“What?” Selerim stared at Viria, dumbstruck. It was hard to believe the words she’d just uttered, but her tone left little room for doubt.

“This is what it means to us,” the elf said softly. She took a step after the leader– Vanis. “My word has no value, so my life is collateral.”

Selerim followed just a pace behind her. The remaining elves parted to let them through. He found himself searching for Valandor as they passed; but even without peering under their hoods, he knew it was pointless. None shared the scarred elf’s build. The thought gave him some sense of relief, then quickly gave way to annoyance. Why do I care?

“I don’t see Valandor,” Viria said quietly. Her eyes flicked to his empty hands. “You had a piece of paper. Did you do what you needed to?”

The letter he’d hastily scribbled suddenly felt like a stone in his pocket. “No.” Selerim kept his voice just low enough for her to hear. “I still need to give it to Nyx. Do you think it’s safe?”

Viria’s eyes returned to Vanis’ back. “I wouldn’t do it around her.”

“Because she’s a mage?”

She nodded. “And a much greater one than both my uncle and I.”

Selerim felt his emotions tighten as he followed her eyes. It was part anger, part fascination, part blind hatred. Magic. The mysterious power that destroyed his home. He’d watched a single mage cut down dozens with the wave of a hand.

“And,” Viria added, “I think I recognize her.”

“The mage?”

She nodded.

“... Do you think she’ll try something?”

“Not with this many people.” The elf hesitated. “This feels strange, though.”

“What do you mean?”

“My uncle always seemed to fear something more insidious. Not….” she gestured with one hand “... this.”

“If you say so,” Selerim said softly. It was hard to wrap his head around the the turn of events. “What do you think changed?”

“There’s too much that I don’t know. It could be any number of things.” Viria paused. “It could be that Valandor’s presence complicated things. He is a member of the military, after all. And it would explain his absence.” Guilt crept into her voice. “I hope we didn’t cause them too much trouble.”

Before Selerim could respond, she stopped walking. Up ahead, Vanis turned to face them, one hand held out. “Your bracelet, please.” He saw Viria stiffen, but she strode forward without another word.

She raised one sleeve, pulling her bracelet loose after a moment of concentration. Viria handed it to the other elf in silence. A blue glow enveloped Vanis’ hand as she slipped it on. A moment later, Vane’s sword appeared in her hand. “Your uncle’s sword,” she said. Her voice was grim. “I’ll be confiscating this. It will be returned in the unlikely event of your innocence.” It vanished again.

Selerim could practically feel his blood boil. It was Vane’s weapon– and he’d given it to Viria. He might not understand why, but he understood the sentiment behind it. Vanis had no right to violate it. Acting entirely on instict, he took a step forward–

“Selerim.”

– Only to be stopped by an outstretched arm. Viria’s. Her hand was trembling, her voice barely audible. My life is collateral. Vanis stood behind her, one eyebrow raised. As if taunting him. Daring him to do something.

Selerim took a deep breath and closed his eyes, reaching for the indifference Corvus instilled in him. It came slowly, dulling his anger and cooling his blood. When he looked again, Vanis’ face had donned a mask of impassivity once more.

“I was told both of you were in possession of one,” the mage said flatly. “I must ask you to turn over yours, as well.”

Selerim nodded, but before he could step forward, Viria turned to her.

“No.” Her voice was icy. “My uncle wanted him to have it. That means something. Say what you will about me– perhaps I deserve it– but I’ll not allow you to disparage my uncle’s name. Not while I still draw breath.” There was a cold fury beneath her even voice that he’d never heard before.

Vanis, for her part, seemed momentarily taken aback. She recovered quickly, curling her lips into a cruel sneer. “You mean the uncle that you killed?”

Selerim could practically see Viria break. Her shoulders slumped as her dead dropped, and the trembling spread over her entire body. The rage he’d stifled moments ago came roaring back, threatening to take control.

Instead, he stepped forward, one arm outstretched. The one that wore Vane’s bracelet. He right at Vanis, unblinking. “Then take it,” he said, careful to keep his voice completely neutral.

The mage looked down at his wrist for a moment, then back to Viria. “Keep it,” she said flatly. “It doesn’t matter.” Vanis turned back around; her robes whipped through the air behind her. “You’ll be traveling with us for a few days. We’ll figure out what to do with both of you after we arrive.” Her companions hurried to follow as she strode off.

Selerim turned to Viria. “Are you okay?” He asked. She shook her head without so much as looking up. Just as he was about to say something more, Vanis’ voice cut in. “You need to follow close behind.

“We should go,” Viria murmured as she stepped to follow.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, trailing behind the larger party.

“You shouldn’t do that,” Selerim said finally.

“What do you mean?”

“The bracelet.”

“I had to.” Her voice turned forceful. “My uncle’s dying wish is more important.”

Selerim stopped in his tracks. “Do you really believe that?” He asked incredulously. Viria nodded in response. “Why?”

She stopped just a few steps ahead. “Why wouldn’t I?” Her voice trembled. “I tried to kill my sister. It might not have been my fault, but Vane died because of me. Because I…” Viria trailed off, failing to find the proper words. “I may as well have killed him.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Selerim said quietly. “We die in Umbra, too. And your uncle wanted you to live. He died trying to save you.”

Viria looked up. Her emerald-green eyes were bright with tears. “I know,” she said hoarsely. “And that makes it all the worse.” And she turned away without another word.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Selerim turned to follow, and then hesitated. He glanced behind them, reaching into his pocket and dropping something onto the ground. A small, crumpled up piece of paper. Cupping one hand over his mouth, he whistled once. It hardly made a sound.

image [https://i.imgur.com/T7fdvjj.png]

Nyx waited until the strangers were far out of sight. It was easy enough; though there were less shadows here, but they responded to her will all the same, wrapping her in a veil of darkness. She trembled, remembering the power of the Different One.

No matter.

He was counting on her.

She dove into the darkness, relishing how it streamed through her feathers and caressed her skin. It was her home, after all.

It didn’t take Nyx long to find what He had left behind. It was small, white, and dirty, but there was no doubt in her mind. It was something imoportant. Scooping it up in her beak, she gently placed it in the pouch strung to her leg.

The shadows streamed around her as she spread her wings once more, diving into their murky, ethereal embrace.

image [https://i.imgur.com/T7fdvjj.png]

Behind Selerim, Viria’s breathing slowed to a steady, rhythmic, pattern. He was sure she wasn’t actually asleep– normally she slept later– but she’d laid down as soon as possible, citing fatigue.

With a sigh, he turned to look at the elf. Her back was turned to him, leaving only her pale green hair visible. The tortured expression she’d worn in the day was permanently burned into his mind– as was her tear-streaked face.

Vanis, he thought darkly. The mere thought of the mage was angering. She’d spoken so cruelly– unnecessarily so. Is that what’s bothering me? Selerim wondered, then shook his head. No. He knew it wasn’t. There was something more to it.

Even though the other elves had hardly said anything, he could feel it, just barely contained. A disdain of some sort– as if Viria had committed the gravest of sins. But what? He thought, frustrated. Everything that he’d seen of the elf so far painted the complete opposite picture. There was a darkness around her, but the person herself was warm and caring. So why?

Sighing, Selerim looked up at the sky. The stars above were brighter than he’d ever seen. I wish Senri was here to see them. She’d always loved the stars. He’d always preferred the darkness. He grimaced. “What would you do?”

For some reason, Vane’s words came back to him.

Burn it all down. Selerim looked back at Viria. Is this why he told me that? He wished Vane had told him more, but…

Just act.

He rose uncertainly to his feet. Viria stirred behind him, but the hollow paid it no mind. Vanis and her companions had set up nearby. Every step was more certain than the one before.

The gathered elves all looked up as he stepped into their camp. Their hoods were down, now, revealing their green hair and eyes. Valandor– and his squad– were nowhere to be seen.

The closest rose to face him. “What is it?” His voice was uncertain.

Selerim stayed quiet for a moment as he looked across their makeshift camp. There. Vanis was present but had forsaken her robes. Turning on his heel, he made towards her–

“Hey.”

– but another elf rose to block his path. “What do you want?”

Selerim looked past him, towards Vanis. The corners of her lips were drawn into a flat smile. His anger rose again, and instead of stifling it, he embraced it. Twisting his hips, the hollow lashed out and struck the standing elf.

There was a distinct crack as his fist collided with their torso. The elf’s body seemed to jump up ever so slightly– and then crashed down to the ground. Selerim planted his foot on the fallen elf’s stomach as they coughed and wheezed. Blood accompanied their pained gasps, darkening the forest floor.

A shocked silence spread across the remaining elves. Before any could gather their wits, Selerim dug his heel down and held Verad’s sword to their throat. The other standing elf was the first to react. “You–”

Selerim let his hand waver, and the weapon’s tip drew a trickle of blood. The fallen elf froze mid-cough. “Stop.” The hollow’s voice was low and dangerous. “Or I’ll kill him.”

“So what if you do?” Vanis asked. There was a mocking tone to her voice. “With this, you’ve already signed her death warrant. You assaulted someone. There are witnesses. That’s all that matters.”

Selerim tilted his head. “Is that what you think?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“You know what I am, right?”

A moment of uncertainty flitted across Vanis’ face. “A hollow,” she answered tentatively.

He nodded. “You know we supply your kingdom with Hearts?”

The mage nodded slowly.

“If anything– anything at all,” Selerim stressed the words, “happens to either of us, you’ll never receive another Heart from us again." He fell silent, giving his words a moment to sink in. Vanis’ expression changed rapidly. To outrage, then disbelief, and then finally– fear.

“You’re bluffing. You can’t possibly have sent a message from here.” In spite of those words, her voice cracked, and she flinched as Selerim bared his teeth.

“Is that a risk you want to take?” He snarled. "I’ve seen what the darkness does to your people. Especially mages.” Selerim spat the last word out. "It’s not pretty. And where do you think all those Hearts will go?” Vanis stiffened.

“... Fine.’” The word was filled with venom, but the look in her eyes was defeated. “But I have no say in how the trial goes.”

Selerim nodded, stepping back onto the ground and withdrawing his sword.

“Wait.” A voice called out to him. Vanis’.

“Why are you doing all of this for an exile?” For once, there was no blatant hostility in her voice. He looked at her– and then laughed. Shame and anger spread over her face, but Selerim spoke before she could.

“Because she’s proven that I can trust her. What have you done, other than hurt and insult someone I care about? And,” he added. “Don’t even think about trying anything while she’s asleep. I'll see you before you see me."

image [https://i.imgur.com/T7fdvjj.png]

Viria woke the next morning with Vanis’s words ringing in her ears. You mean the uncle that you killed? She squeezed her eyes closed again and covered her ears, but it did nothing to stop the torment.

It’s true, after all. Even if she hadn’t directly killed Vane, they were there because of her.

Because she tried to kill Veile.

And her uncle was dead because of it.

Maybe this is what I deserve. Viria sighed. In truth, she was running out of reasons to keep going. Vane’s death was hard enough, and now that the blame was laid squarely on her shoulders… She sighed again. But they’re right.

And that simple fact hurt most of all.

Sitting up, she saw Selerim seated just in front of her. His pose no longer struck her as odd but still made her skin crawl.

“Selerim,” she said gently, reaching out to him. “You need to sleep.”

“It’s just a few days,” he said hoarsely. “I’ll be fine.”

Viria sighed, certain that nothing she could say would convince him. “Alright.” As she stood, she instinctively threaded essence through her bracelet– and stopped as she realized its absence. “Let me see your bracelet.”

Selerim proffered his wrist without question, and their bedding winked out of existence. “Let’s get ready to move.” The other elves were already packing up.

“Viria.”

As she stepped past him, Selerim spoke her name. There was something different about his voice– it was tentative and probing.

“Yes?” Viria asked,

“His death wasn’t your fault.”

Her heart pounded at those words. She wanted more than anything to believe them, but…

“It was.” Viria smiled sadly. “But thank you.”