The Sage's Reign: The Final Lesson, #2

By Shakyra Dunn

Eternal night looms over Adrylis.

After her Grimoire is lost to the Order of Helix, Leilana is left to prepare herself in a newfound way before her return to the crown city of Linmus to help reclaim Prince Remiel's throne. One by one, countries lay burning at their feet. Magic is on its last legs, but the Orb of Concord is within their reach.

From the opposite spectrum, the mastermind awaits, playing puppet-master as they march to their doom. Time is against them as the final moonless night looms above. The final test from the Warlords of Old has finally come into play.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shakyra Dunn
• Release date: Sep 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386444596

Book preview

Six moonless nights passed, and time etched away like a pen to paper. Six months in the dark. One by one, regions fell at the hands of the Order of Helix, and all that Prince Remiel’s party could do to quell the ordeal was train themselves further and prepare for the war at their doorstep, all the while keeping updated through Leilana’s radio and occasional travel.

Rem pushed open the slightly ajar door, tucking away his neck-length scruffy dark hair. Leilana?

Leilana was planted in the center of her room with shut eyes, mumbling charms in the Minsuran tongue, incense illuminating the room in place of lanterns. Uh oh, she was in one of her zones, which meant that his timing was all wrong. Filling any free space around her were open notebooks, every page filled, and Rem didn’t want to overstep his bounds to approach her. One solid misstep, or even a word out of context, and she was sure to chew him out. The last thing that he wanted was to aggravate her. Solus was always better at handling these situations.

She remained perfectly still, her lips continuing to move at a timed pace, her voice hushed and hollow beneath the crackling wood of the incense. She wasn’t going to hear him if he called her name again, so he would have to rouse her the hard way. He stepped off of his right heel and planted a single toe rather than his foot over one of the nearby books, bringing his left leg over to bypass the remaining paper-bounds. He attempted to keep his footsteps as slow and purposeful as possible, not wanting to risk her snapping out of her fixated stupor.

You don’t have to sneak, you know. Rem flinched at the address in fluent Sentience, cutting through her unwavering concentration. She didn’t open her eyes, but she did lower her head as if drifting between slumber and waking from a long dream. Is something wrong?

Not wrong at all. I think it’s something you can use to your advantage. He held up his index finger. Two things, matter of fact. Gale got wind of where we can find Lunious through his- Leilana’s eyes snapped open, a guttural snarl rushing past her once pursed lips. Rem nearly fell on his back out of fear alone. Her vengeance was festering for months, but now it was in full bloom. P-Please don’t shoot the messenger.

Leilana cleared her throat, tucking some loose strands of her lengthening wavy hair behind her ear. Sorry. What else is going on?

You remember that little hint you told us? Solus and I started putting pieces together about places in Adrylis that fit the mold. It has to be someplace recently impacted by magic, particularly fire. Maybe the ash from the flames causes it to rain down.

But that wouldn’t be a permanent occurrence.

I wasn’t done explaining. Leilana nearly scoffed but decided to withhold her disdain. Solus had another idea—what if we overlooked something on your map? The only places remaining that could involve smoke would be towns that have a lot of mining. It would explain the idea of ash always falling, and maybe those people get covered in the flakes when they’re working or whenever ash from the mines spread, which would add up ‘cloaked in shadow,’ since it’s the same shade.

Leilana’s lips parted. Mining. How had she not considered that? There were farming towns and shrines, and even reserves scattered all over the landscape, and yet mining towns never came up anywhere in her mind. Maybe it was her overanalytical thinking that everything in scriptures had to be sentimental. It made perfect sense. The fates sure did love toying with her head, it seemed.

We’re going to find my grimoire, scout out as many places as we can with that description, then we’re going to find our Orb of Concord, end the war, get on with our lives.

Good plan! Great plan! He collided his fist with hers, and she giggled at the enthusiasm. Got in all of your meditation for the day? Solus wants to get things rolling while it’s still early out, and Gale’s got our breakfast all packed.

I think I’m prepared enough, she replied. Resting on her bed was a long metallic staff, freshly polished, basking under the morning glow. She could see dust on the nightstand and assortment of books drifting about, but now that the time to move on had come at long last, there was little left that she wanted to accomplish in terms of cleaning up after herself.

With a sweep of her hand, the flames burning the wood-scented incense promptly ceased to exist, a puffy haze of smoke left to fester in the room. Rem inhaled the aroma, far used to the sensation. She stepped towards the nightstand, clasping her hands around the staff. The bearings were rough on her hands, tearing into her skin the harder that she grasped the weapon, but she was well trained—the pain had gradually minimized to a dull ache rather than outright agony.

Are you sure you don’t want one more lesson before we get back out there? Rem’s face was reflecting into the metal, his confident expression carrying her mind into a comforting place. Leilana couldn’t help but smile. He always did get antsy when change was coming.

I’m in the middle of one, she replied. I don’t want to tack on too many side-missions knowing that. I’m one step closer to becoming a Warlord, and this task will prove worthy in showing me how much loss has affected my skills.

Well, that loss is going to strengthen you, and all of us as well. He glanced back when he heard his name and he rested a hand on her shoulder before gesturing towards the door. I’m going first. Sol’s calling me. Try not to slow me down, yeah?

I don’t plan to.

As Rem departed, she allowed her gaze to waver over the surroundings she had familiarized herself with for the last six months. Six grueling months of working to the bone, coming to understand that magic and power can only be formed with her own two hands, ending in the place where they began. The staff in her hands was a symbolism of growth. She could be of better use with two forms of attack, even after she retrieved her grimoire. Her time had come.

She decided to change clothes after going through the wardrobe in the corner, settling with her white uniform blouse underneath a black vest, dusting off a knee-length tan skirt. She wiggled her toes around her tanned flats, satisfied with the feel. Afterward, she stepped into the hall, where Sien, Solus, and Rem were awaiting her. All three of them stood near the door.

Took you long enough! Sien stated. On her back was a bow and a quiver filled with arrows, her long red hair braided in two pigtails hanging past her shoulders. She was dressed in an ankle-length tanned dress, her boots concealing her legs. We were worried that you were thinking of backing out!

There’s no way that I’d turn down this kind of opportunity.

Solus chuckled, his tied shoulder-length hair practically bouncing with him. Happy to hear it. He rested a hand on his dark brown pants, the sleeves of his baggy shirt slightly overlapping his arms. I was hoping that you would keep the faith.

Rem was bouncing in his spot, a big grin plaguing his face. All in good faith and all that, can we go now? Please? Pretty please?

All right, all right, Solus laughed, patting the boy’s head. We’re going. Gale and Luna have given us their regards in advance. All that we need to do is set off. We will return here, someday. For now, we finish what we have begun.

Rula! Rem called, We’re leaving! Are you coming? From the kitchen, Rula came running, his tail swishing back and forth.

Actually, I’ve decided to stay here with Lulu and Gale, he explained.

Rem raised an eyebrow. What? Seriously?

Rula lowered himself into a position where it appeared that he would pounce, and when he did, Sien caught him in her arms. Luna says that when Lancett is done taking care of the initial work in Linarus, she wants to go back to help gather people to the city. Once everything is in order, I’ll be able to return home to the mountains. I don’t want to be too far away.

Well, I guess if you’re sure, we won’t stop you. Sien rubbed the young Dirionus behind his elongated ears, and Rula graciously tilted his head to the left.

You were a big help to us, Solus stated. We are grateful to you, Rulakinja. Best of luck to you. Your master would be proud of you. Rula was gazing at each one of them as the words reached his ears before he covered his eyes with the fuzzy limbs. Sien giggled at the embarrassment he was showing off.

"You guys are too much!" Rula proclaimed. Stop picking on me!

Aw, no one’s picking on you, Rem replied, patting Rula’s head. We just want you to know that you’re loved, no matter what.

"Then you don’t think I’m just some monster?" Rula whimpered, staring up at Rem.

If anything, I’m a monster too. Rem bore his teeth, holding up both arms before chomping his teeth down. A big scary Bloodlinch with spooky powers! Grr! Rula pounced forward, hitting his face with his tail, causing Rem to falter. Leilana and Sien couldn’t help but laugh. Rude! Very rude!

"Monsters aren’t all bad if you’re one then!"

All right, all right, enough of the fun. We’ve got to get moving, Solus stated.

They spent days at a time traveling by carriage due north, eyes glued to the map that Leilana conjured up. Their set destination was a city called Ocula, where Lunious was last spotted. Gale had connected with him on numerous occasions—getting an ideal lock on his soul’s resonance was mere child’s play for his skill level, but his movements were so stretched out due to the rise and fall of the moonless nights that keeping a proper reading was difficult. It was a miracle that he could maintain on his own, sucking his energy dry while making sure that his guests were welcome and well. It was bound to be painful, but now that they were out of his hair, he could divide his attention better with Luna at his side.

Leilana was in disarray about her own unique talent as an Arcana. Rem’s lied with his ability to harness the energy in his blood-veins, an uncommon trait due to his Bloodlinch lineage. Ennis possessed the ability to spirit people away into his mind, creating his own perfect world away from reality even after his demise. Gale only needed a simplistic connection with one person before he could track them down, even after their souls became lost to time. Even Sien was capable of healing severe injuries by sheer will. With such an array of powers, where did she stand? Did she really require her grimoire to achieve magical heights like the other mages?

Seems like we’ll reach Ocula in a matter of hours at this point, Solus told Leilana, grazing his fingers over the copious sheets. Rem and Sien were leaning against one another, sleeping, Sien’s head resting on his shoulder while his head was resting atop hers. We should make a plan for what to do once we arrive. If we walk in blind and Lunious catches us, we’re bound to get ourselves in danger.

Can I help? Solus glanced over, finding the young Prince awakening from his slumber, holding his head and rubbing his eyes. I don’t think I can sleep anymore.

Bad dream? Leilana asked.

I still think about Linmus every now and again. This time it was seeing the castle go up in flames while I was outside, just watching. The smoke was rising so high that it felt like my lungs would collapse, and my eyes were burning. I felt so helpless. I couldn’t even think about what was waiting inside, and I can’t imagine what the kingdom looks like now.

It’s best not to think about it, she stated. In times like this, you need to keep calm.

Rem was carefully adjusting himself from under Sien’s weight. He carefully laid her in the hay pile next to them, reaching for a nearby blanket to wrap around her. She yawned before settling into the newfound warmth. Thanks for trying, but that didn’t really help me feel better.

It wasn’t supposed to make you feel better, Rem, it was meant to give you an insight. I guess I’m not too great at those either though.

It’s fine, no one’s perfect. He took a seat opposite Solus, pulling his knees to his chest, wrapping his arms around his legs. All right, plans. What do we have?

My first thought was that we keep a low profile, try to split up and look around, Solus began. From my bearings on the map, it doesn’t seem that Ocula is a fairly large place. We should have no trouble exploring.

How would we meet up if someone were to find him? Rem asked.

We’ll find a landmark when we reach the city limits. Someplace that stands out so that we can all identify it on contact, Leilana stated.

A hard thrust to the right side of the carriage sent the three reeling to the left, knocking Sien out of her sleep. Solus’s mouth was gaping open at the sight of the chunk of wood missing from the spot where he sat just seconds ago. The splintered wood was steaming; direct evidence that someone using magic had been the assailant. Someone that knew that the Prince of Adrylis was boarding this carriage.

Rem gripped to one of the remaining walls. Hey! Rem shouted at the driver, who was already beginning to pick up speed, the horse whinnying loudly. You wanna tell us what the hell’s going on up there?! What’s the big deal with us almost getting stomped on?!

I-I’m sorry! the driver cried out. It looks like there’s someone trying to slow our movements, and the wheel is starting to give way! I think that it’s best that we stop, and I have you regroup again with another driver in the closest town!

What?! Rem hissed.

We can’t stop now! Sien exclaimed. We’re a long way from Ocula! It wouldn’t be smart to walk the whole trip; a thunderstorm is supposed to be brewing soon!

We already paid for a ride to Ocula! Rem retorted, pointing a finger at the man. Either return what mileage money we have left or get us there safely! This is still business no matter what! The man tossed a roughly patched animal hide pouch at Rem, and the Prince set to counting the Nyte coins.

There! You’ve got your money, I-I’m not going to risk my life for it! Now all of you get out! Solus scoffed, leaping off the moving carriage, Rem following right after, Sien in his arms to keep her from getting injured during the ordeal. Leilana waited for the carriage to slow just enough before jumping off, landing in Rem’s arms.

Gutless coward! Rem exclaimed after having set Leilana down, throwing a rock at the traveling carriage as it sped off. And you’re two hundred coins short! I hope your wheel comes off! I hope that your family doesn’t accept your funds and that your carriage gets set on fire!

Solus slapped the prince upside the head. That is quite enough out of you, Remiel. No need to antagonize the patrons. He was just doing his job. Rem nearly snarled back at the man.

"No, what he was doing was being a coward."

What are we supposed to do now? Sien asked, crossing her arms. We were close to reaching Ocula, but now without a ride, what would have taken hours is going to take days.

I guess that we’d better start walking, Leilana concluded.

Sien groaned. I was enjoying my nap too.

Rustling in nearby bushes set the four back on guard, and Sien slowly drew an arrow from her quiver to notch into her bow, taking a step back while positioning herself in a proper stance.

Perhaps it is true that we are not alone, Solus concluded, his voice hushed.

Think it’s the Order of Helix again? Rem asked, fingers drumming over the sheath of his blade. I’m itching to stir up trouble if it is. I think we’ve been practicing enough.

It’s not wise, especially if there’s more than one person out there, Leilana piped up, hands already reaching for the staff on her back.

From the trees, a pitchy shockwave resounded, engulfing the four faster than they expected. Leilana and Solus covered their ears while Rem raced to Sien’s side to dispel any afflictions, his head swimming from the increased volume plunging through him. No longer affected deeply by the sound, Sien launched an arrow into the trees. The shockwaves ceased, and a hooded figure emerged from the bushes with flute in hand, fireballs spewing from the instrument with each note played.

"The hood! That person is in the Order of Helix!" Rem hissed, bypassing one of the strikes. Sien launched another arrow at the assailant, who swiftly dodged, approaching the girl, meeting with her face to face. From beyond the hood, lengthy strands of lavender hair broke through, azure eyes brimming with confidence. The person’s facial structure was thin, but heart-shaped, with rosy lips and a youthful aura. A girl, then. She brought up the flute, slamming it against Sien’s face, knocking her to the ground. Sien cried out in pain, clutching her cheek, blood spewing past her lips.

Solus was preparing to remove the ribbon from his hair, knowing that the range would be far greater than any damage that he could accomplish with a sword. Rem was already connecting his own sword with the girl’s flute, and every strike that he threw out, she could either dodge or block. She shoved him back with her foot, and Rem was preparing to counterattack when a sharp pain shot through his skull. His hands were trembling as he tried to shield his eyes from the spotting darkness. The world was spinning too fast for him to handle, and he collapsed to the ground.

Leilana ran to his aide while Sien was brushing her hands along her face, healing the aching wound she had sustained. Once the wound was on the mend, she set to easing her Prince’s discomfort until he was able to rise to a sit, still clutching his head. Solus’s mind was swimming with thoughts of vengeance towards their assailant from the moment that Rem fell, whipping the ribbon from his hair, interlocking it around the girl’s wrist before forcefully dragging her to the ground. Once she was distracted by the sudden impact, he slammed his foot onto her back and removed her hood.

Taciturn cerulean eyes bore into his soul, the fires stirring in her drawing out his own. Her lavender hair was drifting in the mid-autumn breeze, covering the thin scars lining her arms and face. Sien was snarling under her breath while tending to Rem, scoffing at Rem’s genuine surprise upon seeing the girl. She heard very little about any girls with such a shade of hair, or even about many girls at all from Rem, but the sense of sincerity on his face spoke leaps and bounds. Leilana couldn’t stop marveling at the sight of the girl, her appearance for the first time in months unexpected.

It has been some time since you’ve surfaced, Solus hissed. And you decide to make an appearance by attacking us. How forward an invitation, Miss Farone.

The party immediately became displeased with the girl’s presence. However, it was Rem that ended up at the front of the pack, lightly shoving Solus away to look her in the face. Solus was baffled and nearly pushed Rem back. Here he was again, defending a girl that constantly put them at odds with one another, disregarding even his closest companions.

Amiria, he began. You’re part of the Order of Helix? Leilana crossed her arms, averting her gaze off to the side.

Her lips remained shut before she finally decided to speak. I don’t know if it’s wise to explain things, Your Highness. Her tone was even, yet Rem was able to detect a hint of agony. So, she was keeping secrets about what she was doing and how she’d come to this point.

You don’t have to be afraid to talk, Amiria, Rem stated. I want to listen.

Unbelievable, Solus thought. How could he be so accepting of this girl? She threw him through an everlasting fire that wouldn’t extinguish unless he walked out himself.

Leilana’s mind was fixated on Kindall and Lancett; Lancett was so adamant about finding her, and they never crossed paths, not once. Maybe they never would again. And poor Kindall would probably be disappointed to see what Amiria had become. She could barely recognize Amiria now. Scars were coating her once delicate skin, and her hair was dry, loose strands brushed off to each side.

If your duty is to Rem, why stand on the side of villainy? Sien hissed, taking both Rem and Amiria by surprise. The red-haired girl was up on her feet, clutching her still throbbing jaw with her left hand, an arrow resting on her right. What makes you think that joining the Order of Helix is the right thing to do when all that you’re doing is hurting people further?

I don’t think that’s your business, Amiria snapped. Sien stepped closer, and Rem grabbed Amiria’s arm to keep her still, not wanting to beget any further violence.

Sien, stop, Rem warned.

Why are you protecting her?! Sien exclaimed. Rem suddenly winced in pain, reaching his hand towards his throbbing head, groaning. "She attacked you—attacked us! Are you going to seriously abandon decisions that come directly from your friends for a girl that you don’t know very well?!"

Rem pointed a finger at her, his eyes narrowing. Though his face was stern, his shaking hand and tired eyes told a different story; his pain was running deep. Don’t judge my actions! I am your Prince! My words are of high decree, far from your simplistic statements! Solus inhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. Somehow, he knew the selfish, brooding side of his liege would come into play.

Prince or not, you can’t do everything on your own and you know it! Sien retorted. Better make a choice, Rem, because time is running out for you!

Amiria reached up a hand to caress Rem’s, slipping an orb into his palm once she was certain that eyes were off them. You don’t have to fight to set things right, you know. You will always know where to find me should you need me. With a slight shove, she broke free from Rem’s grasp. Amiria stole a glance at Leilana before retreating into the woods.

Rem! Solus rested his hands on the ailing Prince’s shoulders as Rem was struggling to rise to a sit, panting. Sweat was dripping down the side of his face, every exhale causing him to clutch his tightening chest. Are you all right?

I-I think I will be. Solus grabbed Rem’s open hand, pulling him to his feet. I’ve been having weird headaches for weeks. Gale’s been giving me potions to take, and they work for a while, so I think it’s just stress, but then they start getting stronger, almost like migraines…

If they put you down that easily, that fast, those are no migraines, Solus concluded. Are you certain that you don’t want to stop and rest?

No, it’s fine. I’m fine. It’ll pass, I know it will. Solus’s eyes narrowed, doubt coursing through his veins. Rem met the young attendant’s gaze, but neither of them uttered a word. Rem straightened his back, pointing towards the open path before them, resting his free hand on his sword’s sheath, slipping the orb into his pocket unseen in the process. We’ve got a long walk ahead, so we’d better get started. Hopefully, there’s no more distractions down the road.

Sien gripped to her sleeve, glaring at the prince’s back. Weren’t they friends? Haven’t they spent the last six months training, laughing and learning together to prepare for a war where she had no place? She was doing this for him, and he was giving time to someone else. Though her heart ached, she supposed that there was no point in holding a grudge against him for something that he couldn’t control. He was going to make his own decisions regardless of what anyone else could say—he was still human, after all, and could only make amends through suggestions that he felt would suit his needs.

They were still friends. And so long as she was breathing, she would remain at his side, healing his wounds, being a constant comfort to him, even if it meant shouldering a little pain.

Leilana grabbed Sien’s hand, pulling her away from her thoughts. We don’t want to fall too far behind. We don’t want them to get into any trouble with each other. Her words barely reached Sien, but she allowed herself to be led off nonetheless. Time was of the essence, and if what she spoke was true, then the boys were probably already going through one of their spats.

What in the world was that about? Solus exclaimed, closely behind Rem’s paced footsteps, staring at his arched back. Every time that Amiria makes an appearance, you falter and take her side, knowing that she could turn on you at any given moment! It’s making me question your motivations—Remiel, are you even listening to me?

Rem put his hands in his pockets, lowering his head. There’s nothing you can say that I don’t already know. I’m the only one giving her a chance. You don’t even bother trying to know her.

I spent some time with her in Kalonia, Remiel, and all that she seemed motivated to do was assist you. Nothing else mattered to her, all the world be damned. I don’t feel that she would assist you if not for your title, and that is dangerous. Not to mention that now she’s part of the Order of Helix. Your sworn enemy. Solus wasn’t fond of having to beat realism into his ward’s head, but now that the situation had changed, it was necessary. She could very well ruin your life, and the way that you are now, you don’t seem to mind.

And how do you know that? Rem retorted, shoving Solus, causing him to stumble and fall. It didn’t hurt, per se, but processing it was confusing. I see it! I’m not blind! I know that things could change now that she’s getting actively involved in my life! Who are you to judge my actions when you’re behaving the same way with Leilana?!

As he shouted, Leilana and Sien happened to walk up behind them, still discussing their previous encounter with Amiria, Leilana providing as much information as she could about their relationship. At the forceful yell of the girl’s name, Sien rested a hand on the girl’s chest to slightly shove her back, not wanting her to become entangled in their ordeal despite her obvious involvement.

You know it’s forbidden for you to have a relationship with her as a magicless human, and you still get close to her. What happens if you decide to one day settle down and have a family, huh? You want to end up having a kid like me?

I’ve put some thought into that over the last few months. I’d think to have a kid like you would be an honor, Solus stated, rising to a stand, dusting off his clothes. A child born of an Arcana and a normal human that can be taught to control his unknown powers by their own uncle, the Prince of Adrylis, someone that would understand exactly what they’re dealing with, would truly be a blessing.

Leilana’s face reddened. Solus had already thought that far ahead for their future when she couldn’t think past her pilgrimage and wanting to find her grimoire, to end the war. There were so many things spiraling around her that she couldn’t think straight on one ordeal, and he kept his mind on her.

Rem was tripping over his words, unsure of how to react. His face was flushing, his muscles tightening. He and Solus were close, but to outright say that his future child would deem him an uncle was incomprehensible. He reached up both hands to slap his cheeks and knock himself out of his stupor before stomping a foot forward in a commanding manner, pointing a finger at Solus’s chest.

Solus Brenner! You can’t go pulling punches like that! You know how weird it makes me feel!

Solus rested a hand on his hip, chuckling. Pardon me then, Your Highness. I just don’t take lightly to these subjects.

Sien wrapped her arms around Leilana, resting her chin on the girl’s shoulder, grinning sheepishly. He really does care for you, you know. You two have known one another for just over half a year and he’s already talking about a life with you. It’s a little alarming, but Solus has always had his heart in the right place. Leilana covered her face with both hands, concealing her burning cheeks.

I mean what I said though, about Amiria, Solus continued. Love is a fickle manner, but when you experience it, you must always keep on your toes.

Rem held up his hands in disbelief, his lips parting. Whoa, hold on! Who said that I was in love with her?! She’s just misunderstood, and I kind of cling to that nature! Solus narrowed his eyes, cocking his head to the left. H-Hear me out here, Amiria and I barely even know each other. There’s no way I’d sit back and let myself fall for the okey-doke-

All right, whatever you believe. Solus gestured towards the trees. Sien, Leilana. You can come out now. We’re done arguing. Rem looked past him to glance at the remaining two members of their team, who poked their heads out from behind an oak tree.

You sure about that? Sien asked. Because you were pret-ty loud. We didn’t want to jump into any quarrels knowing that you two were going to start throwing fists.

No, we’re fine. We don’t usually fist-fight, Rem replied.

Solus was gazing up at the sky. The clouds were rolling in, and the scent of rainwater was beginning to wash over the atmosphere. They wouldn’t make it to the next town without the storm catching up, and Leilana couldn’t conjure something to shield them from the rain. Rem’s barriers could hold, but not for an extended period without exhausting him further—there was no telling how close they were to any pit-stops. He looked at the trees, where mid-morning dew was striding off large leaves. They were a formidable size, but not nearly enough to keep them dry.

No more options to mull over.

We should run for cover, he settled with. The rain will be starting any minute.

So, then Gale goes ‘Sien, you should try slicing those berries with a needle, it’ll make the juices flow out faster!’ That guy was precocious when we were kids. Leilana shook her head at the story, grinning. The two girls were bundled up under sheets, their soaked clothes hanging above a thin clothesline, leaving both girls in their bloomers, hiding from the world.

Gale always did get flustered when you and Rem brought berries to mix up for drinks.

Aha! Sien pointed at her, reaching her index finger so far out that she was touching her nose. Gale remembers those days of youth, even if he won’t admit to it!

The group took refuge in an abandoned shed they stumbled upon one hour into the storm, the rain pattering fiercely against the window pane. Rem was leaning against some of the wooden boards holding the shed in place, his arms wrapped around his bare chest to retain some warmth despite the thin blanket covering him. His eyes were closing shut every so often, the lackluster conversation between the girls as they snuggled up together for warmth the furthest thing from his mind. Sleep would be a warranted escape from the shivers coating his back, but he decided to remain awake and wait for Solus, who had taken off to hunt for food.

One hour slipped by, and by then, the girls were fast asleep—he could tell by Sien’s light snoring in the distance and shuffling about the bed, likely her trying to ascertain more warmth by clinging to Leilana. He recalled her doing that over several nights when they were staying at Gale’s cottage to him, and he didn’t fathom why she was so obsessed with extra body heat from another person when there were plenty of blankets to go around.

Another hour drifted away from him, and still no sign of Solus. Rem planted himself in front of the window, watching the rainfall pick up. Thunder was rolling from the heavens, lightning streaking the grey skies. He wondered what time it was, and how long he had been waiting. He wasn’t even hungry anymore, and few places they had bypassed in the forest seemed to have an assortment of food. Berries and fruit were refreshing, but hardly filling, and there were no wheat fields or vegetable farms in sight. Any residences were still too far off, so it was safe to assume that Solus might have gone the rest of the way to whatever town was down the road to ensure that they got something of good quality.

Rem drummed his finger on the windowsill, resting his chin against the pane. The musk-scented rainwater was the only comfort he had left now that everyone had left him to think.

Sleepless nights weren’t unheard of anymore, and recurring flashbacks were far from a thing of the past. Talking about the nightmares plaguing him was more of a hassle than not given that his allies had their own problems to deal with. Burdening them was the last thing that he wanted. This mindset was throwing him back to square one, and it made him feel hypocritical. He sought acceptance and understanding of self, and he couldn’t even take the steps to resolve it.

Mother, father, I wish that you were here to guide me.

With a large bag of food draped over his right shoulder and an umbrella crafted of palm leaves with a wooden handle covering his head, Solus crossed the northern border, taking note of the scenic differences between the eastern region and his current surroundings. The mountains were scarce, and there was more open road rather than forests; it made traveling in the rain more difficult without trees to shield him, but at least it would be easier to dodge any lightning strikes that came in his path.

Every direction that he turned, he saw nothing but soaked soil. Not a soul lurked, avoiding the calamity that the weather brought down. Solus didn’t mind being a little wet, but for the sake of the food he had taken the time to gather, he didn’t want to risk it spoiling and decided to invest some funds towards a couple of umbrellas. Sharing wasn’t a bad idea, and maybe being forced under the same protection would bring Sien and Rem back on good terms. They were both spirited in different manners, and their personalities could easily come to clash.

The sight of large oak trees emerged again, which meant that he was back on the right course towards the shed where his friends were recovering. He lowered the umbrella over his right shoulder with the bag and extended his hand out to the rain, allowing the drops to land on his skin. For those few passing seconds, it was as if the world was being cleansed of its sin.

If only it could be that easy. He clasped his hand shut. There is nothing without sin. This world is just too broken to simply erase mistakes.

Now, that’s not true. Solus nearly dropped his umbrella at the sudden voice. Standing in bird’s eye view was a silhouette basked under the grey clouds, the bad weather drenching them to the bone. Solus lowered his umbrella, removing his jacket to toss onto the wet dirt, setting the bag atop it, planting the umbrella’s hilt in the ground to keep it upright. He removed his glasses, laying them in front of the bag of food. He brought his index finger to his lips before holding it up towards the gusts flowing from the west. They were lighter than earlier, which meant that the umbrella could hold for some time.

I was waiting for a chance to catch you alone, Solus Brenner, the silhouette spoke, stepping forward as lightning cracked across the sky, revealing the face of the person beneath the clouds. Solus’s lips parted, and he was quick to draw his sword.

No. That’s not possible. His hands were trembling as he pointed the blade at the figure.

From the shadows came a young girl with blonde hair tied into a shoulder-length braid. Her eyes were a hazy crimson, her skin a sickly jaundice, hints of a green sludge around her forehead as if she hadn’t washed in months. Her movements were staggered, and her mouth was partway open to reveal grimy teeth coated in plaque buildup.

The shifter he had killed in the shrine. Alive and kicking.

You shouldn’t be here, he shouted over the pouring rain, his hair slicking against his forehead. I killed you. I didn’t find a pulse! He tried to reason every possible excuse in his mind how he could have missed her heartbeat, but even Rem knew that this girl was lifeless by the lack of emotion in her bloodshot eyes, the smashed organs, the tight grip on her neck by his own hands, but there was nothing that he could piece together. You were dead!

She flipped her braid, drops of water flowing from her hair. Solus peered closer and saw that the green substance on her head was dripping down—it was mold. She definitely avoided a wash for months, and now it was climbing to a staggering rate. His stomach was turning.

There is much that you’ve yet to uncover about yourself, Master. She dropped to a knee in front of him, and Solus found himself stuttering in confusion. I am at your command for freeing me.

Normally he was the one addressing someone as ‘Master,’ and only his close friend. He was a noble, the only one left in Adrylis, and she knew of his presence. Was she confusing them? She didn’t get a clear look at either of their faces, and it had been quite some time since they last encountered, even if it were brief.

You’ve got it all wrong, Solus proclaimed, holding out a hand to the girl. When she didn’t respond to him, he rested his hand under her chin. Come now, lift your head. She stared up at him, confused about the gesture. He was grinning sheepishly. I think you may have me confused with someone else. I’m nothing but the attendant to Remiel Vesarus.

She outstretched her hands, and Solus followed her gaze to find that her goal was to grasp the crimson ribbon in his hair. He was swift in grabbing her wrist to keep it in place, his eyes cold and emotionless, reflecting on her own. She blinked a few times, his reaction unexpected. She was darting between his tightening grip and the ribbon, curious of its importance to him. After a few seconds, he realized how much force he was putting towards the gesture and cleared his throat before releasing her.

You know my name, he settled with. Perhaps you can tell me yours?

Aria Luris, she replied, resting her hands on his arms. But, I didn’t make a mistake, Solus. There’s so much that you don’t know yet, and I want to tell you before-

Before she could let out another word, an arrow plunged between her eyes. Solus’s heart nearly stopped, the action too sudden for him to comprehend. The warmth of her hands faded as quickly as it had come. She met his hesitant gaze for a few seconds more, raven-shaded blood spewing from the open wound onto his clothes and face, before she fell back towards the ground, dead. Solus hovered over her body, his hand on her chest, no longer rising.

There’s nothing for you to uproot from your memories just yet, Solus, the booming, near-incriminating voice of a young man shot through his ears, coated in an accent that reminded him of his own. He didn’t look up from Aria even as the footsteps emerged into his sight, stroking her hair with his blood-stained hand. That time will come.

Solus forced himself to a stand, his hair sinking over his eyes. Twice now, his hands had touched his girl, the same result causing her fate. This time, there was nothing that he could do to prevent it.

This is not the first time that I have been approached about my memories. He brushed some of the soaked strands out of his face, glancing back in the corner of his eye. The young man before him was about four inches shorter and