Daniel's heart hammered against his chest, each beat a drum of war as he moved with enthusiastic purpose toward the throne room, followed closely by Alektor and a myriad of nobles and guards. Avria alive? The thought was a flicker of hope in the dark recesses of his mind, yet he snuffed it out quickly. He'd seen her die, the image seared into his memory like a scar. The demon's teeth tearing into her flesh, the blood and pain in her eyes, the finality of it all. Now, with this news, it was a knife twisting in the wound of his loss. Rage surged through him like wildfire, but beneath it was a river of sorrow he dared not acknowledge.

As the doors to the throne room slid open, Alektor grasped Daniel by the shoulder, his grip firm, but somewhat reassuring. “I will need you to stay calm, Daniel. Your power is practically streaming from your body.”

Daniel grimaced at the request, but knew the High King was right.

“Whatever this is, we will find the truth of it,” Alektor stated, his tone steady as he moved to take his seat on the throne. His words were meant to be reassuring, but they only added to Daniel's inner turmoil.

Daniel would know, one way or another. The power signatures of spirits or demons were easily recognizable to him now. And after the in-depth training from Katrina about altering his own appearance, he doubted any Dae could escape his scrutiny. He slowed his pace as he approached the throne, realizing that they now had to wait for their arrival.

After what seemed like an eternity of silent pacing, the doors reopened, revealing a visibly agitated Telmos. Behind him, Katrina, Delmos, Athica, and Demessa entered, each bearing expressions of curiosity or concern.

“What is this news!?” Telmos asked, his voice both a mixture of anger and excitement. “Why am I being told that Avria is at the gates?”

“The person claiming to be Avria is currently on their way here.” Alektor said, coolly. “I have both Turak and Malak with them, so there is no need to worry about security.”

“And King Reku?” Demessa stepped forward, her swollen belly identical to Athica’s. “We were told he was also here.”

“Allegedly.” Alektor sighed, bringing his hands together. “Again, we don’t know who they are. This could be an elaborate ploy of some kind, or an attack.”

“And you allowed them to enter the city?” Athica asked, her face a mask of worry. “There are monsters and demons that want us dead, your highness. If a fight were to break out with them here, in the heart of Vul De Rah, it would be catastrophic.”

“It was not my determination, Queen Athica.” Alektor responded, “I left that decision to Lord Turak. If he believes it is safe for them to enter, then I trust him. It is as simple as that.”

“Do you think this is actually her?” Telmos spoke again, his question blanketing the room in an eerie silence.

“It can’t be.” Daniel answered, after several seconds. “I know it isn’t what you want to hear. But it can’t be. I saw her killed right in front of me. Everyone who was there saw it.”

“But there might be a chance.” Delmos stated, putting his hand on his father’s shoulder.

“I don’t see how.” Daniel shook his head, the images of her final moments playing in his head. “I’m… sorry Delmos, I really don’t see how she could have survived it. She was torn to pieces and swallowed by a demon. This has to be an imposter.”

“But this could be Reku?” Demessa took several steps forward. “You said… you said that he was alive, but being held by the other humans.”

Daniel shrugged. “It could be. But I don’t know that either. They could have been lying or… I suppose it’s possible.”

Katrina, who had been silent up to this point, approached Daniel, and clasped his hand in hers. She gave him a reassuring smile and nodded. “We’ll know soon enough.”

Telmos and Alektor began speaking again, but their words and the conversations among the rest of the people present faded into the background as Katrina leaned in closer to Daniel.

she whispered, her voice laced with a mix of hope and dread.

"Like I told everyone, I don't see how," Daniel replied, his words heavy with pain, feeling Katrina stiffen beside him.

"Robert might have something to do with it..." Katrina's next words carried a dangerous edge, hinting at possibilities Daniel wished to deny but knew were plausible. If Robert was indeed involved, the consequences would be dire. The thought came with the memory of Oros’ pitch-black eyes, the only indication he was not himself. His temper began to boil

"Kat," Daniel growled, his voice low and menacing, "if there's some shit going on with Robert, and I find out he's responsible, I don't care who's here to plead his case. He's done."

Katrina fell silent, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. After a moment, she inhaled deeply and faced him. "Let's not jump to conclusions just yet. We need to speak with them first."

Daniel shook his head but let out a scoff adding to the tension. "One of those visions of yours sure would be handy right about now. Any chance you could save us all the anxiety?"

Katrina’s expression was serious as she answered. “You know I wish I could help in that regard. And when were you such a pessimist?

Daniel shrugged, glancing at the throne room doors. “This is how Marines deal with stress. We can’t help it.”

"Well, I haven't had a vision since... you know." Katrina nodded subtly toward Alektor and Telmos, still engaged in their heated debate. "I don't know where it comes from or how to do it again, but I agree, it would be helpful right now."

Daniel nodded, "Any more word from Lauren?"

Katrina shook her head. "She hasn't said anything else... Alektor has her set up in a comfortable room on the far side of the palace, but to my knowledge, he hasn't been back to visit her."

“Well—” Daniel was cut off by the doors of the throne room sliding open again, and he looked up to find a rather large entourage of warriors, some clad in blue, and others in grey. At the head, he saw Turak, then, as he looked at who followed just behind, he saw Avria, alive and well. And Robert walking beside her. He instinctively looked at Avria’s eyes, his memory of Oros’ black eyes a scar in his memory.

“Avria…” Telmos murmured, his voice thick with emotion as he scrambled down the stairs from Alektor's throne, but he halted mid-step, visibly wrestling with his composure.

Avria and Robert approached with measured steps to stand before them. Her eyes, a striking yellow, locked with Daniel’s, holding back a storm of feelings.

"Your Highness, High King Alektor," Avria acknowledged, bowing her head respectfully before greeting each of the figures flanking the High King.

“Avria,” Telmos said again, his voice cracking as he descended the remaining steps and placed his hands on her shoulders, his touch desperate.

“King Telmos,” Alektor cautioned, his voice carrying a warning.

Telmos, ignoring the admonition, squeezed her shoulders tighter. “Is it truly you? Not some vision or apparition sent by demons to torment me? I…”

“Princess Avria,” Alektor's voice boomed once more, cutting through the tension. “Your presence here is quite the surprise.” His eyes flicked to Daniel, then back to Avria. “As you can imagine, we all believed you dead. Devoured by a demon. How is it that you have survived, and returned to us whole and alive? As you can imagine, we are skeptical of such a miracle.” His gaze then shifted to Robert, who stood with a calm, almost smug confidence. “And King Reku, it is good to see you free from your captors, returned to us. I am curious about the circumstances surrounding this, as I’m sure we all are.”

“She is who she says she is.” Robert replied, stepping forward. “I was imprisoned within my Dunem Dae Espa, by the demon, Dio’Mar. The details of which are probably better discussed behind closed doors.” He turned and pointed to Avria. “Avria rescued me from my prison, after her own escape from the Demon who devoured her.”

Alektor raised an eyebrow, turning to Turak, who nodded.

“It’s him.” Turak said, bluntly. “As crazy as it sounds, it’s really him. But he’s right. We really need to have a private discussion about the details.”

Daniel stepped forward, causing all eyes to focus on him. He didn’t pay them any mind, as he approached Avria. Her eyes met his, and he felt a tight knot form in his stomach. He ignored it until he stood directly in front of her. He studied her in her entirety, searching for any hint of evil power. Instead, he felt a pulse of energy that was similar to his own and Katrina’s. Even Robert, who’s power once had the stench of Dio’Mar seemed pure and stable.

“Daniel.” Avria’s words were soft as she spoke his name, and she held her hands out.

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Daniel looked at them blankly. It shouldn’t be possible. Couldn’t be possible after what he witnessed. A surge of hope rose within him, and he clasped her hands in his. With a flash of light, they slipped into her Dunem Dae Espa, and Daniel found himself standing within a realm of beautiful meadows and flowers. He scanned the horizon, looking for any hint of corruption or dark power, but found nothing of the sort. The exact opposite, in fact.

“I…” Avria started, bringing his attention to her. “I’ve thought of this moment… since I was devoured.” Her eyes softened as they met his. “And I find myself unable to speak of anything.”

“Avria.” Daniel said, holding himself back from embracing her. “How are you here? How the hell did you survive?”

She took a deep breath, trying to find the words. “I don’t know. I was in complete darkness, Daniel. Surrounded by the most agonizing pain imaginable. And I came here to escape it.” She turned to her left, admiring the scenery of her own realm. “The darkness followed me here, and nearly consumed me. Then… then someone appeared. Told me that I had been given favor. I can’t explain it…”

Daniel’s eye’s bulged, and he grabbed her arms. “Was it a man named Raguel?”

“I…” She shook her head. “I don’t know his name. He looked human, and had—”

“Blue eyes?” Daniel asked, tightening his grip on her.

“Yes.” Avria nodded. “Do you know him? Who is he?”

Daniel’s face broke in a smile, and he looked up toward the sky. “I know him. But we’ll have to discuss it after.”

“Very well.” Avria huffed.

Daniel closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he was in the throne room once more. There was absolute silence as he turned to face Alektor.

“It’s… really her.” He said, with a smile.

Telmos lunged forward, wrapping her in an embrace, as Delmos and Katrina followed to do the same.

Daniel took several steps back, overwhelming relief washing over him.

~

Avria said a word of thanks to her escorts as the door to her room slid open. She felt an overwhelming sense of relief when the ambient sounds from the hallway ceased with the soft scrape of the closing door. She was home again, the horrific ordeal behind her. She shook her head at the silly thought. This was no time for rest. No time to seek the safety of a warm bed. Because the reality was, there was nowhere safe. Her eyes spanned the vast room, the furniture and artwork perfectly assorted. This place isn’t safe either, she thought. The was a darkness so profound that existed in this world. So depthless, it could overwhelm and swallow even the most stout warrior. She had stared it down, and nearly been lost to it.

A shutter ran up and down her spine as the memories of the numerous choruses of tormented voices, pleaded for mercy. Begged for relief and salvation from their endless suffering. Tears began to pool in her eyes at the memory.

“All those people…” She whispered, with a tremble. Then the thought came of her father, and brother, and everyone she ever knew or loved facing the same torment. No, her heart surged with resolve at the prospect. They would not be victorious. Evil would not triumph over them, today, or any day after. She was here for a purpose, and so were Daniel and Katrina… and Robert too, she supposed. Even he had a part to play; why else would the spirit lead her to him?

She turned toward the large balcony, the warmth of the day receding with the orange radiance of dusk. She felt suddenly weary then, as if her body had finally realized it needed rest.

She bathed first, much longer than she usually did. Feeling the warm water on her skin brought on more comfort than she ever thought possible. Then she dressed in her evening attire, a simple tunic and trousers, and went to bed. As she lay in the midst of the blankets and pillows, her mind turned to the day’s events. Her father and brother’s arms wrapped around her in love and relief. The cold, mistrusting gaze of Alektor and the rest of the Rexunii. Katrina’s tear-filled eyes as she smiled at her. And Daniel… his strong presence and clear relief at her return. He thought I was dead, her mind raced with every second of the early evening. A warmth came over her while her attention lingered on the man. Such troublesome feelings, she thought. But they were there, now more-so than ever.

Her introspection was cut short by a firm knock on her door. Avria groaned as she stood to open it, only to see the High King himself in the doorway.

“Princess, Avria.” Alektor greeted, nodding toward her. “My apologies for the late interruption, but I have some pressing matters I wish to discuss with you before the morning.”

Avria bowed her head, concealing her irritation. “Of course, your highness. I am always at your disposal.” She stood to the side, allowing him to enter, and made her way toward the small meeting area near the jars of wine, which is where he stopped first.

“Do you mind?” He asked, gesturing toward the jars.

Avria shook her head. “Of course not, your highness. Please, help yourself.”

Alektor nodded, pouring himself a bowl, then a second one, which he placed in front of her on the stone table between where they sat.

“Avria, I wanted to speak with you about, not just your ordeal, but the political climate we now find ourselves in.” Alektor took a sip from his bowl, letting the taste of the alcohol rest in his mouth before he continued. “Daniel is less than cooperative, even in the best of times. So, his briefs about the enemy we now face, have been somewhat lacking. I would like for you to tell me what you know.”

Avria tensed, the memories playing in her head again and again. “If we do not stop them, the whole of our world will be consumed by darkness…” She said, her voice trembled with a mixture of anger and fear. “They are extremely powerful, your highness.”

“Enough of that.” Alektor waved his hand dismissively. “I am speaking to you as a peer, now. I need you to be truthful with me, in every aspect. Do not worry about titles or ceremony. I need your unfiltered thoughts.”

Avria took a deep breath, but nodded, and pressed on. “Very well, Alektor. We are unprepared. Profoundly so, partly due to our Kingdom’s inner turmoil. If the people were to hear of this, there would be panic. Demons, roaming the fields of our clans. Attacking cities, devouring them. And this is not an idle threat. I’m sure you know that, otherwise you wouldn’t be here at this hour speaking to me about it.”

“But what can we do?” Alektor leaned in, uncharacteristic uncertainty on his face. “Lauren, the human Turak and Daniel captured has given us a great deal of information but is withholding many things, I believe.”

“I heard of her. My father mentioned the situation to me briefly.” Avria reached down and picked up her bowl of wine. “I would like to speak with her, myself.”

“I will arrange it.” Alektor’s eyes were unfocused as he stared off to the side. “You fought one of them, with Daniel. How powerful are they?”

“Nearly impervious to the Dunamis.” Her answer was swift, and he turned back to her with narrowed eyes. “The smaller ones… familiars, I think is what Greyson called them, can be killed quite easily by skilled warriors. But the real demon we fought… I hit it with everything I had, and only managed to annoy it. It wasn’t until…”

“Your power changed.” Alektor finished for her. “That you were able to destroy it and escape.”

Avria glanced at him, a bit surprised. “You spoke with Daniel already?”

“No.” Alektor drank again from his bowl of wine. “I figured that out on my own.”

Avria grimaced, leaning forward. “Since I have your permission to speak candidly, Alektor. I want you to tell me a few things.”

Alektor raised an eyebrow, but did not interrupt her.

“You want something else.” She pressed, pointing at him. “You mentioned our political climate, I would like you to elaborate.”

Alektor’s face didn’t twitch or show any emotion of any kind as he answered. “Daniel pressed me, firmly, this morning in fact. In regards to the preservation of the Ignos bloodline.”

It was Avria’s turn to raise an eyebrow at him. This was an important subject for her and her family as well. And something that She and Telmos had been quite insistent on since their ascension to true royalty. Alektor though, would hear none of it. “So, what did he say?”

Alektor scoffed, something she had never heard from the usually stoic and austere man. “He barged in, interrupting a very important meeting with Queen Athica, and started making, enthusiastic demands.”

Avria grinned, the mental image of Daniel berating Alektor in the middle of a meeting, hilariously appropriate.

“But he has made a bargain with me, to protect the house of Ignos. Much like your father, Katrina, and Delmos had attempted.” Alektor shook his head. “He was right, of course. The hatred I have for Lokkon seems such a small thing now… after all the death and destruction. All the subterfuge and political poison that was unleased in both directions.” Alektor clenched his left hand into a fist, while drinking from the bowl of wine in his right. “I have named him the first Hego of Rexun.”

Avria was shocked at the sudden revelation. “You made him a Hego? Of Rexun? And he agreed to this?”

“In return, I have agreed to free Illya, and withhold the execution of Boros.”

Avria stared at the High King in disbelief. “But, why? What does having him join Rexun have to do with anything? We need him here, in Vul De Rah to help us fight against the demons.”

Alektor shook his head, standing to pour himself another bowl of wine. This time when he returned, he had the jar with him. “It is more than just where he is on the map, Avria. You know this. Though you may not think it, I know the future of our world rests in the hands of the humans. Lauren said they were sent here by demons, in a turn of fate, the humans arrived instead of hordes of fiends to slaughter us all. I don’t believe in accidents, Avria. They truly were sent to us by the spirits, to fight these monsters. To save our world.”

Avria appraised Alektor then, the words he spoke and his body language. He was telling the truth, and for some reason he was choosing to share this with her. Someone who until recently, was his most vehement enemy.

“That is why, when Reku was able to successfully plant his seed in both Demessa and Athica, I saw the path.” He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, before continuing. “Their bloodlines will shape the future of Pelemont, Avria.”

“So, you intend to breed them.” Avria scowled.

Alektor’s expression went sour at her comment. “I intend, to ensure that their lines are secured, within Eleutheros, and with the proper houses.”

“You can’t control them, Alektor.” Avria crossed her arms, suddenly regretting her previous, albeit brief, admiration of the man. “Robert might have been easily convinced, but Daniel won’t be. And certainly not Katrina.”

“Daniel doesn’t need to be manipulated or coerced.” Alektor answered, his tone more commanding again. “It is only Katrina who needs consideration.”

“What do you mean?” Avria asked, tension building in her gut.

Alektor leaned toward her, his gaze knowing. “You don’t need to be coy about it, Avria. I know how you feel about him. And I have observed that he feels quite the same way about you.”

“I—” Avria tried to retort but was swiftly cut off with a gesture from his hand.

“I will hear nothing more to the contrary. Truth be told, even if you had no feelings for him at all, I would still insist on it. This just makes things easier.”

“But— Katrina.” Avria sputtered, trying to regain her composure. “Nasha told me that they were lovers.”

“They shared each other’s bed on several occasions, yes.” Alektor finished the last of his bowl, filling it again. “But that is of little importance. They have not done so for some time now, and from what I’ve learned, it was due to the influence of Dio’Mar.”

Avria grit her teeth, a myriad of emotions tearing through her mind like a storm.

“But, as I mentioned before.” Alektor continued, “It isn’t Daniel who is the problem. It is Katrina. The only Dae she has expressed even a modicum of affection for is Boros of house Ignos, and that… Isn’t a conversation I am willing to have, at the moment.”

“You aren’t… well…” Avria winced as she started to ask the obvious question.

“No.” Alektor said firmly. “As much sense as that would make, Katrina is not a person that I would consider mating.”

Avria hung her head, the early signs of a headache building within. Either from the wine or exhaustion.

“Do not fret, Avria.” Alektor said, reassuringly. “I will call a council meeting by mid-day tomorrow where we can discuss this more officially.” He glanced at her balcony again, most likely gauging the time. “Either way, I will leave you for tonight. I thank you for lending me your ear and wine.” He placed his empty bowl on the table, somewhat sympathetically. “I will have someone come to refill this for you.”