Dohalim couldn't keep his gaze from drifting to her. While Balseph and Ganabelt sat on one side of the impressive dining table, Almeidrea was on the other. At the woman's feet sat Asha, like an animal on the floor awaiting scraps. Her legs were tucked in and her tail curled around her. She leaned against her master's chair, mostly keeping her head down and remaining quiet. She was like a guard dog. He feared whether any part of her human self was left. She hadn't spoken a word or shown any sign of emotion since her arrival.

Seated at the head of the table, the Lord of Earth took a sip of his wine before speaking. "Asha may sit at the table if she wishes. She is a guest just as much as you, Almeidrea."

Almeidrea looked at him, swallowing her mouthful of food. "Oh? But she always sits at my feet where she belongs. Do you normally allow zeugles at the table, Dohalim?"

"No," he answered in a calm manner, containing his outrage. "But she is only part zeugle. Please, allow her to eat. I want her in perfect condition for tomorrow."

His words made the hybrid lift her head. For the first time since he'd seen her, her face held some emotion. Her green eye was wide with astonishment. It was the first time anyone had even so much as mentioned her treatment. She thought it was normal, and yet, this strange Lord seemed…concerned. It was because she was valuable, wasn't it? At least that's what she believed.

Almeidrea hummed before snatching up a spare plate, filling it with an assortment of foods from the table. "You have a point. But she stays on the floor." She sent a smirk his way. "Wouldn't want to go spoiling her. She should always know that her place is at my feet."

She handed the plate to the hybrid, who bowed her head in gratitude before accepting it. She began eating right away, and to Dohalim's surprise, she used utensils like a proper noblewoman. Asha caught his gaze briefly, and he smiled at her. The corners of her lips turned up ever so slightly, just enough for him to tell she was grateful.

"If she's such an obedient little pet, why does she need the collar?" Ganabelt inquired out of curiosity.

"The collar is not for obedience," the woman explained. "It's to contain her full power."

Balseph raised a brow. "Just what kind of power are we talking about?"

Almeidrea chuckled wickedly. "If she didn't wear that collar, she might show her true self at the first sign of danger or when instinct kicks in."

"True self?" Dohalim echoed. "Elaborate, please."

"You'll see tomorrow," the Lord of Wind replied with a laugh. "Let's just say, she can be a true beast when she wants to be."

Ganabelt frowned. "Keeping us in the dark. I don't appreciate you withholding information. Besides, you said you used a Renan so that she could wield astral artes. What elements can she use?"

Almeidrea grinned smugly. "All of them, to some degree." Everyone's brows lifted.

"All of them?" Dohalim questioned. "Even light which isn't natural to Renans?"

The woman nodded. "Yes, even light. Though she may not be able to use it very proficiently, she can harness it."

"But…how?" the Lord of Light asked. "I can only use light astral artes when drawing energy from my master core. How have you managed to integrate a Dahnan arte into a Renan-born hybrid?"

Almeidrea smirked, remembering well the Dahnan Mages she stole knowledge from and wiped out. "I have my ways."

The woman poured a drink upon noticing Asha's empty plate. The hybrid showed gratitude with a quick bow once again before enjoying her wine. They'd all finished their meal at that point.

Once Dohalim emptied his glass, he stood with a sigh. "I see you aren't willing to divulge your secrets to the rest of us. So be it then. Kelzalik has prepared the noble room for your stay. I suggest you all rest."

"How am I to get any sleep sharing a room with this noisy brute?" Almeidrea pointed to the Lord of Fire. "Shouldn't a lady have her privacy?"

Balseph slammed his large hands on the table, rattling the dishes. "Says the one with the abomination! How am I supposed to sleep with that thing sneaking about?"

Almeidrea scoffed. "I'll have you know that Asha has far better manners than you!"

"Enough!" Dohalim interrupted. "There is no reason to bicker like children. You must forgive my lack of rooms. I'm not accustomed to having company, so I don't have more fitting accommodations prepared."

Ganabelt stood and gave a bow. "I must apologize on behalf of my fellow Lords. Allowing us to even rest within your palace is enough. We will make do."

And so, the trio of Lords found themselves in an impressive room. Their beds were large and comfortably soft, and the covers were silky and thick. Almeidrea didn't have trouble falling asleep in her secluded bed situated away from the other Lords. Asha was curled up at her feet, as always. The hybrid was just beginning to doze off when a monstrous presence stirred her. She growled lightly and looked around, scanning the room. Yet nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Balseph was snoring loudly, and it was a wonder the other two could sleep at all. The strange presence seemed to fade, but it had already piqued Asha's curiosity.

Carefully, she climbed off the bed, glancing back to make sure she hadn't disturbed her master. Almeidrea was still deep in sleep. Asha's bare feet moved silently on the cool marble floor, and her tail swayed back and forth, hovering just above the floor so the blade wouldn't scrape it. Upon reaching the door, she quietly slipped out and shut it with a soft click. She walked down the dark, empty corridor, taking the opportunity to really drink in the atmosphere. It was far different from her home in Niez. The whole palace was aesthetic, and it gave off an air of sophistication. Not only that, something about it felt…inviting.

After wandering the halls a bit, Asha couldn't find any trace of the presence she'd felt. She was almost certain there was a zeugle running about. For all she knew, it could've been Dohalim's patrolling his home for the night. Realizing she had stopped in front of a door, she decided to peek inside. A massive, beautiful library met her eyes. Every shelf was lined with books, causing Asha's eyes to practically sparkle. Since she was already up, she decided to indulge in a little reading. Almeidrea rarely let her do anything other than train and fight, and she did get quite bored with it after a while.

She found herself a book and curled up on a sofa in a corner of the library. The hybrid was enraptured as soon as she started reading. She didn't know why she enjoyed simple things such as that. Reading, cooking, and anything musical - she loved it. But she had no idea why. Was it possible for zeugles to have hobbies? Was it because she was half human? If so, why couldn't she remember any of that?

The light clicking of shoes startled the girl, causing her to jump slightly. She gave a startled growl before looking up to see who it was. She fell silent immediately. Dohalim was there, looking both perplexed and intrigued.

"Forgive me, it wasn't my intention to startle you."

"It's alright, My Lord." She bowed her head before meeting his gaze. "I didn't think I'd see anyone at this hour."

"Nor did I," the man replied with a light chuckle. "I suppose I wasn't the only one having trouble sleeping." He gave a kind smile. "In all honesty, I didn't know you were capable of speaking, let alone reading."

The hybrid smiled sadly. "I can. Almeidrea prefers it when I'm quiet though. Not only that, when she gives me an order, I…feel as though I'm unable to disobey." She shook her head. "I guess that's not unusual for a zeugle."

"But you're only part zeugle." Dohalim suddenly sat beside her, a serious look on his face. "Asha, you're human too." He stopped himself from saying more, unsure if she would understand. "Well, if you like books, I have plenty here for you to choose from. Peruse at your leisure. You're welcome here any time."

A soft smile graced Asha's lips. "Thank you. I don't know how long we'll be in Viscint, but every opportunity I'm given, I'll most likely return here. It's quite nice when I can be…relaxed like this."

Dohalim fell silent momentarily while she skimmed a few other books laying out. The little horns growing from her skull were unnatural, as was the tail trailing off the sofa to lightly tap against the floor. And yet, she was still as beautiful as ever. She still looked like the young woman back in Lenegis. He only wished she were still back there, safe and sound and out of reach of the power-hungry Lords. His gaze drifted to her collar. It was a thick, metal cuff encircling her throat. It was loose enough to jostle around when she moved, but not enough to pull it off. The clasps on the back of it caught his attention.

"While you're in my home, I implore you to allow yourself some comfort." The man reached for her neck. "You may remove the collar. I can't imagine it's very comfortable."

"No!" Asha snapped, jolting back and dropping her book to grasp the cuff. "I mean, no. Forgive me for shouting, but it's not safe to take it off."

Dohalim retracted his hand, staring at her inquisitively. "Why not? Something to do with your transformation Almeidrea mentioned?"

The hybrid nodded, turning her head away. "There are times when I…lose control. I follow orders, I take on my true strength, but I also…seem to go into a trance when Almeidrea commands me." She hugged her arms. "It's like two sides of me are fighting for dominance. This part of me here right now, and this feral side that only wants to fight and do as told." She looked him straight in the eye. "The collar must stay on. It restrains me. Besides, I…I wouldn't want to bring you harm."

Her soft, sorrowful tone surprised Dohalim. With his lips slightly parted, he pondered on if he should ask her the biggest question on his mind. "Asha…" He decided to take the plunge. He simply had to know. "Do you know who I am?"

Cocking her head slightly with confusion, Asha answered, "You're Dohalim il Qaras, Lord of Earth and ruler of Elde Menancia."

The Lord was disappointed by her response, but he didn't let it show on his face. "I see." He rose to his feet. "I'd best retire for the night. Try not to stay up too late."

He left the library just like that. Asha was left bewildered, unsure of what may have been wrong. That question was sudden, and seemed more like a test than anything. But the hybrid didn't know what for. She had hoped to finally have someone to talk with her, but Dohalim was confusing, to say the least. Best not to get my hopes up, she told herself. I don't have anyone but my master. That's likely how it'll stay.