STEPPING INTO THE council's room was like leaving behind the life of Nazroum.

They'd stepped into a simple chamber, with a circular shape and a domed ceiling. The central space was left open, but earthen steps on either side led to a balcony-like platform hidden behind solid rock railing. The walls were not high enough to hide the seven figures disbursed on the balcony.

They were all Elementals, each differing in species. To their left: a sylph, a gnome, and a golem. To their right: a merman, a basilisk, and a dwarf. Then the seventh, at the very center and directly across from the door: a sprite.

Josh took them all in as his group filtered into the room. Even with all eight of them and their two dragons, they had plenty of room.

Once everyone was in, Eytia stepped forward. "I have brought the Soul-Bound, Unity Syrrha. Is there anything more you need from me?"

The sprite, one with strands of aquamarine hair and wrinkles cutting across her blue-grey skin, leaned forward. She, like, Eytia, wore a simple dress that appeared woven by leaves, but hers mimicked the strange blue ones of the city. "Yes. Thank you for your assistance, Eytia," Syrrha said. "Stay close so you can help us once this meeting is done."

Eytia bowed her head to every one of the Elementals before leaving. The golem exited behind her, allowing the door to swing shut.

Nobody said anything for three heavy seconds, but then Tafari and Hisato stepped forward and bowed. "Hello, Unities. I am Tafari Abdi, the Sage soul-bound to the dragon Elzon."

"And I'm Hisato Hoshina, the Paladin soul-bound to the dragon Kurshi. We will be the ones speaking for the Paladins and Sages for ease of communication."

The elderly merman guffawed. Green whiskers like a catfish extended over his lips, then strands almost like tentacles fell from his cheeks and chin, leaving the protruding mouth visible. "Unities, eh? Simply mimicking what you heard young Eytia call us, are you?"

Syrrha shot the merman a sharp look. "If you wish to speak, rise and await your summons, just as in any other meeting."

"If I may, Heart Unity Syrrha," Hisato said. When she only raised an eyebrow but didn't stop him, he went on, smiling pleasantly the entire time. "I understand Arm Unity Agamu's concern, but we have thoroughly prepared ourselves to approach your group respectfully."

"May we proceed now, Unity Agamu?" Syrrha asked, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Of course, Our Heart." The moment Syrrha looked away, Agamu sat back and huffed out, "Humans."

At least, Josh figured that was what the merman said. It was quiet, so he only had the Elemental's lips to go by.

You have any idea what all these terms are that they're using? Josh asked Boomer.

Your guess is as good as mine, Boomer said. I think only the four originally assigned on this understand it all. Everyone else is focusing too hard to know.

Josh didn't know if he was happy to have missed out on some assigned research or uneasy because, yet again, he walked into a territory whose culture was a mystery to him. He'd eventually improve on that.

When the world wasn't trying to kill him. Or when he didn't have to train to stay alive in that world. Or even when his relationship—or now lack thereof—wasn't crumbling his heart to dust.

He mentally shook himself and forced his attention onto the Ahazen and Tafari.

"You come to us on behalf of Paladin Xander and Sage Joel with a proposition, yes?" Syrrha asked.

"That is correct, Unity Syrrha," Tafari said. "If I understand correctly, they mentioned it during their initial contact."

She nodded. "Yes, they did, but I'd like you to reiterate your desire so the Body can understand."

"Of course." Tafari cleared his throat before proceeding. "As I'm sure you've been made aware, the world's balance has become off-kilter. The Shadow Knights strive to release Lucien and Sheol from their captivity, and to do so, they've collected many keys to collect the required seals. Once they retrieve the seals, the pocket dimensions which house them shatter. Not only is it imperative that we don't allow the greatest threats to humanity to return, but the dimensions breaking has put a never before seen strain on the veil between realms. Already, outbreaks occur too quickly for us to always react on time, and we fear if it continues, the veil will disappear completely."

Tafari paused and glanced at Hisato. It wasn't necessary. Hisato picked up instantly.

"We've tried to limit knowledge on the keys locations as much as possible, but the person who knows the most has sided with the Shadow Knights. We had no choice but to investigate ourselves."

Josh understood now why Tafari let Hisato take control of the explanation. Nobody was a fan of how the Sages hoarded information, even that which they shouldn't have. Having a Paladin deliver this segment of the speech wouldn't rid them of any sharp opinions, but it would maybe dull those blades. Hopefully. He had a feeling they could use any extra help they could get.

Hisato continued, "When we did, we found that two of the Soul-Bound who sacrificed themselves, Ragna and Jaromir, had close ties to the Elementals. Signs and rumors indicated they left their keys with Elementals to safely keep, but with the creation of Nazroum and the Ahazen, we have reason to believe that at least one, if not both, of their keys can be found here."

The lizard-like form of the basilisk on their right stood. She crossed her arms over her chest and peered down at the two front Soul-Bound.

"Speak, Unity Lehash," Syrrha said.

"Thank you, Our Heart," Lehash said, looking at the pixie long enough to speak to her before swinging her intense stare back down. "I wish to make sure I understand our guests correctly. If we have these supposed keys, you would like us to hand them over? There's no other reason you'd care about their presence here."

"We wish to protect everyone we can, and if you do have one or both of the keys, it's only a matter of time before the Shadow Knights come looking for them," Hisato replied in a neutral, diplomatic tone. "The Paladins and Sages both value the Elementals and their place in this world, and we honor the trust that our ancestors placed in you, but this isn't your war to fight. It would be wrong of us to leave you in danger and drag you in."

A ripple ran through the chamber. Josh glanced at the others. Hisato's words had summoned a tension in the Elementals, that he understood, but he didn't think they were insulted. With the pointed looks passed between the Ahazen members, he could have believed that Hisato stirred emotions from a prior discussion.

None of the Elementals spoke up, though Josh wished they'd yell something to clear his confusion. Mateo shifted his weight beside Josh, a concerned valley carving a path between his brows. Josh tried to silently ask Mateo what was going on, but either Mateo didn't notice or chose to ignore it since, unlike Josh and Boomer, they didn't have a mental link where they could privately converse.

Fighting off a petulant huff, Josh turned to see that the gnome had stood. He couldn't help his excited jolt. The man would barely reach Josh's waist, thigh his spiky, jittering orange hair added a couple of inches to him. Large ears curled into a sharp point while a goatee sliced three orange zig-zags down the gnome's chin. He wore spectacles perched on his bulbous nose, through which he took in the Soul-Bound.

Josh had seen art depicting the Elementals of his own magical alignment on paper, but it thrilled him to meet a real one.

Boomer chuckled, but his own curiosity bubbled at the lightning Elemental.

Inclining her head to the gnome, Syrrha said, "Speak, Unity Zimzu."

"Thank you, Our Heart." When Zimzu spoke, it wasn't to the Soul-Bound, but to the other Elementals. "So, you believe that should we play no part of this war, then it best if these items are not in our hands?"

Both Hisato and Tafari hesitated. Even Josh could sense the pointedness of the question, and he fought for his brain to put the puzzle pieces in front of him together. He'd been a Soul-Bound for over half a year at this point. These things should have started coming easier. It seemed like Zimzu was on their side, though. Maybe.

Tafari finally risked saying, "If we could keep danger from coming for you, yes, that is what we wish to do."

Agamu the merman shot up, his large lips pulled down into a deep frown.

Syrrha closed her eyes for a moment. "Speak, Unity Agamu," she said. The emphasis she put on Unity made it seem like she saw the Ahazen as anything but in that moment.

"Giving anything to anyone involved in the war means we become involved," Agamu said. Although his voice was level, tension radiated from the Elemental as he stared at the gnome. "Is that not what you wish for, Unity Zimzu?"

This time, the sylph stood. She shot a cool look at both Agamu and Zimzu, who lowered themselves back into their seats.

"Unity Hirim'a?" Syrrha said.

The sylph smiled. "I simply would like to ask you remind our Body that now is when we hear out the cases, not publicly deliberate them."

"Yes, it is as Our Right Arm says." Syrrha drags her hard stare across the six other Elementals. "Now is the time for hearing and asking questions, not to speak among ourselves. So, does anyone have any questions for our Soul-Bound guests?"

Aside from Hirim'a taking her seat, everyone remained silent.

"Then let's move forward. Perhaps you will have questions after you hear the opposing opinions."

The others hadn't expected this. Tafari hid his shock well, but Hisato frowned, displaying his. Even more confusing were the signs of uncertainty that crossed a few of the Elementals' faces. Josh shifted closer to Boomer and rested his hand against his sheath.

As if on some unspoken cue, the door swung open behind the Soul-Bound. Josh turned, and instantly he drew his blade. Mateo's hand shot out and caught him by the wrist because he could do anything further.

"Wait," he mouthed.

Josh forced himself to listen even as he glowered at the new arrivals.

Roman led the small group, his head high, his smug smile barely remaining respectful. Two others followed behind. Josh took a moment to place the woman, but the axe strapped to her back gave her away. She had been part of the team that infiltrated the forested temple. He recognized the second man of the group instantly: Peter.

Still grasping his sword, Josh glanced at their own line of Soul-Bound. His attention jumped over the others, only taking quick note of their own tense postures, and landing on Cale. If Cale breathed, Josh couldn't see it. His friend had gone as still and rigid as earth.

Mara watched him, her face a mirror of Josh's own concern. She caught his stare, and despite everything, neither of them looked away. No matter what was happening with them, they were in agreement here that Cale's struggle came first.

But he wasn't the only one suddenly facing demons. Kaitlyn stood at the end of the line. She hid her reaction from her face, but a clashing storm of emotions darkened her eyes.

Josh turned back to the Shadow Knights casually strolling in and gritted his teeth. Wait, Mateo had said, not to do nothing. Soon, he'd find a way to make both of the Shadow Knight men for the ones they'd hurt.

Boomer growled, low and quiet, but it was enough for Peter to glance over. Unease splintered his own stoic mask. It didn't matter that fighting hadn't exploded yet. An angry dragon was an angry dragon.

"This city does not tolerate violence." Syrrha's voice, though calm, sliced through the silence like a sharpened blade. "The Shadow Knights have come forward to speak to the Ahazen and will be protected guests, just as you are."

Josh spun, an argument on the tip of his tongue and ready to burst, but again, Mateo was there, a stilling hand going to his chest this time. Taji, meanwhile, slid closer to Boomer and dipped her head close to him.

"Ioana told me to be on hot head alert," Mateo murmured with a friendly grin. His face was paler than normal, and the crinkle of his eyes looked more like strain than his muscles moving with a smile.

Because everyone in this room was tense, and all of that was flowing right at him. Josh swallowed hard as he wrangled his emotions. It was a good idea, anyway. He needed a clear head, especially now that they had enemies in their midst.

The three Shadow Knights fanned out in a line of their own a few feet from Paladins and Sages. Thankfully, it put the axe-wielding woman closest to Kaitlyn, keeping her away from the traitor Sage who had turned her world upside down.

Roman detached from his group to step up where Hisato and Tafari stood. Like they had done, he bowed to the Ahazen. The basilisk and merman both sat up straighter, and the golem leaned forward, which was the most he'd moved since the meeting began.

"Your fairness and willingness to listen is appreciated, Unity Syrrha," Roman said, his Sage roots clear in the slick charm weighing down every word. He smiled at Tafari and Hisato. "I assume you've come asking for the keys as well?"

To Josh's surprise, Tafari's face darkened with fury. "How dare you show your face in front of a Sage?" He said more, but it was rapid-fire in a language Josh didn't know.

"Sage Tafari," Syrrha cut in, glaring. "If we must, we will remove you from the room while we discuss the issue with the other guests. It is only my word that allows you both to hear what the other wants. Is that understood?"

Rage still etched into his face, Tafari nodded.

Roman studied Tafari for a moment. A disdainful curl lifted his lips, and a familiar fury darkened his eyes. Josh couldn't resist looking back at Kaitlyn. He couldn't read her expression. Was she thinking the same thing as him? About how a spiteful Roman could easily spill about Joel's dark choices?

Thankfully, Syrrha cleared her throat, drawing attention back to her. "As is only fair since they will be hearing what you have to say, I believe I must divulge what you have missed. The Sages and Paladins share your belief that we hold keys pivotal to your war, and they would like us to hand them over as to protect us from involvement. Is this the same reasoning you wish to present?"

When Roman turned to Syrrha and the rest of the Ahazen, it was with his Sage mask back in place. "Protect you? No, nothing quite as simple as that. We come to ask you for the keys because we believe that with them, we can make your lives so much better."

The basilisk smiled knowingly, and a concrete ball dropped in Josh's stomach. He felt like they'd unknowingly stepped into a chess match where the other side had already positioned their pieces before the game even started.

Syrrha didn't speak, but she gave a small nod for Roman to continue.

"When the Dragon King split the realms in half over a millennium ago, he did it with good intention, but good intention does not always justify the losses. Without the constant threat of monsters, humans multiplied at an unprecedented pace, and their power grew. Eventually, the magical beings of the world had to hide themselves away to avoid inciting conflict between themselves and humans.

"Elementals were the gracious ones. The ones who bowed their heads to ensure peace on earth. And what happened?" Roman swung a finger at Tafari, whose face had continued to darken. "The Sages put their boots on your backs and made sure you didn't dare try to rise back up. You've found yourself buried further and further down, as if you have less of a right to this world.

"But what's the alternative? Live out your lives in the Energy Realm? One fabricated with false forms of the energy that slowly poisons you? The Paladins themselves come to you today in hopes of curing one of their own from the very disease your people have to fear if they wish to live free."

Cale flinched as if struck. Josh clenched his fists. Cale had been through enough, and that was because Josh had gone back to save the very man who'd just verbally backhanded Cale in the face. This time, Mateo didn't react fast enough to stop him.

"You're alive today because of what he did!" Josh snapped. "So maybe instead of using him to make your point, you should get on your hands and knees and thank him!"

Roman turned to face him, and Josh felt a fresh rise of anger looking the Sage traitor right in the eyes. He was foolish to have saved this man. It had done nothing except hurt the people he cared about.

He saw the despondent, anguished expression Cale wore so often when he didn't think anyone noticed. He saw the tears spilling from Kaitlyn's eyes as the foundation of her life crumbled away.

And yet Roman had the gull to smirk at him.

No, not even at him. Roman's focus was on Boomer.

"Thank you, Unity Agamu. I see you considered and followed through with my request that the Paladins bring along their smaller dragons."

The dragons had been invited at his request? That couldn't be good. Josh placed a hand on Boomer's neck and moved even closer. A low growl continued to resonate from deep in Boomer's chest.

Hisato stepped closer and lifted his eyes to Syrrha. "Unity Syrrha, I mean no accusations, but it feels unfair that not only were your other guests aware of our presence, but they also were able to make a direct request involving us."

"Quite right you are," Syrrha said as she leveled a searing glare on the merman. "I was not aware that Unity Agamu's request came from such a place. Trust that action will be taken, and this will be taken into consideration when we consider our next steps. But, until then, we can only continue forward."

Roman smiled pleasantly. "I'm sorry. I wasn't aware that we had been given more information than others."

"That's a load of crap, and you know it!" Josh said.

"Joshua," Ioana hissed.

"Even if I am of the same opinion of you, young Paladin, if you cannot control yourself, we will have to ask you to leave the chamber, if not the city," Syrrha warned. "Is that understood?"

"He understands perfectly, Unity Syrrha," Ioana answered for him, still fixing him with a warning glare. He saw his own frustration mirrored there. He wasn't the only one furious with this situation, but he was the only one acting out.

Swallowing against the anger lodged in his throat, Josh nodded. "I do. Sorry."

"Continue, Shadow Knight Roman, but please do it without the unnecessary deceit. A deceit which will, again, be noted in our considerations."

Roman sounded unbothered by the chastisement as he said, "Of course. To further make my point, I must ask a question of your other guests, though." Once more, his eyes turned to Boomer. "Dragonling, how often have you been outside of a Sanctum?"

The question was a trap coiling around them. Boomer hunched into himself even as he snarled. I don't have to answer you, he said.

Roman hummed. "I take that means not often, then? From your home Sanctum to the one on the Sanctuary. Maybe out and about on a couple of missions?"

Boomer only bared more of his teeth.

"How about you?" Roman continued, now to Taji. "Before leaving the Australian Sanctum to go to the Sanctuary, how often had you been to areas outside of sanctioned by Sages?"

In answer, Taji pawed at the ground five distinct times.

He nodded. "Just as I thought. Do you see this, Ahazen?" he asked, swinging back to the Elementals. "Even the ones who see themselves as protectors of humanity are forced to hide away. What is the purpose of a system that only benefits one race upon this earth? Why are the strong and the knowledgeable hiding because of human's intolerant fear?"

The Elementals that had shown intrigue at Roman's entry didn't attempt to hide their nods or grins, and the others appeared conflicted, but not entirely against this argument. Josh couldn't even blame them. Hadn't he been angry at the Sage's for their treatment of Elementals when it came to exposure? He couldn't imagine how much more intense that feeling would be for the beings themselves. And more than once, he'd imagined what it would be like to take Boomer out into the world.

The only one unfazed by Roman's argument was Syrrha. She peered down at the man. "What does this monologue have to do with your request, Shadow Knight?"

Roman's smile widened, and something in the air shifted, sending a crackle of danger along Josh's skin. "It's quite simple, Unity Syrrha. If you give us the keys, we'll be closer to freeing Lucien, and when that happens, you'll be free. Nobody will ever have to hide again because, finally, the two realms will be one once more. And from the ashes of the collision, the powerful will rise to ensure nobody must suffer like we have before."

The snake men flashed through Josh's mind, followed by the sickening sight of the lives lost to those monsters. The thinning of the veil hadn't been an accidental byproduct of the Shadow Knight's plan; it was a key part of it.