Within the cluttered chamber, lit by the glow of electrical bulbs and lamps, Aubrey peered over Thaddeus' shoulder as the Unhallowed automaton tinkered with the Luminal Projector in front of him.

Thaddeus hummed tunelessly to himself as he carefully removed the housing and exposed the arcane circuitry inside the device.

"How's it looking?" Aubrey prompted.

"'Tis indeed a curious contraption. Complex yet elegant. Masterfully constructed. Though 'tis a shame that this particular unit is incomplete. Much of its innards appear to have yet to undergo the initial calibration."

"So it doesn't work?" Aubrey prodded.

Thaddeus adjusted the device and traced the wiring with a delicate brass finger.

"Patience, fair mistress. Observe. While 'tis incomplete, the core components are functional. With but a mere tweaking and adjustment, the Luminal Projector should operate as intended."

Thaddeus rummaged through a nearby toolbox and selected a small screwdriver. He carefully unscrewed a panel and inspected the component inside. Aubrey watched as he poked and prodded the device, his nimble fingers navigating the complex tangle of wires and gears.

"See here. These components govern the projection and resonance. And this one generates the visual imagery. Intriguing. Very intriguing," the Unhallowed automaton murmured to himself.

"So you can fix it?" Aubrey prompted.

"Of course," Thaddeus replied. "Yet 'twill require the proper components and a bit of trial and error. But 'tis within the realm of possibility."

"Great. Once you fix it up and make sure it works, let me know. Be careful though. It's got some... special properties. Might mess with your head a bit," Aubrey warned.

"Verily. I shall exercise the utmost caution." Thaddeus resumed his tinkering.

Aubrey retreated and settled on the threadbare sofa in the corner of the chamber. Exhaustion tugged at her limbs and weighed her body. Despite the successful mission, the revelations she encountered still troubled her.

Julian Blackwell.

That name resurfaced in Aubrey's fractured memories. She recalled glimpses of a lavish party—laughter and polite chatter amongst the mingling guests and a tastefully decorated ballroom. The smell of rich perfume and cigar smoke. Expensive wine and exquisite food. Music playing in the background.

She had attended as a performer—playing the piano, singing, charming the guests, and entertaining the wealthy patrons. Julian had been there as well. A distinguished gentleman in a crisp tuxedo, his immaculate appearance and commanding presence drew the admiration of the guests.

He charmed the attendees effortlessly, regaling them with stories of his business exploits and promising the wonders of his new invention. Aubrey remembered his smile—polite and genuine. His voice—calming and reassuring. His promises—grand visions of a brighter future and a prosperous city.

Those visions sounded appealing. Aubrey had fallen for his honeyed words and ambitious dreams. Who wouldn't?

And yet the memory ended with a haze of confusion and uncertainty. Why was Julian involved in her murder? What did he gain from her death? And what did this device reveal about his ambitions?

Aubrey didn't have the answers. Not yet. But she would find them. And she would exact her revenge.

Lost in thought, Aubrey hadn't noticed Cedric enter the chamber. The gargoyle padded over and nudged her gently.

Aubrey stirred from her reverie and acknowledged his arrival.

"Welcome back." Cedric's wings unfurled as he stretched lazily. "Success?"

"Yeah." Aubrey motioned toward the Luminal Projector. "Thaddeus is working on fixing it. Hopefully, it'll shed some light on things."

"I see what you did there," Cedric quipped.

Aubrey chuckled despite herself and gave him a playful shove with her foot. "Shut it."

Cedric responded with a deep rumble, his tail swatting her leg.

"Anyway," Aubrey continued. "Thaddeus isn't done repairing it. But I wanted to talk with you about the posters I discovered at the factory."

Aubrey retrieved the stolen propaganda poster of herself and presented it to the gargoyle. Cedric leaned closer and scrutinized the illustration.

"You look different," Cedric remarked. Aubrey could detect a hint of amusement in his gravelly tone.

Oh, right. She hadn't mentioned the circumstances of her death yet. Only that she was murdered and had revived to exact vengeance. That simple explanation seemed to have been enough for her three flatmates—or... churchmates? Cathedral-mates?

Whatever. Technicalities.

"Yeah," Aubrey admitted. "My appearance changed a bit after the murder and resurrection."

Cedric raised a brow. Or at least mimicked the motion.

"Interesting," the gargoyle rumbled. "So the portraits depict how you appeared prior to your demise?"

"Yeah. But apparently, only my hair and eyes changed. Everything else remained the same," Aubrey clarified, although it wasn't entirely accurate. Her knockers grew a size or two. But mentioning that detail felt inappropriate.

Cedric tilted his head and studied the poster.

"Fascinating. Do these posters indicate a collaboration between the Blackwell Industry and the production of your musical endeavors?"

"Apparently. But there's more," Aubrey explained. "I found a ledger indicating a partnership. Blackwell paid for the venues and the sound equipment. Even sponsored the shows."

Speaking of ledgers...

Aubrey retrieved the book she stole from Julian's office and thumbed through the pages. Names and numbers lined the entries. Payments and transactions. Details about venue contracts and sponsorships.

Among the entries were annotations regarding audiences and surveys, the metrics and results noting reactions and opinions to her performances and lyrics. Other entries looked like personal notes: observations and commentary.

"Take a look at this." Aubrey showed Cedric the entries as she read them aloud.

 Entry Dated 4th of February 2236:

 Secured a meeting with Lady Aubrey. Remarkable talent, yet untapped potential. Proposal laid out for a series of performances across Mordenstradt, with specific emphasis on showcasing at the Phantom’s Opera House and Velvet Strand. Will require substantial investment in stagecraft and arcane-enhanced sound equipment to amplify her unique voice. Potential for broader influence is considerable. Must proceed with caution, ensuring control remains firm.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

 Entry Dated 12th of April 2236:

 Agreement finalized with Lady Aubrey for exclusive performances at Blackwell Venues. Generous stipend offered to ensure loyalty and exclusivity. Clause 4b inserted to mandate the use of Blackwell's patented sound amplification devices in all performances. This will serve as a dual purpose: enhancing her divine voice and testing the crowd's response to the underlying messages woven into the performance. Results thus far have exceeded expectations. Will monitor and analyze audience feedback. Noteworthy is the inclusion of a nondisclosure agreement, binding her silence on the specifics of our methods.

 Entry Dated 17th of June 2236:

 Promotional posters prepared and distributed. Initial reaction received considerable reception. Stagecraft and props finalized. Recording devices deployed to capture performances and collect data. Results encouraging. Audiences exhibit increased receptiveness to the embedded themes and messages. Additional clause included regarding the dissemination and display of Lady Aubrey promotional paraphernalia. Advertisements and posters will showcase Lady Aubrey and draw additional attendance to her performances.

 Entry Dated 6th of August 2236:

 Negotiations with key officials underway to incorporate our sound devices into public announcement systems. Promised them control over public sentiment in exchange for exclusive contracts. Lady Aubrey's rising popularity will mask our initial rollouts as mere technological advancements in entertainment.

 Entry Dated 23rd of September 2236:

 Tonight's experiment with the propaganda posters during Lady Aubrey's concert was a resounding success. The combination of her performance, enhanced by our Arcane Amplifiers, alongside the strategic distribution of our enchanted posters, resulted in an unprecedented level of audience receptivity. Preliminary reports indicate a marked increase in public support for Blackwell Industries' initiatives. This dual approach—aural and visual manipulation—holds significant promise for future endeavors. Plans are underway to expand this strategy to other sectors and events.

 Entry Dated 10th of October 2236:

 Growing concerns over Lady Aubrey's increasing awareness of her role within our arrangements. Her inquiries into the nature of the sound devices and the specific terms of her contract suggest a potential for rebellion. Measures must be taken to reinforce loyalty and dissuade any thoughts of defiance. Additional surveillance to be implemented, both during her performances and in her personal time. The balance between muse and marionette is delicate.

"Marionette..." Aubrey's blood boiled at the word.

So, Julian manipulated her. Used her voice and fame for his agenda. And tried to control her. Aubrey gripped the ledger tight. The urge to rip the book in half and tear Julian's smug face apart rose within her. She swore the temperature rose within the chamber.

"Calm yourself." Cedric rested a clawed hand over her shoulder.

Aubrey exhaled and forced a slow, deep breath, steadying her nerves. Revenge would come. But not until she uncovered the whole truth.

"Sorry. I'm alright. Just... frustrated. And pissed. Julian had a hand in my murder. Of that I'm sure. And it seems like he's involved in... something bigger. Something involving the city."

She flipped through the ledger. More payment logs and entries detailing her performances and venues. Nothing she didn't already gleam from her prior reading—until she arrived at the last entry.

Aubrey read it silently to herself:

 Entry Dated 11th of February 2237:

 In light of recent developments and Lady Aubrey's continued expressions of discontent and resistance, a contingency plan has been initiated. Should she prove too recalcitrant or become a liability, measures are in place to ensure the cessation of her involvement in our projects. Her disappearance would be regrettable but necessary; the creation of a martyr could serve to further our narratives of unity and progress under Blackwell leadership. Preparations for a potential successor are underway, one more amenable to our direction and control. The narrative of Lady Aubrey, while powerful, is ultimately replaceable.

She slammed the book shut and tossed it aside. Bastard.

Aubrey stormed and paced through the chamber. The urge to punch something—preferably Julian's condescending face—boiled within her.

"Fuck!"

Cedric approached and nudged her again.

"Deep breaths," the gargoyle rumbled.

Aubrey halted her pacing and exhaled. Deep breaths. Right. She did that. In and out. In and out...

It wasn't working.

"Arrogant fucking bastard," Aubrey hissed. "Using me and tossing me aside like a goddamn puppet. Making plans to fucking assassinate me. Asshole. Fucking asshole!"

Cedric didn't respond, opting to stand quietly. Aubrey appreciated the gesture.

"Dammit. Fuck him. Fuck! Him!!"

"Indeed. Yet 'twould do ye no good to fret," Thaddeus chimed in as he continued tinkering with the Luminal Projector. "Though the machinations of thine adversary are undoubtedly abhorrent and despicable, dwelling on such details will yield naught but frustration and misery."

"Easier said than done, Thaddy." Aubrey slumped into the couch and buried her face in her palms.

"True. Yet, would ye permit my suggestion? Engage in a distraction. Practice thy craft. Such activities will prove a beneficial distraction and ease thy ire."

Hmm. Aubrey pondered the automaton's advice. Singing and performing always brought her comfort and clarity. And practice never hurt anyone.

The door creaked open and Liza's silhouette peeked from the threshold. She timidly entered and paused a few steps from Aubrey.

"Uhm... Is... everything okay?" Liza asked softly, her hands twisting the hem of her black sundress nervously. "I heard... you yelling."

"Hey Liza. Sorry. I'm... alright. Just dealing with some... frustrations." Aubrey rubbed her temples.

"Okay..." Liza glanced around the chamber hesitantly. Aubrey took the cue.

"Say Liza, Thaddy suggested practicing to take my mind off things. Mind lending me a tune? Maybe play a duet together?" Aubrey prompted. Perhaps spending time bonding with her bandmates would help soothe her mood.

Liza blushed and her violet eyes widened. "Uhm... I have... free time. Yes... Uhmm... Duet sounds... nice. Together."

So cute!

"Alright! Let's jam!" Aubrey rose from the couch and grabbed Liza's hand before leading her upstairs.

----------------------------------------

Cedric watched them depart and padded over to Thaddeus' workbench. The Unhallowed automaton continued his tinkering, his metal fingers delicately manipulating the Luminal Projector's inner workings.

"Progress?" Cedric rumbled.

Thaddeus paused his task and examined the device. Several components had been removed and arranged neatly on the table.

"Verily. Alignment and tuning achieved. Further adjustments required. Yet 'twill prove a manageable challenge," Thaddeus appraised, returning to his adjustments.

Cedric rumbled an acknowledgment and padded to the center of the chamber.

"What do you think of Aubrey," he asked.

Thaddeus paused and swiveled his head to meet Cedric's gaze. The Unhallowed automaton contemplated a moment before responding.

"Aubrey is... an intriguing individual," Thaddeus articulated. "Her demeanor and colloquialism are vastly dissimilar from any other persons previously encountered. Though her disposition displays considerable impulsivity and obstinance, her intent and motives appear sincere. Verily, a most unusual yet fascinating phenomenon. Would agree?"

"She does strike me as someone born outside Mordenstradt, perhaps even outside this country. She possesses a... foreign perspective. And attitude."

"Indeed." Thaddeus resumed his adjustments. "Such is evident in the content and lyrics of her compositions. Numerous references and metaphors unfamiliar to the local vernacular. Though puzzling and unconventional, their meanings nonetheless convey a coherent and poignant message. Quite remarkable. Indeed."

Cedric nodded his understanding. His ears picked up the faint echo of Aubrey's melodic voice resonating from above. Good. Perhaps practice would alleviate her stress and anger. She deserved some respite.

Cedric settled near the workbench and contemplated his role within their unusual arrangement. Originally a protector of the cathedral, he had since sworn to be Aubrey's retainer and member of the Unhallowed Harmony.

Yet despite his oath and Aubrey's acceptance into the cathedral, a lingering question loomed in his mind: what was her connection to the Sovereign Incantatrix?

Only those chosen by the faith could hold Hellion's Cry. And yet, the divine instrument chose her willingly. Why?

Cedric mused on the possibilities. Perhaps a visit to the cathedral's library would shed light on his concerns.

Resolved on his course of action, Cedric excused himself and departed the chamber, leaving Thaddeus to his tinkering.

Upstairs, Aubrey and Liza's melodies joined and harmonized, a medley of violin and vocals. Their voices flowed through the cathedral and drifted through the cavernous passageways and hallways.

Perhaps Cedric would join later. Songs proved therapeutic and comforting. Perhaps their melody would ease Aubrey's ire.