“Are we certain it’s a box and not a fancy piece of metal used in ritual magic?” Zerine wondered.

After finishing unloading her loot, Zerine, Sashi, and Bernard were in Bernard’s lab inspecting the strange box. Bernard raised an eyebrow at Zerine. He rapped his knuckles on the box and a hollow metallic sound rung out.

“Ah,” Zerine said, a little embarrassed.

“There are similar cases used for transportation,” Sashi said thoughtfully. She was inspecting a side of the case.

“They are common, but this one…” Bernard trailed and shrugged.

“Either it was stolen from an Iridesium-rank. Or it was made by one and smuggled,” Sashi said.

“Has mom found anything after researching the crew?” Zerine wondered.

“No, from what she and your father have discovered, the ship went down during the mana storm. It originated from the wastelands. Only one lifeboat full of crew was recovered and they were questioned under truth spells which found nothing. Then, out of the items you had gathered, none hinted towards the cargo,” Sashi said, now holding the box upside down and inspecting the runes etched there.

“So we are keeping this hidden, then,” Zerine said, eyeing the box with renewed interest.

“Oh, yes. If we sent out word we recovered this, it might bring down some Iridesium-rankers or a political mess down on our heads. Or another group of assassins. It’s best we discover what it contains so that we know what we just step into. Although the queen has been made aware of this discovery, not all the details, but enough where she agrees to keep hidden for now,” Bernard said.

“With the lengths they went to conceal and transport, this is going to be trouble,” Sashi said, more to herself than the others.

Zerine raised an eyebrow. “And what happens when we open it?”

“I’ll make a room to contain anything that would alert anyone to its opening. There are only so many things that come to mind that would be worth such secrecy. And I want to make this my priority before I ascend while keeping an eye on…items,” Sashi said.

Zerine glanced up from the box. Most likely, Sashi was keeping an eye on the border of the Great Forest and Esteron. Iridesium-rank abilities were so far beyond her that she might as well be an ant trying to understand the cosmos. Her attention went back to the box. If Sashi was going to make this her priority, then Zerine would help. Who knows, working on this project might help them get closer. At the very least, it would help them spend more time together, something Zerine desperately wanted. She had a few reasons for that. Foremost was that Sashi was family that didn’t treat her like she was the lowliest of beggars. Something to be discarded and ignored. The other reasons were based on her being a Mystic and, of course, her rank.

“Can I have a copy of the runes?” Zerine wondered.

“Yes, I’ll make some sheets of paper for you to look over,” Bernard said.

“I probably should have asked this earlier, but the runes are part of the process to open it, right?” Zerine asked, a little embarrassed.

“Yes, but only part of it. One thing I noticed this time is how perfectly someone made it. Creating something on this level was lost before I was even born. I also can't find any evidence of anyone opening it. These types of boxes usually have signs of being reused, which I can’t find anywhere, either with its magic, runes, or materials. All these pieces lead me to believe this was an artifact found. I doubt it has ever been opened, if that is the case…” she trailed off, clearly thinking for a moment, then shock her head. “There are too many possibilities. But if it’s not, then we are talking about an ascendent losing an item of theirs because no one on our planet can create such a thing anymore,” Sashi said.

“If it came from the Wastelands, then it might be from before the mana disaster there,” Bernard said excitedly.

Zerine thought back to the history of the Askavindur continent. The wastelands made up about half the continent and were home to some of the most dangerous creatures on the planet. There are ruins of a great civilization that had been there long before the first empress created the empire that spanned it and the Heartstone continent. Several ruins were under guard because of writings passed through generations about ancient powers that could be unleashed. There were estivation sights all over the wastelands that this box could have come from. Someone was part of the magic guild’s ongoing research, while others were just trying to loot whatever of value they could.

“There you are Zerine, it’s rehabilitation training time,” Zara said, leaning against the open door. Her cat tail swishing behind her.

“Your back!” Zerine said and ran to Zera, who grinned, embracing Zerine.

“Yeah, I’m back and fought those Metal Heads that evidently you saw as well. The first thing I was forced to do was sit and watch your trial. Gods Zerine, punching a C-rank,” she said, squeezing Zerine.

“Well, most of my weapons kinda got destroyed, so what else could I use? I wasn’t going to headbutt that thing. Although I won’t deny having that thought go through my head.”

Zara laughed. She pulled away, but left both her hands on Zerine’s shoulders, while looking her over. “You’re insane, you know that?”

Zerine shrugged, grinning. “I got that from you and my family. So, you have to take some responsibility.”

Bernard chuckled behind them while Zara grinned.

“Hmm, you may be right about that. But let’s get you back in tip-top shape before you go off with the fairies and dragons,” Zara said, patting Zerine’s shoulders.

“And dragons?” Zerine wondered.

“I’ll let your folks explain that. Although they may be a bit distracted since Naro is going to be starting too officially-”

“You know about that?" Zerine interrupted. "Am I the only one that learned about it this week?” she asked as they headed down the hall after giving Sashi and Bernard a wave.

“Shara was my informant, so I knew before everyone. But come on, tell my what you thought about the test and where you think we can focus on filling in any gaps,” Zara said.

***

Zerine was resting after a run in the dimensional training space when Varino drifted over on a cloud. The spirit was lying on the cloud, panting.

“It’s nice to have regular training again,” Zerine commented, teasing the spirit, but actually she was just happy to be back home and moving around again.

Varino rolled on to her back, sighing as she did.

Zerine chuckled. “Di-”

“Zerine!” Neil called. He ran up to them with a sheen of sweet from whatever training he had been up to.

“Hey, what’s up?” Zerine wondered. Varino sill laying on her back gave Neil a wave before her hand flopped back down.

“Tough training today, huh, Varino?” he wondered with a grin.

The spirit burble tiredly, he glanced to Zerine.

“Sashi and my mom worked with her. But what you were up to?”

“Just finished that awful climbing obstacle course. I fell so many times I lost count. But I finished it, and now I have to do the harder version, if tis even possible,” he replied.

“So, are you here to drag us off to mor training or?”

“Oooh, no, they said they will come get you when you're ready. Zara and Markilo will work on some stuff with you. But I wanted to talk to you about news I heard from Naro,” Neil said, sitting next to Zerine.

Varino gave a tired cheer, then whistled as her cloud drifted down till the spirt rested in Zerine’s lap.

“She said to spill it,” Zerine said, playing with Varino’s drifting hair.

“Well, Naro last night brought up about officially courting. Your parents and that of his love interest were already discussing plans, so she will be moving to the compound for a year, then he will do the same at her household, as tradition dictates. That was the plan, but…” Neil trailed off and hesitated.

“Just spit it out. What did Naro deflower a noble lady?” Zerine joked, Neil’s eyebrows shot up, but he didn't say anything. “Gods if her really-"

“No, no! He’s almost fourteen by the gods. I don’t think he even thinks about such things…yet.” Zerine gave Neil a flat look as if to say, “I know boys, and you all have those thoughts.”

“Or maybe he does. But they kinda…well what they did was…”

Now Varino complained with a loud splashing sound. Neil didn’t need it translated because he blurted out his next words so fast Zerine had to think for a second.

“They formed soul bond!”

“They WHAT!” Zerine nearly shouted. Varino cheeped in alarm, sitting up quickly, but settled when Zerine started braiding her hair.

“Not a union bond, but a full-blown lover bond,” Neil said.

“Neil, is that the real name or a slang name given to it? Because I only know of the ones for summoning, bonding a familiar, and becoming a dragon rider,” Zerine said.

“Umm,” he fidgeted for a moment. “You had that talk already, right?” he awkwardly asked.

Zerine started at him till she figured out what he meant and snorted a laugh. “Yes, but the soul bond? They didn’t do it to form one.”

“No, what they were doing was that flowing magic between one another thing,” Neil said, still awkwardly fidgeting, not meeting her gaze.

Varino burbled a question.

“Great question. What the hell does that even mean? Isn’t that what a healer does?”

“No healers check the body and the metaphysical channels we get as we advance,” he said, giving Zerine a look, saying that she should really know this. “What the process needs is both people having extremely compatible mana. My dad describes it as a frequency of sorts. Those that have compatible mana have frequencies that complements one another, and it flows freely between the two. Then it forms a sort of equilibrium with each other’s mana in their metaphysical channels. It’s really intimate from what my dad told me. They just took the next step and formed a soul bond from there.”

Zerine and Varino had the exact same expression. Wide eyes and mouths partly open in absolute shock.

“H-how did that even happen?” Zerine wondered.

Neil sighed. “I’ll tell you what I heard, but I don’t know everything. Naro got hurt…”

“Wait, he got hurt!? How? When?”

“They were walking along the beach when some monsters came out of the forest. He got hurt while fighting and she healed him. And her healing led to them doing that and forming a soul bond.”

“Really? He has magic and gets hurt fighting monsters?” Zerine said, raising an eyebrow.

“There were twelve of them. We all can’t fight with a ball and chain flying around us while simultaneous fighting multiple monsters at once, which brings me to a very important question: how do you do that?” he wondered, folding his arms. “Also, he protected his love and got hurt because of that.”

“I…” she fidgeted under his gaze. “I worked hard to make it so I could control the ball and chain with willpower while fighting. But you all have magic and should, at E-rank, start out passing me with physical attributes, which includes reaction time and awareness.”

“Zerine,” Neil sighed. “Peak E-ranks will, but we are all years away from that. And you’re kinda scary to fight against. You probably noticed none of us spar with you when the match is without magic. You are always aware of the world around you and somehow react, so gods cursed quickly. It’s incredible, but Naro is younger than you and hasn’t fought a horde of Metal Heads. And as for his lover…” Again, he tiptoed around saying the name, which was starting to annoy Zerine. “She froze up in surprise, which is a normal reaction.”

“Literally ten minutes into my trial, I fought a frog squid thing. You always have to be prepared for anything when your outside of cities.”

“Again, you're kinda an oddity. I froze up the first time I fought a monster. Luckily, my dad was there to kick me into action.”

Zerine frowned, but thought for a moment. “I guess those weren’t the first monsters I fought. I actually saw some, while with Terri and the others. Varino was I afraid then? I don’t really remember,” Zerine wondered.

Varino thought for a moment, then whistled and chimed.

“Alright, a little frightened, but didn’t freeze up. Hmm, is there something wrong with me?”

“No, nothing is wrong with you. Your just…you,” Neil said, shaking his head, smiling.

“When I met the dragons for the first time, I was terrified, but didn’t let it get in my way. Same throughout the entire trial.”

“So, you're a crazy badass. There’s nothing wrong with that. But we got off topic. What were we talking about?”

“Naro and his soul bonded partner, who you still haven’t said the name of yet,” Zerine commented.

“She is a countess and will be living here till she goes off to an adventuring academy. There will be a celebration in a month or two about their betrothal. That was the news I wanted to tell you.”

“He’s only fourteen, not even that quite yet,” Zerine said shocked.

“Yeah,” he said, scratching the back of his head. “Soul bonding like that is kinda like relationship goals for most people. It’s not that their soulmates…well they kinda are, but not. But yeah, but no,” he sighed.

“Wow, that was really articulate,” Zerine said dryly. Varino burbled a giggle.

“Look, if you get your metaphysical channels damaged, you need someone that is compatible enough so a healer can work on them. If you can’t find one, which most can’t, then it’s an expensive elixir to heal it. They didn’t do a true soul bond, which is like finding chunks of Iridesium.” At his words, Zerine fidgeted, which didn’t go unnoticed by Neil, but he went on. “I am going to ask you about that reaction. Buuut it’s still a big deal. It means there are compatible on many levels. Will it last? Who knows, but most that do that type of bond are lifelong lovers. If fate weren’t such a mess, everyone would have a better idea.” Zerine’s brow furrowed. “They do divinations or fate seeing to see the possibilities, which they checked even with fate’s current state. My mom says that divination and fate seeing are more like feeling impressions and extremely cloudy ones at that.”

“Huh, so Naro didn’t even have time to be a bachelor for very long, sucks for him,” Zerine said, which made Neil chuckle. “So, who is she? You said countess and Naro said she was around my age, which doesn’t narrow the list. Too many people come and go from the city that rang ein noble ranks.”

“You may know her. But I think it should come from Naro or her,” Neil said.

Zerine’s gaze narrowed while Varino pouted.

“Hey, ready for more training,” Came Zara’s call. She was standing on a dirt path that led to obstacle courses, and Zerine groaned. Zara grinned. “It seems so, lets go you three.”

“You got lucky. I will find out or Varino will,” Zerine whispered as they headed towards Zara.

Varino chimed in agreement. The spirit was sitting on Zerine’s shoulder and pointed two fingers at her eyes, then turned them towards him. Neil sighed, knowing that the spirit wouldn’t drop this, and he didn’t need the spirit to keep a close eye on him, especially since she was nearing mid D-rank. He also knew that look Zerine had given him. Her eyes looked like the raging ocean in a storm, if the ocean had teal streaks, of course. But that gaze meant she had latched on to something and would stop at nothing till she succeeded.

Gods, those eyes and hair, he thought wistfully, watching Zerine move ahead of him, her hair sparkling like sapphires. He caught himself and refocused on what Zara was saying, but he caught Varino’s gaze. The spirit’s gaze narrowed, and she repeated her I’m watching you sign. He sighed. This was going to be to a long day.

***

Zerine loosed her last arrow, piercing the center of the target.

“Nice job,” Zara said. She was sitting off to her right on a rock. “We will start having you run the obstacle courses with your bow and knives. You’ll have to hit the targets like the others have been doing with magic.”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Zerine sighed. “They're still really hard to do without throwing that on top of things.”

“That is the point because in the trial you did well, but need to be better at moving and firing. You did that sometimes, but it needs to be second nature, like how you use your knives. That is one thing Varino is learning too. When she got hurt protecting you it showed that she needs to get used to protecting something while moving,” Zara said, folding her arms as Zerine went to retrieve her arrows.

“Well, I only have the willpower throwing knives that Gary made for me and this bow. Nothing else really survived my trail,” Zerine said.

“Bernard has gone through all that Metal Head metal. Once Gary is back, I suspect you’ll have your gear. Did you get those Doometallic scythes?”

“I failed the test, so probably not. Or at least no one has talked about them and then I’m also missing a gemstone I got. I will have to ask Varino about that,” Zerine said.

“Hmm, I wouldn’t be surprised if Gary just gives them to you. In my opinion, you earned them, but you’ll have to wait and see. But I have a question about that time you fought that swarm of puff balls, as you called them.”

“Shoot,” Zerine said, sitting next to Zara.

“You were smiling in that swarm that would have had anyone at your age running for it. Why?” Zara wondered, closely observing Zerine’s reaction.

“Umm, I fully accepted my instinct thing and training, then everything just clicked. I felt…whole,” Zerine said wistfully, her gaze going distant, remembering the sensation. She wished she felt like that all the time.

“Then you passed out. So, you probably taped into something that your body wasn’t ready for. Most likely due to you not having the metaphysical channels because you still don’t have your crest,” Zara said thoughtfully.

“Yeah, then…” Zerine trailed off. She wasn’t sure if she should tell Zara about that strange interaction with what she was fairly certain was a god. The memory of that interaction was still fuzzy too.

“Then,” Zara said, eyeing Zerine more intently.

Zerine sighed, then explained everything she could remember. After she was done, silence fell for a time, while Zara thought.

“I honestly wasn’t sure if it was real or not,” Zerine said, breaking the silence.

“Hmm, I went through something similar before I got my crest, but it was me in my soul space not going to or interacting with what might be a god,” Zara said. “It’s a sign that your soul is awakening, but from what I can sense, it’s probably far off or your presence would start flickering less and you would start developing a true aura. But you should tell your parents and Sashi…and they will probably ask her teammates when they get back. It’s not bad, but its…ominous? Hmm, no, concerning that a god has taken an interest in you so early.”

“Why?” Zerine wondered, thinking back, if she had her instincts tell her anything about the goddess.

No, I don’t remember if I could sense anything. But I genuinely believe they were just helping me even if they held information back, she thought.

“Godly things are beyond everyone who isn’t an ascendent, but they don’t pay attention to mortals for no reason. They usually want something. Sometimes, their goal is getting you aligned with their faction or do something for them. The fact you sent part of your soul to their realm is…worrying. You shouldn’t even be able to do that before Gold-rank. I would listen to what Sashi has to say on the matter because she will know more. But I am curious,” Zara said, putting an arm around Zerine. “How are you holding up being back home? No nightmares about the C-rank? Also, your instincts were fully opened, so how is it being back with that?”

Zerine rested her head on Zara’s shoulder. Zara was like a second mother to her. Maybe her third? Raith was up there on the list, even with her only being an avatar. When she spoke, it was the truth.

“I don’t have nightmares about the C-rank Metal Head, but I still get those about the assassin. Even though I was terrified of the Metal Head. And that thing was going to rip me limb from limb! Now I’m worried about Naro since I heard about him getting hurt because his lover froze up at seeing monsters. I don’t know if I ever truly so afraid that it made me freeze up like that,” she said in a small voice.

“You met god damn dragons Zerine. You're telling me you didn’t freeze up when you first saw them?” Zara wondered.

“I did but-”

“But nothing. Varino and you befriended them even if you were terrified. That was your first sense of true danger. After that, do you think many things can compare? Before you answer, nothing is wrong with you. Everyone handles their fear differently. And Ms. Gravefield has learned a lot from the incident.”

“Gravefield!” Zerine said, startled.

No, it can’t be…Mili is the one my brother soul bonded with!? she thought.

“Yep! Shara was my informant on it all, remember. But we can talk about that later. I know there was more you wanted to say.”

“I-I’m finding it harder to dampen those instincts. Even if I push them to the back of my mind, I still get those impressions on everything around me, and it’s exhausting to do that.”

“Hmm, does it feel stronger?” Zara wondered. Zerine nodded. “Then it’s not going away anytime soon, so we better get you used to being around people with all that information. Now I know you hate large gatherings, but that is more to do with this than anything, correct?”

“Sorta. I also get socially drained from such things,” Zerine admitted.

“Ah, you're like me in that regard. But we can’t have you trying to dampen something that is part of you. If it’s only getting stronger than I hate to say this, but it’s most likely only going to keep getting stronger till you get your crest. After that, we don’t know what will happen to it.”

“I don’t know if I can handle it getting stronger, but I’ve gotten a headache every day I dampen it for too long. I just feel like it’s spying on everyone around me,” Zerine said, then sighed in frustration.

“Yeah, the headaches are to be expected. How much do these impressions actually tell you?”

“Vague feeling of their emotions and intentions. I’ve tried to ignore them as much as possible when interacting with people,” Zerine said.

Zara nodded along. Her cat ears twitched. “It also acts as a warning system when you’re fighting. What’s the range?”

“Not much more than my pathetic magic senses. Ouch!” Zerine replied, but Zara flicked her shoulder.

“It’s a limitation of not having a crest. It’s not pathetic, especially since you are as aware as you possibly can be without a crest, so stop the negative talk,” Zara reprimanded.

“But let’s go do some sparring. I need a distraction, then you can tell me about this Gravefield situation,” Zerine said, getting to her feet.

“Sure, but I know there is more bothering you than just those two items. Just know your family is here for you, just like I am. If you need to talk, just say the word,” Zara said, giving Zerine a warm smile, which she returned.

“Thanks. I have some other things bothering me, but I haven’t put words to them yet or really let myself think about them, so let’s get to training and maybe I will ask for advice.”

***

Later that day, she spoke with her parents, Sashi and Zara about the conversation they had earlier. Her parents were more worried about the fact she had cast part of her soul out without meaning to. Sashi was more focused on what Zerine had felt during the fight and her visit with the maybe goddess.

“It's not unheard of for people to do such things, but they usually happen after getting a crest. But I’ve heard of others without a crest doing the same,” Sashi said, then leaned forward, meeting Zerine’s gaze. “I’m more interested in how you felt whole during this entire thing and now your…instincts feel stronger. I agree with Zara that you need to work on handling the added information around people. Do you feel that around plants at all?”

“Umm, I felt it around some plants during the trial, but it was faint. There were only two plants that had more of a presence. The first ate living things. The second was the large tree in the spiritual place, but I’m still not sure about that because that whole place felt different,” Zerine replied, thinking back.

“What about the potential goddess?” Cal wondered.

“I wouldn’t worry about it. Zerine isn’t certain about her memories regarding the interaction or that place. Zara is right to be wary though, but there are rules in place and gods can’t do anything unless Zerine agrees to it. But,” Sashi put a hand up, stopping both Zara and Ava from interrupting. “I can make a charm so you don’t accidentally cast your soul out to a hostile realm, which wouldn’t be idle,” Sashi replied.

“Then we will discuss ways to help you work on your ability. You’ve had control over it, but with it getting stronger its pastime we do some focused training on it,” Ava said, looking at Cal who nodded in agreement.

Great, so lots of people, Zerine thought, already dreading having to deal with this new training. Although she was hoping it would give her better control over it and get used to all the information.

“I will have the charm made for you by dinner,” Sashi said. “But since we are all here, I also want to discuss how the Trevel family will treat you in the coming years.”

“And with that I will leave you all to it,” Zara said, getting up. “Zerine, after dinner, we do the usual meditation and stretching.”

“Okay, thank you!” Zerine called after Zara, who left Ava and Cal’s study, giving them all a final wave.

“I told Zerine about how I didn’t know she existed,” Sashi said, answering the questioning look Ava was giving her.

“Ah that. Yeah, Estel’s blessing certainly worked as a way around all the families’ restrictions,” Cal said, nodding.

“It didn’t surprise me. I got the feeling they didn’t really like me, which is why I’m always happier not going to those family events,” Zerine said, sitting back in her chair looking between her parents, who had winced at her words.

Ava sighed. “There are some internal…factions that made you a center point to the conflict during your trial, but I suspect after many saw parts of the test, they will sing a different tune,” Ava said.

“I don’t really care,” Zerine said with a shrug. “All I want to do is explore the world with Varino and Kimi as adventurers. After hearing about it from Sashi, I came to a decision,” she said, then leaned forward meeting her parents’ gazes. “I to want to use dad’s family name when I try for an academy when I’m eighteen,” Zerine said.

“Hmm, we were thinking the same thing,” Cal said, while Ava nodded. Zerine blinked. She had thought they would argue or have to debate, but then again, her parents were the ones that had taken the brunt of the family’s stupidity, so she shouldn’t be surprised they had their own plans. “It helps that many nobles haven’t met you. They believe we sent you off for training, homeschooled, or working towards readying yourself to run the barony. Since you're the firstborn, it would only be natural for us to put far more attention and effort into the eldest’s education and training.” Cal put a hand up, stopping Zerine before she could ask questions. “It’s what many do, and so it took little effort to convince them.”

“It helps that we’ve spread those rumours. But the only time you will be expected to show up as. a Trevel is when the queen starts the competition for the throne. The rest of the time you can be Zerine Cooper, a member of the household just like the records will corroborate,” Ava said, smiling at Zerine’s startled expression.

“We planned this for sometime now. We didn’t have you, Naro, and Estel use Cooper for nothing. It started so that you wouldn’t be targeted while you were young. Naro and Estel’s little secret came out, but we worked to ensure that yours remained, making it appear that the Cooper family agreed to hide the other two, and you were adopted into the Cooper family after your parents died. Your noble name isn’t Zerine, but Zariah, which is in all the records. We also added to our records that Zariah fell ill at a young age and has been homeschooled ever since. We even sent out projections of you to help make it more believable,” Cal said.

Zerine grinned. “That sounds perfect to me. And…sorry for all the work that must have been.”

“Nonsense,” Ava said, waving Zerine’s words aside. “We want what’s best for all of you. It was worth and not nearly as hard as you would imagine.”

“But we do appreciate you actually noticing how much work it might have been,” Cal said, and chuckled as Ava elbowed him.

“It does mean we will have to make your appearance change. When you go to the competition debut, your hair and eyes will need to match Estel and Naro’s some more. Zerine Cooper’s appearance is up to you.”

Zerine’s grin grew, revealing teeth. “And Celarian’s have magic that affects our hair and eye color, but I can’t-”

“I’ll add to that charm the magic that changes your hair and eye color. That spell only lasts half a year till you will have to renew the colors again, but that magic will last for a decade with the cham. That should be more than long enough for family matters to subside,” Sashi said.

That or you will be long dead, Sashi thought, careful to control her emotions so as not to alert Zerine to the pang of sadness Sashi felt at the thought.

“Thank you! Hmm, I’ll think about the colors,” Zerine said.

“A color. Celarians with multiple colors aren’t exactly as common as your experience may lead you to believe,” Ava said.

Zerine sighed. “Red and blue are out of the question then.”

Ava raised an eyebrow. “I know you’re a fan of the first empress, but those colors would attract far too much attention.”

“Yeah, I know. It was wishful thinking on my part. But if that is all, I want to go over that box’s runes before dinner and take a bath,” Zerine said, getting up.

“You aren’t going to ask questions about living with the fairies and working with the dragons?” Cal wondered, surprised.

Zerine flopped back into her chair. “I forgot. But yeah, let’s talk about that and Naro’s betrothal with Mili.”

“The plan is for you to move in with Marigold’s family and live there till it’s close to your eighteenth birthday. During this time, Varino and you will also work with Cal’s brother, going through dragon rider training.”

“But I’m not a dragon rider and never really thought about becoming one?” Zerine said, confused, “I’m friends with Terri, Octra, and Fulgur, but that isn’t what makes you qualified to become a dragon rider.”

“It’s mostly because Varino wants you there while she learns what it will take for her to become Bronte's partner.”

Zerine groaned, slumping in her chair. “That explains the pulse of mana. Varino and Bronte started that process!? He isn’t even a week old.”

Ava shook her head while Cal chuckled before going on. “Yeah, that is how it normally goes. But we also believe you will enjoy the experience. And who knows, maybe you will find your partner while training,” Cal said. Zerine was giving him a look that plainly said she doubted that would happen. “Either way, Varino has started becoming a dragon rider. She will be your familiar and that means when she progresses, eventually you will go to the dragon lands so she and Bronte can continue their training.”

“Traveling to the dragon lands,” Zerine said, her smile returning. “Huh, that actually sounds kinda fun. Sure, why not. I’ll learn about mom’s connections to fairies while also learning about your past dad,” Zerine gave both startled parents a toothy grin.

“She takes after Raith when she acts like that,” Cal muttered, then chuckled as Ava elbowed him again.

“Now that is settled, Neil’s little…drama,” Ava said, after searching for the word. “Him and Mili have been getting close over the past month, meeting up daily. Then they soul bonded right, as both families had agreed to allow a public courtship. So, they skipped some steps, that’s all.”

“And years,” Zerine said.

“It’s not uncommon for sixteen-year-olds to become betrothed, but soul bonding like this is certainly not. But we will accept what happened and both families will let them figure out how everything will work out,” Ava said, sitting back on the couch as Cal put an arm around her shoulders. “We will simply support them. It also helps that Mili is the third daughter, so the Countess and her husband didn’t have to worry about extra political matters. It’s still going to make other noble factions annoyed or wary, but this will only help us keep the region on the path of recovery,” Ava said.

“I didn’t even think about the political ramifications,” Zerine said, startled.

“Oh, speaking of political shortcomings,” Cal teased. Zerine gave him a flat look, which made him chuckle. “We forgot to mention that politics and etiquette will be added to your training and the fairies are also going to work on that with you,” he added with growing smile as Zerine groaned. “Yeah, that was the reaction we expected. But think of it this way. For the most part, it will ensure you don’t get rusty with the topics you haven’t dealt with since completing your schooling from the temple.”

“I should have guessed there would be more stuff since I’m not going to the academy at sixteen,” Zerine grumbled.

“Its so whenever we have noble guests and the celebration for the betrothal you're ready for the expection Zariah will have to meet,” Ava said.

“And the throne competition,” Cal added.

“I’m not expected to take the throne, right?” Zerine wondered. She really didn’t want to deal with politics, but the composition came with some nice rewards for those that performed in the top twenty, which seemed worth. They ranged from soul bonded weapons, legendary or even mythical catalysts, and more. The rewards were tempting, but the dealing with nobles was extremely unappealing to her.

“Gods no, just having a good showing is all will be required. It’s so that noble families and factions know our next generation will be just as strong as us,” Ava reassured her.

“In fact, we would prefer you to do just the bare minimum to stay in the competition. The political games during it are annoying and we aren’t playing their games,” Cal said, which made Zerine sigh in relief.

“This is happening when?” Zerine wondered. She knew she wasn’t ready for any of that, or even navigating political arenas.

“Funny enough, around your eighteenth birthday,” Sashi said thoughtfully.

Why say it that way? It is great news for me because then I won’t have to worry about many things. Just doing well at the academy should be enough for the competition, Zerine thought.

Ava glanced at Sashi, who gave a tiny nod, admitting she hadn’t meant to make Zerine wonder about why being eighteen meant so much. All of them agreed that Zerine’s fate breaking moment would occur during her eighteenth year. She wished they could tell Zerine, but they wanted her to live without feeling at any point she could die and had no say in it. Then there was the fact that telling someone that they would need a miracle to survive never ended well. Most who were told they were some kind of Fate Breaker died earlier than fated as they tried to avoid it, while others killed themselves.

“Naro and Estel will also be part of it,” Cal said, quickly redirecting Zerine’s thoughts.

“Estel would be too young?” Zerine said, confused.

“The competition lasts for nearly two decades,” Ava replied.

“Ah, but won’t that mean most won’t even be S-rank by the end of the competition?”

“Correct, its meant to choose the best leader from the next generation, while the pervious is still in this plane to help them grow into the position,” Sashi remarked.

“Huh neat, well that is something to look forward to. Meaning not all, but I need to get ready for dinner,” Zerine said as a distant bell rang, telling her dinner was only an hour away.

“Good point. I have to go make that charm,” Sashi said, getting to her feet. Zerine hastily followed suit.

“See you all at dinner,” Zerine said, giving her parents a cheery wave before leaving ahead of Sashi.

Once the door was closed, Cal sighed.

“Well, she took the dragon and fairy training quite well,” he said.

“She already knew about the fairy part, but I am glad she will be there for Varino. It will be a learning experience for them both.”

“Yeah, Bronte has no idea who he chose as a partner. Gods, a storm dragon and elemental, what a crazy pair that will be,” Cal said, leaning back on the couch, grinning.

“Hmm,” Ava said, thinking, then said. “Zerine grew quite a lot from that trial, but those impressions she gets are intrusive.”

“That’s why she has been dampening that ability in the first place. If we train her to turn it off completely or be able to ignore it without causing headaches, then that would be best. Training that much control before she gets her crest maybe impossible, however. But I have a suspicion those impressions are why Zerine has made such good friends. Don’t you find it odd how it acts similar to how many elementals described their intuition?” Cal wondered.

“I do not know who Indra was,” Ava said, already knowing the direction of Cal’s thought. “I only met the man twice and Liliana won’t talk about him. If he was an elemental, fairy, or transformed dragon, I wouldn’t know. But she needs to get a handle on it. Now, what reports do you have on nobles that have been made aware of the betrothal?”

“Nothing you didn’t already guess. Some are worried that the Countess is maneuvering herself to get unfettered access to the intersection. But the news of the intersection ending sooner than expected has already spread, so that should quash those rumours.” Ava raised an eyebrow at that, so he explained further. “Apparently, divination abilities can give enough impressions to know that something is off and it dosen’t take too much investigating to find out the intersection is ending far too soon.”

“And Sashi says that the northern continent had some strange magic that had the fingers of an ascendent all over it. So, that ritual we interfered with was most likely successful up there,” Ava said, looking at the map of the world. Her lips were in a thin line.

“Yes, it also means Falkor will leave us a little after Zerine turns sixteen. I don’t believe the dragons have told them,” Cal said.

“If they don’t when it nears her birthday, we will. There are some that will remain at least. Varino and Zerine won’t be happy about it though,” Ava said and sighed. Everything was changing quickly. She could only guess that this competition for the throne would be a bloody one and gods know what else will be thrown at them.

“Is what we have been doing enough for them?” Ava wondered softly. Her throat tightening.

“Hey now,” he said, concerned, putting an arm around her shoulders. “Think about this. Naro and Estel will also work with the fairies when they are here. Also, Estel and Octra seem quite close, so maybe she could train with the dragons when she gets older if she wants to become a dragon rider,” Cal said. He pulled her closer. “But we are preparing them the best we can. Sashi will even help while she is around, and that is an incredible opportunity for all of us. Now we cannot worry about what to come, so let’s go prepare for dinner and enjoy what we have in the here and now,” he said and kissed the top of her head. “I know just the thing to help. I’ll give you a massage in the bath. Sound good?”

Ava kissed his cheek. “Sounds perfect to me.”

***

“Hey bro,” Zerine said as she sat next to Naro on the long bench at the dining table.

“Hi,” he said. He felt a breeze and Varino sat on his other side. She had three quintessence crystals in her arms, which she placed on the table. He suddenly felt like he was being hemmed in.

“So, tell me about how you got hurt fighting monsters,” Zerine said casually, giving him a knowing look.

“Zeriiiiiinnneeee,” he complained. The trap had been set, though. Varino folded her arms and chimed in a way that made it clear she wanted to hear it, too.

Shara across the table stifled a giggle. When he gave her a pleading look, the stifled giggle turned to laughter.

“Come on, tell me…everything, Naro,” Zerine said, giving him a sweat smile. But he knew the smile was full of lies and the promise to needle him till she got everything out of him.

Varino chimed and whistled. He glanced back towards the spirit and started. The spirit was very close to his face, sitting on a cloud so that their eyes were on the same level.

“I’m not going to escape from this, am I?” he asked pleadingly.

“Nope, not at all,” Zerine said cheerfully, echoed by an affirmative chime by Varino.

“Wonderful,” he grumbled.

At least it’s just about the fight, he thought, but as if she could read his mind, Zerine spoke.

“Oh, if you think I’m asking only about the fight, you're mistaken,” Zerine said. Naro closed his eyes, hoping it wouldn’t be about- “It’s about the love story between you and Mili.”

Tonight’s dinner was going to be a long one.

Varino whsitled.

“Oh, and Varino has her own questions about everything too.”

A really long one.