Some time later, Gamma and Bidant returned, accompanied by Delphi. Gamma balanced a tea tray in her hands, while Delphi carried a second tray laden with small pastries. Though the snacks were bite-sized, to Wilran's growling stomach they might as well have been a feast. As Delphi made her way around the room, offering the tray, she paused in front of Wilran to warned her to be careful.

"Remember to take it easy. Your body isn't used to eating solid foods."

The implication wasn't lost on her, but she was starving. Her judgment told her not to worry, but still, the seriousness in Delphi's eyes made her hesitate. Reluctantly, she obeyed, taking her time with the small cake. The sweetness of honey and the richness of chocolate melted on her tongue. It wasn't much—she ate two—but it was enough to quiet her hunger pangs.

"Delicious," Wilran murmured, savoring the lingering sweetness.

Delphi giggled as she set the tray down. "I'm glad you liked them. I put so much effort into them... from the comfort of my pillow."

Gamma rolled her eyes but smiled, passing around cups of tea. The mood was lighthearted, filled with warm laughter as the four of them shared breakfast. But as Wilran sipped her tea, she noticed a subtle shift in the room's atmosphere. What had started as casual and carefree was slowly becoming more serious, more intentional.

Delphi set down her cup and straightened, her expression now focused and determined. "Now that you're all up to speed, it's time to talk about the plan Rory and I set into motion several months ago."

A quiet settled over the room, the only sound coming from the wind whistling outside against the mountains. Wilran exchanged glances with Gamma and Bidant, but the confused looks on their faces told her they were as in the dark as she was.

Delphi, moving with purpose, climbed onto a nearby chair and folded into a meditative position. Her arms began to twist and flow in intricate, practiced movements as she summoned the magic that coursed through her. The air hummed with energy as the spell reached its peak, and before them, a vivid, three-dimensional image of Sainta materialized, shimmering in the air.

"Sainta: A world at war," Delphi began, her voice heavy with the weight of history. "Since the appearance of the beasts, the nations have been ravaged by their onslaught. Their origin? Typhon. Only El knows how they came into being, and why He waited so long to intervene is anyone's guess. I've done my best to protect the halfling people from their advance, but I'm only able to act within El's will. Over the completions, I watched their numbers grow, and by the time I realized Typhon was behind it all, it was too late—they were too powerful. Even I was starting to loose hope for my people.

But one fateful day, El showed me a path to peace—a slim hope in the form of a chance meeting between two young soldiers barely in training."

Delphi continued to move her hands and the scene shifted to a clearing. A young Thepa was lying on her side next to a tree. The shock on her face gave Wilran the impression she was caught off guard, while a young Rory stood a short distance away. In her hand she held a letter, engrossed in its contents with a slight look of amusement on her face.

"'Cultivate them,' commanded El. 'The fate of the world depends on it.' Cryptic, even by divine standards, but in that moment, it felt like hope. I followed the command, though doubt gnawed at me. How could two so young and untested change the fate of the world? I watched them stumble through their training, both burdened by their own troubles, but nothing about them seemed extraordinary. They had little in common outside of problems with their respective parents. When my own research led nowhere, I prayed for answers... and the dreams El sent me made me wish I hadn't."

Delphi's hands moved again, and suddenly, six separate images filled the room. The sight of great cities of Sainta ablaze sent a collective gasp through Wilran, Gamma, and Bidant. Orcs, goblins, hobgoblins, and lizardmen flooded the cities, leaving trails of destruction and bodies in their wake.

"Careful what you wish for," Delphi said quietly. "You might just get it."

Bidant nodded solemnly. "Agreed."

"Within a completion, El revealed more to me. It wasn't just the beasts threatening Sainta—it was the nations themselves. Infighting, greed, and weak leadership were eroding their foundations. The beasts would exploit these fractures, but the real threat was the lack of unity beetween the nations. If nothing changed, this was Sainta's future."

With another wave of her hand, Delphi summoned a new image. The old house she had shown Wilran yesterday reappeared, but this time only Lilith and Typhon stood within it, locked in a deep, tense discussion.

"The situation was more complex than mere survival. Lilith, ever cunning, knew what her brother Typhon was doing—raising an army of beasts to lay waste to the world that had rejected him. Sensing an opportunity, she began amassing her own forces. El, torn between his loyalty to his family and his love for Sainta, could only watch as the world teetered on the brink of annihilation. One army would have been devastating. Two would mean total destruction."

Another shift in Delphi's hands, and now four figures appeared, seated in a tribunal room. Wilran recognized an older Rory, Delphi herself, one of the Mistress's of Wildehaven, and a halfling she didn't know.

"Claudia!" Gamma exclaimed.

Delphi smiled. "Yes, Claudia—the paladin with a heart of gold. Duty and honor were ingrained in her from birth, and she would have gladly given her life to prevent war. But her understanding of the world was limited. Ms. Fox, on the other hand, knew exactly what her purpose was, but her recklessness could have undone it all. They both needed time and the influence of friends to grow into the roles El needed them to play. Together, they were the key to stopping the bloodshed. Their love and devotion to their respective deities was beyond question."

For the first time, the memory in the vision spoke audibly, as Wilran heard Rory's voice, confused and uncertain.

"Why me... why us?" Rory asked, her gaze flickering to Delphi for an answer. Even the older halfling seated beside Rory looked toward Delphi, seeking the same reassurance.

Delphi's voice, soft yet steady, echoed in the memory. "Being a prophet is strange, Ms. Fox. If I focus, I can sometimes see days, even weeks into the future. But the farther I try to look, the more uncertain things become. Free will clouds the path forward. Do you understand?"

Delphi paused, her gaze intense as she returned to the present. "The truth is, I knew why. But I couldn't tell them then. What El needed wasn't just their devotion—he needed their sacrifice."

"Sacrifice?" Bidant's voice was low, the weight of that word hanging in the air.

Delphi nodded solemnly. "We all make sacrifices, Bidant—some for our nations, some for our families. But for Ms. Fox, the sacrifice was far greater. To stop Lilith from raising her army, Rory had to give her life. She had to die to save the world."

"That doesn't make sense," Wilran interjected, frowning. "If Lilith wanted an army, how would Rory's death have stopped her?"

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

In response, two images materialized in the air. The first showed Rory, almost naked, bound in a dark cave. Her wrists and ankles were tied to unseen anchors as the Goblin King loomed over her, mid-spell. The second scene depicted Wilran's desperate attempt to heal Rory outside the fields of Goldale the first time the two met.

"El baited Lilith. With a powerful sorcerer she could take control of Typhon's army, however her followers weren't strong enough. Instead, he offered her a willing sacrifice with the added bonus of being the High Priestess of her sworn enemy. The power in Rory's body would linger, enhanced by Adreanna's new form. Lilith, in turn, took it. Typhon burned Ms. Fox's soul out of her body and you as a follower of Lilith unwillingly ignited Adreanna's spark. The final act would be completed when Typhon consecrated Adreanna in Lilith's temple."

Wilran's eyes widened in realization. "The awakener! That's what Adreanna meant when she thanked me."

Delphi's expression softened with sympathy, but she kept them focused on her spell. "Don't blame yourself, Wilran. Our magic comes from our deities. It would have been easy for Lilith to use you in this way."

Gamma frowned. "But isn't that reckless? I'm no strategist, but why give your enemy a powerful ally?"

Wilran nodded in agreement. It didn't seem logical. Not only had Chandeidra lost an acolyte, but it also seemed that Lilith gained a stronger soldier.

""It's a dangerous gamble," Delphi admitted, "but the future isn't fixed. My visions have blurred. The fact there is uncertainty is a good thing, it means change can still happen. Furthermore, remember what I said. One army is better than two, and a strong central villain gives Sainta a reason to unite against its evil. It may not seem like it at the moment, but it's our best shot at stopping the war.

Gamma's voice trembled. "So Rory is truly dead?"

"I'm afraid so," Delphi confirmed with a nod.

Gamma stared down, eyes fixed on her pocket as her aura flickered faintly for a moment, then vanished. Wilran glimpsed the sorrow in Gamma's spirit before it faded.

"It's never easy for those left behind," Delphi said gently. "Even when the loss feels like betrayal. Perhaps Chandeidra will offer you guidance, Gamma."

Gamma turned away, trying to hold her composure, but Bidant's next question pulled her back.

"You said 'he needed their sacrifice.'"

Gamma's breath hitched. "Claudia?"

Before the image was even finished, Wilran knew it instantly. It was in that moment everything changed where she went from devoted follower of Lilith to a disabled traitor lying in a bed. She couldn't help but look at all the figures in the scene as it took shape. Julius, Tash, Yenry, and Thepa formed a protective barrier around her slinging spells and arrows in the misplaced spot from which Adreanna had vanished. She herself was struggling in pain as energy arced around her. Zuna and Claudia swung widely at the air, but it was the purple light and the beating heart Adreanna held in her hand that had forever solidified Claudia fate.

"Duty and honor," Delphi murmured, her voice thick with sadness. "Like those who would have come before her, Ms. Silver would have gladly given her life for duty alone. But El, Chandeidra, and even my sister Edlyn never demanded duty without love. Sacrifice without love is meaningless—something Lilith and Typhon could never understand. It was in the jungles of Esha that Claudia finally learned the difference. Once she understood, my sister offered her the priesthood once more, consecrating her with the mask. With the foreknowledge of what she had to do, she made a beeline towards the temple and freely gave her life."

Gamma couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She collapsed against the wall, sliding down as sobs wracked her body. Bidant stepped toward her, but Gamma recoiled, too consumed by her grief. Confused and hurt, Bidant lingered nearby, unsure of how to help. Wilran noticed the blackness in Gamma's aura, but the scars seemed less visible now.

"What hope do we have left now?" Bidant asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Delphi dropped the image and rose to her feet. She gently took Wilran's hand in one of hers while reaching out to the sobbing Gamma with the other.

"She died, to save Ms. Warbol. She died, to save Ms. Stillfond. As long as you three are alive, there is hope. Right now have two options but only one outcome," she said. "A chosen Youngling of Chandeidra must wear the mask. Fortunately, we have two candidates."

"I can't," Gamma sobbed, shaking her head.

"I'm not a Youngling of Chandeidra," Wilran objected, a frown creasing her brow.

"Anyone can be a Youngling of Chandeidra; all you need is a little guidance," Delphi replied, her voice steady. She knelt beside Gamma and lifted her chin, gently wiping away tears. The red in Gamma's eyes revealed the turmoil within her. "It is your right to choose. El has always given us a choice. But remember, love without duty is just as meaningless. Your Goddess is pounding on your hearts. She needs your help to respond."

The aura around Gamma shifted to a soft blue, and though Wilran wasn't sure what it meant, the look on Gamma's face suggested it was a positive change. Delphi helped Gamma to her feet and embraced her.

"What you three do next is up to you," Delphi said, stepping back towards the door. "I suggest you find your team, find Thepa, but most importantly, find Chandeidra. I still have a path I must explore, but for now, you are on your own."

"Wait," Wilran called out, trying to stop her. "What if we need you?"

"Then El will guide me to you, as he always has. But I suspect answers will come to you without my help. Every youngling must leave the nest at some point."

With that, Delphi pointed toward the wall. A bolt of energy shot from her left hand, arcing toward its target as her right hand moved in intricate patterns. Even from just a few feet away, Wilran had trouble keeping up with her speed.

Energy swirled around the small halfling, culminating in a spark of white light that flung from one hand to the other. Delphi drew her stationary hand across her body in a downward motion, joining it with the other just below her knee. When they connected, a resounding boom erupted, shaking the room. The force knocked Wilran off the bed and sent Gamma crashing into Bidant's arms.

"Ow," Wilran groaned.

The experience hurt a lot more than it should have, given her body's weakened state. She was sure she could manage the pain, but now she was stuck. Even more pressing she couldn't see anything but the floor. Despite her shaking legs, she dragged herself to the nearest wall with the strength of her one good arm and pushed herself up against it, forcing her body to roll over. Carefully, she found the leverage she needed and was able to sit up on her own, giving her a full view of the room.

Bidant and Gamma shared a passionate kiss, his firm grasp lifting her completely off the ground, as if he had caught her mid-fall. Gamma's arms wrapped tightly around his neck, her body radiating warmth as they embraced. As Wilran watched, Gamma's aura shone a brilliant red, vibrant and alive. Though the light was intense, she couldn't detect a single scar.

Maybe scars can heal, Wilran thought, captivated by the sight of their love.

"Not heal, little one. Scars fade. Wounds heal."

The soft, feminine voice startled Wilran, though its tone was oddly comforting. The suddenness of the voice and its lack of a visible source sent a shiver down her spine. She glanced around the small room, searching for the origin of the sound, but nothing in her line of sight suggested who—or what—had answered her unspoken thoughts.

"W-Who are you?" she stammered.

"A healer," the voice replied, weaving through her mind like a gentle breeze.

A low hum echoed in her head, reminiscent of a sweet melody she had heard long ago. The words felt simple, yet the sound was so moving that it sent waves of warmth cascading down her spine. As if responding to the voice, swirls of blue light began to dance around Gamma's face and hair. The magic shimmered, breaking the enchanting spell that had held the two lovers in their intimate moment.

A soft "oh" escaped Gamma's lips as Bidant gently set her down, and the mask began to take form.

Unlike Adreanna's mask or the one Claudia wore during the battle at Lilith's temple, Chandeidra's mask evoked the essence of ice, with delicate light blue swirls spiraling from around the eyes. Wilran marveled at its beauty, feeling a siren's call beckoning her closer. Yet, unlike the haunting call she had felt in the temple months ago, Chandeidra's invitation felt warm and welcoming, offering her a choice—one she was free to accept or deny.

Gamma looked at Bidant who seemed to have a similar reaction. He reflexively took a knee and she gently placed a tender hand on his cheek. Then, without a word, she turned towards Wilran and started to do complicated hand gestures. Wilran could see the energy build up around her aura and could tell whatever coming was going to be powerful. When she was finished, she pushed her hands out in a forward motion as she directed the energy into Wilran's chest.

The effect was immediate. The result caused her broken stump to stretch out in front of her. Wilran gasped in pain as she watched bones form from the outstretched stump in an outward motion until five digits graced the end. In fascination, she saw muscle graft itself onto the new bone to be quickly replaced by pale skin. As the pain started to subside, light blue lines stood out among the skin like roots branched deep in the ground. The experience made her light-headed and as she passed out from the sudden rush of blood making it's way down the extremity, the voice of the Goddess spoke to her from Gamma's mouth.

"Be well, my youngling."