The Meeting

A shadow hung between Aunora and Matthew as they stood in the waiting room of Alcorith Horizons. The grim atmosphere glazed their eyes and sat heavy on their shoulders.

They hadn't slept since they brought Umbra home. Esper and Seraph were a constant tag team of healing and assisting each other. Umbra phased in and out of consciousness, the meager pain medicine they had in the bathroom cabinet unable to give him relief. Esper had managed to stabilize his condition the best he could, but a wicked fever still had Umbra in its clutches. Esper assumed it was infection from the less-than-sanitary weapons used to inflect his wounds.

“Hey!” Ebone called, walking into the waiting room carrying a stack of papers, “You guys are finally back! I was starting to get worried.”

Matthew nodded stiffly.

Ebone’s mouth twisted into a frown. “Say, where are the rest of you? Where's Umbra? Doesn't he always say he's the leader?”

Matthew twitched. Aunora rested a hand on his back, hoping to console him. Shaking his head, Matthew didn't bother to force a smile to his lips.

“I'm afraid I'm in charge now. Umbra is…” Matthew's voice faltered, “-a little under the weather right now. Aunora and I will be reporting our findings to Infinity today.”

Ebone blinked, his Asian features muddled in confusion. “Uh...alright,” he murmured after several seconds, “I'll tell Infinity you're ready to see him. Just follow me.”

Matthew's legs were like lead as he stumbled after Ebone, mind as numb as his body. Aunora kept her hand on the small of his waist, keeping him steady. They hadn't spoken all morning, but there was a silent understanding between them.

Infinity sat at his desk, shuffling through stacks of paper with his telekinesis. Papers slowly travelled through the air, finding their place in his many filing cabinets. At the sound of his door opening, Infinity looked up from his work.

“Ah, good morning, Matthew,” Infinity said smoothly, plucking a sheet of paper from the air and skimming through its contents. Ebone shifted into his wolf form, lying at Infinity’s feet. “Ebone informed me that Umbra isn't feeling too well. Send my condolences to him; I hope he is well soon.”

“So do I,” the words slipped from Matthew's tongue before he could stop them.

Infinity seemed startled for a moment, but shook his head. “Take a seat, Silver Moon. I had actually brought in more chairs, as I expected you to bring the entire clan. But you two will suffice.”

Matthew fell into the chair, Aunora following suit. Infinity seemed to pick up on the grim air.

“What were your findings regarding the underground guild? Did you find the source of the disappearances? What about Abiathar?” Infinity asked, pen at hand, ready to record their responses.

Matthew cast a quick glance to Aunora, who nodded slightly. Matthew opened his mouth, Asher’s words still ringing in his ears.

“We found little to nothing, sir. There were no traces of suspicious activity. I also…” Matthew nearly choked on his words, “I also could not find any sign of Abiathar. He's still nowhere to be found.” Images of Abiathar’s mangled body flashed in his mind.

Infinity sat his hands in his lap, sighing. “That is disappointing. I was really hoping that you could at least find some kind of trail on Abiathar...I will have to inform his partner that he is still MIA.”

Matthew bowed his head in shame, hugging his chest. Aunora kept eye contact, expression remaining guarded.

Infinity stood, shoulders aslant. “Alright...It's fine. However, since you had nothing to report, I cannot give you your commission.” He turned his back, expelling a deep sigh, “I suppose that is all. You can go home now.” Infinity’s pointed teeth began to grit, breaking through his stoic facade. “Have a good day. Best wishes.”

Author's Note- just as a little side fact Abiathar is (was lol) happily married to a serpentine and they have cute adopted kids (since interspecies reproduction is impossible, and serpentine also have no biological sex)

but i guess that doesn't matter since hes dead tbh