Within the central square of Verdant Hamlet, a small group of people had gathered. Each taking turns arranging flowers, gifts, and trinkets on several newly erected stones at the front of the main platform.

The Hamlet had all agreed to place the headstones of the dead children in the center square so everyone could remember them.

As the last person gently set a bundle of purple flowers on one of the simple stones, they all paused, taking a moment of silence.

Somberly, people began to pack up their things and leave. As people started to shuffle out of center square, a high-pitched cry resounded from the sky.

Everyone swiftly looked up, their eyes honing in on a rapidly expanding shape on the horizon. A massive vulture-like creature soared forward. Its wingspan 40 feet across, its claws jagged and vibrant red, and its beak chipped and serrated. On top of its head, a crystalized blood-red crown lay.

As it dove down, its wings tucking to its sides, the people below screamed and panicked, each running for the nearest piece of cover.

Unfurling its great wingspan once again, the creature's velocity sharply dropped. Flapping twice, stirring up a massive gust of wind and dirt, the creature landed within the Hamlet square.

Now grounded, the mighty Vulture lowered its body and extended its right wing. Coming into view, a trio—one woman and two men—stepped off the bird.

The two men were middle-aged, their hair gray. One wore a combat suit, his vitals covered with dark red leather. On his back was a gray spear mounted with a dark green tip, emitting a sickly green glow. On his chest lay a simple crest of a straight-horned goat.

The other man followed suit. He wore a light green robe with four silver ripples adorning his chest. On the opposite side, a thornberry bush crest lay.

As he stepped down from the Vulture's wings, he casually glanced at the panicked inhabitant, reveling in their fear.

The last to step down from the Vulture was a brown-haired young woman. She looked 14 years old and was adorned in silver battle armor, wearing a similar goat crest on her chest. At her hip, a simple two-handed sword sheathed.

The robed man extended his hand as she approached the edge of the Vulture's wing.

Taking his hand, gracefully stepped down from the beast. Glancing at the inhabitants of the Hamlet, who were now peeking out of their homes, she shook her head.

The robed man quickly redirected her attention. "This way, Miss Juliet, we must meet with the mayor of these peasants before the spider flees."

She nodded, her brows scowling in slight disgust. "Yes, guide us, Bartholomew."

Bartholomew quickly led the way, walking toward a building slightly larger than the rest. As they walked, Juliet continued to scan the surroundings. Discovering the graves, her face fell.

It looked like they had interrupted a funeral of sorts. Juliet closed her eyes and looked away. With a sigh, she continued to march forward, following closely behind Bartholomew.

As Juliet's bodyguard fell into place, marching in her shadow, he looked to his left. Glancing down the empty dirt road of the Hamlet, his gaze met that of an old woman standing on a simple wooden porch. Even with the distance between them, she stared straight into his eyes, a look of warning emanating within.

Taking the hint, the guard grunted. Nodding towards Kiera, he spoke up. "Lady Juliet, we must not overstay our welcome."

Juliet glanced back at the guard, her brows raised, "If you insist, Feklor."

Feklor nodded, glancing back at Kiera. He was met with the same warning. Sighing, he continued scanning for threats. He really hoped this would be a manageable mission.

It didn't take long before Bartholomew brought them into a simple wooden building. Stepping inside, they were greeted by Sola, who quickly called for Cain.

Cain scrambled out of his room, his forehead beading with sweat, "I am so sorry we were not informed of your arrival."

Cain extended his hand in greeting, but none of the guests returned the gesture. Awkwardly pulling his hand back, he waited for their command.

Juliet waved her hand, attempting to dismiss Cain's concern. "We are here for the spider, nothing more, nothing less. Bring us someone who knows its location within the hour."

Cain bowed, turning to Sola, "Take care of our guest's while I am away."

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Sola's eyes widened, glancing at the three intimidating prescences. She looked back at Cain, her eyes pleading for him to stay.

Cain waved goodbye, ignoring her plea. Darting out the door, he sprinted down the road.

10 minutes later, Cain returned with Jerimiah in tow. Both huffing and puffing, out of breath.

"This is Jerimiah. He personally fought the creature you are after. He has agreed to lead you to its last known location." Cain introduced between breaths.

Jerimiah half-bowed, placing his right hand on his chest and left on his stomach.

Scanning Jerimiah, Juliet nodded in approval, "Good, take us there now."

Jerimiah, not daring to disobey a noble, waved them forward, dashing into the forest. Following close behind, Bartholomew, Juliet, and Feklor shadowed.

They arrived at the cave entrance in record time. Most of the webs surrounding the cave had now been occupied by several hundred spiders, each unmoving and patiently waiting at the center of their webs.

Stepping into the cave, darkness engulfed them but was quickly combated by a bright artificial light emanating from a ring on Feklor's finger, illuminating the stone walls. The jagged rocks casting numerous shadows on the walls.

They silently walked down the cave and encountered the underground river. Following it further, surrounded by the noise of flowing water, they finally came across the spider's original cavern.

Peeking inside, Bartholomew closed his eyes, pointing 3 fingers into the darkness. Momentarily, fire began to stream out of his hand, collecting into a perfect sphere before him.

Opening his eyes, he waved his hand. The sphere of fire gently flew through the air, situating itself at the exact center of the cavern.

The darkness receded, revealing a wet but empty space. No spiders remained. Feklor gazed at the cave entrance on the opposite side of the cavern.

"I can feel a weak presence coming from that cave." He spoke, his words clearly aimed at Juliet: "Shall we continue, Lady Juliet?"

Juliet nodded, a look of odd anticipation on her face.

Jerimiah shrugged. Using his Affinity, he created a set of steps lining the cavern wall. They descended into the cavern. As they walked, they passed by several stones stained dark red.

Jerimiah forced himself to look away, his face forming into a scowl. Shaking his head, he continued to lead the trio deeper and deeper.

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That night, Jule was buzzing with energy. She practically bounced up and down, her black hair somehow frizzy and matted from laying in bed all day.

Sitting at the dining room table, she glanced at the front door every few seconds. Her freckled face and brown eyes full of anticipation.

As the sun set, Eliza opened the door, Rue following close behind. Jule bore holes into Rue the moment he stepped inside, using every ounce of energy she conceivably to hold her tongue.

As they ate dinner that night, Jule's staring did not lessen. Matter of fact, if it were to intensify, she might develop the ability to shoot lasers from her eyes.

Rue couldnt help but glance back at her, a bit of helplessness etched on his face. 'Can she not be any more tactful?' Rue couldn't help but think. Ever since he had stepped into the house, she had not taken her eyes off him. It was almost like she was ensuring he wouldn't disappear into oblivion.

Eliza pretended not to notice. Coughing, she decided to address the lack of Jerimiah's presence. "Your Father had been urgently called for by some noble, so he won't be present for another day or so."

Rue scowled. He hadn't met any noblemen yet, but when he left Kiera's home earlier today, he caught a glimpse of their ride. Such a massive creature had to be powerful. "What did they want with him?" He asked

Eliza looked at Rue with a strange look, one nearing concern, "They went to search for the spider. Hopefully, they will successfully kill the creature this time."

Gabe shivered at the mention of the spider. His eyes turned red and watery. Noticing Gabe's discomfort, Eliza comforted the little boy.

Eliza distracted; Rue turned and glared at Jule. As they made eye contact, Jule's eye's widened and her eyebrows raised. Making an "O" with her mouth, she quickly diverted her gaze, staring at the chunk of meat on her plate, poking it with her fork.

When Eliza redirected her attention back to Jule and Rue, she found Jule awkwardly poking at her porkchop.

"Are you okay, honey?"

Jule swiftly looked at Eliza, then back at Rue, then back at Eliza. She stuttered, "Ye-s, ever-ything... is perfect-ly okay..."

Eliza slowly nodded, her gaze locked on Jule. "Okay, honey, if you need anything, just let me know." She said, patting Jule on the head.

Jule couldn't help but smile, turning to look at her mom, "Thanks, Mom!"

After dinner, when the candles were pinched out and darkness enveloped the room, Jule snuck out of bed.

She crouched and shuffled over to Rue. Poking her head above his mattress, she nudged him awake, "Rue, Rue, Rue, Rue, Rue. Help me awaken! Pleaseeeeee."

Lazily turning over, Rue stared deeply at Jule. His eyelids heavy and face droopy, clearly tired. Shimmying out of bed, Rue scrunched his nose and closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he looked back at Jule.

"Okay." Pausing, he silently stood. Thinking of his game plan, he settled for the most simple. He wanted her to believe they had tried, maybe telling her she just had to get older after she failed.

Hopefully, she would come back to reality. Even if he had awakened at such a young age, it didn't mean she could as well. After all, when the awakening ceremony happened, only a quarter of the individuals successfully awakened, not to mention how unique his situation was.

"Follow me." Rue motioned, stealthily crouching across the living room, before stepping out the back door. Sneaking out into the backyard, they hid behind a young apple tree; Jule stared at Rue. "Okay, what next?"

Rue pursed his lips, glancing at the stars. Watching as two moons rose into the night sky, "To awaken, you must..." Trying to devise a believable lie, he directed his gaze back toward Jule, "Feel the energy bouncing off the moons. Uhhh, feel their power and direct your attention to where they collide."

Jule listened attentively, her brows furrowed with intense focus. "So I have to feel the moon's energy?"

Shrugging, Rue just nodded his head. He didn't really know what he was doing.

Evidently understanding something, Jule sat cross-legged. She leaned against the young apple tree with her eyes closed. Intertwining her fingers, she placed her hands in her lap.

Deciding he had done enough, Rue got up and left. Snuggling back into his bed, he closed his eyes. Dozing off to sleep, his consciousness began to slip, sleep overtaking his body. But before he could, an explosion of energy flew through the home, rippling through the surrounding Aether.

Rue opened his eyes wide and stared at the backdoor. Jule stepped in, a big smile plastered on her face, "I did it!"