Till this moment, Ada had never once recalled that name, nor the captivating gaze that accompanied it. She had little to no recollection of the face that went with the name, and yet, the feeling it evoked in her was unmistakably familiar. Her heart recognized something that her mind could not grasp. 

It wasn't that she had consciously forgotten—no, it was more elusive than that. The memory had buried itself deep, as if tucked away in a corner of her mind that she dared not visit. His memory lodged in the corners of her heart like an old song she once knew but could no longer hum.

It had been so long ago. 

He felt like a distant prince from a forgotten dream—someone who had naturally vanished into nothingness the moment her eyes fluttered open. The kind of figure that slipped away in the softness of morning light, leaving behind a trace of warmth and wonder.That was before she had been taught the harsh realities of living, surviving, and thriving. Back when her world was still wrapped in the illusions of simplicity and innocence.

Drown in nostalgia she reached out to the stone seatings, her fingers slowly tracing the carvings. The stone was cool and ancient beneath her fingertips, grounding her for a brief moment as her thoughts drifted. That's when a voice approached from behind.

"Well, look who we have here." A voice, familiar for its sternness, pierced through the silence of the chamber.

Emerging from the shadows, a figure materialised, his eyes shimmering with a semblance of yellow in the dim light. The hard gaze evoked several emotions in Ada's heart.

He was dressed in a flowing garment made of the same colour and material as Hanna's dress, his brows rich with white hair knitted in an unexplainable emotion on his face. She knew it was anything but friendly. He didn't wish to see her here.

"What do we owe the pleasure of seeing you here tonight, Lady Romersai?" he quipped.

Ada took a step back, trying to steady herself. She should not be afraid. Should not have a second thought. Though the game wasn't one that had been played fair and square, the ball was in her court somehow.

Taking a deep breath, she puffed out her chest, straightening her posture to make sure she not only mentally but physically too held her ground. She must do this. Questions were meant to be solved, not run away from; she knew that by now. And she would not run away again. For Auden. He mattered more.

"Where is Auden?" she asked.

Shinatzai Zen raised a brow at her. "You seem to have gotten the news," he said. "I wonder how," he added.

He strode towards Ada, his steps measured but purposeful. "Let me take a guess. You had a bad dream, suddenly remembered you have a family, and sent a mail-elf to see if they are still alive."

Ada scoffed. "I don't have time to waste. Where is Auden? I know you know where he is."

The head mage had already covered half the distance between them; he stood next to the third row of benches, his mop of white hair glistening like silver under moonlight.

"Nobody knows," Shinatzai Zen remarked, his voice sharp with condescension. 

Ada's body tensed. "Wrong answer," she barked, her voice vibrating with barely contained fury. "We both know it's the wrong answer."

"He set his study on fire and vanished into thin air, just like his sister did seven years ago when she was sent to rehabilitation for... offenses committed despite being the heiress." His words dripped with venom.

Her interior seethed, anger roaring inside her like a fire that threatened to burst into flame. Her hands trembled as she clenched them into fists, trying to force herself back into control. Her eyes stung with the pressure of unshed tears, but she swallowed them back, unwilling to show weakness in front of the man who had orchestrated so much of her pain.

Drawing a deep breath, Ada straightened, her voice cold and rigid. "It seems you've forgotten how we discussed this. I left Crepusculem under the condition that you would take care of him. I gave you everything you wanted, and in return, you made me a promise. Or have you forgotten that too?"

Zen feigned offense, a theatrical scoff escaping his lips. "Oh, how lowly of you to speak of dark deals in such a sacred place, Ada," he retorted, his faux sanctimony palpable. "Our duty is to fight against the dark, not to send troops to safeguard those who give in to it."

Her fingers twitched at her sides as his words slithered into her ears. He was playing the same game he'd always played—shifting blame, shirking responsibility, and wrapping his betrayal in moral superiority. Family, he called it. This suffocating, treacherous battle for power and control, a game where blood meant nothing, and loyalty was a weapon used against you.

Ada's lip curled, the bitterness rising in her throat. Family—how easy it would be to use that word as a shield for their corruption. But it wasn't family. It was a cage, a crucible where only the strongest, most ruthless could survive.

"You heartless old fool!" Ada's voice trembled, the storm of emotions surging within her. "I thought you'd be satisfied with just me out of the picture, my hands tied so I couldn't interfere. But no, your insatiable greed for power won't let us live in peace!"

Her chest tightened, the bitter taste of despair clinging to her words. "Why must you do this to Auden of all people? He loved you. He admired you! Ever since Mom and Dad died, you sheltered us like your own. What happened to you, Zen? What happened to you?"

Shinatzai Zen's icy gaze bore into her, unmoved by her outburst. With a swift, almost imperceptible motion, he raised his hand. The gap between them seemed to vanish.

In an instant, Ada felt an invisible force grip her, stealing the breath from her lungs. Panic flickered in her eyes as she struggled against the unseen restraint.

The Head Mage's voice, now chillingly calm, sliced through the charged air. "You always were a troublemaker, Ada. Auden's choices are his own, and your meddling won't change that."

Ada gasped, her limbs feeling heavy, as though shackled by an ethereal force. The old mage's eyes glowed with an otherworldly power as he advanced, closing the distance with deliberate steps. His hand, now an instrument of arcane authority, held her fate in its grasp.

"As for the part where we were family—" Zen's lips curled into a cruel smile. "We never were. It was all just part of my plan."

"I—"

"I'm not so twisted as to nurture a Moonborn. People like you despise us. Privileged, like all Romersai, you don't see us."

Ada's voice cracked, but she didn't falter. "I knew it the moment you exiled me from the Sanctum. You knew I was innocent!" Her defiance wavered, but the fire in her eyes reignited. "I was the fool to believe you could be trusted."

Zen's mocking laughter echoed through the chamber. "Naive, as always, Ada. You chose your path. So did your little brother. He embraced the shadows willingly. No influence needed. Your sentiment blinds you."

Zen's hand rose higher, and the invisible pressure around Ada tightened. Each gasp for air grew more desperate. Yet in her eyes, a fierce glint flickered—a refusal to surrender.

"Traitor!" she spat, her voice hoarse with rage.

Zen sneered, his grip tightening. "You are the darkness. It's within you. You brought all of this upon yourself. Moonborns are no better than us. You're as much a misfortune to Romersai as I am."

Just as Ada felt the threads of consciousness slipping away, a sudden disturbance echoed through the chamber. The air crackled with an energy unfamiliar yet potent. Shinatzai Zen 's attention faltered for a split second, and in that moment, the invisible hold on Ada weakened.

Confusion flashed across the Head Mage's face as he turned toward the disturbance, his grip on Ada loosening. Whatever force held her released its grip, allowing her to stumble backward, gasping for precious breath.

As her vision cleared, Ada's eyes widened in shock. A figure emerged from the shadows, a spectral presence in the dimly lit chamber. The air seemed to ripple around this newcomer, as if reality itself bent to their will.

Her eyes shone in recognition. Same ebony drape. Same amber eyes. Same feeling of warmth and reassurance-underlying a sense of intrigue. The chamber crackled with a tension beyond mortal comprehension.

Zen scowled. "Who dares interrupt-"

Before he could complete his sentence, the mysterious figure raised a hand, and a surge of power crackled in the air. The old mage's words faltered, and a sudden struggle contorted his face. He dropped to his knees, hands clenching around his throat, mouth gaping in silent agony.

"You see, fella-if she were the heiress to my clan, I wouldn't have talked to her that way. Let alone try to choke her to death," the figure stated, slowly approaching them.

A sudden gash sliced across the head mage's belly, as if an invisible weapon had struck, and hot crimson liquid began oozing out. Ada, unable to comprehend what was happening, watched in terror. Her wide eyes took hesitant steps backward, stumbling over her faltered movements.

"Is this how Romersai treat their family? Man, I thought it was only the Ravens, but I guess it's not. Ruining your own family for power and gain runs in other bloodlines too!"

"You... you'll pay for this," the old man, like a worm severed in half, struggled to choke out his words, blood spraying around him.

His executor chuckled, his eyes burning in bright amber. "Oh you have no idea." The rising flames reflected in his gaze as he watched the old man choke and struggle through his demise. "I have been paying in my whole existence. I still am. There's nothing new about it."

In fact his entire existence was the result of payments for past actions. Breaking another rule, taking another soul outside the book's prescribed method, would only add another thousand years to his penalty. He couldn't care less.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Ada stormed out into the impenetrable darkness of the Sambili forest, her anguished sobs harmonising with the eerie symphony of the night. The atmosphere, thick with an otherworldly sorrow, echoed the mourning of unseen spirits. The moon, obscured by ominous clouds, intermittently cast an ethereal glow on the twisted branches and gnarled roots that reached out like spectral fingers.

Her once-elegant robes, symbols of mage refinement, now hung in tatters, ensnared on thorns and brambles that clawed at her like phantom hands. The forest, typically a haven of serenity, had transformed into a labyrinth of emotional torment, every step a painful journey through her heartache.

The stranger with amber eyes followed her with steady steps and silent determination. The shadows embraced him, concealing his movements until he stepped into the moonlit path of her retreat. There was an air of inevitability about him, as if he were a part of the very shadows that clung to her.

Yet, Ada refused to acknowledge her saviour. The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. The same boots, the ebony attire -- her mind raced, connecting the dots. The enigmatic amber eyes -- like orbs of molten gold in the dim light -- stirred memories from the ceremony night to crying upon his shoulder in her living room.

He still had his facial features obscured by a piece of ebony fabric so she couldn't be exact of what he was up to -- not even with a trace of aura that she could peep into and predict. He was an entity from the dark side -- she was certain -- a soul draped in shadows, tailing her behind with yet another twisted desire.

Thorny vines reached out like phantom hands, entwining around her ankles, but Ada paid them no heed. She tore through the vegetation, her emotions a tempest that matched the turbulence of the night. The air was heavy with the weight of sorrow, and the forest seemed to respond with distant, ghostly cries that resonated through the ancient trees.

"You alright there?" Devaraux finally decided to break the silence, his voice a soft murmur that seemed to dance with the rustle of leaves.

"Do I seem alright to you?" she retorted, her tone defiant, as her foot pitter pattered faster on the wet forest floor.

The saviour's intervention, though timely, left Ada torn. She hated the feeling of being saved by another dark entity. After all, her own family, her trusted kin, had betrayed her. It fueled a deep-seated resentment within her-a desire to break free from the cycles of deceit and manipulation.

She continued walking through the dark forest, tears streaming down her face, oblivious to the shadow that trailed her every step. The gnarled roots of ancient trees seemed to reach out to trip her, and the thorny bushes clawed at her robes. The eerie moans of the night echoed in her ears, intensifying the desolation around her. Each tear in her robes mirrored the fragments of her soul that seemed to unravel with every step, yet she pressed on, determined to escape the suffocating grief that threatened to consume her.

"You're not mad at me for killing him, are you?" He sounded both offended and surprised.

Ada halted, her steps faltering. She turned to look at him. "What do you think? I look so grateful, don't I?" she sighed in exasperation as she resumed stomping through the forest. "It was the last thing I wanted to happen. Getting the Head Mage killed by some random entity from the Dark Side, who now they're gonna think I summoned to murder Shinatzai and get me banned from the Crepusculem for good."

The dark lord stopped in his tracks in utter disbelief, his mouth agape as he tried to comprehend what he just heard.

"Yeah, Maybe if you just stayed out of trouble I wouldn't have to-"

"I'm trying to save my brother. What's your problem anyways?"

"My problem?" My problem is YOU! 

He threw his hands in the air in frustration. "So, you'd be better off dead than saved? For what? It's not like you're not already expelled,"

"There's a difference between getting a time out and getting banned, you dumb-I don't even know what you are!" she shouted over her shoulder, not bothering to look back.

You know Ada. You wouldn't remember.

"If I wanted him dead I would have done so myself seven years back." Ada went on, "There's a reason why I left Crepusculem instead of fighting that bastard!"

"For hell's sake, this is why I hate dealing with women. Humans, denizens alike. You can never satisfy them!"

Ada strode to a halt again, turned around as she eyed the demon up and down. Her eyes narrowed on him.

"What's your deal? What's it with satisfying me? It's not like I have summoned you or tasked you with my desires. Why are you after me?"

"Because you need help?" The moonlight caught the contours of his face, revealing an expression that teetered between mystery and sincerity. "Look Ada, I honestly have no idea how I came to be he-"

"Hold on a second! How do you even know my name?" she interrupted.

He chuckled, a sound that seemed to resonate with the night. Of course she wouldn't remember. A gust of wind swept through the forest, stirring the leaves around them and Dark Lord's eyes never wavered from Ada's.

"I am a dark spirit. We know what we know."

"I don't remember asking help from a 'dark spirit" She exclaimed venom tinged in her voice. "And whatever is your deal, following me around, butting in my business--- stay away from me! I don't need your help no more!"

What felt like the hundredth time for those five minutes or so her saviour looked too stunned to speak. Trust me Ada, I tried. I tried-I wanted to be away from you. But I couldn't. Put the achene in my heart aside-Fate wont let me live in peace.

Silence fell between them as Ada stomped her way through the forest, her anger palpable. There was nothing more than creatures from the dark side that she hated. Those who thought they could own humans as they prefer, meddle in their business and fuck things up.

Devereaux trailed behind, his mind racing to find the right words. Pissing her off even more or trying to reason for his actions wouldn't work anymore. He needed a better strategy to convince her of his alliance.

Of all the assignments he had completed so far, this last one was the hardest. Death wasn't supposed to be remembered, so he couldn't just make her recall who he was. Then again, it wasn't guaranteed she would remember him on her own anytime soon. And then there were those unimportant feelings that he had-with much effort-buried deep in his soul, now threatening to resurface. He had made himself believe he hated humans, and yet here he was, appointed to take care of one. The most difficult one to handle, none the less. Lady Fate seemed to really enjoy seeing him suffer. It was agony at its best.

"Your brother is not in a good shape. Nor are you. And I bet you know what your past lover is like. Neither you nor Auden are a match for him," he replied, stepping closer. His amber eyes held a warmth that contradicted the ominous words.

"You know where he is, don't you?" She exclaimed to which he simply nodded his head.

The forest around her pulsed as met with a sudden silence. The forest, typically a sanctuary, now stood as a silent witness to the loud confrontation. The trees stood sentinel, their branches whispering ancient secrets, ones similar to the one now akin to be revealed.

"And you think you're a match?" She raised a brow at him.

"I'm trying to help." I have to. It doesn't matter if I'm a match. I want this torment to end, Ada. One way or another.

"Why so generous? No soul from Dark End does the bidding of another for free. What's your deal?"

Owls joined in a mournful chorus, their haunting calls resonating through the silent night. Bats flitted through the air like elusive shadows, and the audible moans of the forest created an eerie backdrop.

"Cause I owe you one. I owe your grandmother a promise."

"That's a good one." Ada scoffed.

"I really meant what I said." The Dark Lord replied.

"You really have done your background study, haven't you? Or perhaps you're really one of those darklings that she used to bring home," Like the soul in distress she was, Ada went on with her rant, "She used to teach them how to walk into the light from darkness. Either way I don't trust you. I'm sorry but I can't."

Unbeknownst to her, a shadow, darker and more elusive than the surrounding night, emerged from the depths of the forest. This ominous silhouette, a spectre born from the very darkness that cloaked it, had begun to trail them with silent malevolence, lurking like a sinister secret waiting to be unveiled.

But the Dark Lord could feel it in his bones. Instead of answering her, he took hold of her arm, dragging her closer to him. This took her by surprise as she crashed against his chest.

Their eyes met for a brief moment due to the crash, and she saw the colour growing in his eyes. The flame blaring. He smelled of smoky vetiver and dark leather, with an undertone of subtle vanilla that added an intriguing touch of sweetness to the enigmatic aura surrounding him. It made her slightly dizzy.

"What's wrong with you?" she mumbled.

"If I give you a reason to trust me, will you let me help you?" he asked, not bothering to loosen his grip.

"What? What are you even talking about-" That's when guttural, wolfish growls reverberated through the forest, accompanied by hissing sounds that sent a chill down her spine. Panic gripped her.

"What, what was that?" she looked around. Nothing unusual could be seen, but the air carried that eerie sense.

"Don't let go of my hand no matter what." he tightened his grip on her hand and with that they broke into a swift run.

The forest seemed to close in around them, shadows dancing in the moonlight as she darted through the gnarled trees, desperate to escape the unknown threat lurking in the darkness.

With every stride, her heart pounded in her chest, and her breaths came out in frantic gasps. The world around her blurred as she sprinted through the eerie darkness. But in her haste, she stumbled once more, her hands hitting the forest floor. She was no longer holding onto him. When she looked up, terror seized her.

The shadow loomed over her, a grotesque silhouette with sharp teeth dripping with saliva. A hood concealed its facial features, adding to the sinister aura. Frozen in fear, she tried to scramble to her feet, but her strength failed her. She dropped back down, a scream escaping her lips as she shut her eyes, bracing for whatever darkness awaited.

The usual tingle in her hands felt surprisingly weak this time, as if her powers were reluctant to respond. An icy breath, reeking of death, brushed against her, accompanied by low, mournful breathing near her ear. Panic surged within her; she was convinced this was the end. Her powers seemed to betray her when she needed them most.

But then, a raven's croak pierced the ominous silence. The forest echoed with the sound of fluttering wings, drowning out the eerie moans and hisses. As quickly as it had come, the icy breath disappeared, leaving her surrounded by an abrupt, unnatural stillness. The relief washed over her, mingled with confusion as she remained oblivious to the unseen battle playing out around her.

She then heard a sharp weapon slicing through the air, the beat of footsteps on the forest floor, ear-splitting guttural moans, screeches, and thousands of other noises-snake hisses intertwining with the chaos. And then, an icy silence enveloped her as if she had suddenly lost her hearing.

Peeking through her fingers to confirm, she saw the man in an ebony hood and a cape as dark as the shadow, wielding a scythe. Raven's encircling him and the shadows. She recognised the incarnate weapon at once. Her senses seemed overwhelmed, and darkness began to slide in. Before her eyes fluttered closed, Ada caught a glimpse of his face. Those amber eyes were hard to miss.