**Three Years Later**

"Lyrius?"

"Yes, mom?" He looked up from his laptop.

Ava smiled, running her fingers through his hair. "Can you help me with dinner tonight?"

"Sure." He closed his laptop and books, following her downstairs.

They chatted while preparing rice and curry with crispy fried cauliflower.

"That smells incredible," Ethan said, walking into the kitchen.

"That's because I helped," Lyrius said with a grin.

"Chopping cauliflower doesn't make you a chef," Ava teased, making Lyrius huff.

"When did my son become so useful?" Ethan laughed, giving his wife a hug and patting his son's head.

"Can you guys stop messing up my hair? I'm not a little kid," Lyrius said, annoyed.

"You'll always be our kid." Ethan said, shaking his head.

Lyrius stayed silent, not having a comeback.

"Can I park the car in the garage?"

"Sure, here you go." Ethan handed him the keys and went upstairs to shower.

Lyrius stepped outside towards the car parked outside the gates.

The sky was a canvas of dark clouds, casting eerie shadows over Willowdale.

He shook off the feeling, focusing on the task at hand. As he approached the car, the sense of unease grew stronger. The usual comfort of home now felt overshadowed by a creeping discomfort.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ Luminaria ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

"Elyriana, can you stop acting like a child?" Xylara's voice was a mix of exasperation and amusement as she dodged another splash.

"What did I do?" Elyriana asked innocently, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Stop throwing water at me," Xylara replied, laughing despite her best efforts to stay annoyed.

Elyriana grinned, tossing the last bucket of water. "Alright, alright. I'll behave," she said, putting down the bucket.

Their laughter subsided as they sat on the grass, looking out over the shimmering city. But the serenity was short-lived. Elyriana sensed a disturbance, a faint whisper of darkness that seemed out of place in their peaceful existence.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

Elyriana walked through the Grand Hall of the Elders, deep in thought. The recent increase in Remori activity was troubling her, yet she had brushed it off, thinking it would pass.

But she had been wrong.

People were losing their cherished memories, turning into hollow shells, their lives filled with nightmares.

Elyriana paused by the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out at the bright city that had been her home for centuries. The horizon was tinged with an ominous glow, but she could see beyond it—the darkness slowly encroaching.

As she approached the enormous oak doors, they opened on their own, the guards bowing in respect.

One end of the room had windows overlooking a garden filled with exotic flowers, their fragrance wafting in. The other end had shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls, holding knowledge of every being that ever existed.

"Oh, Elyriana. Welcome," the six elders greeted her with warm smiles.

"Good evening," she bowed.

Calanthia, one of the elders, smiled and beckoned her closer. Elyriana walked toward her, and the elderly lady patted her cheeks. "You know we are like your grandparents. You can call me grandma."

"Hey! Don't steal my granddaughter," Ronan Lunaria said, pulling Elyriana toward him.

"Now, now, don't fight. Look at her—she looks exhausted. Are you eating well, Elyriana?" Nova Lunaria asked, examining her with squinted eyes.

"I am, grandma. Don't worry," she said, patting her grandmother's hands softly.

Eryndor, the head elder, finally spoke. "What is it, Elyriana? I can see that you are stressed."

She took a deep breath. "I have a feeling the Remori's activities are increasing in Willowdale. They are weaker, but their feeding capability has grown. We are facing a new wave of darkness."

Eryndor faced the gardens, hands clasped behind him.

"Do you need us to lend you a hand, love?" Niamon asked.

Ely shook her head. "That's not what I'm saying, Aunt Nia."

"We do have a battle coming," Eryndor spoke up. "Elyriana, we suspect the Remori have found a way to shapeshift into humans. They are hiding among the humans."

Everyone's face turned solemn, while Elyriana felt confused.

Why hadn't the Elders told anyone else?

And his next words shocked her.

"And someone from Luminaria is helping them."