A few days had passed. Luna continued practicing her archery at dawn. The inn served meals that she surprisingly didn’t have to pay for. She wasn’t sure how to feel about that. She even did some hard labor to pass the time. It had been a while since she worked with her hands, but it felt refreshing, and she felt more rested than she had been on this entire trip. 

There were times when she wondered what direction their trip was taking. With Lyzal teaching how to get stronger, was she really still planning on turning Lyzal in? But if not, then what was she supposed to do? Going back home empty-handed was out of the question. She’d be banished… at best. Sighing, Luna shook the thought from her head.

She wondered how Lyzal and Saros were doing. Even though she knew where Saros was, after the first day, he didn’t really interact with her. Lyzal seemed to keep her distance from the villagers, probably annoyed. 

The sun was barely rising when she heard that blonde woman’s voice.

“The King is coming! The King is coming!”

Her voice was loud and hysterical. She had run off, leaving the village through the entrance. Worried about her safety, Luna chased after her. The woman was considerably ahead, running almost at full speed. Panting and calling for the King.

“Wait! Where are you going? You should come back!”

For a split second, Luna wondered how big Izyn’s territory was. But the thought flickered away as soon as it came. She could sense something powerful heading straight for them. Even stronger than the scorpion maiaak that attacked Wynfell. 

“Stop!” Luna yelled, but the woman paid her no heed. “I said sto-” 

Making it past a certain tree, suddenly a blinding light forced Luna to skid to a stop, blocking the light with her arm. She had never been blinded by the sun like that before. Cautiously, she removed her arm from her eyes. While the sun was still bright, the blinding light was gone. And so was the woman. Luna looked around, but before she could even call out, the sound of a horse-drawn carriage echoed not far off. The powerful force she had felt was drawing even closer from the same location that the sound was coming from. Quickly drawing ‌an arrow, she positioned herself to attack.

A fog rolled in, sending shivers down her spine. Holding her ground, the carriage came to a halt. Luna’s mouth slowly opened in awe as she looked up at a couple of horses. Or the skeleton of a couple of horses. The carriage door opened and out stepped a young man dressed in noble’s clothing. The power she sensed was no doubt coming from him.

He took a couple of steps toward Luna. Panicking, Luna remembered Lyzal’s advice about infusing the arrow with her livine. Instincts kicking in, the arrow suddenly had a faint glow to it. 

The man stopped in his tracks, tilting his head, an eyebrow slowly rising. 

“Fascinating.”

Luna leaned back, unsure of what to make of his words. “Wha-what did you do with her?!”

“Her?” The man straightened.

“The woman with blonde hair! What did you do with her?!” Luna pulled the bow back even more, ready to release in an instant.

“Child, tell me, what am I to make of this situation?” Luna quickly looked around, wondering what he meant. “An Elysian follower, in nephir’s territory, close to the sanguinists, accusing a nephir of doing something to their follower. Are you in the middle of converting?” Luna could feel her nose scrunch at the word. “Well, whatever happened to that human, I am sure it is very happy.”

Her heartbeat quickened the more he talked. She wasn’t sure what to make of his words. Gulping, Luna gathered the courage to ask her next question.

“You’re the King?”

The man let out a spurted laugh. “I dare not ‌dream of even comparing myself to that weakling. You are in the presence of Lord Valric.” 

Without a second thought, almost as if that was permission, Luna shot her arrow which was caught between Valric’s fingers. 

Luna’s heart sank as she quickly got up and ran back to the village.

Valric turned and went back to the carriage.

Panting, Luna ran back to the village. Seeing her scared, the villagers all looked concerned. 

“A nephir is coming!” Luna announced.

The villagers confused looks turned into cheers, and people began running around getting things together. Luna stared, confused. 

Running to a random villager, she blurted. “You don’t understand, he took her! One of your villagers.”

“Someone has already been picked?!” Some looked disappointed.

“We still have to get ready for our Lordship's presence.” A man announced.

Luna continued to watch the excitement grow as everyone ran around. As she got deeper into the village-

“Lio-Luna,” Saros called out.

Luna snapped, looking at Saros. “A nephir is coming.” She rushed to him. “We have to find Lyzal and get out of here. We have to convince the villagers-”

Luna paused when she saw the serious look on Saros’s face. He never looked serious, not once, since they met. At least, not like this. 

“Go find Lyzal, and stay hidden-”

“Who exactly is she hiding from?”

Luna froze at the unfamiliar voice. It was him. Valric.

“What is a wandering Serak doing with an Elysian?” Valric had a grin that was anything but friendly. 

Luna looked back at Saros wondering what a wandering Serak was. Whatever it was, Saros didn’t seem pleased being called it.

Valric let out a chuckle and approached Saros, swinging an arm around his shoulders. “Why so tense? Come, it's been a while, let's have a chat.”

Valric led Saros towards the inn, giving a small glance back at Luna. Luna stared, bewildered. Unsure of what to do, Luna went to look for Lyzal.

Valric carried most of the conversation himself as Saros stared straight ahead. Getting to the inn, Valric ordered ‌tea to be sent to his room. The humans quickly scrambled to get his order ready. Getting to his room, Valric invited Saros in. Saros walked inside, sitting on the couch. The room was bigger than even his, although he wasn’t surprised. While others were welcomed, this was Valric’s territory. His room came with a king size bed, a fireplace, and two couches facing each other with a small table in between them.

The humans came in, serving tea and ‌finger food. Valric strutted further in as the humans dismissed themselves and sat on the opposite couch. 

“Quaint, isn’t it?”

Saros remained silent.

“So tell me, Saros, what has you traveling with an Elysian and a, what are they called? V’lur? Are you out there converting faiths, and even maiaaks?” Valric’s grin bared his fangs.

“We’re just passing through.”

“Mhm.” Valric picked up a snack and took a bite. “And your relationship with them is?”

“None of your business.”

“So the human is free?” Saros raised an eyebrow at the question. “Elysians are pretty… useful. You know?”

“Yes,” Saros plainly agreed while picking up his cup of tea. “The women are primarily known to be skilled healers.” 

Valric eyed Saros, “That’s what’s so fascinating. It appears this one can be a combatant.” Saros stiffened. “Quite the curiosity, wouldn’t you agree?” Valric licked his lips.

“She isn’t that powerful-”

“Yet,” Saros tried to keep his breathing in check. “You must be blind or feigning ignorance.”

Saros eyed Valric in silence.

“I’ll make it simple. Hand over the human, and I can help you become prestigious. And before you say that she has the freedom to choose for herself, I must ask… does she? Really?”

Saros could feel himself swallow. Attempting to hold his hand steady, “If that’s what you truly think, then why bother asking?” He lifted the cup to his lips, trying to maintain his composure.

“Because you are not just going to let me. Tell me I’m wrong.”

Saros looked up from his cup of tea. He thought about the village they were now in, their current situation. Why was he staying with this human? There was no benefit to him, and yet a title was being offered. All he had to do was step aside. But then, he wouldn’t get to see the outcome. Would Lyzal get to be free? Will Luna get stronger? Where were they even going? Will Luna remain the same person while belonging to Valric? 

Gently putting the cup of tea down, Saros closed his eyes. Was he really going to give up becoming something more among his kind? Opening his eyes again, he met Valric’s gaze. “You’re right.”

Valric stiffened, his eyes widening slightly at the answer. Then he leaned back, his confident grin growing back as he rested his head on top of his fist.

“Well. I’m not interested in fighting my own kind. Just remember that once you’re done with it, the offer still stands.”

Taking a moment, Saros eventually stood up from the couch and quietly left the room without another word. Smelling the air, he immediately made his way downstairs, following the familiar scent. Outside on the staircase sat Luna, her shoulders shuddering.

“You didn’t stay for the whole conversation.” Saros spoke.

Luna stiffened and quickly wiped her face. Looking back, she spotted Saros. “You’re done talking?”

Saros raised an eyebrow at the image before him. Letting out a sigh, he sat down next to her, resting his elbows on his knees, letting his arms hang as Luna kept wiping her face.

“We probably should leave first thing tomorrow.” Saros finally spoke.

Luna perked up, then looked at Saros who was looking off in the distance. “We?”

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” Saros grinned. Then looked back in the direction of the sun that was getting ready to set. “Do you even know where to go next?”

“Huh? I- uh- yes, of course I do.” Luna straightened herself up. “The next village is about five days away on foot. It’s called Havenfall.”

“Havenfall.” Saros repeated.

“Have you heard of it? Is it another village like this one?”

“Sort of.”

“If the rumors are correct, you’re in for another surprise.” Lyzal suddenly spoke from the side, leaning over the railing.

“Lyzal!” Luna realized she sounded way too happy. “Uh, so… another village that deals with nephirs, huh?” Luna went into deep thought, as Lyzal and Saros glanced at each other.