The Everfire breathed warmth throughout the room. Its peaceful cadence helped relieve aching pain and weary minds. Every ounce of light from the sun has already retired for the day, painting the view outside the window nearly black. If it weren't for the moon's silvery light, it would've been total darkness.

Lyra sat bored in Aeris' mother's office watching her do paperwork. She never imagined a senator's life would be so mundane.

Aeris let out another sigh as she scratched her head in frustration. Another letter tossed in the direction of the Everfire. Lyra glanced down at the floor next to the hearth where at least a dozen crumpled letters lay to rest. She decided to pick up the most recent scrap and straightened out the paper.

Lyra was no politician and some of the words were foreign to her, making her admire Aeris even more.

"How come this version was scrapped?" She asked, genuinely curious as it would have convinced her. "I feel like this would have passed."

"Pass for a joke," said Aeris, smashing her face into her palms. "How did she do it?" She mumbled to herself.

Lyra couldn't help but notice a portrait of Aeris' mother that sat above the fireplace.

"Maybe you shouldn't think what your mother would do, but rather find a different way, the Aeris way."

"That way is amateur and definitely not a viable option."

"So you do have a way?"

Aeris' head shot up from the desk to look at Lyra but not with eyes of excitement, rather annoyance.

"Regardless, this letter needs to announce our proposal and negotiation without sounding like a chicken wrote it."

"Chickens don't write." Lyra chuckled at herself.

Aeris crumpled another paper and threw it at her, causing her to flinch as it fell short in front of her.

"This is serious, Lyra!"

"If you were to think of your mother and what she would do, what comes to mind first?"

Aeris paused in her frustration to seriously consider the question. Her brain scrambled words together until eventually they formed an answer.

"She would just go," she said simply. "I'll have to write an announcement letter, noting our arrival perhaps tomorrow at noon."

Lyra let out a deep sigh. "I don't know why you keep roping me into your political squabbles."

· · ─ · ◯☽✵☾◯ · ─ · ·

As sure as the rising of the moon, the sun once again blessed the frigid lands. As winter approached them rapidly, the skies curtained the rays of the sun. The net of darkness cast earlier within the day, causing the timing of the world to go out of balance.

For the one moment of uninterrupted sunlight, Kaelen awoke slowly to the warmth of its grace. The aching of his body was still reminiscent of the previous night. His mind was hazy with what felt like, to him, a fabrication of a warm memory. Before he sat up, he gently brushed the areas of where his wounds would have been, but bandages protected him from touching his flesh directly.

Getting up was a whole crucible in itself. All of his aches begged him to stay down, but he refused, for now.

His hand eventually ventured upwards to his neck, but that too was bandaged. He knew it was all his mother's doing. Thinking about her, he wanted to thank her. His body twisted until his feet were dangling off his bed. He painfully scooted to the edge where his feet finally met the floor. He took his first try at getting up, but pain surged through his body as if he stepped in a pillar of fire. Collapsing to the ground, he felt his heart race. The feeling only meant one thing: the beast was trying to come out again.

The blood within him began to boil, and he could feel his bones fracture, but he clenched his teeth and dug his nails deep into his palms, trying to suppress the intense urge.

His door swung open, and his mother rushed to his aid. Kaelen felt the warmth of her hand, and he heard her lips letting out a gentle shush.

"Kaelen, hear my voice, my child." Her words like a rope cast to a drowning man. "Remember who you are."

Slowly, Kaelen's breath began to slow down and his blood settled.

"I'm sorry."

"Do not be sorry," she said, letting out a sigh before she rocked back on her heels. "Coexisting with the beast inside is hard; your father struggled with it at your age too."

Kaelen didn't like being compared to his father. He knew he wouldn't be able to live up to his name.

His mother noticed his downcast expression at the mention of his father. Her hand tracing from the back of his jaw to the tip of his chin, causing him to make eye contact with her.

"Your father is more proud of you than you know."

"Is this what proud feels like?" His question was rhetorical as he brought up one of his hands to tug at the bandages around his throat, revealing the shameful wound that surfaced it.

With no hesitation, his mother replaced the bandage and made sure it was snug.

"I bet you didn't realize the medicine smeared on your body."

"I'm sure you're tired of treating me."

"That was your father's doing."

Kaelen inhaled to speak, but no words came to mind, ending in him sighing.

"Look," his mother began. "Your father cares about you deeply, Kaelen. More than you know. Find the love in his lessons and the understanding in his strictness. You know what he says,"

"This world is cruel, I know." Kaelen felt a warmth spread through his body as his mother's words resonated within him.

"Now come, I've cooked your favorite meal. The one that feeds you for the entire day."

A smile crept on Kaelen's mouth as his mother helped him up. She was going to help him walk, but he kindly declined her assistance.

His crippled walk slowly gained any distance, but once his body got used to the movement, his speed gradually increased. Eventually he made it to his living room. He looked at the floor by the fireplace. A quick flashback of the fire burst through his mind, a brighter comparison than the ember that now took residence in the ash bed.

Kaelen realized his armor sat next to the hearth, possibly warm still from the fire. He studied it as he thought he would have had to collect it from the garrison building.

"Your father brought that," his mother said. "After he dropped you off, he went back to the garrison to pick it up."

He didn't know what to think of it. Feelings were changing so suddenly, he started to believe the fever dream was real.

His mother set a bowl of the thick broth down at the table. A pained look spread across his face as he eased into the chair where his bowl waited for him.

"Thank you for the food."

"You don't need to thank me, Kaelen. It's my duty to see you grow up into the man you see yourself to be."

She smiled, and Kaelen forgot how warm he felt when his mother smiled. He also forgot how beautiful she was. The greens of her eyes reminded him of spring, and her brown hair flowed down to the middle of her back. He wondered how his father ended up being so lucky. Kaelen began to devour the bowl, feeling the hearty meal fill his stomach.

"Your father also asked me to relay a message for you," she said, her hands just finishing drying a dish. "Some senator from Kogeer is coming to negotiate an alliance, and your father wants you to be there."

"A political matter requires a second?" Kaelen scoffed in disbelief.

"Your father is growing old; his strength is failing him, and his wits are becoming dull. I'm sure he wants to teach you what he can before he retires or suffers a terrible fate." Kaelen couldn't help but feel his mother was right. His mother sat beside him at an angle and laid her hand on top of his. "He's changing. Please believe me when I say that."

Kaelen squeezed her hand and nodded his head at her. She pinched his cheek playfully. A joyful laugh escaped her lips, which he hadn't heard in what felt like years. Something about today, he felt, is going to go his way.

· · ─ · ◯☽✵☾◯ · ─ · ·

A convoy rolled through the Tundra of The Nine coming from the Overworld. Though the air outside was already cold, this land felt extremely freezing. The bordering mountain range didn't allow the frigid air to go anywhere but towards the Kingdom of Lycra.

Aeris and Lyra pressed their faces against the window of the carriage, staring in awe at all the terraforming and destruction. Closer to the base of the mountain on the far side, steam rose from a large hot spring. It still isn't known if the mountains that border this country were natural or created by the Eldrakes.

Their path zigzagged away from all the Everfire and dark matter that claimed the earth, following a trail blazed by the werewolves.

Lyra couldn't help but look behind them past the distance they covered.

"You keep looking behind us when the view is everywhere else," said Aeris. "Is there something troubling you?"

Before Lyra broke her fixation, she made sure it was just her imagination. "There's nothing troubling me. Maybe I'm just nervous about being in a different country."

But even that didn't make a valid excuse for her behavior. Aeris paid no mind to it, however, still amazed at a millennia-old battlefield.

The daggering cold came to a stop; it was more of a manageable shiver now. Aeris gasped as the gates to the Kingdom of Lycra came into view. Lyra saw her expression, and hers was soon to copy.

"A natural fortress," Lyra pointed out. "Almost like our neighbors in Agruvia. I wonder what their technology is like."

As they approached the gate, a colossal shadow was cast upon them as they waited for the gate to open. Muffled voices sounded outside the carriage, a little shouting, but it all ceased, and the carriage began to move as the large gates opened. Lyra observed the werewolves in armor. Their facial expressions were hard to read, but if it was one thing she knew, snarling was a sign of resentment.

The road before them may be treacherous.

Their caravan began to trek a long and wide bridge, almost like a highway with people going the opposite way. Lyra had a hard time trying to figure out who was a werewolf and who wasn't. Perhaps they were all lycanthropes, she thought.

Her amazement was how natural all of their technology was despite being, for the most part, primitive. Their waterworks amazed her, sparking ideas for her, but she would need to analyze the system to solidify a theory.

Aeris tugged at her sleeve, breaking her out of her engineering trance. "Look at that castle," she said in awe. "I wonder if my mother has been here."

"I'm sure our mothers adventured the entire world."

"We're next in their legacy."

Lyra glanced at Aeris, whose eyes were bright with ambition, staring ahead. The feeling was contagious as Lyra straightened her back and looked forward to their future.

The carriage passed a large pool of water where the waterfall trickled in from the mountain. Soon they passed through the city and entered the castle walls, where they were greeted by its staff. Their carriage stopped at large golden doors that seemed to be the entrance to the castle. Aeris stepped out, and Lyra followed. She made sure to conceal the crossbow within her cloak, assuring herself it wasn't imprinting.

A woman approached them. Her attire was minimal compared to their winter outfits. Golden rings rattled up and down her forearms and below her knees.

"Welcome to the Kingdom of Lycra," she said, bowing her head. "I hear that Senator Veil would be attending the meeting."

Aeris and Lyra looked at each other and back at the women. "Due to unfortunate circumstances, I, Aeris Veil, her daughter, will be taking her place."

The woman bowed her head once again. "Of course. Please address me as Nyx. I will be your guide for today."

Aeris bowed and signaled Lyra to do the same. "We would be honored."

Nyx began to show them through the castle to reach their guest's quarters. They pass through granite hallways lined with torches and braziers. A lot of stonework lined the walls throughout, rich with stories chiseled into the hard surface, one of a large wolf. She opened a golden-lined door, and their room was revealed to them.

Lyra didn't show it, but their room felt like a paradise suite with its high ceiling, save for the cold that crept through the large opening on the other side. It was as if the whole wall wasn't installed, leaving them a terrific view of the city before the castle. The view was like a painting, almost fiction to her.

"I do apologize, as this would be considered cold for some humans." Said Nyx. "But this is how all of our guests' rooms are. Do note that there is a natural hot spring just through that door." Lyra's eyes quickly traced the direction Nyx's finger was pointing, and she began walking towards it. "I will return once the council room is ready for your presence."

Aeris bowed her head, and Nyx left the room, shutting the door quietly after herself. Lyra grabbed a hold of the door to the warmest room in the kingdom, but Lyra grabbed her by the hood of her cloak before she could enter.

"We need to focus!" She said, almost scoldingly.

"But we can focus in the comfort of warmth?" Lyra tried to persuade.

But Aeris didn't budge. Lyra knew that she was right and that the hot spring wasn't going anywhere. She exhaled deeply, her breath visible in front of herself. If it weren't for the large braziers around the room, it would've been uncomfortably freezing. She couldn't help but feel it once again to look out in the distance where she came from, finally noticing the gray clouds dulling the light on the lands. Was it the ghostly feeling at the bottom of her stomach or something worse? Either way, she didn't want to know the answer.

· · ─ · ◯☽✵☾◯ · ─ · ·

A sudden fix in one of the straps in his armor startled Kaelen. He peered around him to find his father inspecting his gear. His father's expression was the same as usual, unreadable and hardened. Kaelen stood at attention to avoid doing anything wrong. Once his father stepped away from him, nothing was mentioned. Knhaul pushed open the two doors to the council room, and some of the generals were already at their seats. The table was long and round, and a chandelier hung high over it, lighting everything perfectly. Like most rooms in the castle, this one had a particularly high ceiling and was open to the elements by two of its walls. The room was large enough to fit one company of soldiers.

Kaelen found a place to stand at the side of the table right behind the chair his father sat in. Most of the generals and the high council were in their wolf forms but also distinguishable by their attire. His father remained in his human form along with Kaelen.

There was an announcement that the senator of the Kingdom of Kogeer had arrived in the council room. Kaelen watched as a young blonde girl walked in with great confidence and stride. Following her, a red-haired girl was staring at all the details in the room. He recognized them from the previous day as the humans he let go.

The blonde girl bowed and then sat at the side of the table devoid of all lycanthrope.

"Let this council begin!" A wise, rumbling voice echoed.

"Good afternoon, generals and the high council," Aeris started. "I am Aeris Veil, daughter of Elveris Veil, and this is my subordinate Lyra Algernon."

Kaelen couldn't help but gravitate his eyes towards Lyra, who obviously didn't have any interest in anything that was being said in the room.

"We hope we have received you well," a high councilman said. The voice that spoke was in their werewolf form; the hairs on his chin were short and braided. "I was hoping to see Senator Veil. I didn't expect her to send such an amateur for this matter."

"I assure you that the result will be the same," Aeris' tone was threatening yet assuring.

The lycans looked at each other and proceeded with the topic.

"First I would like to give my condolences for the loss of life at your borders." Though it was a formality, Kaelen knew they didn't care. Aeris bowed her head anyway. "I understand that this council is about an alliance, though that is what we have gathered with a very. . . short notice."

"Yes," Aeris answered bluntly. "As you know, the Kingdom of Kogeer is under attack once more from the Kingdom of Nasherux. Our people have met our match, and we cannot continue this fight ourselves. We have asked our neighbors for help; we have received many rejections but also many allies. With unity we have become strong, but darkness can only be as dark as the light that casts upon the future.

Your people have suffered from the hands of the Underworld firsthand; you even gained sovereignty from them, establishing a great kingdom for your people—a safe one, where they can prosper without tyranny breathing down their necks. I ask that you help us create this chance, help us liberate this spreading dread."

"You humans," a general spoke, the red general from the other day. "Did not help us with our war; why do you think we'll help you with yours?"

"What you all need to realize is that this is a matter of aid," Aeris' eyes were piercing, speaking with a source of hope. "An alliance that will ensure the future of all nations. A banner that houses the unity of multiple nations. I understand that my ancestors did not help you, but this generation is looking to right those wrongs."

The lycans began to speak amongst themselves. Knhaul, however, kept his eyes on the girls.

"A future for this unity is only as bright as the weakest nation." Another high councilman spoke. "If the Kingdom of Lycra were to join this alliance, we would be able to outperform you when it comes to. . . foreign affairs."

"Humans are weak; that I cannot deny. But our minds are our weapons. We can assist building civilizations with our technology that advances every day." Aeris had a look that knew they weren't sold. So she stood and began to pace as she spoke. "Cities would take months instead of years; armies could be forged instead of taught; crops could be grown without worry of pests or blight. My promise from our nation is that you will advance with us as long as we are able to grow with you as well."

Kaelen couldn't help but want to urge the council to agree to their proposal. Sweat began to build on his brow.

"Who are we to deny the help of the enemy of our enemy?" said Knhaul. "We have yearned for a fight, and yet we are hesitant to fight with a prosperous ally."

"You suggest that we lessen the restriction on our borders? Possibly harboring criminals and all that would do harm to our nation?" Said the high councilman with a braided beard.

"If we do not move with the times, we will be left behind!" Knhaul slammed his fist on the table, almost echoing. "When have we become so weak to fear change?" He said, almost shameful of who his people have become.

The room became quiet; Aeris paused in her tracks, observing them. All the silence hung above them like a blade ready to drop.

"I have heard what needs to be said." A voice boomed, nearly startling Kaelen. The man's voice came not from anyone at the table. Slowly a false wall opened and servants began pouring out, revealing a large wolf lying on a bed framed with gold. His silver fur swayed listlessly to the small drafts of wind. Golden rings pierced the base of its ears.

All of the lycans bowed in his presence, never looking up at him. Aeris and Lyra did the same. Kaelen had never seen Emron, the king of Lycra. Only the tales and pictures of when he led the charge that changed their people's lives. Legend states he was one of the original lycans. A true icon in the eyes of the lycan people.

"Your highness," spoke Knhaul. "I did not mean to offend."

"Offend you did not," said Emron. "Knhaul, you have opened my eyes to how fast this world is evolving." Emron stepped out of his bed. When he stood, he dwarfed all of the people in the room, filling a vast majority of the volume. Unlike all the other lycanthropes, he walked on all fours. For as old as he was, his movements said otherwise. Emron began to walk around the room, starting at the side of the lycans. "If we do not move with the times, we will be left behind." He repeated Knhaul's words. "Are we so blind to see the seed that brings fruit?"

"May I be so bold as to ask for your name?" Aeris asked, never raising her head.

The other wolves began to snarl at her request.

"Silence!" Emron barked, his voice deafening and commanding. "You come to my kingdom not knowing my name, little girl?"

"I do not have ill will toward this inquiry, your highness." Aeris' voice almost trembled.

Emron walked, almost like a prowl, at Aeris. His eyes, not leaving her for a second.

"I only jest," he nudged her, throwing her off balance as he continued to walk. "I am Emron! First king of the lycanthrope, breaker of curses. And you are, from your scent, Elveris Veil's daughter." His stride triumphant.

"You know of my mother?"

"Of?" His tone was almost hysterical. "There are stories that not even my subordinates know." He walked back to his bed and circled before he laid down. "I knew young Elveris. Almost at your age, in fact. She had a friend; her name was rather long. Gwendolyn Algernon, I believe, is perceived as Gwen."

"You know of my mother as well?" Lyra spoke, her expression like a child listening to a story by a campfire.

"I see now," his eyes narrowed. "The circle has now been completed. You are their legacies, yet you are unprepared for their burden."

Aeris finally looked up at Emron. "How do you mean, your highness?" A hint of irritation in her voice.

"I will entertain this proposal," said Emron, completely disregarding her question. "The Kingdom of Lycra will join the Kingdom of Kogeer's unity as an equal, as a friend." He shot a befriending glance at Aeris.

All of the lycans bowed their heads in Aeris' direction as well.

"This council has concluded," a high councilman spoke. "Please escort them to their room. We're sure they have had a long journey and an even longer journey ahead of them."

Knhaul looked at Kaelen and nodded his head in the direction of the girls. Kaelen bowed his head and walked towards the girls.

"Come. I'll be your escort."

They began to walk, exiting the room. Judging from the darkened skies, the night started to approach.

"Thank you," said Aeris. "And your name, soldier, if I may ask?"

"Kaelen, son of Knhaul."

"Are you the lycanthrope we ran into the other day?" Lyra asked. Something in Kaelen was relieved she remembered him. "I do want to apologize for the other day. I wasn't myself."

"War changes us," said Kaelen, turning a corner. "Even if we don't want it to."

They began to go down a familiar corridor for the girls. The bright burning torches complemented the gold lining in the hallways in the darkness. All of them stopped in front of the guest room Aeris and Lyra stayed at. Kaelen opened the door for them, and they could see the orange-lit horizon. He rushed to the edge of the room and watched as horror was unfolding. Aeris and Lyra appeared next to him, and their hearts dropped.

The Kingdom of Lycra was under attack.