Aeris cleared a sturdy table, allowing Kaelen to put Lyra's body on the cold, smooth surface. Kaelen began to inspect her wounds, but he couldn't find anything more than tiny lacerations all over her body and a hematoma on her leg. His eyes scanned the purplish-pink pathognomic markings that went up her arm and almost up her neck. He placed his ear on her chest and heard a slow heartbeat.

"She's still alive." He said, trying his best to remain calm.

Aeris began to pace back and forth, her thumb stuck between her teeth. "There has to be something she left behind as a contingency." She began to frisk Lyra and felt something solid in her pocket. Aeris dug it out and held it up to her eye. Her eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. "It can't be."

In her hand was a crystal clear vial with a crimson red liquid occupying the volume. A familiar elixir she found back at the fortress that was also within Lyra's possession.

"What is it?"

"She somehow acquired more vampire blood. Probably from the same vampire."

"Acquired more?" Kaelen's voice was riddled with disdain. "Did she use the healing property of the blood?"

Aeris nodded her head. A sigh escaped Kaelen as his shoulders lost their hopeful angles.

"It was necessary."

Kaelen knew they were running out of time. He grabbed the vial and snapped the tip. The crisp snap brought in Aeris' focus as Kaelen tilted the opening of the vial towards Lyra's lips. The red liquid poured smoothly, a constant red line dropped into her mouth until it dripped the last drop.

All the suspense stopped the motion in the room, their heartbeats loud in their heads. All the wounds began to close and the bruise-like injury faded. The only thing that remained was the transient purple-pink fractal patterns on her arm.

Lyra's eyes shot open. Her lungs gasped for air as she quickly sat up. Without a second thought, Aeris hugged Lyra tightly.

"Where am I?"

"I'm glad that the past doesn't repeat itself," said Kaelen. "You're safe."

"We got worried because you hadn't come home after nightfall." Aeris' voice was almost suffocated by Lyra's tattered clothes. "So I assumed you were here, and we found you unconscious in your laboratory."

Lyra reciprocated Aeris' warmth, wrapping Aeris' head into her chest. "I've discovered something that will change Kogeer and all of the world!"

"Of course you did." Said Aeris, pushing herself away while sniffling. "You can't do that, Lyra! You have to stop being reckless."

Lyra hopped down from the table, her balance lost at first, but with Aeris' help, she found it again.

"It was all sound calculation. . . for the most part."

"You call that sound calculation?" Kaelen chimed in.

Lyra took a quick glance at Kaelen before averting her eyes. "There is something out there. Something that can help us win this war."

She rushed to her laboratory, Aeris and Kaelen promptly following her. They watched her rummage through the debris, finding what she was looking for. It was a small, rhombus-shaped piece of metal with a purplish-pink glow outlining its three-dimensional structure.

"You are messing with magic that shouldn't be messed with," said Kaelen. His hair sticking up from the back of his neck. "This will disturb the balance."

"This isn't just magic; it's also science. I was able to fuse both of them, and once I'm able to bring this entity here, I can improve it."

"Entity?" Aeris turned Lyra to face her. "What are you on about, Lyra? We're at war, and you're playing games. This isn't something you should risk your life for."

"I know Aeris. . ." Lyra gave her a look, and Aeris shook her head as it slowly tilted forward.

"But you had to try," Aeris finished. "You're so stubborn it's infuriating, you know that." A smile crept on her face despite her not wanting to.

"What do we do now?" Asked Kaelen.

"For now, I have to schedule an audience with the council as soon as possible. This energy will reshape our kingdom, and I want to show them how."

· · ─ · ◯☽✵☾◯ · ─ · ·

An alleviating sigh almost escaped Draven as he watched Lyra from his dimensional pocket. At first it presented darkness when he thought about her, and then it came to life. He assumed that his vial of blood had been used again. He wanted to see her, but Civet kept a close eye on his whereabouts.

His dream of a long, peaceful life had come to an end with a development he never would have thought of.

Draven thought of a moment when Lyra first discovered the black orb. He watched as it appeared in the scene. He couldn't help but feel an impending doom when he stared into the dark orb. His heart began to race as he feared the darkness.

He exited the rift, finding the chain Civet had put on him still dangling in place. It was laced with binding magic that traversed through space-time. The room he entered had a sunset red hue, with torches lit at the columns lining the floor where their spar would be held.

"We must get to work now. Your part of Grimior's story is coming faster than you think."

Civet threw a sword on the ground. The clattering of the metal against the stone made Draven wince his eyes.

"I don't know how to fight," he tried to avoid training.

"Well, that's why I'm here. Pick. It. Up." He spoke through his smile. His amber eyes were relentless, staring into him like tiny daggers plunged deep into his flesh.

Draven went to pick it up, but Civet appeared before him, kicking his hand away, causing Draven to overreact and stumble backwards. Civet giggled to himself and gestured for him to pick up the sword as he kicked it to Draven's feet. He swept the sword from the ground and readied himself.

Civet walked towards him, but his steps were odd as his feet never crossed—his stride was more of a gallop. His sword hand held the blade close to his chest, the tip pointing upwards. The other hand hid behind his back. Draven's weight kept shifting in anticipation. Civet began swinging the tip of his sword at the ground like a pendulum. Sparks flew in a beautiful display of sword dance.

He didn't want to get caught off guard by what Civet was doing, sidestepping around him. But Civet effortlessly, without missing a beat, changed his course to match his. Draven saw no way out, so he steeled himself, taking in a deep breath before stepping towards Civet.

"Wrong." He said nonchalantly, slicing Draven's shoulder.

Draven jumped back, holding his arm, noticing his regeneration had a delay. The sword must be enchanted, was his thought and conclusion.

Knowing that, Draven rushed forward with an overhead swing.

"Wrong." Civet said again, the tip of his sword poking a few inches deep into his gut.

"What do you want to teach me?!" Screamed Draven, the wounds only growing his anger. "This isn't doing anything for anyone!"

Civet laughed and then said, "You lack foresight, boy. Try reading your opponent, not guessing what will work."

Draven wasn't expecting actual advice from Civet. He gripped his sword and narrowed his eyes. The smile on Civet's face grew cynically large as he began to swing his sword at the ground again.

Draven paid close attention to the metronome that Civet created. Once the tip of his blade reached its peak, he charged in. He kept his blade nimble as he got closer; however, the new approach didn't faze Civet at all. Draven went for a poke of his own, but Civet's blade deflected him on its way to the other side. But Draven was able to let his sword fall back into center, allowing him to anticipate Civet's next attack, which came sooner than he expected.

First he saw Civet's elbow, then the shimmering thin line of metal going for his neck. Draven crouched, feeling the wake of the blade as it passed over his head. Draven angled the edge of his blade to point upwards as he thrust himself upwards with it. But all Civet had to do was step sideways to steer clear of his strike.

"Ding, ding, ding!" He said. "You passed the first test. Though simple and fast, it'll go a long way." Civet's hand reached out and placed itself on Draven's chest. Draven felt a familiar feeling as his Source got tapped into. "Now comes the second lesson." A powerful force pushed Draven, skipping him like a stone across the sparring room. "Interpreting your magic into your attacks. Unfortunately, the greatest example of what this would look like is best executed by the werewolves. But they're extinct now."

Draven hurried to his feet; his body ached briefly as his regenerative property went to work. Though he never witnessed a fight with a werewolf, he's heard of their magic forge—bringing their weapons to life. He did his best to envision his ability before he used it. The last time he used his power to attack, he was with Lyra.

Civet saw that Draven was out of his headspace and didn't like it. In a blink of an eye, he disappeared in a rift. With a sharp pain going through his sternum, Draven screamed in agony as he watched the sword erect out of his body.

"You're distracted," Civet spoke into his ear. "Now you're dead."

Civet started to drive his sword upwards slowly. Draven groaned through gritted teeth as the veins in his neck threatened to pop. The sudden pulling of Civet's sword hurt more than the initial stab.

Draven wiped the blood that dripped from his mouth onto his sleeve. The pain helped him stay on task—finding out firsthand what would happen if he deviated his focus.

· · ─ · ◯☽✵☾◯ · ─ · ·

Aeris and Lyra entered the Senate building, a scene that is becoming too familiar for Lyra's liking. Aeris led the way to the reception desk, where she was greeted warmly by the people behind it. Lyra stood at a distance, scanning the figures of people as they passed by.

Her hands couldn't help but shift, her legs bouncing her ever so lightly. A sudden feeling came to her stomach, a sensation she forgot about and hoped to forget about forever—she craved sustenance, blood.

Lyra's lips tightly pursed as her hands fiddled with the cell she had in her pocket. Her head snapped to the side as she heard: "Ah, just the senator I wanted to see."

"Elderlore!" Aeris said with excitement. "I need to request a council."

A man in brick-red robes approached them, escorted by two High Knights, the symbol of Kogeer embroidered into the cloth that draped over his groin—two swords crossing on a shield, a lion on its hind legs, and wings to frame everything together. His skin had a shade of brown to it, his hair white and tied back into a ponytail. His eyes were an odd yellow.

"My, that's quite the tall order, Senator Veil." Elderlore tapped his finger against his thigh. "The fastest I can put together a gathering is within a week—but even then, not all senators will be present with such short notice, leaving the effectiveness to be determined."

"The war doesn't have a week," Lyra said, her eyes narrowed at Elderlore. "Kogeer does not have a week." She felt her blood boiling, her body getting hot as she stepped to him. "I have discovered something that can turn the tides of this war."

Elderlore chuckled. "If the little light has something urgent, I shall entertain it in private conversation." He signaled the guards to move aside, which they obeyed. "Come! We have much to discuss, it seems like."

Aeris extended her arm to Lyra as she said, "After you, little light."

· · ─ · ◯☽✵☾◯ · ─ · ·

Heavy doors closed behind them with the assistance of the High Knights. Elderlore walked behind his desk, tucking in his robe before sitting in his lavish chair.

Red seemed to be the color theme for his office—if it weren't red, it was a dark oak wood finish. All the furnishings were simple—rounded and buttoned—yet sophisticated and minimal.

The room had space.

Wherever the furniture was, there would be a gathering of chairs and tables at that spot. A great view of the city was to be had when observing the room. All of the rings were visible from this height, save for the fact that it was only a small portion of them.

Two chairs angled themselves acutely to the table, nearly facing each other. Elderlore pointed with his hand at the chairs for the two to sit on. Aeris bowed her head. Lyra, on the other hand, just took the seat and made herself comfortable.

"So you've already discovered electricity, and now you've discovered something else?" Elderlore leaned back in his chair. "What could be more. . . revolutionary than what you've already found?"

Without any words, Lyra leaned forward and set the power cell onto Elderlore's desk; its sudden thud was deafening in the quiet room.

"I have tapped into infinite energy. Its output is tenfold that of electricity. And with magic properties as well." Lyra tried her best to hold in her pride, but it escaped her through a smirk. "This is what will put us ahead."

Elderlore's head slowly reared itself as if what she presented was a bomb.

"Everyone knows that magic and science don't mix. And you present to me what? A bomb? A suit compressed into this. . .trinket?"

Lyra scratched her head with an ounce of frustration, trying to figure out how to make someone understand. Aeris watched, shocked at her behavior, as this was not the Lyra she knew.

"Okay. . ." Lyra paused. "This holds power that is beyond our known world, power that this world has never seen." Lyra grabbed the cell and held it in front of him. "This will enhance our machines, our technology, our whole kingdom!"

Aeris grabbed Lyra's arm to settle her, but it only did half of its effect as Lyra pulled away from her.

"Our chance has finally come to end this war," Lyra continued. "I just need more funds—this isn't a basement project anymore."

Aeris couldn't help but stay in disbelief. She coughed to Lyra, getting her attention. Aris' eyes darted to Lyra's chair. She realized how intrusive she had become and sat back down, setting the cell in front of Elderlore once more.

"What I do believe Lyra is trying to say," Aeris hoped to salvage. "Is that this technology can provide the gap of the shortcomings the kingdom has come across. This very energy source could accelerate civilization hundreds, if not thousands, of years."

"And what if our allies seek this technology? If this were to give us the upper hand, they would want it too—otherwise our power will become feared and we will have gained more foes." Elderlore leaned forward and grasped the cell, his curiosity peaked more than his skepticism. "I don't think you gave that a thought. From most respected to most feared in an instant. . . I don't think that's something Kogeer can afford."

"We don't have time to pick allies and foes!" Shouted Lyra, slamming her hand on Elderlore's desk. Promptly, the High Knights rushed in with their weapons drawn.

Aeris pulled Lyra aside, letting Elderlore handle the knights. Lyra was stubborn at first, her nostrils flaring with every breath.

"What's gotten into you?" Asked Aeris.

"Me?" Lyra replied, disbelief woven into her words. "How many times do I have to repeat myself? I have found it. The technology to unlock everything we need to stop surviving and just live."

"We are living, Lyra!" Aeris' grip grew firm on her shoulders. "This cannot be the conversation we're having. We need to be methodical. Elderlore is right. Our allies need to know that they are progressing with us; otherwise, we'll be feared, and war will not stop with the Underworld.

You scaring him isn't creating urgency; rather, it is creating reluctance. We need to appeal to his mind—give him the why we need it, not just 'cause."

Lyra took a deep breath; her boiling blood settled slowly with each breath. "You're right; I'm sorry."

"I told you you were scary when you're passionate," Aeris jabbed at her arm.

A smile crept at Lyra's lips, grounding her thoughts where she could collect them. The two gave Elderlore a look as he defused the knights, telling them to go back to their posts. He patted his robes and raised his eyebrows as he pursed his lips to a crisp line.

"I'm sorry, Elderlore." Said Lyra, bowing her head towards him.

"Please forgive us." Followed Aeris.

"There is nothing to forgive," Elderlore began to walk towards them, his hand behind his back. "I understand what it's like to want the best for your people, even if it means doing the worst. But you must understand that there is a balance with every choice we make. If you offset the balance, then all will truly be lost.

I cannot forgo this project. It creates uncertain outcomes for the future and will absolutely upset our allies. However, Lyra, you are in the Knight's Academy. I do see an opportunity to display such power then. There is always a tournament in these academies. There, you will be able to demonstrate your project. But only you can guarantee that success."

"Are you saying there's a chance?"

Elderlore paused before he said, "Uncertainty is your ally as of this moment. Do not make me give you the odds of an absolute outcome."

Aeris and Lyra looked at each other, not sure what to think. But one thing they do know is they have a lot of work to do.