The light from the windows beamed inside the room where Lyra’s sleeping figure lay in bed. She winced in pain and moved slightly until she felt pressure on the corner of the bed where Aurora rested her head, sleeping.

“Aurora?” Her throat was raspy and dry. A throbbing sensation entered her temples, making her flinch. She could scarcely remember what had happened before but knew she had fallen prey to the Altar. After that, it was blank.

Aurora mumbled as she roused awake and blinked the sleep out of her eyes, only to realize that Lyra was no longer lying unconscious on the bed. She was sitting up, albeit confused, but sitting up alive.

She jumped into Lyra’s chest, to her surprise, and let out a coughing gasp when Aurora’s head hit her chest.

“I missed you! I… thought you were… was…” She couldn’t get the rest of the words out when the tears came.

Lyra pulled her onto the bed and her lap, wrapping her arms around her to comfort her.

“It’s okay… I’m okay now. See? I told you I’d be fine, and it was all thanks to you and Malakyh.”

And speaking of Malakyh--

Someone knocked on the door, and the person on the other side opened the door to walk inside.

Lyra gasped, having not seen their face in quite some time.

“Sly!?”

The woman grinned. A strand of her white fell into her eyes as she blew it away.

“Welcome back, Sleeping Beauty. You’ve been out practically all day. I’m glad I got here when I could.”

“I can’t believe you’re here!” She exclaimed with a wide grin spread across her lips.

“And you’re a sight for sore eyes, too. Now,” taking a seat in the wooden chair in the corner. Her hands folded together with her usual serious expression. “I hate to end pleasantries, but… we should talk about everything that has happened. If you’re up to it.”

Lyra nodded. Everything that happened with the Altar to The Children of Deimos watching her and the Chancellor’s knowledge of everything.

Sly nodded. “Good. I’ll get everyone together.”

•†•

“What? Are you saying that a Sovran mentioned that she knows Eamon and has seen him?” Lyra exclaimed after Sly revealed that he seemed to be established with one of them on top of the designated Sovran watching them.

“I thought I felt someone watching me too when Tierney and I had escaped that Altar that day,” Aurora revealed. “It didn’t feel like malice intent, but… it felt sinister. I thought it might have been a Fiend, though.”

Tierney nodded. “It’s true.”

Cassandra pursed her lips together. “But I don’t understand why they watch us. Surely, it’s not to make sure we are stopping the Altars. We would do that, no question.”

“I don’t think it’s as obvious as that,” Malakyh said.

“He’s right,” Sly agreed. “They aren’t just making sure we follow through–they know that we’re a part of the big plan that has already happened in history– I think….”

“...they don’t want us to mess up,” Lyra finished her sentence. “We will complete the Astral Contract to fulfill Deimos’s return. The world will be overrun regardless, but they probably need to repeat the Astral process until we fight on soiled land between Lumos and Deimos’ creations.”

The room fell silent as they took in everything. It wasn’t until after a few minutes that Sly broke the silence. She stood up, walked over to the radio on the dresser, and let an instrumental show tune play.

“Well, until then, we should rest up and continue to travel through Ravens Country. An Altar may be located somewhere, or we could catch one of those Sovran’s to tell us since they want us to do their dirty work.

The group nodded in agreement. Sly borrowed the cabin from an old friend who was out of town during her Locksmith days. They were still in Ravens Country, but the cabin was far from Corvus Holden, to Lyra’s relief and dismay.

Everyone retired to do anything else until they were ready to leave, but Lyra was left sitting at the table with Sly, who was also in the living quarters with her.

“I’m sorry I didn’t have more information about Eamon. If I had caught that Southern Belladonna Sovran she called herself, I would have had her tell us.”

Lyra sadly smiled, shaking her head. She wiped the corners of her eyes. “I know Sly. That’s way more information than I ever had. Thank you.”

“Hey.” Her voice pulled Lyra’s attention to her. She rested her reddish brown hands on top of Lyra’s. “We will find him, there’s no doubt about it. Understand?

Lyra nodded. But what if… No, I can’t doubt myself. Even if the Dormant part of him seemed potent than I thought, who knows how much stronger he is now? She hoped the picture she had taken from his things and slipped in his pockets that day would help.

She sniffed and composed herself, straightening her shoulders. “So where in Ravens Country?”

Sly cleared her throat. “I have contacts on the lookout. We stay on the path of Ravens Country and make our way to Farehaven. Military trucks were seen pulling up there, promoting people to sign up for the draft, and apparently, many people have signed up.”

Lyra frowned. “That doesn’t make sense. Not for everything that’s been happening with riots and protests.”

Sly nodded. “Agreed. If Nikolai is anything to go by, there might be more to it than he’s letting on. I can only assume he knows why people are so readily joining, especially if he and the Chancellor seem to have an inkling of knowledge about the Altars.”

“And he wants to be the one to solve the issue. Not some backwaters Locksmith because that would ruin things for his election and his presidency in the future.”

Sly and Lyra stared at each other silently, fearful of that thought alone. It wasn’t until the show tunes ended that they were replaced with a news update from the Empire.

“Loyal citizens of Aurum, I stand before you in the Grand Hall of the Empire.

“We find ourselves at a crossroads, a moment in history fraught with uncertainty and peril. Our nation faces threats, both seen and unseen, that require our collective strength and resolve.

While challenging, the Harmony Tax is a necessary burden we all must bear to ensure the continued prosperity and security of our beloved kingdom. It funds our defenses, sustains our infrastructure, and prepares us for trials. I understand the discontent it has caused, but let us not lose sight of its purpose.

Rumors and whispers of dark forces and ancient evils have spread like wildfire. Some claim the resurgence of forgotten horrors, while others speak of mysterious happenings and shadowy creatures. But I ask you, is this the time to succumb to fear and division? No, it is a time for unity, strength, and decisive action.

To protect our land and secure our future, we must be ready to face any threat, no matter how vague or distant it may seem. This is why I propose the introduction of a draft to bolster our ranks and ensure that every able-bodied citizen stands ready to defend our nation. This measure, though extraordinary, is vital. We must be prepared to face unexpected dangers with unwavering courage and steadfast resolve.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

It is easy to be swayed by the impassioned words of a Locksmith to believe in the tales of legends and magic. But make no mistake, the proper solution to our plight lies not in fantastical stories but in the complex, unyielding reality. We shall overcome these threats through our military's strength, our soldiers' discipline, and our people's resolve. We shall prevail through the strength of our military, the discipline of our soldiers, and our people’s resolve. The time has come to stand together and embrace the reality of our situation.

Trust in our leadership, trust in our soldiers, and trust in the resilience of the Empire. Together, we will face these challenges head-on and emerge stronger than ever. This is our duty and our path to destiny.”

The news ended, but… they weren’t the only ones listening.

Outside the door, Aurora and Tierney were crouched, listening. Aurora looked at Tierney with concern, who nodded that she was too scared by the outcome.

But they had a plan, and maybe it would bring Eamon back.

•†•

“I don’t know about this, Aurora,” Tierney nervously said. The two of them walked away from the doors of the cabin that they had eavesdropped behind.

“You heard on the radio. We have to do something. You said your powers can see into the future and talk to people, right?”

Tierney pursed her lips. Her hands folded together tightly. “I don’t know how to control it. It’s only when I’m anxious or worried about someone I care about, like Cassandra. I might know Eamon, and I am concerned for him because Lyra is, but not enough for it to kick in.”

Aurora furrowed her tiny brows to think. That is true… Wait! She snapped her fingers, making Tierney raise her brow.

“Why don’t we ask Malakyh? He’s a Strega and a Witch, right?”

“He offered to teach me better control… but I don’t want to go behind Cassandra’s back.”

“But… if it will help us save Eamon, that will help us take down the Altars. We have to try at least.”

Tierney thought about it for a moment and let out a sigh. She nodded. Letting Aurora take the lead to where Malakyh was staying inside the cabin.

They knocked on the door and waited until he told them to come in.

“What are you two doing?”

Both girls looked at each other from the corner of their eyes. Tierney’s hands clasped in front of her, and Aurora’s behind her.

Aurora stepped forward and spoke, “Do you think you can… tell us how to control a Person’s power?”

Though Malakyh didn’t know what they were planning, he knew they were up to something involving one of their abilities. While Lyra never outright demanded of him not to speak of his background with Aurora, he could only assume she would feel some kind of way, like how Cassandra was with Tierney.

“I’m sorry, you two. I don’t feel comfortable revealing or Showing you anything without your guardians’ consent.”

“But–!” Aurora pleaded.

“Look, I know it can be tough not understanding who you are fully, but some things just take time, and you don’t want to rush into anything, or else it could have detrimental side effects.”

Aurora was unsure what else to say to let Malakyh know he wouldn’t get in trouble.

Tierney, however, stepped forward. She squared her shoulders.

“I know what Cassandra said, but… I’m just curious to know. You don’t have to teach me anything. I want to know how to say, like, contact a specific person. Like the day Cassandra and her army were ambushed. If I had known early, I could have saved them and prevented Cassandra from carrying that burden.”

Malakyh looked between the two girls, sighed, and ran his hands through his hair. He wasn’t sure if he should do it; he did not want to see Cassandra’s wrath, but the girl’s eyes reminded him of something.

Or someone. Himself.

Had he not met his master, and she took him in, teaching him and starting him on the path he was on now? He was afraid he might have been dead a long time ago.

“Okay. There are several ways to gain focus: chants, herbs, rituals; some may need to be done under the guise of the moon.”

“But what if you don’t have much stuff or experience?” Aurora jumped in.

“Well, if the person in question is already in touch with their magic, not so much control; they just need to have a conduit, something personal to the person you want to contact.”

A light bulb went off in Aurora’s head. She remembered seeing Eamon’s Escrima sticks in Lyra’s bag. Those would be the perfect conduits!

“That’s perfect! Thanks, Malakyh!” She grabbed Tierney’s hand and pulled her to the door, awkwardly waving goodbye.

“Now, hold on,” he said, stopping them midway out the doorway. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to say or if she should say anything. It wasn’t necessarily his place, but if anything happened to them, he’d feel guilty for leading them to something. He sighed. They’re smart girls; I’m sure they won’t cause any trouble on purpose.

“Just… be careful.”

Tierney hesitantly bobbed her head while Aurora yelled, ‘Okay!’ Before leaving the room.

Aurora first set out to go into Lyra’s bag and take the Escrima sticks. She could hear her in the washroom, and though some part of her was nervous, she needed to do this to help them get some lead.

With Escrima sticks in hand, both girls raced out of the cabin and to the outside, where Cassandra was out in the front training with no armor to speak of. Her arm was feeling much better of late, and she knew she would need to pick up the slack for the lost time. Timely grunts passed her lips as she swung her ax arm at an invisible force. Beads of sweat dropped from her forehead. She spotted the two from the corner of her eye; she swiped her forehead with her arm and approached them.

“What are you two about to do?”

Aurora hid the Escrima sticks behind her back, hoping to play coy. “We’re going to the lake for a bit,” Aurora lied.

Tierney nodded in reply. Her stomach twisted at the lie despite not speaking.

“Huh,” Cassandra said, eyeing the two back and forth. Aurora beamed at her, and Tierney stretched a painful smile that awkwardly met her eyes. “You sure you’re both okay?”

“Yes,” they said in unison.

“Hmm…alright. Don’t stay there for too long; the minute Lyra is ready to leave, we’ll be leaving.” Her gaze lingered on Tierney a moment longer before looking away.

Once free from Cassandra’s questioning, they bolted for the hills, where a lake passed a forest entrance.

“That was close. Okay, are you ready?” Aurora said, handing Tierney the weapons.

She hesitantly took them in her hands. “Are we really sure about this, Aurora? I don’t know… I’ve never lied to Cassandra before. I was sure she would figure it out.”

“And neither have I, but I know how much Lyra misses Eamon and how much trouble the Empire and Altars are causing bad things to happen in Lysandrian; then maybe all of Aurum is next.”

They situated themselves on a hill and sat underneath a large tree. A cool breeze blew across their cheeks, blowing strands of white in Aurora’s face. The lake’s waters shimmered from where the sun’s rays bounced off.

They sat cross-legged across from each other.

Tierney Held the Escrima sticks in her left hand. “So… I just concentrate on Eamon, right?”

“I think so… Maybe I should help give you some power?”

Tierney shrugged and took Aurora’s hand on her right. She closed her eyes and pictured Eamon’s face, first how he looked before and then after.

“Okay… I’m getting… something?” She furrowed her brow with a tilt of her head. Her braids fell partially in her Face.

“What do you see? Can you see anything?”

She pursed her lips, trying to focus harder. “I… it’s really blurry. I can’t make anything around me.”

Aurora frowned, disappointed. She gripped Tierney’s hand as if she could give her extra power. It wasn’t until she cinched that Aurora did a double take and saw Tierney’s eyes turn from their usual color to pure white.

“T-Tierney?”

She didn’t respond.

Her lips started moving, but no sounds came out. Aurora began to panic. Her heart sped up and pounded in her chest. No matter how much she tried to call out to her, there was no answer.

She moved her lips faster, but still, no sound and Aurora feared the worst.

It wasn’t until a shock shot up Aurora’s arm from Tierney’s that she yelped and put her hand back. Tierney started to convulse, and fear clenched at Aurora. She didn’t know what to do, but a fast blur moved past her before she could process what was next.

Malakyh was in front of her, and with his hand pressed to Tierney’s forehead–a black and purple circular aura appeared– stopping her convulsion. Her body went limp, but thankfully, her chest rose up and down slowly.

Malakyh sighed. His arm was securely around Tierney’s shoulder. He didn’t say anything, only looked to Aurora: a warning. Things would have gotten much worse if he had not come when he did.

Aurora’s stomach twisted from guilt. Her haste could have almost harmed her friend or worse. However, if anyone looked closer, within her braided hair was a strand of silver mixed in with her natural hair.