the windows, the doors... everything.”

Darius nodded, his expression grim. “That would be wise, Lady Yolani. We should avoid a repeat of today’s... incident.”

Elania waved a hand dismissively, still wrestling with Shadow on the floor. “Everything will be fine, you’ll see. Shadow just needs some time to adjust, that’s all.”

As if to prove her point, Shadow chose that moment to chomp down on her hand, doing his best to swallow her forearm.

*

Yolani walked alongside Elania through the Cloud District. The early morning air hung heavy with a mix of anticipation and unease. Distant sparks and the hum of welding caught Elania’s attention, and she pointed towards the source.

“Looks like they’re installing something along the island’s edge,” Elania mused, her brow furrowed. “Defenses, maybe? Or weapons?”

Yolani squinted, trying to make out the details in the dim light of dawn. “Could be. With the talk of war, it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re bolstering the city’s fortifications.”

Elania grunted in response, and they continued their journey towards the city works building. As they approached, Yolani noticed there was an unusual level of activity. People hurried in and out, their faces etched with purpose and urgency.

“Is it always this busy?” Elania asked, eyeing the commotion.

Yolani shook her head. “No, it’s usually quieter. Something must be going on.”

At the entrance, a group of Silver Soldiers stood guard, their armor gleaming in the early morning light. Yolani presented her badge, and the soldiers checked it before stepping aside to let them pass.

“Ember must have increased security,” Yolani murmured as they entered the building.

The interior buzzed with energy, artificers and workers scurrying about like ants in a disturbed nest.

Elania’s gaze darted around the room, taking in the controlled chaos. “What do you think they’re working on?”

Yolani shrugged. “Almost certainly related to what we saw outside.”

As they navigated the bustling halls, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something big was happening. Glancing at Elania, she wondered if her partner sensed it too.

“Let’s find Ember,” Yolani said, her voice low.

Elania nodded.

They weaved through the bustling artificers and workers in the expansive warehouse.

The air hummed with the whir of machinery and the clank of metal on metal. Sparks flew from nearby workstations, casting flickering shadows across the walls.

As they approached the artifice workshops at the back, Yolani spotted Soren, his broad shoulders hunched over a workbench. She cleared her throat. “Hey, Soren. Is Ember around?”

Soren glanced up, his gaze flicking briefly to Elania before settling on Yolani. “She’s in her office.” He jerked his head towards a door at the far end of the workshop.

Yolani nodded her thanks and headed for the office, Elania trailing behind her.

As they entered, Elania pulled the door behind them shut with a soft click. The office was a stark contrast to the utilitarian workshop outside.

Plush red carpets covered the floor, and golden accents glinted in the warm light. Behind a massive desk, Ember sat sorting through a stack of papers, a slender pipe dangling from her left hand. She looked up as they entered, a smile spreading across her face.

“Yolani, Elania. Please, have a seat.” Ember gestured to the chairs in front of her desk.

Yolani felt the tension radiating off Elania as they sat down.

Her partner took a deep breath, then fixed Ember with a steady gaze. “We need to talk about something.”

Ember raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair. “Oh?”

“You need to stop coming on to Yolani.” Elania’s voice was firm, unyielding.

Yolani felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, but a warmth bloomed in her chest at Elania’s protectiveness. She sat up straighter, meeting Ember’s gaze.

Ember took a long drag from her pipe, then exhaled a plume of smoke. She gave Elania a casual, sly look. “Is that so?”

Yolani’s heart pounded in her chest as she waited for Ember’s response. The air in the office seemed to thicken with more than Ember’s expelled smoke.

Ember rose from her desk, a predatory smile playing across her lips. The Demi-Divine sauntered around the desk, her eyes locked on Yolani. “Does the rabbit ask the cat to protect her?” Ember purred, her voice dripping with honey.

Yolani tensed, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. She forced herself to meet Ember’s gaze, her voice steady despite the tremor in her chest. “I asked you to stop, Ember.”

Elania stood and stepped between them, her body a shield. “Back off,” she growled, her eyes flashing with anger. “What you’ve been doing makes Yolani uncomfortable.”

Yolani nodded, a lump forming in her throat.

She stayed behind Elania, a mixture of relief and shame washing over her.

She should have been able to stand up for herself, to tell Ember to stop without needing Elania to intervene.

Ember’s eyes glittered with amusement. “The cat is very protective of her bauble,” she purred, her gaze sliding over Yolani’s form. “But there’s no need. We could share.”

Yolani’s stomach lurched as the implication of Ember’s words sank in.

Elania’s voice was a low snarl. “Yolani isn’t an item to play with.”

Yolani watched, her heart pounding, as Ember tilted her head and stared at Elania.

A coy smile played across Ember’s lips as she reached out and cupped Elania’s cheek.

“Maybe the issue is that you want attention too, Elania,” Ember purred, her voice like silk. “There’s no problem if that’s what you want. I like both of you. You’re beautiful, especially when together.”

Elania’s eyes widened, shock etched across her face. Before she could react, Ember leaned in and captured Elania’s lips in a searing kiss.

Yolani’s jaw dropped, her mind reeling as she watched the scene unfold before her.

Elania struggled against Ember’s embrace, trying to shove her away, but the Demi-Divine’s hands slipped behind her back, holding her.

In a flash of crimson and gold, their wings burst forth.

Elania’s wings beat against Ember’s, trying to push her away, but Ember’s wings held fast, pinning Elania’s in place.

Elania finally wrenched her lips free, gasping for air. “You’re insane!” she sputtered, her cheeks flushed.

Ember threw her head back and laughed, the sound rich and throaty.

“You taste like cinnamon,” she purred, her eyes glinting.

Elania’s hand shot out, aiming for Ember’s face, but the Demi-Divine was too quick.

She caught Elania’s wrist and spun her around, pulling her into a twisted dance. The two Demi-Divines stumbled around the office, their wings flaring and tangling as they moved.

Yolani watched, her heart in her throat, as Ember led the dance, her movements fluid and graceful despite Elania’s struggles. Ember had complete control, her power radiating from every pore.

Yolani’s eye twitched as she watched the struggle, her breath coming in short, sharp pants.

Elania thrashed beneath Ember, nearly breaking free, only for the Demi-Divine to pin her to the ground with a triumphant smirk. Ember’s crimson wings spread wide, holding Elania down as she straddled her waist.

Elania kicked and squirmed, her own wings beating uselessly against the floor. Ember leaned in, her lips hovering just above Elania’s, ready to claim another kiss.

Yolani’s feet moved before her mind could catch up.

She stepped forward, her hand reaching for the four barrel pistol at her hip.

The click of the hammer echoed through the room, freezing the scene before her.

“Get off her.” Yolani’s voice was steady, belying the tremor in her chest.

Ember glanced up, a sly smile playing across her lips. “So the rabbit has—”

Yolani’s finger tightened on the trigger, the barrel of the gun pressed against Ember’s temple.

“Now.”

Ember’s eyes widened, surprise flashing across her face.

Instead of getting up, the woman opened her mouth to speak, but Yolani didn’t give her the chance.

Bang.

*

The explosion of the gunshot was deafening, and Elania turned her head away a second too late as Ember’s blood and fore splattered across her face. She shoved the other Demi-Divine off her and scrambled to her feet, heart pounding in her chest.

Yolani stared at her with wide, traumatized eyes, the barrel of her four-barrel pistol still smoking with a trail of super-heated vapor. “I-I didn’t mean to...” she stammered, but her words were cut short as the door smashed inward.

Soren burst into the room with a bellow, swinging a massive hammer.

Elania stepped forward, charging her wing and slashing at him with it. The enraged oracle parried with his weapon, sending a massive, painful jolt down Elania’s back that made her grit her teeth.

She drew Eziel and two-handed parried the next strike, the force of the blow reverberating through her arms. Two Silvers rushed into the room, and she slammed them with her wings, knocking them back.

One recovered quickly, but Yolani fumbled with her wand and zapped him with a blue projectile, sending him flying out the door.

“Elania, watch out!” she cried, as Soren swung his hammer again.

Elania put more force behind the next blow, Eziel glowing yellow in her hands. The slash sent Soren hopping backwards, his eyes narrowed in fury. “You’ll pay for this,” he snarled, readying his hammer for another attack.

The room descended into chaos as more Silvers poured in, their weapons drawn. Elania and Yolani found themselves back-to-back, facing off against the enraged oracle and soldiers.

The crushing weight of Ember’s aura slammed into them all like a physical blow, driving everyone to their knees.

Elania gritted her teeth, fighting against the overwhelming pressure that threatened to flatten her against the blood-slicked floor.

“Cease!” Ember’s voice rang out, echoing through the room with the force of a thunderclap.

Elania risked a glance over her shoulder, her eyes widening as she saw Ember standing tall amidst the carnage, the gory ruin of her face slowly knitting itself back together.

With a sickening crack, the Demi-Divine’s jaw snapped back into place, and she repeated her command. “Cease!”

Soren lowered his hammer, his face twisted into a scowl.

Beside Elania, Yolani’s wand hand trembled as she let the weapon fall to her side. Elania regained her feet, placing herself protectively over her companion.

The Silvers glared at them, their hands tightening on their weapons, but they made no move to attack. Soren’s frown deepened, etching harsh lines into his face as he struggled to rein in his anger.

As Ember’s face healed enough for her to speak clearly, she held up a hand, her voice firm. “There has been a misunderstanding. Soren, Silvers, leave us.”

For a moment, it appeared they might refuse, but then Soren gave a curt nod. With obvious reluctance, he turned and stalked out of the room; the Silvers fell in behind him.

Elania kept her guard up, Eziel held ready in her hand as she watched them go. Only when the door closed behind the last of them did she allow herself to relax slightly, though she kept herself positioned between Ember and Yolani.

Ember turned her attention to them, her expression unreadable as her eyes flicked from Elania to Yolani and back again. “Now then,” she said, her voice deceptively calm. “Let’s talk about what just happened here, shall we?”

The woman’s expression was unreadable while the flesh where Yolani’s bullet had torn through her face slowly knit itself back together.

Elania bristled, her hand tightening on Eziel’s hilt as she met the other Demi-Divine’s gaze.

“I won’t bother Yolani further,” Ember said, her voice calm.

Elania grunted, the urge to argue rising in her throat, but Yolani squeezed her arm, shaking her head.

Elania felt the adrenaline draining from her body, leaving her feeling shaky. She nodded, forcing herself to relax her grip on her sword.

Ember sat down on her desk, crossing her legs as she picked up a fan and waved it at herself. The flesh where there was nothing left to re-knit smoldered with some type of regenerative fire healing.

“I didn’t expect Yolani to shoot me,” she said.

Elania scowled. “You were being very rude.”

Ember laughed, smiling at her. “I like you two. We can still be friends.” She leaned forward, her eyes glinting. “What do you think about the little mission I offered you several days ago?”

Elania frowned. “You’re not paying enough.”

“I’ll double the Crit,” Ember said, “as long as neither Lyra nor Elysia finds out about the shipment.”

Elania’s frown deepened. “What about Arlois?”

Ember laughed again, the sound grating on Elania’s nerves. “Arlois wouldn’t do anything to me. She’s much more open to the idea of affection than the two of you.”

Elania blinked, wondering just how twisted Ember’s idea of affection could be. She glanced at Yolani, who shrugged, her expression uncertain.

Elania sighed, turning back to Ember. “Fine. We’ll ship your cargo—for the Crit and the future vote when I ask for it.”

Ember’s smile widened, and she clapped her hands together. “Excellent! I knew we could come to an agreement.”

Elania grunted, not sharing the other Demi-Divine’s enthusiasm.

The room reeked of spent shock-crystal and blood, and the echoes of the near-death battle rang in Elania’s ears. Was this really happening?

“Are we just going to forget about the fact that we almost killed each other just now?” Elania asked, her voice tight with tension.

Ember frowned, her newly healed face twisting into an expression of annoyance. “Yes, yes we are,” she said, her tone brooking no argument. “And Soren and the Silvers won’t bother you about it, either.”

Elania blinked, her mouth falling open in shock. “Just like that?”

“Just like that,” Ember repeated, her eyes narrowing.

Elania glanced at Yolani, who shrugged, her expression just as bewildered as Elania’s own. Elania turned back to Ember, her jaw clenching as she struggled to keep her temper in check.

“As long as you remember to treat Yolani with respect,” she said, her voice low and dangerous.

Ember’s eyes flashed with irritation, but she nodded. “I promise,” she said, her tone clipped. “The matter is closed. You can go.” She paused, her lips curling into a smirk. “Unless you’ve changed your minds?”

Elania’s hand tightened around Yolani’s, and she shook her head. “No, we haven’t,” she said, her voice firm.

*

Elania swirled the glass of red liquid, watching it slosh against the sides. She wrinkled her nose, taking a sip and immediately regretting it.

The wine was not to her liking, leaving a bitter taste on her tongue. She set the glass down, pushing it away from her.

She would have been happy with frujuice or something else.

Yolani had wanted to drink the bottle with her, but after a few sips, the other girl had turned red and started babbling incoherently until Elania had cuddled her to sleep.

Elania glanced into their bedroom, a smile tugging at her lips. Yolani was curled up in the sheets, hugging a pillow tightly.

Elania’s heart swelled with affection for the other woman, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest. Honestly, that was better than anything the wine could do for her. Her body didn’t even metabolize the alcohol as poison anymore.

She couldn’t get tipsy if she wanted to, at least not without finding an alchemist and some real, very dangerous poisons.

Elania turned back to the city, looking out at lights sprawled out in the night sky. The cool breeze pressed against the artifice field that kept the room and balcony from turning as cool as the night air.

She leaned back in her chair, her eyes drawn to the stars that filled the night sky.

They were so different from the ones on Earth, all sorts of different colors and sizes.

Some were larger than others, some were smaller, but they all formed different constellations that she didn’t recognize.

Many of them were larger than the stars she remembered from home, and they seemed to pulse with a strange energy that she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

It was alien and wonderful at the same time, and Elania found herself transfixed by the sight.

Elania sighed, leaning back in her chair and closing her eyes. She let the sounds of the city wash over her, the distant hum of artifice and the occasional shout or laugh from the streets below.

The thunderous crack that split the air was an unwelcome jolt.

Elania shot to her feet. The explosion echoed in the distance. She scanned the skyline for the source, but couldn’t spot anything from her current vantage point. The blasts were coming from the opposite side their balcony was located.

Without hesitation, Elania leaped into the air, her wings unfurling as she soared higher. She spun around, her eyes widening as a series of yellow flares and explosions lit up the night sky on the far side of Contia.

More detonations followed, the sound growing louder and more frequent.

“Elania! What’s going on?” Yolani’s shout drew her attention back to the balcony.

Elania landed beside her, shaking her head. “I don’t know.”

She scooped Yolani into her arms and launched them both into the air, flying up to the roof of the estate. The footing was precarious, but they found a spot to stand without slipping.

The explosions intensified, the sky transforming into a deadly firework display as the blasts drew closer at an alarming rate.

A gust of wind slammed into them, nearly knocking them off balance. Elania opened her mouth to suggest they grab their armor and gear, but the words died on her tongue as two Silvers landed on the roof beside them, artifice backpacks strapped to their backs.

The first Silver stepped forward, his expression grim. “By order of Contia, you are restricted to the estate.”

Elania and Yolani shared a look, their eyes wide with shock and confusion.

The Silvers’ presence on their roof was unsettling, a clear sign that they were being watched more closely than they’d realized.

Elania shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant despite the growing unease in her gut. She turned her attention back to the battle raging in the distance, squinting to make out the details.

“Can you see what’s happening?” Yolani asked, her voice tight with worry.

Before Elania could respond, a dazzling array of purple lasers flared out from the city, illuminating everything for miles.

The beams struck a massive airship with three balloons, its silhouette now clearly visible against the night sky. The airship’s magical shield shimmered under the onslaught, absorbing the impact of the beams.

The airship retaliated, firing a massive red orb that hurtled towards the city.

A purple dome materialized in front of the orb, and a shockwave erupted as the two collided. The blast of air eventually reached them, whipping their hair and clothes.

Elania tightened her grip on Yolani, pulling her close as the shockwave passed. “Hold on!”

High above the city, a massive yellow flare launched into the sky, bathing everything in an eerie, sun-like glow. Elania’s eyes widened as she spotted three streaks of light - blue, green, and red - appearing in the sky, all of them racing towards the airship.

“What are those?” Yolani gasped, her fingers digging into Elania’s arm.

“I don’t know,” Elania admitted, her heart pounding in her chest. “But I have a feeling we’re about to find out.”

The streaks of light closed in on the airship, moving at incredible speeds. Elania watched, transfixed, as they drew closer and closer, until they were almost upon the massive vessel.

The airship unleashed a barrage of explosive blue projectiles targeting the colored lights.

Elania’s eyes widened as realization dawned on her - those lights were the Four Towers. The identity of the airship remained a mystery, an unknown assailant attacking the city without warning.

Another volley of light cannons erupted from the city, their beams piercing one of the airship’s balloons. Flames engulfed the punctured containment, and the airship was listed to one side as it struggled to maintain altitude.

A wave of silver lights leaped out from the city, swarming toward the airship like a rain of distant stars.

“Look!” Yolani pointed at the sky, her voice filled with awe and fear. “Those flashes - they’re Silvers, aren’t they?”

Elania nodded, her gaze shifting to the two Silvers standing watch on the rooftop. She cocked her head, a questioning look in her eyes. “Why aren’t you out there helping? The city’s under attack.”

The Silvers exchanged a glance, their expressions stoic. The first one spoke. “Our orders are to monitor you, Demi-Divine. As a foreign entity, you must be kept under surveillance at all times.”

Elania huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. She knew arguing would be futile. That didn’t stop her from voicing her annoyance. “I could help, you know.”

The second Silver shook his head, his tone leaving no room for debate. “The situation is under control. The Four Towers have everything well in hand.”

A laugh escaped Elania’s lips, the sound tinged with disbelief and frustration.

She gestured towards the burning airship, the explosions still rocking the city. “You call this under control? A magical battleship appears out of nowhere, attacking your city, and you think everything’s just fine?”

The Silvers remained silent, their postures rigid. Elania sighed, turning her attention back to the battle raging in the distance.

A large purple pillar appeared in the air, impaling the enemy sky battleship through its middle.

The airship fired another volley of projectiles into Contia, many of them bouncing off shields that materialized just before impact.

Some found their way through and hit the central district. Elania’s heart clenched as fires and explosions erupted. None of them looked like they were close to her district, or where the Guard or refugees were camped.

The Four Towers smashed into the ship as it hurtled toward the city.

It was clearly out of control, its trajectory set on a collision course with Contia. Elania watched, her breath caught in her throat, as she spotted Arlois. The Purple Tower flew to the prow of the ship and slammed into it. It wasn’t enough to stop the momentum.

Ember, a streak of red against the night sky, flashed near the rear, causing the propellers to explode, the sound of metal shearing and twisting filling the air.

Elysia, her green aura pulsing with power, summoned a massive root from the nearest island. The root reached out, slamming into the airship and altering its trajectory, steering it away from the city and towards the ground below.

The burning ship turned over on its side as it crashed.

There was a massive flash of light, and a growing fireball when the vessel struck the ground.

Elania shook her head, her mind reeling from the events that had just transpired. “What the hell just happened?” she muttered, her voice barely audible over the ringing in her ears.

Yolani’s eyes were wide, her face pale in the eerie glow of the fires. “I don’t know,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “But whatever it was, it’s not over yet.”

Elania nodded, her gaze fixed on the wreckage of the airship. The Towers were already descending upon it, their colored auras casting an otherworldly light across the landscape.

Who had attacked Contia, and why? What was their purpose, their goal? The Sun Emperor and the Monevoians?

And most importantly, were there more of them out there, waiting to strike again?

Elania shook her head. She turned to Yolani, a question forming on her lips, but the words died in her throat as she noticed the other girl’s attention fixated on the Silvers standing guard on the rooftop.

Yolani approached one of the men, her eyes wide with curiosity. The Silver tensed, his posture stiffening as she drew closer. “How long can you fly with those packs?” she asked, her voice filled with wonder. “And how do they work, exactly?”

Before the Silver could respond, Yolani slipped behind him, nearly losing her footing on the sloped roof.

She peered at his flight pack, her fingers itching to examine its intricate mechanisms. The Silver shifted uncomfortably, his voice stern as he spoke. “Please, step back. You’re not authorized to—”

But Yolani was already lost in her own world, her words tumbling out in an excited rush. “The artifice required to create something like this must be incredible! Why didn’t Ember have any of these in the workshop? The power source alone would need to be—”

Elania covered her face with her hand, a mixture of embarrassment and exasperation washing over her.

“Yolani,” Elania called, her voice cutting through the other girl’s rambling. “You can ask Ember or Arlois or anyone else about this later. But not right now, and definitely not tonight.”

Yolani peeked out from behind the Silver, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She offered a sheepish smile, her voice small as she spoke. “Sorry, I just got carried away.”

Elania sighed, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite the situation. She reached out, taking Yolani’s hand in her own and pulling her close.

With a gentle tug, she led the other girl back to the edge of the roof, her arm wrapping around Yolani’s waist as they prepared to jump.

“Let’s head back inside,” Elania murmured, her breath warm against Yolani’s ear. “We can talk more about this in the morning.”

Yolani nodded, leaning into Elania’s embrace as they leaped from the rooftop, landing gracefully on the balcony below.

The Silvers watched them go without a word.

As they stepped back into their room, Elania couldn’t shake the feeling that this attack was just the beginning of something much larger, much more dangerous than they had anticipated.

*

Elania wove through the throng of Silvers bustling about the Purple Tower, their arms laden with equipment. The once serene bridge leading to the tower now thrummed with activity, a stark contrast to her previous visits.

A Silver greeted her at the entrance, his polished armor glinting in the sunlight. “Welcome, Demi-Divine. Please, follow me.”

She nodded, falling into step beside him as they entered the tower. The plush lobby she remembered had been transformed, replaced by a large strategy table surrounded by a group of officers deep in discussion with Arlois. Maps and documents littered its surface.

Arlois glanced up, her gaze locking with Elania’s. With a few curt words, she closed the conversation and strode over, her arm snaking around Elania’s shoulders. “Elania, I’m glad you’re here. We have important matters to discuss.”

Elania allowed herself to be guided towards a private room, her mind racing with possibilities. The memory of her and Yolani’s recent encounter with Ember lingered, making Arlois’ closeness feel uncomfortable.

As they walked, she couldn’t help but notice the tension on Arlois’ face. “Is everything alright?” Elania asked.

Arlois glanced at her, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. “No, not really. But we’ll discuss it in private.”

Elania nodded, a sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach. Whatever Arlois had to say, she had a feeling it wouldn’t be good news.

They reached the private room, and Arlois ushered her inside, closing the door behind them with a soft click.

Elania settled into the plush chair opposite Arlois. The room’s opulence felt at odds with the tension.

Arlois wasted no time, leaning forward, her elbows resting on her knees. “I want to commission the Neftasu Guard to help protect the city.”

The words hung in the air for a moment, and Elania felt a wave of relief wash over her. She leaned back, a sigh escaping her lips. “Aren’t they banned from doing anything?”

Arlois shook her head, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Since I’ll be the one commissioning them, things will be legal. I am a tower, after all.”

Elania raised an eyebrow, a flicker of annoyance sparking in her chest. “Why now? You’ve made me go through so much grief, thought, and energy to find something to keep them paid.”

Arlois leaned back, folding her arms across her chest. Her gaze was steady, unwavering. “The warship that attacked the city was a test. It was a Monevoian warship. We dealt with it, but there’s every chance the empire is planning to invade.”

Elania frowned, her brow furrowing as she leaned forward in her seat. “Why don’t you do something more, like a counterattack?”

Arlois shook her head, a wry smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “The Monevoians are already saying that it was the act of a rogue and that everything is fine—which is complete bullshit.”

Elania’s eyes widened, surprise etched across her features. “I’m surprised at how fast communications run.”

Arlois shrugged, her shoulders rising and falling in a fluid motion. “They likely had scout airships in the wind to observe, and they can move quickly.”

Elania nodded, realization dawning on her.

She had been thinking of things from a medieval speed standpoint, but with flight, everything was much closer than she had realized. Even if things appeared far apart on the maps, airships were essentially slow airplanes and could cover a lot of distance, fast.

“How do the Neftasu Guard fall into your plans?” Elania asked, her gaze fixed on Arlois.

Arlois nodded, her gaze intense as she locked eyes with Elania. “The Neftasu Guard can fill holes in civil services such as rescue and emergency response. They’ll be allowed to bear weapons in case the city is boarded.”

Elania’s eyebrows shot up. “It’s been drilled into me that’s a privilege not granted to other organizations.”

A wry smile tugged at the corners of Arlois’ mouth. “We find ourselves in dire need right now.”

Elania nodded, her mind already racing with the implications of the arrangement. The Neftasu Guard would have a purpose again, a way to contribute to the city’s safety while earning their keep.

“How much will the pay be?” Elania asked, her tone businesslike as she leaned back in her chair.

Arlois let out a short laugh. “I will cover all the Neftasu Guards’ expenses and wages.” She paused and a wry smile appeared on her lips. “In addition to that, ten percent to you.”

Elania raised an eyebrow. She figured the Guard’s expenses would be nearly six to eight thousand crit per month. That meant she’d be getting hundreds as… a kickback? Bonus? “Ten percent? That’s incredibly generous.”

Arlois shrugged, a casual gesture. “Consider it a token of my appreciation for your cooperation and the skills your people bring to the table.”

Elania nodded quietly, her gaze fixed on the floor as she absorbed Arlois’ words. She looked up, her eyes meeting Arlois’ with a steely determination. “If you’re going to give them their muskets back, I’m not returning the Crit you paid for them.”

Arlois threw her head back and laughed, the sound rich and melodic in the quiet room. “Don’t worry, I’ll arm them. You can keep the Crit.”

But as quickly as the laughter had come, it faded, replaced by a somber expression that settled over Arlois’ features.

She leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees as she fixed Elania with a serious gaze.

“Elania, I think you should consider fleeing the city with Yolani.” Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their implications. “Take your two ships and go east. You could find somewhere safe in the Coin Republic, trading between Baria and Minzia.”

Elania frowned, her brow furrowing as she tried to place Arlois’ suggestion.

Besides the fact she knew nothing about the places mentioned, the idea of fleeing the city felt wrong. They’d just started to sink in roots and figure things out.

She shook her head, her voice firm as she spoke. “I wouldn’t be able to bring my followers.”

Arlois acknowledged her point with a nod, her expression serious. “Two airships won’t make a kingdom or a firm basis for a Demi-Divine.” She paused, her gaze intense as she locked eyes with Elania. “But conflict is coming to Contia, and now, rather than later.”

Elania felt a chill run down her spine at Arlois’ words.

Arlois stood up. A frown tugged at the corners of her mouth. “You are weak.”

Elania’s eyebrows shot up. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Arlois didn’t flinch, her gaze unwavering as she spoke. “You have decent combat abilities, weapons, and your oracle is extremely useful thanks to her background.” She paused, her expression turning serious. “But your domain is incredibly weak.”

Elania stood up, her heart pounding in her chest as Arlois drew closer. She could feel the power emanating from the other woman, a tangible force that made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.

“What’s a domain?” Elania asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arlois raised her chin, her eyes glinting with a strange light.

Suddenly, the surrounding room began to dissolve, the walls and furniture fading away into a gray mist. Elania’s eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as the world turned monochromatic.

She was left alone with Arlois, standing in a vast, empty space.

Almost instinctively, she tried to release her wings, but an invisible force pinned her in place. She struggled, her wings straining to unfurl and break free.

But Arlois’ power was unyielding, keeping her locked in a vice-like grip.

Arlois approached her with a serious expression etched on her face, her footsteps echoing in the void. “I heard what happened with Ember,” she said, her voice cutting through the silence like a knife.

Elania’s brows furrowed, a mix of confusion and anger swirling in her chest.

Arlois reached out, her fingers brushing against Elania’s collarbone in a feather-light touch. The contact sent a shiver down Elania’s spine, and she tried to recoil, but her body refused to obey.

Arlois circled her slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. She leaned in from behind, her breath hot against Elania’s ear. “You’re weak,” she whispered, her words dripping with disdain. “There’s nothing you can do because your domain is non-existent. You have no solid follower base, no firm concept of you in your followers’ minds.”

There was a pause. “Ember could have crushed you if she had wanted. Physical destruction to a well-rounded Demi-Divine is nothing.”

Elania gritted her teeth, her muscles straining against the invisible bonds that held her. She wanted to lash out, to strike back against Arlois’ taunts, but she was powerless.

Arlois returned to face her, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. She leaned in, her lips brushing against Elania’s in a mocking kiss. Elania’s eyes widened, and she tried to bite down.

But her jaw was frozen, locked in place by the same force that held the rest of her body. She could only glare at Arlois.

Arlois pulled away from teasing Elania’s lips, a smirk playing on her own. Her hands stroked Elania’s sides, one coming to cup and squeeze her breast. Elania grunted, a mix of unwanted arousal and anger swirling inside her.

“Stop,” she growled through gritted teeth.

Arlois raised an eyebrow, her fingers continuing their maddening caress. “And if I don’t? What will you do, Elania? What can you do?”

*

Arlois leaned in, her breath hot against Elania’s ear. “Contia will become dangerous—for you, for Yolani, for all your followers.”

Elania struggled against the invisible bonds, but her body remained frozen, a statue at Arlois’ mercy. The touches sent unwanted sparks through her, traitorous heat coiling in her core despite her fury.

Arlois’ hands roamed lower, skimming over her stomach, dipping teasingly beneath the waistband of her pants. Elania’s breath hitched, a strangled sound escaping her throat.

Desperation clawed at her mind as Arlois’ fingers ventured lower. She had to break free, had to stop the violation. Her eyes darted around, searching for something, anything, that could help.

And then it hit her—the mana shards embedded in her left bracer. There was no hesitation. With a surge of will, Elania reached out with her mind, grasping for the shards’ energy. She pulled on six of them, compressing their power to the maximum.

Arlois’ eyes widened. She opened her mouth to speak, but Elania was faster.

The compressed energy released in a shotgun blast. The force exploded outward, enveloping Arlois in a searing wave of power.

When the blast ended, and Arlois still stood several meters away, her wings folded around her, sizzling with the impact of the blast.

Shock and annoyance etched her face, her hair glowing with a few traces of cinders and burnt ends, but she remained mostly unharmed.

Elania struggled, still held tight by the invisible force that bound her.

Arlois brushed her fingers through her singed hair, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. “I forgot about your artificer’s little tricks,” she said, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement. “I’m impressed you managed to do that much, considering.”

She circled Elania at a safe distance, her eyes roaming over the younger woman’s form.

Elania found her mouth freed from the invisible bonds, and she glared at Arlois, her voice dripping with venom. “What is with you bitches and the need for sexual assault?”

Arlois grunted, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. “Ember probably just wanted to fuck you and Yolani and have a fun time together,” she said, her tone nonchalant. “She’s lonely as much as she tries to hide it. Mortals are transient, and other Demi-Divine and their Oracles are much more attractive.”

Elania frowned, her brow furrowing as she tried once again to free herself from the invisible bonds that held her. Frustration burned as nothing budged.

“That doesn’t make it right,” Elania spat, her eyes blazing with anger. “You can’t just force yourself on someone like that.”

Arlois froze, her expression turning to stone. Without another word, she raised a hand and pointed.

Elania grunted as gravity suddenly gripped her and slammed her into the void’s floor on her back. The invisible force was crushing.

“Can’t I?” Arlois spat venomously. The woman spread two fingers, and suddenly Elania felt her legs be forced apart, leaving her splayed on the ground. Panic ran through her spine as Arlois came to stand above her.

“What will you do, Spark, when a male Demi-Divine plucks you into his domain, and spreads your legs?” Arlois whispered.

Something hard pressed against Elania’s thigh, and her eyes widened and she tried to shout at Arlois to stop, only to find an invisible hand over her mouth.

Arlois looked away, her eyes distance. “…plunges into your depths, and seals you to him forever with divine progeny?”

The woman’s voice shushed until it was the barest whisper. “…they never kill us, because of that.”

Fear, revulsion, and anger warred for control before Elania found she could speak again. Her voice was low and restrained. “Arlois, let me go.”

Arlois looked down at her, a sad glint in her eyes, before waving her hand.

The invisible force evaporated, and Elania scrambled to her feel, the feeling of violation rolling over her. She moved away to what felt like a safe distance.

She wanted to scream, to yell at the other woman.

She drew a ragged breath. “How can I stop it?”

Arlois turned and raised her head and let out a laugh—a pained, wounded sound.

“If I knew that, Spark, I wouldn’t have a dozen bastards roaming the realms,” Arlois said.

Elania’s eyes widened in shock at the implication.

The grayness vanished, and Elania found herself back in the private room, seated across from Arlois as if they had never moved. Disorientation washed over her, and she blinked, trying to make sense of the sudden shift in reality.

“Never do that again,” Elania said, her voice tight with anger and a hint of fear.

The violation of her person, the helplessness she had felt, still lingered in her mind, a bitter taste in her mouth.

Arlois looked away, her expression unreadable. “I won’t,” she said, her tone flat. “I hope the message was clearly received.”

Elania turned her head, unable to meet Arlois’ gaze. She crossed her arms, hugging her elbows as if to shield herself from the memory of Arlois’ unwanted touch. The silence stretched between them, heavy and oppressive.

Finally, Elania spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “What can I do to protect myself?” She paused, her brow furrowing as she considered her next words. “Was there really any point in abusing me to make the point if there isn’t a solution?”

Arlois’ expression softened, a flicker of something akin to regret crossing her features.

“First, focus on creating a Regalia with Yolani,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “A Regalia is a powerful divine item imbued with your essence and bound to your soul. It will strengthen your connection to Yolani and your followers while providing a measure of protection against other Demi-Divines.”

Elania shifted in her seat, her brow furrowing as Arlois’ gaze drifted to Eziel. The weapon seemed to pulse with a faint energy, as if sensing the attention directed towards it.

“Where did you get that sword?” Arlois asked, her tone casual but her eyes sharp with interest.

Elania opened her mouth to respond, but Arlois held up a hand, cutting her off. “It doesn’t matter,” she said, waving away the unspoken explanation. “But that sword might be a good first step in making a Regalia. Magic gear, whether artificed or not, forms a sound basis for Regalia and will give you a head start over something like a stick.”

“If it’s that easy, then why the fucking sexual assault?” Elania asked, her voice tight with anger and confusion.

Arlois sighed, leaning back in her chair. “That’s just the start,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact. “You should align your skills and abilities to a single theme, taking powers that are closely related, and cementing your abilities in the minds of your followers—and to a lesser extent, the general populace—that is the true method to increase your ‘domain’ strength.”

Sun Emperor. Did that mean he used the sun as his ‘domain’ or sun styled attacks? Elania’s frown deepened, her mind racing as she considered Arlois’ words.

“I have a lot of skills already, but they’re an eclectic mess,” she admitted, her fingers tapping against the arm of her chair.

Arlois nodded, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Just get rid of the skills you don’t need or don’t use regularly,” she advised. “It’ll be easier to gain new ones and rank up the rest.”

Elania blinked, her eyes widening in surprise. “How the heck can I remove skills?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. “I didn’t even know that was possible.”

Arlois shrugged. “It is for Demi-Divines,” she said, her tone almost dismissive. “We would have a sad time if we couldn’t re-arrange them.” A frown appeared on her face. “If we had more time, I would suggest increasing your level to claim more perks, but I doubt there will be time for many monster hunts.”

“Okay, so let’s say I do that,” Elania said, her voice low and serious. “I align my skills, make a Regalia, and cement my abilities in my followers’ minds. What then? How do I protect myself from other Demi-Divines who might try to take advantage of me?”

Arlois met her gaze, her expression unreadable. “All of that is not a guarantee,” she admitted, her voice soft. “But it’s a start. The stronger your domain, the more difficult it will be for others to penetrate it. And with a Regalia, you’ll have a powerful ally to help defend against any unwanted advances.”

Elania’s hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms as she glared at Arlois. The anger and frustration bubbled up inside her, threatening to spill over. “But until then, any Demi-Divine can just walk up and violate me?”

Arlois grunted, her expression hardening. She gestured to the surrounding room, her voice firm. “Right now, you’re in the center of my power. The center of my domain.”

Elania’s eyes narrowed, her gaze darting around the room. The walls seemed to pulse with an unseen energy at the mention, a tangible reminder of Arlois’ strength.

“You’re inside my tower,” Arlois continued, her tone almost dismissive. “I’ve had a long time to cement my protection and authority here.”

Elania’s jaw clenched, her teeth grinding together as she listened to Arlois’ words.

Arlois leaned forward, her eyes glinting with a dangerous light. “If the Sun-Emperor himself was where you sat, he would be at my mercy. I’d pluck his cherished orbs off myself and feed them to him before he could use them again.”

Elania’s eyes widened, a shiver running down her spine at the casual brutality of Arlois’ words. She watched as the other woman took a deep breath, seeming to calm slightly.

“It would be unlikely for any to hold you like I did,” Arlois added, her voice almost gentle. “And you would be able to fight back—at a massive disadvantage.”

The Tower met her gaze, her expression serious. “The conflict is as mental as it is a clash of divinity,” she said, her words heavy with meaning.

Elania slumped in her chair.

The fragile foundation she had built with Yolani felt like a house of cards, ready to crumble at the slightest breeze, now. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, and she blinked them away, refusing to show weakness in front of the other Demi-Divine.

Arlois’ gaze softened, and she rose from her seat, crossing the room to sit beside Elania.

It was impossible not to tense, her muscles coiling like springs ready to snap. Arlois placed a hand on Elania’s shoulder, a gesture meant to be comforting but only heightening her discomfort.

“You could flee,” Arlois said, her voice gentle. “Take the airships and go. It might be safer.”

Elania’s eyes slid to meet Arlois’, a flicker of anger sparking in their depths.

The trust she had placed in the older woman had been shattered, burned to ashes by the violation of her personal space. It wasn’t any different from the mistreatment Yolani had suffered at Ember’s hands.

Beneath the anger, a glimmer of understanding took root.

Arlois’ words echoed in her mind, the revelation of a dozen bastard children roaming the realms. The horrors the other woman must have endured, the scars she carried, both physical and emotional.

Elania swallowed hard, trying to reconcile the violence done to her with the grim reality Arlois had painted.

The older woman had been trying to terrify her, to make her understand the gravity of the situation.

Logically, Elania could understand it.

But emotionally, the betrayal cut deep.

She had started to think of Arlois as a friend, a mentor.

Someone she could trust and rely on in this strange new world.

But now, that trust lay shattered at her feet, the pieces too jagged to put back together.

Elania stood abruptly, shrugging off Arlois’ hand.

“We’re working on the Regalia,” she said, her voice tight with barely contained emotion. “Send the payment for the Guard to the estate. We’ll start preparing to assist the city.”

Without waiting for a response, Elania turned on her heel and strode out of the room, her footsteps echoing in the silence she left behind.