Chapter 11: Foundations 1

Elania took in the grandeur of the Four Towers council chambers as she and Yolani sat at the center of the circular hall. The room exuded an air of opulence and power, with polished marble floors reflecting the light that streamed through high, arched windows. Gilded gold workings adorned the walls, intricate patterns and designs that spoke of the wealth and status of those who held court here.

Every detail, from the gleaming marble to the carefully crafted gold embellishments, reinforced their status and dominance.

Four imposing square pillars dominated the space, each representing one of the four demi-divines. Atop these pillars sat ornate thrones, their backs reaching toward the vaulted ceiling. The thrones were draped in rich fabrics, each a different color corresponding to the demi-divine it belonged to: purple, red, green, and blue.

Her gaze was drawn upwards to where the Four Towers themselves sat, looking down upon her and Yolani with piercing golden eyes.

The weight of their presence was palpable, a reminder of the power they wielded and the authority they held over Contia.

It made one feel small.

The Green Tower—Elysia’s voice rang out through the council chambers. “Before us stands a foreign demi-divine, charged with violating City Code number three-two-three, the modification of public property without authorization.”

Lyra, the Sapphire Shroud, picked up a scroll and read aloud. “The standard punishment for this ordinance is destruction and feeding to the Celestial Engine.”

Elania scowled, her brows furrowing in frustration.

It seemed that every ordinance in this city had the same permanent solution.

She glanced beside her, where Yolani stood unshaken.

Elysia spoke again, her emerald eyes scanning the room. “Is there any evidence of this crime?”

Arlois rose from her throne. “I witnessed the defendants perform the act.”

Lyra turned to the other demi-divines. “Is there any objection to the testimony of one of our own?”

Silence hung heavy in the air. No one spoke up to challenge Arlois’ statement. Elania bristled, hands clenching into fists, but she remained quiet, knowing that speaking out of turn would only worsen their situation.

Elysia’s gaze swept over the council again. “Are there any who wish to provide mitigating circumstances?”

For the first time since the proceedings began, Ember spoke. “I have interacted with Elania and Yolani previously. I believe they are not a direct threat or danger to Contia. Mitigation would be the preferred course of action.”

Lyra’s serene demeanor cracked, a scowl marring her features. She glared at Ember and snapped, “Why should an exception be made for Arlois’ pet ‘spark’? What makes them deserve special treatment?”

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Arlois cut through the tension, interrupting Lyra’s accusation. “Enough. Let us put this to a vote.”

Lyra’s hand shot up, her eyes narrowed. “No mitigation. Execution immediate.”

Ember’s response was more measured: “Mitigation. Punishment deferred.”

Arlois nodded, her hand rising. “Mitigation. Punishment deferred.”

Elania’s heart raced. What would happen if there was a tie?

All eyes turned to Elysia, who hesitated, her gaze flickering between the other Towers. The silence stretched, the anticipation palpable.

Finally, Elysia spoke, her eyes locked on Arlois. “I will vote for mitigation, provided the punishment is not trivial or forgotten.”

A smile tugged at the corners of Arlois’ lips while Lyra’s scowl deepened.

Arlois leaned forward. “I will require Elania to assist me with an arcane beast cleanup in the coming days as punishment.”

Elysia nodded, deal seemingly struck, then turned her attention to Elania and Yolani. “Mitigation.”

Lyra’s voice was tight with displeasure as she announced the results. “The vote is three to one in favor of mitigation. The defendants are dismissed.”

Elania let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She and Yolani rose, bowing their heads respectfully before making their way out of the council chambers.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Yolani leaned in close. “We need to be careful. We should avoid the Blue Tower from now on.”

Elania nodded, the weight of the close call still heavy on her shoulders. “Agreed.”

Lyra didn’t like them. Or maybe she didn’t like Arlois and, by extension, them. Elania wasn’t sure.

They stopped and waited in the lobby since Arlois had instructed them not to go far.

The chamber doors swung open. Lyra strode out, head held high. She didn’t spare a glance for them, her footsteps echoing across the marble floor as she made her way toward the exit.

Next came Elysia, emerald robes swishing around her as she walked. She glanced their way, eyes meeting Elania’s for a brief moment before nodding her head in acknowledgement. The woman didn’t stop, though. As she passed, Elania caught the natural scent of wildflowers.

Ember and Arlois exited together, chatting. Spotting Elania and Yolani, they changed course.

Arlois spoke first. “I understand Yolani is to work with Ember in the City Works, as per your punishment for disturbing the city when you went flying.”

Elania scoffed, frustration bubbling to the surface. “It seems like the city likes to give out ‘punishments’ at every turn.”

Ember’s response was measured. “It’s that way for a reason. Without strict rules, everyone would end up killing each other. While things might be strict, it’s not like you didn’t just have a death sentence mitigated because we know you’re adjusting.”

Elania blew out a tense breath, trying to rein in her emotions. She turned to Arlois. “What exactly is ‘arcane beast cleanup’?”

Arlois grinned, a laugh escaping her lips. The sound was unexpected, a stark contrast to the serious atmosphere of the council chambers.

Ember rolled her eyes, a hint of amusement playing on her own face. The Crimson Aegis turned her attention to Elania.

“The city draws magical creatures due to the high power density,” Ember explained. “We’ve received rumors of a land beast consuming several nearby villages. Upon investigation, we confirmed that these villages have simply ceased to exist.”

Elania frowned. The thought of entire villages being wiped out was a confirmation that the surface wasn’t as safe as it appeared—maybe even as dangerous, or more so than Neftasu’s underground?

“As the city’s protectors, it is our job to provide defenses against threats that mortals can’t handle. This land beast is one such threat,” Arlois said.

Ember nodded, gaze shifting back to Elania. “Since you’ll be out of the city for a day or two dealing with the issue, it will be the perfect time for Yolani to assist me as needed.”

Elania glanced at Yolani, a silent conversation passing between them. With a slight nod, they turned back to Ember and Arlois.

“We understand,” Elania said, voice firm. “Yolani will assist you as required while I’m away.”

Yolani added her own assent, tone respectful as she addressed Ember, “I’ll do my best to be of help, Crimson Aegis.”

Ember gave a curt nod, a hint of approval in her eyes. “Good. We’ll discuss the details later.”

Unease settled over Elania. She stole another glance at Yolani as they began to head back to their estate. They hadn’t been parted for that length of time since…

Elania took a deep breath and steeled herself.