Chapter 54: Courses 7

Elania stood before the full-length mirror, adjusting the straps of her [Regalia].

The intricate design of the bracer gleamed in the soft light of the estate’s bedroom. The glow moss alloy filigree contrasted with the hardened crystal metal to cast a faint, ethereal shimmer. She tugged it on her arm, the leather ensuring a snug fit, and flexed her fingers. The material moved with her, like a second skin.

Then she patted her hip, double-checking the revolver’s secure placement on her belt. The massive firearm balanced precariously against her thigh, its weight offset by the flight pack on the opposite side.

Elania ran her fingers along the polished wood grip that was encased in a sheen of hardened transparent crystal, tracing the delicate engravings Yolani had painstakingly etched into the surface.

Yolani’s worried gaze followed her every movement before she finally stepped forward, reaching out to adjust a strap on Elania’s shoulder. “You sure you want to go see Arlois alone?”

Elania turned to face her, catching Yolani’s hand in her own. She brought it to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss against her knuckles. “It should be fine. I don’t think Arlois would try anything again.”

Yolani’s eyes searched Elania’s face, seeking reassurance. “But what if—”

“Hey,” Elania interrupted, cupping Yolani’s cheek with her free hand. “I’ll be careful. I promise.”

Yolani leaned into the touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When she opened them again, they shimmered with unshed tears. “I just... I can’t lose you, Elania.”

Elania smiled weakly. Maybe dredging up all the bad memories for Elysia hadn’t been the best of ideas. It might have been therapeutic to relay it all to someone, but it wasn’t like Yolani hadn’t gone through hell with her.

And they’d never been given time to breathe.

Even when they’d been mostly cut loose and free to work on fixing Aetherhart’s Artifice, they’d been under pressure.

Elania pulled Yolani into a tight embrace, burying her face in the crook of her neck. She inhaled deeply, letting Yolani’s familiar scent wash over her, a mix of metal and mana and something uniquely her. “You won’t. I’ll always come back to you.”

Yolani’s arms tightened around Elania’s waist, her fingers clutching at the fabric of her tunic. They stayed like that for a long moment, just holding each other.

Finally, Elania pulled back, pressing a lingering kiss to Yolani’s forehead. “I should get going. It’s probably another mission.”

Yolani nodded, reluctantly stepping back. She watched Elania grab her cloak from the nearby chair, swinging it over her shoulders and fastening the clasp at her throat.

Elania turned to leave, but Yolani’s voice stopped her. “Elania?”

She glanced back over her shoulder, quirking an eyebrow in question.

Yolani stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Elania from behind. She leaned her head against Elania’s back, her warmth seeping through the armor.

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“I love you.”

Elania turned around in her embrace and smiled. “I love you, too.”

Their lips met in a brief, tender kiss.

Yolani nodded, her eyes searching Elania’s face. “Good luck.”

Elania stepped out onto the balcony, the cool evening air brushing against her skin. With a deep breath, she took flight, soaring over the city towards the Purple Tower.

The sky seemed charged with unseen energy, the city lights slowly flickering to life below. Elania landed on the roof of the Purple Tower, her arrival causing the guards to jolt.

“Go get Arlois,” Elania commanded.

One of the guards hurried down into the tower, leaving Elania to gaze out at the sprawling cityscape. The muted tension in the air seemed to thicken. Maybe it was just her imagination or the dredging of her memories earlier in the day.

Footsteps echoed behind her, and Elania turned to see Arlois emerging onto the roof. The demi-divine’s eyes swept over the city lights, a flicker of emotion crossing her features.

“You wanted to see me?” Elania asked.

Arlois nodded, her gaze still fixed on the horizon. “We have much to discuss.”

Elania waited until the silence felt awkward. “Well?”

“Fly with me,” Arlois said, stretching her wings and taking to the air.

Elania shook her head and followed suit, her grumble lost in the breeze.

The city lights twinkled below, a sea of glittering stars against the darkening landscape. Arlois led her in a lazy circle, dipping lower as dusk settled over Contia, each district illuminating like a patchwork quilt.

Curiosity and suspicion warred as Arlois landed on a spire overlooking the wharfs.

Elania touched down beside the other demi-divine, her eyes scanning the area below. “What’s going on?”

Arlois turned to face her, her expression solemn. “It’s a Tower’s job to protect the city.”

Elania resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “I know that much.”

Arlois pointed to some distant buildings, and Elania’s gaze followed, spotting the defensive equipment installed on them.

Recognition dawned. “Those are the machines Yolani helped Ember build,” Elania said.

Arlois nodded, her eyes still fixed on the city below. “How do you like Contia?”

Elania paused, considering the question. “It’s probably better than other places,” she admitted.

A wry smile tugged at the corners of Arlois’ mouth. “Fair enough. You’ve never been anywhere else.”

Elania’s thoughts drifted to Neftasu, the memories of the underground city still fresh in her mind. “Neftasu wasn’t very nice,” she said. “While I wish it hadn’t been destroyed, I prefer Contia.”

Not to mention she and Yolani barely drew a remark when together.

Sometimes she caught some of her own followers looking at them askance. Whether they just put up with it because “demi-divine are weird” or what, she didn’t know. It was something she wasn’t prepared to fight.

Facing an entire Lightbringer army seemed like an easier thing to deal with.

Arlois turned toward her. “I have a mission for you.”

Elania suppressed her exasperation. “You usually do. What is it this time?”

“I need you to fly to the City State of Hels, deliver a missive, and meet with Aldric Valaran, the High Chancellor. Secure assistance from them,” Arlois stated.

Elania’s eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat as Arlois’ words sank in. “You want me to fly across the world and do some diplomatic shit? I’m not a diplomat… I’m not a Tower. Hell, I’m not even an official citizen of Contia!”

Arlois avoided her gaze. “It needs to be done in a hurry. An airship would take a week to get there and a week to return. You can fly there in a day.”

Elania shook her head, her brows knitting together. “Going super fast would be too much for Yolani.”

“You’ll have to leave Yolani behind,” Arlois said, her tone matter-of-fact.

A lump formed in Elania’s chest. “I’m not leaving, not when the Lightbringers are in the city. They’re a threat to Yolani and the Neftasu refugees.”

Arlois nodded, her gaze softening slightly. “I’ll make sure nothing happens while you’re gone. I’ll protect them.”

Elania frowned, her eyes narrowing. “How can I know that?”

Arlois turned to face Elania fully, her posture straightening. “I’ll accept a demonic contract from you to ensure it.”

“A demonic contract?” Elania echoed. “You’re willing to go that far?”

“This is important,” Arlois replied.

“I’m still not a diplomat or a citizen,” Elania argued.

“I will see that you and the Neftasu refugees are granted citizenship, and you will be recognized as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the City-State of Hels,” Arlois replied.

“I hate coming up with contracts,” Elania complained. She was surprised when Arlois actually smiled.

“Even so,” Arlois said.