A few minutes till dawn, and the air remained thick with panic and tension.
Thadeus finally managed to steady his breath.
"Well, didn't think you'd be up at this hour, Eldrin," he said, forcing a calm tone as Eldrin stepped into the reach of the torchlight.
"That wasn't the question, Thadeus."
"Very well then," Thadeus replied, trying to maintain composure. "I just wanted to take a stroll and stay out long enough to witness the sunrise. You know how beautiful it is from Celestis Rise."
"Do you take me for a fool, Thadeus?" Eldrin's voice sharpened. "The sun doesn't come up for another hour. Anyone wanting to catch that sight would have left a few minutes before dawn. I'll ask you one more time—where exactly are you off to at this hour?"
There was no fooling him—why is he suddenly so suspicious of me? Did he somehow see me smuggle the three hunters out of Celestis Rise? No, that's impossible. Once I activate Refraction, no matter the angle, I become invisible to the naked eye. Unless… unless he's acting on pure instinct.
If that's the case, one wrong word—one misstep—could either confirm or dispel whatever suspicions he has. I must tread carefully. But what can I say that won't tip him off? Dammit!
Thadeus' mind raced as he fought to keep his expression calm and his breathing steady.
"What's the matter? Something holding your tongue?" Eldrin asked, his eyes narrowing. He could clearly see the hesitation, the flicker of panic etched on Thadeus' face.
"I'm sure you're wondering why I'm asking you this… and you're probably trying to figure out how to answer without confirming any suspicions you think I might have."
Dammit—it's almost like he's reading my mind!
"If that's what you're thinking—which I'm certain it is—then you're right. I do have suspicions about you, Thadeus. Now, before I run out of patience… tell me. Are you on your way to see Dren?"
Eldrin's face hardened, his voice now cold and demanding.
Thadeus inhaled slowly, his pulse hammering in his ears. "Hmm… I'm on my way to gather some information and research materials. I also genuinely wanted to witness the sunrise. As for meeting Dren—I have no such arrangement, if you must know."
His words were carefully chosen. Technically, he hadn't planned to meet Dren at this hour, and he truly did need research materials. It wasn't a complete lie.
Eldrin studied him closely, searching for any cracks, any sign of deceit—but Thadeus' face remained unreadable.
"I see," Eldrin said finally, stepping back. "Sorry for my false conclusions, then."
"May I ask something, Eldrin?" Thadeus called out.
"Go on."
"What made you mention Dren's name specifically?"
"Oh, you mean Garrik's son's friend?" Eldrin replied, a faint smirk on his lips as he ascended the stairs. "Well… the boy just caught my eye. He's the special type. That's all."
Thadeus remained frozen, even after Eldrin disappeared into the shadows. His gut twisted. He knows. He knows more than he let on. Damn! Seems I wasn't cautious enough. It's safe to assume he's aware of my meetings with Dren. But if he knew about the party I assembled for Umbra's End, he would've mentioned it—or would he? Either way, I need to cut all ties with Dren for now. I can't afford to risk it—not until Eldrin's watchful eyes are off us. And that means I must also keep quiet about Dren's ability. Damn you, Eldrin…!
Thadeus finally moved, his legs stiff but steady as he made his way toward the gates.
---
It was now just minutes before dawn, and not a village or house had come into view. Still, Lyria rode with relentless speed, pushing forward on one horse while steering the other with a tight grip.
Kael's seizures had become less frequent, his screams now softer—but that terrified her even more. It felt as though her soul was leaving her body, her heart bracing itself to be pierced by countless knives.
The southern lands were a tapestry of valleys, mountains, streams, rivers, and the occasional plain.
As the sun finally broke over the horizon, its rays brushing the earth, Lyria spotted an isolated house nestled beneath a mountain along the road.
A cloaked man stood in front of the house, seemingly admiring the sunrise, when Lyria pulled the horses to an abrupt stop.
"Excuse me, sir!" she called out, desperation thick in her voice. "Where can I find a mage? It's urgent!"
The man's eyes widened slightly at her panic, though his voice remained calm. "There's a town not far from here, but… judging from the urgency in your voice, you may not make it in time."
"Damn it! How far is it?"
"Stay on this path for about two hours and you should reach the town."
"I don't have that much time!" Lyria trembled, her voice cracking.
Before the man could ask another question, Kael's body convulsed again—his seizures returning, more violent this time.
Lyria quickly dismounted, clutching Kael as she fought back tears. "Stay with me, Kael! Keep fighting—please!" she pleaded, her voice breaking.
Blackened veins now crawled up Kael's neck, spreading dangerously close to his heart. The man rushed over, taking one look at the boy's condition.
"Bring him inside!" he barked urgently.
Inside, the man laid Kael gently on his back and quickly grabbed a beaker filled with a shimmering green liquid from a nearby shelf. He tilted Kael's head and coaxed the liquid down his throat. The seizures ceased almost instantly.
"That should stabilize him—for now," the man said, his sharp gaze inspecting Kael's body, his eyes narrowing at the pulsing burn on his side and the ominous black veins spreading across his skin.
Lyria wiped her tears, her voice trembling as she asked, "Who are you…?"
"My name is Gondor," he answered. "I'm a mage."
"A… A ma… A mage?"
"Yes. Or at least, I was." Gondor sighed. "Regardless, your friend is in critical condition."
"Can you save him?"
The silence that followed was agonizing.
"I can't say," Gondor admitted, his voice grave. "If I'm being honest… his survival and full recovery is a very slim chance."
Lyria's breath caught in her throat.
But even if it was the smallest, most fragile chance—she would stake everything on it. She would believe in it with all her heart.