Blades of morning sun sliced through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Amelia stood before me, a silent figure in a black cloak, her face already hidden in its shadows. I mirrored her, pulling my own hood over my head, the rough fabric a familiar weight on my shoulders.

My heart hammered against my ribs. My hand tightened on the seam of my pants. What will they think? When they learn they’re being asked to follow the tyrant’s daughter? The thought was a cold knot in my stomach. I pushed it down. No. The elves accepted me. They will too. The resolve was thin, but it was enough. I forced my spine straight.

“Are you ready, Amelia?”

“Whenever you are,” she replied, her voice steady.

I gathered my focus and summoned the portal, tearing a shimmering rift in the air between us. Just before we stepped through, Amelia held up a hand. “One moment.” She produced a small glass vial filled with a liquid that swirled with an unsettling, bright green light. She downed it in a single swallow. “For the portal sickness,” she explained, meeting my gaze.

I managed a small smile. “Good.”

“I’m ready now.”

“After you,” I insisted.

Amelia stepped through the shimmering veil without hesitation. I followed, the world dissolving into a dizzying vortex before snapping back into focus. We stood in Noctis’s sitting room, just as the picture had shown. A council of grim-faced strangers sat waiting, their eyes immediately fixed on Amelia. She swept her hood back, a disarming smile on her lips.

“Hello, everyone,” she said, her calm voice cutting through the thick silence. Then, she turned, her gaze a clear invitation. It was my turn.

I moved from behind her, feeling the weight of every stare. My heart pounded in my ears. Slowly, deliberately, I raised my hands. My fingers trembled slightly as they closed around the edge of my hood. I took one last, deep breath and pulled it back.

The room was utterly silent.

“Greetings,” I said, my voice clearer than I expected. “My name is Thalia. I am the former crown princess of Tirilla.”

I watched as expressions of cautious anticipation curdled into masks of pure horror.

My gaze landed on one woman in particular—Lyra. Her hand twitched, an instinctive flinch toward the hilt of her sword.

I consciously lowered my voice, aiming for a tone of reason, not command. “I am Amelia’s master and friend,” I began, my eyes sweeping over the tense faces before me. “And like you, I am aware of the profound darkness my father is orchestrating. I refuse to stand idle while he tears this world apart to unleash the entity K’tthar.”

Lyra’s fear was a raw, open thing. The color had drained from her face, her eyes wide with a panic she couldn’t conceal. I’m losing her, I thought. I need to bring her back.

My eyes locked with hers. “Lyra. This knowledge does not come from a prophetic vision. Amelia has shared nothing of the future with me. My understanding was forged in dusty libraries and on perilous roads. It was earned through years of relentless, exhaustive research.” With Amelia’s indispensable guidance, of course, I added silently.

I pulled my gaze from her and addressed the entire room, my voice hardening with conviction. “I sought you out because this isn’t a battle one person can win. Each of you possesses a skill, a strength that is vital to averting this cataclysm. Without you, hope is nothing more than a ghost.”

I let my words hang in the heavy air, giving them a moment to take root. Taking a final, steadying breath, I delivered the final warning.

“My father is accelerating his plan. He has nearly amassed the colossal reservoir of mana he needs for the ritual. Soon, he will attempt to shatter the ancient seals. Even now,” I paused, letting the weight of it sink in, “he uses foul, twisted creatures as his vanguard, letting them slip through unseen passages within the palace itself, preparing the way.”

“How is he controlling them?” Liora breathed, leaning forward. Her knuckles were bone-white against the dark wood of the armrest.

“He uses Blair and her dark magic,” I answered. “For now, the creatures are bound to her commands. Should any falter, Kaelen is dispatched to… ‘rectify’ the situation.”

At the mention of Kaelen, Lyra went rigid, a flicker of something dark crossing her face. A history there, then. I filed the observation away.

My attention shifted to Finnian, and a genuine smile touched my lips. “Your affinity for ancient magic has grown, Finnian. I can feel it—a new and significant power resonating from your core.”

Finnian inclined his head, glancing gratefully at a man with striking violet eyes. “Adrix has been my guide.”

Adrix, I noted. Which means the quiet leader, the one Amelia contacted, must be Noctis. I met his gaze directly. “You’ve led your team with courage and sagacity, Noctis.” Finally, my eyes returned to the skittish warrior. “But it is you, Lyra, whose unique talents I require now.”

I let that sink in before continuing. “I know you seek the Elder’s Staff. It is our failsafe—the means for Finnian to reseal K’tthar if we cannot stop my father in time. The staff is hidden deep within the Royal Palace, and I need your help to retrieve it.”

As I expected, Lyra looked bewildered. “Why me?” she whispered.

“Because your gift is unique,” I said, leaning forward slightly. “You don’t just see magic; you see its symphony. You perceive the intricate currents of mana—the patterns and nuances that are invisible to almost everyone else, even most elves.”

“So, the staff is lost?” Finnian asked, his brow furrowed.

“Not lost,” I corrected gently. “Hidden. It was brought to the palace centuries ago and bound by enchantments so potent they have blinded all who have searched for it since. Those enchantments are a maze, Lyra. I need you to see the path.”

“Are you taking her alone?” Noctis’s voice was low and steady, but the protective edge was unmistakable.

“You aren’t taking her alone,” a sharp, resonant voice cut in. It was Adrix. His brows were drawn into a formidable line of defiance. “I’m going with you.”

My strategy fractured. No. This wasn’t the plan. Another person escalates the risk exponentially. My voice was cold and level when I replied, “The mission requires stealth. More people means more potential for exposure. It is safer with only Lyra.”

“I’m going,” he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument. It was an immutable statement of fact.

“Adrix—”

“I can protect her,” he cut in smoothly, his gaze unwavering. “We can move as one. And I am a mage. If stealth is compromised, I can fight.”

His words struck a chord. He wasn’t just being stubborn; he was being loyal. A flash of Cassius’s face—my own fierce need to protect him—surfaced in my mind. I understood.

“I see.” The words were quiet, but they sealed the decision. “Very well. But be warned: this venture is exceedingly perilous. The city patrols are nothing. The palace is a nest of vipers.”

Adrix didn’t flinch. “Can the guards sense mana?”

“No,” I said, shifting. “Only the dark creatures, Blair, and Kaelen. The creatures are confined to a warded dungeon. Kaelen is away on a mission. And Blair rarely leaves my father’s side. The chance of detection is low, but it is never zero. Wield your magic only as a last resort.”

Adrix gave a single, decisive nod, his jaw set. “Understood.”

“So, what roles will Lyra and Adrix play within the palace?” Liora asked, her practical nature cutting straight through the layers of intrigue.

My gaze settled on Lyra. “You will be introduced as my new personal maid,” I said, the ghost of a smile on my lips. “And you, Adrix, will be presented as a new servant, recently acquired for duties about my chambers.”

Adrix arched an eyebrow, a wry smirk pulling at his mouth. “A significant demotion from ‘Noctis’s esteemed and highly capable butler,’ but I suppose I can endeavor to make it work.”

“That is fine,” Lyra replied, her voice steady, meeting my gaze without hesitation.

“Good,” I acknowledged, scanning the faces of our allies one last time. “Now that arrangements are clear, are there any further questions?”

“How much time do we have?” Noctis pressed, his voice taut. “You said the King has nearly gathered the necessary mana.”

“Two weeks. At most.” The words fell like stones in the silent room. “The moment he believes he has sufficient power, he will not hesitate. Every hour is precious, which is why this mission is absolutely critical.”

“My priority is Lyra’s safety,” Adrix stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. “The retrieval of the staff, however vital, comes second. Her focus will be its discovery; mine will be ensuring she has the protection to do so.”

I inclined my head. “That clarity is appreciated, Adrix. Your commitment will be essential.” I surveyed the determined faces before me. “If there is nothing else, we delay no longer.”

My eyes found Noctis, Liora, and Finnian. “Thank you for your counsel and your courage. Remember you can always reach Amelia.” Then my gaze shifted. “Lyra, Adrix. With me.”

They rose, and with a gesture, I tore open a shimmering portal that pulsed with silent energy. A final, desperate thought echoed in my mind. Please, let them find the staff.