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Confrontation

They rode away just before the sun rose, when every was still quiet and the coldness covered the world.

Nox yawned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Imprisonment had broken his daily routine, and he would need to train his body once more to wake up early. If he ever could, anyway. If the Thurinians locked him up as well, it would take him another week, perhaps two, before his body adjusted.

Still sleepy? Estella asked beside him. They were still on the main road, so her hood was up, but the playfulness in the question was clear.

You didn’t let me sleep longer. Not that he minded, and as he glanced at her briefly, every rise and fall of her hips reminded him of what she did last night. And the moment they woke up.

And if I could have my way, I won’t let you leave that bed.

Could you two stop flirting? Erebos grumbled. You are both worse than Faven and Arabella.

Nox snorted. The former Celestial had become quite the conversationalist ever since he and Estella reforged the Resonance. No one is asking for you to listen.

No, but your Resonance is stronger now. I can’t ignore much of your thoughts, unlike before.

Curiosity flooded from Estella. Does that mean you could teach me as well, Master? she asked.

Erebos was silent for a moment. I will teach you what I can. However, since you are not my Wielder, your growth still lies in your own hands.

***

For three days they rode along King’s Road, heading east to the borders. They ignored most towns, though on the brief occasions that they had to stop in one to buy supplies, Estella made sure he wouldn’t be seen by keeping him hooded.

More search parties were sent out. They even encountered a few of them, and those moments always made Nox tense. Thankfully, no one suspected; Estella’s and Aldros’s presences were enough to convince the soldiers of the facade they were keeping.

On the fourth day, the Atoras mountain range came into view, no more than a gray band along the horizon. Stopping at the crest of a hill, they surveyed the wide plain spreading below them. Only one town was visible, nestled at the bend of a wide rushing river.

“Trifas,” Aldros said. “We should stop there before proceeding further.”

Erian frowned. “The meeting place isn’t too far, Master. Why can’t we just go there?”

Aldros pointed to the second tallest mountain, roughly north-east of them. “Zelebon Fortress sits at the top of that peak, though you wouldn’t see it because it’s veiled thick by a spell. There are more patrols here, even aerial ones.”

Nox glanced up. The noon sun was beating down on them, but puffs of cloud drifted by lazily. He squinted. A pair of dark specks were soaring at the belly of a cloud, but they were too distant to distinguish.

Not that he needed to. Aerial patrols. Faven’s domesticated griffons were larger and fiercer than the wild variations, and they were also faster. If a chase happened, they wouldn’t get far on horses.

The sun was dipping low behind the mountains when they finally arrived at Trifas. It was surprisingly clean and orderly, and the people were kind.

They only stayed until the morning. His posters were posted everywhere, so Nox didn’t leave his room until dawn broke. Soldiers constantly patrolled the streets. It took a tense hour before they were through the wooden gates, and no one relaxed until the walls were a distant smudge behind them.

It wasn’t long before they were passing through between the bases of two mountains, following the river eastward. It was almost noon, but fog still clung to the mountains in thin veils.

At lunch, they stopped by the riverbank. Aldros and Esmeir chopped firewood from the nearby forest, while Erian and Reina fetched water from the river. When they returned, Aldros was carrying a buck in broad shoulders.

“Found a small herd nearby,” he said, dropping the carcass to the ground. Matias whooped in delight, and he and Polima began to skin the buck.

Lunch was satisfying, but there was an uneasiness that blanketed the camp. Nox could feel the worry rolling in waves from Estella. One more day and they would be parting ways again, perhaps for a very long time.

That night, when everyone else was asleep, they lay curled up against each other, reveling in their shared warmth. Estella’s eyes shone bright in the darkness.

Whatever happens, we’ll always be together, she murmured in his mind.

Nox nodded, and planted a kiss on her forehead. We will be together.

***

The meeting place was a wide clearing at the very edge of the borders, where the river looped backwards then rushed north. A tall crumbling wall marked the invisible line that divided Faven and Thurin. Here there were gaping holes, blasted away by constant conflict, never to be repaired.

Nox scanned the length. It disappeared out of sight, past the mountains. No guards were stationed, but Estella said there wasn’t any need; Thurin, apparently, honored the borders.

Didn’t stop them from instigating a massacre, however.

Principal Alzeron, as always, held a staff. And behind him stood a battalion of armored men, black-plated with golden capes, whose silver suns seemed to glow in the daylight.

“Greetings, Dame Estella.” Alzeron spread his arms in welcome. “Once again I’m honored to be your presence.”

Estella’s expression remained blank. Her polished armor made her intimidating to look at, and beneath her quiet facade, Nox sense the fury lurking.

Relax, he nudged gently. I will be fine.

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I love you.

I love you too.

Estella cleared her throat. “I have the prisoner.”

“Yes, I can see that.” Alzeron’s smile was wicked, predatory, as he inspected Nox. He frowned slightly. “A little clean for a prisoner, however.”

“We don’t treat our criminals horribly,” Estella said in a frosty tone.

“Even those who can become monsters?” Alzeron sighed. “Not that it matters. Do not worry, Your Highness. We have experience in dealing with… creatures like this one. I assure you, the demon won’t be a threat to anyone after this.”

It was only Nox’s soothing mind that restrained Estella from summoning Astra. Do not rise to his bait, he said.

I want to. Then I can stuff his filthy mouth with his filthier heart.

“Well, shall we?” Alzeron gestured toward Nox. A line of Wielders stepped forward, but Aldros spoke.

“No, we’ll let him come to you,” he said.

The Wielders stopped, glancing at Alzeron. He sent them a curt nod, and they remained, waiting.

Highly disciplined, Nox thought. Thurinian elites.

“Go,” Aldros said softly.

Nox looked at Estella. He caught her misty eyes, and he sent her all his love, all his feelings, in that brief moment. She stiffened, and he sensed her anguish, greater than before. It almost made him remain there.

Tearing his gaze away from hers, it landed on Ireela, her head concealed by a hood save for her lower lip. It trembled as she dipped her head, a final respect. Study well and become a powerful Wielder, he told her just before they broke camp.

Next was Aldros. A simpler nod, his expression impassive. Wary. Nox knew what it meant, so he began approaching Alzeron. He wore shackles again, regular ones, so his walk was careful.

Fifty yards directly behind him. That was Erian’s position, perched on a tree. If something were to happen, it would be easy to roll out of the way and let the Wind Wielder take the shot.

He stopped in front of Alzeron. The principal’s eyes gleamed wickedly. “Nox Stigan,” he said. “Do you know that Zalthor’s parents are still inconsolable? Even now they want you brought to justice for what you did to their son.”

“Not my fault. He provoked me.” Nox wouldn’t have spoken. But Alzeron dared to make him harm his friends and nearly kill Estella. He couldn’t—wouldn’t—forgive him for that.

The former High Mage chuckled. “No remorse, I see.” He stepped forward, and something dark passed over his eyes. In a low voice, he added, “You don’t deserve that power.”

“Neither do you,” Nox countered, just as softly. “Or Thurin.” He smiled.

The effect was immediate. Alzeron scowled, retreating to his escorts. With a snap of his fingers, five Wielders surrounded Nox. “You will not speak unless I tell you to. You will be given only one meal each day, and only one moment to relieve yourself. You will not ride with us; you will walk. And if you stop without being told to, I will give you five lashes.”

“Why not ten?” Nox said dryly.

There was a sharp crack as Alzeron’s right palm connected with his cheek, sending him sprawling to the ground. Not that Nox hadn’t expected it. He wobbled to stand, and strong arms grabbed him, forcing him on his feet.

“The next time, it will be a whip,” Alzeron growled.

Nox glared at him as he was dragged away by the soldiers. In his mind, he could feel Estella’s scorching rage. I’m all right.

There’s still time. We can kill these monsters and save you!

You know that’s not the right thing to do.

I would burn the world if it means I can protect you forever.

He closed his eyes. It was becoming difficult to keep his hands from trembling, but he managed to still them. For Estella. He was doing this for Estella

Six horses were waiting at the far end of the clearing. Alzeron mounted the tallest one, a black mare, and the rest followed. Nox was tied to the shortest horse by a long rope.

His neck prickled, and he glanced back over his shoulder. Five escorts, but there was a battalion still remaining. And they weren’t leaving. Estella and the others were watching him.

What’s happening? he asked her.

I don’t know. They aren’t leaving.

He cursed under his breath and swiveled his gaze toward Alzeron. The principal was bent down his saddle, talking quietly with another soldier. Nox couldn’t hear most of it save for the last sentence.

“Make it as gruesome as possible.”

Icy fingers clawed at his heart. Trap! This is a trap!

I knew it!

Nox met Alzeron’s gaze. Cold, triumphant, ruthless. He knew, and he thought Nox couldn’t do anything. He thought Nox couldn’t fight back and save the people he cherished.

“You want war, Thurinian?” Nox growled. And somehow, it was no longer his voice. Deeper, more menacing.

Alzeron’s smile widened. “You wouldn’t dare. Not unless you want another massacre. If you kill me, Thurin will burn Faven to the last house and child.”

I would burn the world if it means I can protect you forever.

And so would Nox.

“Erebos, help me,” he said, even as his shackles turned cold from the frost starting to cover it.

Always.

The escorts didn’t even get near enough to swing their weapons. In a burst of ice and shadow, they were thrown back alongside their horses, screaming and cursing.

As Erebos’s familiar weight settled in his hand, Nox charged Alzeron. The principal was already on the ground, staff in hand, his horse galloping away in terror. Lightning blasted from his staff, crackling with searing heat. Nox deflected it to a tree, sending it ablaze.

And then he was in front of Alzeron, his Animarta rushing to the mage’s heart. With a snarl, Alzeron swung his staff.

Nox sailed away, cursing. A Wind Blast. The shockwave tore at him, but doing little pain. He landed dozens of feet away, near the stone wall. When he looked at his ice-encased arms, he sighed in relief. The Frost Armor had done its job.

“Impressive,” Alzeron mused, his voice loud. “But what you did has just sealed your kingdom’s fate. Now the world will know that Faven harbors the same demon who destroyed so many nations long ago!”

Grunting, Nox rose to his feet. Battle had already commenced between Alzeron’s battalion and Estella’s group, the ground shaking from the elements. But Nox wasn’t worried. Estella and the others would prevail.

He strode forward, his grip on Erebos firm. “He doesn’t like Thurin,” he said. “I can see why.”

Alzeron scoffed. “Azrael chose the wrong Wielder to serve.”

“Azrael doesn’t serve anyone.” Raising Erebos to the sky, Nox shouted, “Cocytus!”

“Mjolnir!” Alzeron roared.

Lightning and ice clashed. A fierce gale raged around them. In a contest of mana, Nox knew he was at a disadvantage. But he had one advantage that Alzeron didn’t possess.

He had a Celestial helping him.

Mjolnir’s lightning rained, each one powerful enough to destroy a hill. But an ice wall surrounded Nox, a dome of frost shielding him from the worst of the storm. It wouldn’t hold long—already it was melting from the heat—but the steam it created veiled him.

Lowering Erebos, he melted into shadows. The cold kissed him, the darkness holding him like a lover. When he emerged, it was behind Alzeron.

Nox swung down. The mage screamed, and another force sent Nox flying. But he was prepared this time, and he landed swiftly on his feet, Erebos raised in defense.

He’s swift, Erebos grumbled.

Not swift enough. Nox flicked the blood off his Animarta, watching as Alzeron swayed where he stood, clutching the stump of his right arm. By his feet a pool of blood was spreading, and kept expanding.

Nox felt a chill crawl down his back, and he knew it wasn’t the cold of Cocytus.

“To think that someone as lowly as you could injure me,” the headmaster murmured. He glanced toward the battle. His battalion was down to a fifth of their original numbers. And even as he watched, Estella burned the rest of them.

“I wonder…” When Alzeron’s gaze returned to Nox, there was a mad glint in them. “You love the princess, but it didn’t stop you from trying to hurt her when you became a demon. But what if she is hurt instead?”

With a snarl, Nox charged. Run, Ella! Alzeron smiled as the blood by his feet glowed and shifted, rising to the air, spires and globules of crimson. They swirled, merging as one, forming elongated shapes that stretched and stretched until they resembled razor-sharp needles whose tips glinted malevolently.

Needles that could puncture the thickest armor.

Nox ran. Not toward Alzeron; he knew he wouldn’t make it, and the headmaster wouldn’t even pay attention to him. So he ran in a different direction.

He ran toward Estella.

He saw her in the distance, wide-eyed in confusion. She must be feeling his resolve, his desperation, to save her. One volley. That was all Alzeron needed. Aldros was already raising an earthen wall, yanking Estella behind it. A Wind Arrow flew, and Nox ducked. It sped past his ear.

Alzeron screamed again, and a searing pain engulfed Nox before darkness overtook.