Dear Journal,
            My careless actions could have caused dire consequences to occur and as usual, I've demonstrated my unreliability. If I had drowned tonight, there would have been no savior this round and darkness would have swallowed me whole forever.

                                                  - 𝒮𝓎𝓇𝓊𝓈 𝒮𝓉𝑒𝑒𝓁𝑒
(1611)

Emma's wrath was almost palpable as they headed back to the castle. Even the trees seemed to sway away from her, a dazzling beauty emitting fiery red sparks of anger in her green dress as she sizzled against the cold air of the night.

Syrus had a sleeping Celestria in his arms, precious and peaceful after growing weary from her mysterious escape.

As they passed by the destroyed gates; a collection of splinters and broken wood scattered across the courtyards, Syrus frowned as he looked at the pieces littering the courtyards.

"What happ.." he started to say.

"Celestria happened." Emma answered curtly, leading the way as they entered the castle. "I've sent for the builders. It's going to cost a hefty sum since it's the dead of night but the castle is currently wide open. It has to be fixed immediately."

They journeyed to the third floor into the cabinet Baltazaar once owned in order for privacy. Emma did not use it unless she wanted to say something that could not be heard by anyone else.

She had not removed anything except his harrowing portrait that seemed to follow her whenever she entered the room. She lit the dusty fireplace before lighting the oil lamps hanging on the walls, igniting the lonely cabinet and casting their distorted shadows on to the stone.

Syrus settled on the table, his niece still fast asleep in his arms as they spoke.

"I told you." Emma said, pacing the cabinet. "I gave you two rules, Syrus! Do not take her feeding and do not let her see her father's body! How could you?"

Syrus's eyes softened as he heard her voice crack. She was terribly upset and he could understand why. It really must have been somewhat traumatic to see someone you loved in that state. It was the entire reason he had gone every night in the first place. He missed Elias so dearly that he wanted to feel the hurt. He wanted to feel the pain of his absence. He never ever wanted to feel like life was going on without him.

"I warned you, Syrus! I told you she was watching." Emma continued.

"I know and I'm sorry." Was all he managed to say. His voice was so low, that Emma stopped to look at him. She had never heard him take the blame for anything.

"W-what did she say? I wanted to wait until she was older. Until she could properly understand." Emma said sadly.

"She tried to touch him," Syrus's eye lit up as he recalled it. "She cried, as did I but I always do." A light chuckle escaped his lips, Emma following suit as a tear fell from her eye.

"She says she sees him, Emma." Syrus said after, his tone turning grave.

"W-what?" Emma was incredulous.

"In the castle. She says he talks to her and told her not to tell us. He doesn't want to be brought back."

"That does not sound like Elias." Emma frowned.

"That's exactly what I said." Syrus responded. "This could be their doing. You heard what that suicidal bloke said. Celestria is next. They want her dead, Emma. I will not have it."

"Nor will I." Emma matched his pressing tone. "I'm upping the security around her and we have to be more vigilant as well."

"Indeed. What were you saying about the gates?" Syrus asked.

"The guards said that Celestria destroyed the gates. Her eyes began to glow and there were veins emerging from her face. They were crippled by her aura." Emma sighed. She looked tired in light of the oil lamp. Her face was stained with tears and etched in sadness. Her mood had fallen significantly from that at the banquet.

"Her powers have manifested?" Syrus asked incredulously, excitement creeping into his voice.

"So it seems. Elias did the samething at a banquet 6 years ago while fighting a monster. She really is her father's child." Emma shook her head, grabbing the chair behind the table to sit down.

"This is amazing, Emma!" Syrus said happily.

"Not necessarily," she replied. "It just makes her a bigger threat to those who wish her harm."

"They can come. I'll kill them all." Syrus said seriously.

"I'm sure you will." Emma chuckled. "As I will too."

They smiled at each other, listening to the crackling of the fireplace. It had been a while since they saw eye to eye but it felt good whenever it did happen.

"Another thing," Emma said. "The pork roast from the table came alive and ran off the plate. It was bleeding and it bloody well terrorized the guests."

"I'm sorry, what?" Syrus asked.

"You heard me. The pig that was cooked to eat came alive!" Emma reiterated.

"How?"

"I don't know." She shook her head. "I wonder if it is the Lenoré coven's tricks as well. Only a witch could do something like that."

"A witch you say?" Syrus said curiously, causing Emma to frown at his tone, watching him with peculiar eyes.

"Yes, why?"

"About that." Syrus said, scratching his head with his free hand. "I may or may not have a witch tied to my bedpost in my chambers."

"I beg your pardon?" Emma's eyebrows slanted up in surprise.

"A witch. From your coven." Syrus said again.

"B-but? What? How?" Emma's head was swimming with questions.

"Do you want me to go into detail of when I put my c.."

"Your niece is literally right there, Syrus! Good God. Have you no shame? We're suppose to be eliminating the enemy not pleasuring them!" Emma scolded.

"Well, I somewhat did both." Syrus scratched his head again.

"You're disgusting as ever." Emma said, making Syrus laugh at her. She was so prim and proper, always attempting to preach to him despite that it only fueled his humor. How Elias broke down her stone exterior? he may never now.

"She's not a threat. Atleast, I don't think she is. We can question her about the Lenoré coven as well as the others. Don't you want to know more about your family's history?" Syrus asked.

Emma was quiet for a moment while her mind raced with thoughts. She did not know much about her mother other than she had been a fae who had died during child birth nor was she even aware that she was apart of a coven. She thought it would be interesting to hear what this witch, who was apparently somewhat related to her, had to say. Not only would they gain information about her history, but they could also learn about the other faes as well.

Sighing again, Emma shook her head. "Fine. I suppose you're right."

"It's getting late." Syrus said, handing Celestria over to Emma. "We'll talk more in the morning, yes?"

"Yes. We have a meeting with the other monarchs as well. Don't be late please. There is much to discuss." Emma told him.

"Alright. I'll be there. Let me escort you to your chambers."

Syrus accompanied them to the royal chambers which was very close to the cabinet. Bidding them a good night, Syrus wondered where the guards had gone but he did not ask since Emma looked as if she would fall asleep at any moment. He did not want to prolong the conversation any further.

As they parted, Syrus headed to his room, rejoining the witch who laid fast asleep across his bed.

Morning came quickly as Syrus headed to the throne room. He stopped by the kitchen first to request wine and blood before heading upstairs with his goblet in hand.

Emma did not like to acknowledge it but Syrus had quite the reputation in Gandalwell. There were persons who had never seen him before but had seemingly heard that he was a demon with gray skin and large fangs that could rip throats from necks and fell heads from bodies. While others, particularly the younger women had heard he was a handsome devil who ripped panties as well.

He did not know how the rumor got about though he did have an inkling it came from his time at Love City; the magical tavern/brothel which he frequently visited in the past years. Syrus had become a fantasy for young girls with bad taste in men.

It was their dream to be seduced by him, to be chosen and bitten. It was so serious that they would come to the castle gates and offer their own blood in vials and goblets which in turn gave Syrus and Celestria an endless supply without having to hunt.

As he entered the throne room, rectangular table had been placed vertically in the centre, each seat occupied by a familiar face.

"Good of you to join us, Syrus. I see you have your elixir of life as usual." Alice teased as he took the  empty seat on Emma's right, Damien sitting to his left.

"I'm just going to ignore you." Syrus rolled his eyes at her. She was sitting right across from him with Emilio at her side while Calen and Aredhel sat beside him.

"Now that everyone is here, we can begin the meeting. King Emilio, Queen Alice, please." Emma said, addressing them by their titles as she projected formalities.

"There has been reports of missing creatures and people in Pretvar. Elves, trolls, werewolves, even mermaids. In addition to this, humans have gone missing as well. All of whom are connected to supernatural creatures in some sense." Alice explained.

"The people say that it has been going on for years but in rare instances but now it has become more frequent." Emilio continued.

"Only in Pretvar?" Emma asked, her expression turning troubled.

"I'm afraid not." Aredhel said, explaining that a few of his warriors had gone missing as well and that a few other magical kingdoms have reported that they too have been affected. Calen and Aredhel were spokesmen of the other supernatural creatures. Beasts that wanted peace but didn't wish to mingle in political affairs often sent reports to their kingdoms in order to inform the crown.

"We haven't had any reports like that in Asphal." Damien said.

"Neither here." Emma said.

"Well, if the sorceress continues her recruitment. I suppose it would begin in our kingdom. We've had allies turn against us as they joined her cult but we have little intel on their plans. It is like they wish to purge all things magical." Emilio stated.

"Well I think their plans have already begun." Syrus said.

"What do you mean?" Calen asked, his eyebrows furrowing at the vampire.

Syrus and Emma began to tell them of Celestria's run ins with her 'father', making everyone at the table gasp at the disturbed nature of its occurrence.

"They are fighting a filthy battle." Damien said, his mouth twisting into a frown. "Has their been anymore interactions with the imposter?"

"No, not since last night. Celine is currently with her and I told her not to let her out of her sight. I asked Calen to summon a Veral to guard her door until I get back." Emma informed.

"But what do they wish to get out of the child?" This was Aredhel. He wore the same troubled expression as his brethren Calen as they went on.

"No clue. What I want to know is what group is doing this. Odelina's or the sorceress? They are enemy factions are they not?" Syrus asked looking between Emma and Alice.

"Very good point there." Emilio rewarded. "It could be either of them."

"Hmm." Emma sounded, her expression indicating that she was thinking.

"As we get back to that, what of our people? Are they still in acceptance of co-living with supernatural beings present?" Emma asked.

After the war, people from all the kingdoms had become aware of the existence of the supernatural as Odelina's forces were never discreet. While some creatures had attacked them, some had protected them and in turn, a bond was formed. There has been spikes in half-breeds for the past years as they began to co-exist together.

Each monarch had addressed their people personally through a large gathering in the kingdom's city square in order to educate them of and confirm their alliances with the magical kingdoms.

The church had been against this as they voiced disapproval for what they considered 'the devil's children' but after their demolition at the hands of Odelina and the others, they had lost importance since people had turned to various other faiths to worship. They were only as important as the crown had made them which was probably why some of them had sided with the sorceress.

So far, there had not been much violence related to the clashing of supernatural creatures and humans as everyone preferred to stay within their respective parties.

"Well, I haven't heard of much grievances in the past few years since I've assumed the throne." Damien started. "The people of Asphal have seemed to take a likeness for me."

"Your story is truly inspiring my friend." Emilio said. "From the streets to the throne. I can't imagine the common-folk not being inspired."

Giving him a pleasant nod, the intense atmosphere of the throne room was slightly lifted until Syrus spoke again.

"I caught a witch." He said as all eyes fell on him.

"A witch?" Alice questioned.

Syrus began to tell them about Eleanor, omitting the bits relating to their intimate encounter. They were unsettled and surprised by the revelation that the other covens were now appearing.

"Well, let's see this witch then." Damien said while the council agreed.

As Syrus left to fetch her, he noticed a man standing by the window outside of the throne room. He wore a rather rich looking cranberry surcoat and he had a sword by his hip as he shifted his weight onto his left foot. He looked similar to one of the suitors who would be spending a few days at the castle, hoping to win Emma's heart. Polished and confident, rich in wealthy and honey covered words. Willing to do anything for the throne.

The most troubling thing however, was that he did not even turn to look at Syrus. It was not that he did not hear him exit the throne room, he just simply ignored him.

Syrus frowned as he went to his room, untying the witch who had an abundance of things to say to him.

"You really are not a gentleman." Eleanor chided.

"You knew that though. Didn't you?" He answered, untying her from the bed.

He allowed her to fix her hair and clothing before heading to the throne room, passing by the window the man previously stood. Syrus's frown deepened at the lonely spot as he wondered where he had gone.

Entering the throne room, all eyes turned to he and Eleanor as the group appraised her. Emma looked the most interested, her eyes lighting up as if she recognized the red hair from somewhere.

"I know you," Alice said. "You're a dutchess. I believe we met at a banquet before. Your duke past away a few years ago."

"I'm glad you remember, Queen Alice. You look wonderful as usual." Eleanor said pleasantly.

"Don't lie to her." Syrus rolled his eyes, pulling up his seat for Eleanor to sit.

Alice scowled at him, folding her lips to prevent herself from lashing out.

"You're apart of my mother's coven." Emma looked at Eleanor. "Did you know her?"

"I might have." Eleanor said without interest. "I'm a bit of a rogue you see. I don't necessarily mingle with my brothers and sisters."

"Why not?" Damien asked, though, he did not sound as if he was interested in getting the answer. He just wanted to hear her speak, to watch the way her mouth curved to form the words of an answer. Eleanor was attractive like that.

Syrus saw the way their eyes shot to her bossom. How they had been slightly mesmerized by her beauty, despite the fact that she had just risen from bed.

"I don't like rules." Her eyes turned to look at Syrus who had walked over to the other end of the table.

Alice caught this, squinting as she looked between them both.

"Good God. You two.." she said as realization hit her.

"Not the time." Emma's words were stern, making Alice swallow her insults as she watched as Eleanor's mouth stretched into a smile while she watched Syrus, dropping her head as it shook knowingly.

"Where is the rest of your coven?" Calen asked her.

"Don't know. A few of them contacted me in Pretvar. They had awoken from a long hibernation. Something they did to recharge their power. They were going on about the future and how dangerous it would be. I didn't care for their omens." Eleanor fanned away the thought.

"Is this wine?" She asked, pointing to Syrus's goblet.

"And blood." He answered, his mouth twisting into a smirk.

"Nice taste." She grabbed it, toasting at him before taking a sip.

Emma and Alice suppressed a gag while the other men looked troubled.

"What about the other covens?" Emma asked.

"They were always here. They just didn't care to help. After all they lost helping Amora kill Elijah a second time they couldn't care less if Odelina wanted to erase the world. I'm sure they have their own plans." Eleanor said without interest.

"Amora?" Aredhel asked.

"Odelina's mother. Leader of the Lenoré coven and a royal pain in the arse. You'd do well to watch out for her. It starts and ends in Pretvar for a reason." Eleanor told them.

"What do you mean it starts and ends in Pretvar?" Emma questioned.

"You lot are asking far too many questions for my liking. Especially since I get nothing in return." Eleanor's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, appraising each person at the table.

Syrus could tell that this was her brand. She was a trouble maker; a deceiver. Though she spoke so freely, she rarely gave anything up.

"You get your life in return." Emma threatened.

Eleanor turned to look at her as they sat beside each other. Syrus could not help but think they slightly favored. The witch's eyes scanned Emma's face like a puzzle she could not quite figure out but eager to solve nonetheless.

"A threat," Eleanor said. "Perhaps we are related." A smirk danced across her thick lips.

"I don't trust this woman." Alice spoke up.

"This woman? You would think you didn't know me." Eleanor looked to her.

"I didn't come here to argue or tell secrets." Eleanor said afterwards. "I only wished to see him." Her eyes fell on Syrus.

"Who? Syrus?" Emilio asked.

"Yes. And now that I have. I must be on my way. You lot seem to have problems as large as the heavens and I want no parts. Just fun." She stood but Syrus was behind her in an instant, catching her as she stumbled into his chest.

"You're not going anywhere." He said to her.

They stared at each other, long and hard. Eleanor imagined that this was the fierce gaze he had given her last night in his dark chambers.

"We can't just let you leave." Emma said after. "You don't seem to bare us any ill will from my assessment and you seem to know more than you're saying. You're in the court of Her Majesty, Queen Emma Mercí so you will serve your queen, in whatever way possible."

"You scanned my aura and thoughts with your magic?" Eleanor said, turning to her as her mouth slightly parted in surprise.

"A half-fae that possesses this much skill. I'm impressed. Maybe I ought to really look into the identity of your mother." The witch praised.

A knock interrupted the meeting and Emma knew it was time for lunch. She let them know that they would discuss more in the coming days and dismissed everyone but Syrus and his witch.

"I'd like to speak with you more, Eleanor." Emma said to her.

"As you wish, Your Majesty." Eleanor said, though her tone was not sincere.

As Syrus took her hand, leading her out of the throne room, he passed the man who had stood at the window before, this time their eyes met. Honey gold irises diving into hazel as they regarded each other.

Syrus did not stop however, taking Eleanor back to his chambers once more.

"Your Majesty, Queen Emma. Finally we meet." The man said to Emma as she exited the room.

"Oh, hello." Emma said awkwardly, slightly disheveled by his beauty.

His short, ash brown hair sat in free curls on his head as his eyes seemed to envelop her in a hazel flare. His caramel skin was exemplary, unsullied by all things normal and embellished with everything magical as a dimple on his left cheek deepened while he spoke.

"My apologies. My name is Omara Lennon. Lord of House Lennon and ally to Queen Alice of Pretvar." He said as he bowed to her. She extended her hand and he kissed it gently, an action Emma was normally use to but for some reason, it had made her feel heated.

"I was wondering if you could spare a moment of your time later for a chat. I would be delighted in speaking with you in a more relaxed setting." His hazel eyes were hopeful as they never left her.

Emma could not deny his handsomeness and his request had sounded so genuine. She had almost forgotten that her suitors would be here for a few days and she was to pick one soon.

"Yes, sure." She agreed, a small smile curving her lips. "I'll be free at sunset."

"Thank you for the consideration. Please enjoy the rest of your day." He bowed once more, walking off down the hall.

Emma watched as he disappeared, biting her lips as she played with her silver necklet. Holding it tighter, she remembered Elias, melancholy and guilt taking her over as she realized she had swooned at another man. Heaving a deep sigh, Emma headed to her chambers to fetch her daughter for lunch.

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