Ivy gasped awake from unconsciousness, inhaling deeply while she took in her surroundings. When her eyes took in blurs of ginger hair, she immediately knew where she was.

Saige's home... Ivy thought.

"Ivy, are you alright?" Saige bent down closer. Ivy's green eyes looked a little drowsy, as though attempting to fully wake up from a bad slumber.

"I..." Ivy started, but she then closed her mouth.

"You were stabbed by a dagger. I treated your side, but the wound will take some time to completely heal," Saige explained.

Ivy tilted her head and saw that part of her dress was slit open, and a pair of bandages wrapped around the side. The white bandages were stained with a little blood. Ivy looked on Saige's table to see another pair of bandages, but they were drenched in red.

Ivy sucked in her breath. "I-Is that my blood?"

Saige followed Ivy's gaze. Saige brought her hand to her head. "I had to change the bandages after the blood started to clot."

Ivy asked, wincing slightly. "What happened while I was out?"

Saige stood up, going to her cabinets to look for something. "Thierry brought you back to the castle, and Amber was the one who brought you to me. The Red Phoenix leader is also imprisoned as we speak."

Ivy's eyes widened when the Red Phoenix leader was mentioned. "The Red Phoenix leader is here?"

"Yes," Saige replied. She opened one of the cabinets and took out a bottle of brown liquid.

"What about Acacia?" Ivy asked worriedly.

"Acacia is safe," Saige said reassuringly. She got a bowl and poured out some of the brown liquid into the bowl. She made her way over to Ivy and extended the bowl to her. "This will help with the pain."

Ivy nodded, sitting up slowly. She took the bowl and started to gulp the contents down. A knock then sounded at the door. Saige made her way over and opened the door slightly. Seeing who it was, she then opened the door more and stepped aside to let the person in.

"Amber, you're here, perfect timing," Saige said, smiling.

Amber strode in as Saige closed the door behind them. Ivy set the bowl on top of Saige's side table. Ivy smiled lightly when she saw Amber holding a soft green dress in her hands.

"Hi Ivy, how are you feeling?" Amber asked.

Ivy patted her side with the bandages gently. "I'm alright. Thanks, Saige, for treating me."

Amber set the green dress on Ivy's lap. Amber said to Saige, "Thierry has told me that Aster wishes to execute Reese Henessey, the Red Phoenix leader."

"Execute?" Saige winced slightly. "This is going to be the first person Aster will execute during his reign."

Amber sighed, "Do you think Aster will really do it?"

Saige nodded. "I believe Aster is capable of executing the Reese, but I'm just worried what might happen to him if he does."

"What do you mean?" Amber asked.

Before Saige could respond, Ivy interrupted in a slightly dazed manner. "Reese Henessey, as in... related to Raymond Henessey?" She thought back to what had happened in the forest. There were two Red Phoenix members. One was fighting Thierry, and the other one was with Acacia. If they had captured the leader while returning the castle, that could only mean one of the two Red Phoenixes they encountered in the forest was the leader. There was no way the little one that looked around her age was the leader, which could only mean...

Ivy's voice then turned stiff, "Reese Henessey, as in the person who stabbed me?"

When Ivy saw the look of discomfort flash across the twins' faces, she knew the answer already.

Ivy shook her head. She said softly; barely above a whisper, "Anyone related to Raymond Henessey is a monster."

Amber added, "Everyone is stressed out. From what I heard, Aster and Violet wish to execute Reese, while Rose and Lily wish to spare him."

"Spare him?" Saige asked, raising an eyebrow.

"They believe that killing Reese might anger Crow and the other Red Phoenix members," Amber confirmed.

Ivy finally straightened, clenching the green dress Amber brought with tight hands. Saige's medicine must have taken effect because Ivy no longer looked like she was in pain.

"Aster is making the right choice," Ivy said, determined. "Ree--the new leader," Ivy corrected herself, as though she couldn't bear to even say Reese's name out loud, "deserves his punishment. He can't be spared just because we're worried about angering our other enemies. His father killed my father, and he stabbed me. I see no reason for Aster to spare him."

"Ivy..." Saige started.

"I'm going to go change," Ivy replied sharply, frowning while she headed towards the bathroom. Ivy didn't slam the door, but the door still gave a loud forceful grunt from Ivy's slight anger.

There was a tense silence in the room, but then Amber asked again. "What did you mean, Saige, when you said you were worried about what might happen to Aster if he executes the Red Phoenix leader?"

Saige sighed. "Aster is a good person, but he is still Amaryllis's son." When she saw Amber frown in worry, Saige added. "I'm just a little worried that... executing Reese might turn him into his mother. Amaryllis was a bold queen, yes, but she was also very impulsive and short-tempered."

Saige thought back to when Lily had brought Crow to her. Saige had told Aster that she helped Crow, but she had never told anyone that Lily was also involved that night. Lily had told her that she didn't turn Crow in because she was worried how Aster would react. Saige had to agree with Lily on that part, if Lily had turned Crow in, Aster would most likely turn into a tyrant king with the way he was back then. They had intended to turn Crow in after Saige had treated him, giving Aster time to calm down before he did anything rash, but Crow had woken up before they could follow through with that plan. Despite the fact that Reese did not actually kill anyone with his own hands, he was still Raymond's son and he was still dangerous, being the leader of the Red Phoenixes and allies with Crow. Saige was slightly worried that executing Reese would cause hatred to surface in Aster.

Amber crossed her arms, furrowing her eyebrows in frustration. "True, Amaryllis was very bold, but I think Aster will decide to do what he thinks is best for the kingdom. If he believes that executing Reese is the solution, then I guess that's what he'll end up doing." Saige bit her lip nervously, merely nodding. Amber then smiled. "You know, Saige. It's obvious that you care a lot about Aster's well being."

Saige raised her eyebrows, thinking she misheard what her sister said. "What do you mean? Of course I care, he's the king, and a friend."

Amber just kept smiling. "Stop denying it, Saige. You care about him more than just a friend."

Saige couldn't help but feel flabbergasted. "You think I like Aster... in that way?"

Amber shrugged. "You don't make it very obvious to other people, but I'm your sister, Saige. I can see it."

Saige was speechless for a moment, but then she said. "I don't know. I honestly haven't even thought about it until you brought it up."

"Whatever you say, Saige," Amber tried to suppress a laugh, as though she didn't believe Saige. "I'm not judging you. I'm just stating the truth."

Saige crossed her arms, she then said, "Even if I did like him in that way, there's no way Aster would see me as more than a friend; the physician next door, I might add."

Amber just shook her head, still trying not to laugh. Amber and Saige both straightened themselves when the bathroom door opened, Ivy stepping out in the green dress. She smiled when she saw Amber and Saige, but Saige noticed Ivy's eyes. They looked stressed and frustrated. Saige couldn't help but feel pity for Ivy. She knew that Ivy wanted to help her older siblings, but she was only thirteen. To understand the seriousness of the situation but not being able to do much to help, Saige could see how that could take a toll on someone like Ivy.

"I'm going to head back to the castle," Ivy said. She then came over and hugged Saige tightly. "Thanks again, Saige, for treating me. I feel a lot better now."

Saige returned the hug, Ivy's head reaching her chest. "Of course. I'm always here if you don't feel well."

Ivy nodded and broke away, heading towards the door. Amber called, "I'll come with you, Ivy." Amber turned back to Saige, waving goodbye. "See you later, Saige."

Saige could only nod as she watched Amber and Ivy see themselves out. After they left, Saige stood there for a few more moments. Amber's words were still fresh in her mind.

--

Reese groaned in slight pain as he stirred awake, still feeling the residual shock coursing through his body. He sat up slowly, grimacing from the headache he was currently feeling.

"You're finally awake."

As though someone had dumped cold water over him, Reese immediately straightened himself. His eyes snapped a little more alert to see Rose, just watching him with her hands clasped in front of her.

Reese narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing here?" He turned his head around, thinking that he would see Aster and Violet with her, but it was just Rose and him in the cell. Reese fixed his gaze on Rose. He couldn't tell what Rose was feeling. Her face could have been interpreted as content or disapproval.

Rose cleared her throat. "My cousin, Aster, and my sister, Violet, had the chance to speak with you. I also wish for the same."

Reese scoffed. "You can save the sob story about how my father killed your father, Princess. I've heard it too many times today." He looked at Rose, examining her from head to toe. "So, what? Did the king give up in trying to interrogate me? I guess he's not as tough as he seems."

He could have sworn Rose's eye twitched from annoyance, but she didn't lash out. "If you must know, Reese Henessey," Rose blatantly emphasized Reese's name, "King Aster has decided to execute you, tomorrow."

Silence immediately fell between the two of them. A million thoughts were rushing through Reese's head. Reese should have felt scared, but Reese was a little surprised at himself when all he felt was disappointment.

"The Red Phoenix cause will live on even if I die," Reese merely said, trying to look unscathed. His slightly shaky voice, however, betrayed him. Rose noticed a flash of anger in Reese's eyes, reminding her of phoenix flames.

"Perhaps," Rose cut in sharply, "but you should understand by now that the Red Phoenixes will always lose. It doesn't matter who the leader is and what weapons you have. You are fighting a losing battle. Once your allies realize that, they will see how foolish the cause is."

Reese also raised his voice. He was starting to prefer being tortured by Aster. It was much more interesting than being bored to death by Rose. "Did you just come all the way here to tell me this? Why are you here?"

Rose returned Reese's intense gaze, never breaking eye contact. "Despite Aster's decision to execute you tomorrow, I believe that you can be pardoned from my flames." She then frowned in what seemed like disapproval as she added, "After all, I'm the one who will be burning your body at your execution."

Reese couldn't help but shiver at Rose's blunt statement. Rose may be calm, unlike the impulsive Violet, but her statements could be just as bold as Flora and Amaryllis's if she wanted them to be.

"What are you suggesting?" Reese finally asked.

Rose sighed, her eyes examining Reese. "Perhaps if you beg Aster for mercy... maybe if you agree to permanently disband the Red Phoenixes, Aster will consider lessening your punishment," she thought aloud, running through the options.

"No," Reese snapped. "I would rather die than beg an Azalea for anything."

Rose huffed, turning her head to look outside the cell. "At least agree to call off Crow, then."

"Crow?" Reese asked, raising an eyebrow. "I can't speak for Crow. He does whatever he wants now."

Now? Rose thought, catching Reese's small slip up. It was very subtle, and most people normally wouldn't notice it, but Rose did. She glanced warily at Reese, narrowing her eyes. "I thought assassins were loyal to their masters."

Reese scoffed. "I'm not Crow's master. Like I said, he does what he wants."

Rose was silent, as though debating whether or not Reese was telling the truth. She opened her mouth to speak, but all she said was a short, "Hmm."

The silence that followed started to eat at him. The cell was never this quiet when Aster and Violet had come to visit him. Being stared at by Rose's judgmental eyes was starting to get a little unsettling.

Rose finally turned and opened the door to his cell, seeing herself out. Reese then heard a click, the key locking the barred door.

Rose gave him one more glance before turning to leave him in the rotting cell. "Don't say the Azaleas never offered you anything."

The chains around Reese's hands rattled from moving. "Wouldn't dream of it," Reese snapped, but Rose was already gone.

--

Aster was the last to join the dinner table. His five cousins were already seated, with Amber standing to the side holding a water pitcher. Rose had her stoic expression on her face, as always. Lily was staring at the white table cloth, as though deep in thought. Violet's arms were crossed over her chest, her eyes closed and her eyebrows knitted in slight annoyance. Ivy was looking at the curtains on the walls, and Acacia had her worrisome eyes fixed to the ceiling.

They didn't seem to notice him until he spoke up. "Sorry for making you wait for me."

Violet opened her eyes in greeting. Rose answered, "It's fine. Let's enjoy dinner."

Everyone knew that there was no way they were going to enjoy dinner after everything that has happened.

One of the maids entered the dining room, rolling in a cart full of food. The chef apparently felt like cooking chicken. Amber helped the maid set the food on the table; a plate for each Azalea. The kitchen maid bowed in respect before hurriedly leaving.

They ate in awkward silence, the only sound that was heard was the clinking of the fork against the plate. Amber said nothing as well, feeling like it wasn't her place to spark conversation. At certain times she would refill some glasses of water, but she kept her mouth shut.

Unable to bear the silence any longer, Aster finally announced, "I spoke with Jeffrey earlier today. He has some news for us." Rose set her utensils down. Lily and Violet glanced at Aster, while Ivy and Acacia could only stare at their plate. "A lunar eclipse is approaching next week. It will occur in the late evening."

Violet dropped her utensils in surprise, the fork clattering against the plate. Rose cursed under her breath while Lily just brought her hand to her head in worry. Ivy clenched her fists, while Acacia's eyes widened.

"Could the timing be any worse?" Violet clenched her teeth in frustration.

"We can't use our magic during the eclipse," Lily said in worry. "Normally that wouldn't bother me, but with Crow and the Red Phoenixes still out there..."

Rose held up her hand to speak. "Crow will no longer be bothering us."

Everyone looked at Rose in surprise, thinking they misheard her. Aster asked, "How do you know that?"

"I spoke with Reese Henessey. I will not lie. I tried to offer him an alternate option besides burning from my flames." Before Aster could protest in slight anger, Rose finished, "One of my suggestions to him was that he agree to call off Crow, and you may consider lessening his punishment, Aster."

Violet slammed her fist on the table. "How can you offer that monster any leniency, Rose? Aster has already decided to execute him." Ivy merely nodded in agreement, a pained look flashing through her eyes as her fingers brushed over the bandages on her side.

"You're not the one who has to burn him alive, Violet!" Rose snapped back, obviously fed up with fighting. Acacia flinched when Rose raised her voice.

"Oh, would you quit being selfish? You only wish to spare him so you won't have a life on your hands." Violet threw her hands up in the air, frustrated.

Rose narrowed her eyes. "I respect Aster's decision to execute him, but I merely offered Reese Henessey the chance to beg for his life. It would just be a bonus if Reese Henessey agreed to call off Crow." Rose gave a frustrated sigh. "Back to the point, when I brought up Crow, he implied that Crow has decided not to kill anymore Azaleas."

"You're just going to believe what he says?" Lily asked, worry still laced in her voice.

"There's no reason for him to lie about this. He knows he's being executed tomorrow," Rose pointed out. "He probably didn't notice his slip up; not many people would have noticed it."

Aster added, "Crow has been quiet lately..." He then looked up, his green eyes determined. "I guess we don't have to be so worried about Crow when it comes to the lunar eclipse." Lily breathed a sigh of relief when she heard this. Crow had successfully killed her mother and two aunts. Going against him while they were all defenseless, it had made her very unsettled.

Ivy finally spoke up, wanting to pitch in her opinion. "Do you think the Red Phoenixes know about the lunar eclipse?"

Aster sighed. "I can't be sure, but they managed to find out our salt water weakness. If they don't know now, sooner or later they will. At that point, they'll just wait until the next eclipse to come if this one passes."

"It's only one day, though," Ivy protested. "The chance of enemies attacking... they're very slim."

Aster shook his head. "I can't risk our safety. All of us will be defenseless. I can try to wield a sword, but I'm definitely no match for the Red Phoenixes if it comes to it." Aster gave another frustrated sigh and continued. "When Reese Henessey dies tomorrow, the Red Phoenixes may seek vengeance. Our security has been infiltrated before, which caused a stable boy to get hurt." Violet clenched her fists when she heard the last part, obviously still angry about what had happened to Julian.

"Maybe we should hold off executing Reese Henessey until after the lunar eclipse, then," Rose suggested.

Aster disapproved once more. "It's better to execute Reese Henessey sooner than later. The Red Phoenixes have not reacted yet, but if I prolong his execution they may attempt to rescue him."

Lily finally said in an assuring manner, "I think we'll be okay on the lunar eclipse. We have one week to plan ahead. Our security will just have to be tighter on that day." She forced a half smile and added, "I was reluctant at first, but I also respect Aster's decision to execute Reese Henessey tomorrow. Hopefully after that matter is settled, matters regarding the Red Phoenixes will finally calm themselves down."

Acacia stood up from her chair, placing her napkin on the table. "I'm going to my room," her voice barely above a whisper.

Violet also saw this as a chance to leave. "I'm leaving, too. Dinner was delicious. I'll see you all tomorrow," she shot one more quick glare at Rose before her face morphed into weariness, "at the execution," she blatantly added, loud enough so that Rose could hear.

The remaining Azaleas all fell silent as Violet followed Acacia out of the room. Ivy eventually left as well, but she said nothing as she left. Aster had nothing more to say either; he had said all there was needed about the lunar eclipse. Rose was deep in thought, thinking about how she would have to burn Marguerite's corpse in addition to burning Reese alive. It was all just a lot to take in. Rose didn't notice that her fist was so clenched up until she felt Lily's tender palm rest itself on her hand. Rose looked up to meet Lily's gaze, who gave her a small pitiful smile.

--

Chase woke up from his nap in the trees when he heard Aster's booming voice from the castle balcony. "My people!" Aster's voice nearly roared through the citadel.

Chase narrowed his eyes. I've got a bad feeling... Wanting to know what Aster had to say, he stood up to balance himself on the thick tree branch, and he leaped, tree leaves rustling as he headed closer to the Azalea castle. He stopped himself when the balcony came into view, hiding in the shadows of the trees.

His gaze fell on the massive amount of roses that had bloomed on the rim of the balcony. Chase then noticed flames that emitted from a pile of logs. Chase pursed his lips when he saw part of Marguerite's peaceful face, which quickly disappeared behind the burning flames.

All of a sudden, Thierry started to drag out a struggling prisoner, tying him to the same pole Raymond Henessey had burned. Chase's eyes widened when he saw who the prisoner was.

Reese... a million thoughts rushed through Chase's head. Instinctively, Chase's claws flashed out.

"Reese Henessey, son of Raymond Henessey and leader of the Red Phoenixes," Aster's voice immediately turned cold, a mirror of Amaryllis's. "You have been found guilty of treason and for being involved in the deaths of the late Queen Flora, the late Queen Amaryllis, and the late Lady Marguerite. For that, you will burn, just like your late father." Aster turned his head to look at Rose, who nodded her head. "Any last words, Reese Henessey?"

Chase glanced to the balcony on the right, where the Azalea sisters stood. He couldn't help but smile lightly when he saw Lily, remembering the time they had danced together. A small movement near Lily caught his eye. He noticed Ivy shift uncomfortably. She then bent down and said something to Acacia.

His enhanced hearing picked it up, "I think the flames are making me feel funny. I just need to take a breath inside."

Acacia smiled at her sister and nodded in understanding. Ivy hurriedly disappeared inside, leaving an empty space where she had been standing.

Chase's attention snapped back to Aster and Reese when he heard Reese say in a resolved voice, "The only regret I have is failing my father and my allies." He then gave a weak smirk before howling at Aster, "Someday, you will realize that my family and I are right. Your magic will be the downfall of this kingdom, and by the time you realize it, it will be too late."

Chase gritted his teeth. I left my crow mask behind. If I attempt to rescue Reese, my identity will be discovered. I don't have time to go back for it, either. Chase banged a fist against the tree trunk. I'm sorry, Reese.

"You still spout nonsense in the face of death," Aster spoke. "Burn, Reese Henessey, just like your father did."

Chase clenched his fists when he saw Rose close her eyes once more. Chase looked away, not wanting to see his friend get killed.

However, Reese's screams never reached his ears. Instead, he heard battle cries. A few glass bottles of liquid were thrown towards the balcony, and all of a sudden a few arrows whizzed in the air, hitting all of the bottles precisely. The liquid spilled out, staining the Azalea's on the balcony.

When the roses on the balcony immediately disappeared, Chase knew what had happened.

Salt water...

Acacia yelped as Lily moved to shield Acacia from the falling glass. Aster brought a gloved hand up to shield his face. The glass luckily just grazed the border of the balcony. Chase watched as three adults came charging up the pyre. Thierry moved to stand in front of Reese. His hand moved to unsheathe his sword, but one of the adults threw daggers. One dagger successfully hit Thierry square to the stomach, causing Thierry to collapse to his knees in shock.

Reese opened his mouth in astonishment. "Bryan! Lorraine! Derek! What are you three doing here?"

"There's no way we are going to let our leader die that easily," Bryan remarked, slicing the ropes around Reese's wrists.

Chase smiled as he relaxed against the tree to watch the scene unfurl. It looks like Reese doesn't need my help.

Lorraine cried, "We have to move, now!"

The Red Phoenixes moved, jumping off the pyre and making their escape. The crowd was in a frenzy. Some citizens tried to throw things at them to slow them down, but Bryan, Lorraine, and Derek shielded Reese well as they all ran for it.

"No!" Violet screeched, clenching her dress and almost tearing it. "We were so close!"

At that moment, Ivy had returned to the balcony, feeling slightly better. Her eyes widened when she saw what all the ruckus was about.

When she saw the puddles of liquid on the floor and wet stains on her sisters' dresses, Ivy's eyes hardened. I must stop them from escaping. I'm the only one here that wasn't sprayed by salt water.

Ivy dashed to the front of the balcony, seeing Reese in her vision. Picturing herself wrapping vines around the escaping Red Phoenixes, she mustered up the strength to summon her ivies. It was supposed to feel like a force of magic was rushing through her body, but surprisingly, she gasped when she realized that she felt nothing. Absolutely nothing.

W-What? I did everything I usually do. Why aren't my ivies appearing? Come on, earth! I need you.

Ivy tried again, doing everything she normally did when she wanted to summon her earth powers. When her ivies still didn't appear, understanding dawned on her face. Her eyes widened in fear. Her lip began to tremble and her hands began to shake.

Chase nearly fell out of the tree when Ivy emitted a bloodcurdling scream. It was so loud that Reese and the other three Red Phoenixes briefly stopped in their tracks to look back. Reese looked bewildered to see Ivy clench her side, her face looking as though someone drove a knife through her heart. With another cry from Lorraine, they continued to run, disappearing from as they darted into the forest.

Chase watched as Lily rushed over to Ivy. Lily attempted to comfort Ivy, but Ivy brushed Lily off, her body still shaking, "Ivy! What's wrong?" Lily asked worriedly.

Tears started to stream down Ivy's face as she tried to hold back her sobs. Rose, Violet, and Acacia all came to see what was wrong with their sister. At that moment, it looked like none of them cared that Reese had gotten away. Ivy's scream had been one of pain, and anyone who looked at Ivy could tell that she was far from okay.

Ivy finally spoke. Aster, who was standing on the center balcony, would not have been able to hear her, but Chase could hear Ivy clear and loud.

"W-When Reese stabbed me, he probably used a salted dagger..." Ivy started. "I was the only one that wasn't sprayed by salt water just now, so I t-tried to stop them for escaping and..." Ivy took quick breaths, trying not to break down. "It didn't work."

"Don't be upset, Ivy. We'll catch Reese again," Rose said, determined.

"No, no, you don't understand!" Ivy cried, her voice cracking. "I... I think the salt's mixed into my blood..."

All the Azalea sisters immediately looked even more worried.

"What are you saying, Ivy?" Rose asked, her voice becoming hoarse. She sounded like she knew the answer, but needed to hear it for herself.

Ivy bit her lip, tears staining Ivy's cheeks. Ivy lamented, "M-My earth. It's gone."

Chase widened his eyes when he realized what Ivy just meant. Her words rang in his head.

"M-My earth. It's gone." Not temporarily subdued, but permanently gone.