I'm so sorry for not posting the chapter earlier, I was very busy and very tired and so I didn't advance much in the ff. Also I've been obssessed with the Invisible Library series, from Genevive Cogman, and I highly recommand it! ;D

goals968745 : Right now, it's plot-focused rather than Elucein-romance focused but it will come, don't worry! ;)

Abby2024 : The confession is coming, just give it a little bit more time! :)

Claugz : Thank you, I hope you'll like this next chapter! :D

FANFICTION

A COURT OF NIGHTMARES AND LIGHT

PART II – THE DAY COURT

CHAPTER XIX : Lights and Shadows

The days that followed were uneventful. After Feyre and Lucien talked a little, and apologized for their argument, and after he apologized to everyone for leaving so abruptly, and after Elain apologized to Selena for worrying her with a sudden and unexpected winnowing… an everyday routine settled for everyone in the Tower of Light. Every morning, Lucien and Elain would wake up, their bodies entangled closer and closer everyday, have breakfast on the balcony watching the sunrise, take turns getting ready, then join the others.

They would depart for their respective libraries and research and in the late afternoon, the two groups would join and share their results. They didn't advance as much as they had hoped. The research on the Seer's powers wee stagnant once more, and the few spell experiments that Helion's group tried never seemed to have any lasting effect.

Afterwards, Lucien and Elain would walk in Delphos, or in nearby flower fields and hills to watch the sunset. They'd usually have dinner out, or with the rest of their friends in the Tower of Light. Often, they'd just wander on their own, he'd winnow them away, in a faraway and peaceful area. They'd read books, collect flowers, have light-hearted talks, entwine their fingers, and feel like maybe it was the right time to confess their feelings and kiss– before stopping it all.

They never talked about it, but they knew, without voicing it, the reason behind their reluctance to accept the mating bond once and for all: they were only a week away from the Autumn Equinox. One little week before the Sorcerer would retrieve Vassa and after that, they'd have only three months before the Winter Solstice – and a possible war against a god of ancient times. He needed to be stopped now, before the Equinox, before he'd become too powerful. Neither Elain nor Lucien had the boldness of accepting the mating bond, and going on a possible (very likely) mating frenzy when time was running out.

Lucien was massaging his temples, vaguely sensing through the bond that Elain, Selena and Amren had come back to the Tower of Light by now. The disappointment and creeping anxiety that he felt proved that, once more, they hadn't advanced much on Elain's abilities.

He turned his attention back on Helion and Feyre. The High Lord was explaining a complex spell to Feyre, and why it wouldn't hold together and destroy itself. She had already learned so much about spells and magic, Lucien couldn't help but feel pissed – it had taken him years to master that level of understanding. But it was helpful that she wasn't asking questions every two sentences now.

Helion clicked his fingers and magic electrified the room. Lucien rolled his shoulders, feeling his own fingers burning. The more time he spent in the Day Court, the more he wanted to experiment with his magic, no matter how sealed it was. Perhaps, after this mess was over, he could stay a little longer and study under Helion's guidance to get a better grip at his power… Helion, surprisingly, was growing on him. Lucien had expected an arrogant, selfish and cold-hearted male who would use his good looks and power to lure male and females to his bed, party nonstop but it turned out that all the stories about Helion were just that. Stories, rumours, gossip. The male was a lot more entertaining and a hard worker. He made terrible jokes that no one laughed at, except maybe Rhysand if he were here. He was a prideful prick – but again, all High Lords were to some extent. He was unexpectedly gentle and kind, outgoing and open to everyone and he always listened intensely to what people told him. He took his duties as High Lord very seriously. Lucien was aware of the growing dark spots under his eyes – he must be spending most of his nights going over the paperwork and duties he was relaying in the day time, about his people, and the exchanges, and the growing worries about a possible war in the East.

Lucien felt the aching need to be near Elain. A change of sight, so much lovelier than Feyre and Helion and spell books, a new perspective to freshen his mind–

Dropping his legs on the floor after he had laid his feet on the table for a considerable amount of time, he straightened up. Both Feyre and Helion turned to him curiously.

"A change of perspective."

"Yes?" Helion asked, raising an eyebrow and encouraging him to talk.

"We're trying to find a way to use different spells together to break Vassa's, but what if… instead, we'd create a spell like hers? Once we understand the fundamental way it functions, not in theory, but in reality, we could find the counterspell."

"But didn't we already try that?" Feyre said, "It's too complicated a spell for us to copy–"

"We don't need to copy it exactly," Helion intervened, his gaze faraway, "We just need something close enough."

"We have already found many spells that could be components of Vassa's – all we need is to find the way to bind them together to remake the spell." Lucien said, standing up.

He started going through the notes and spellbooks, gathering several of them. Helion did the same on the other side of the table while Feyre watched them both, blinking at the sudden speed at which they were working.

"Here, the shapeshifting spells–" Lucien said, tending a book to Helion.

"And I have the sun cycle one–"

"Soul bounding is the trickiest one–"

"Not if we switch it to a spell binding someone to a place instead of another being–"

"Then–"

Lucien and Helion went in front of the blackboard and with a wrist movement from Helion, everything written there was erased. Feyre gaped, seeing their week-long research gone in an instant, but before she could utter a word, the two males set to work. They wrote the spells they had gathered, muttering to themselves, or to each other, she couldn't tell, and made lines and traced circles to create a new spell.

"The structure is going to be the most difficult part," Lucien mumbled once they had gathered enough spells.

"The most solid structure in spells is just like architecture. You need a strong base, then you add the pillars, and finally the roof." Helion explained patiently, "All three of those spells are strong ones that could be used for the main structure, then we'd need many smaller spells to link them together. Which one should be use for the base? The binding is the most dangerous spell if gone wrong, and the most difficult to break. I'd use it as base, then add the shape-shifting for the columns, and the cycling of day and night as roof, to make it complete."

Lucien stared at the diagram Helion had written. The High Lord seemed satisfied, and was already adding a few small spells to make it functional.

"No. Vassa's most prominent aspect of the spell is the shapeshifting. Being bound to the Sorcerer's Lake… it was a second agreement with the Mortal Queens to keep her out of the way… what if those aren't components of one big spell, but… two different spells?"

Helion blinked, stunned.

"We'd have been going at it at the completely wrong angle this entire time, then. How did I not notice it beforehand? I examined the curse, I should have noticed such a difference." He mumbled.

"You didn't notice because the two spells are powerful, and they influence each other, but they aren't activated together. They are different entities, working together."

"A binding spell of that sort usually needs a receptacle though." Helion pondered, "An accessory or something that links the cursed person to the place they are bound to, in our case, the lake. Have you ever noticed something that Vassa never took off? Willingly or not?"

"I…"

Lucien searched in his memory. She always wore different outfits, a different crown when wearing one, various jewellery and–

"The ring."

"What ring?"

"She wears a ring, every queen has one, to symbolise their alliance. But she has spent her entire life with it, how would a spell bind her ring to the lake?"

"I have no idea, perhaps the other queens took that ring from her temporarily, to show it to the Sorcerer, perhaps he took the ring himself to make that second spell. We should–"

"–Send a message to Vassa to know if anything happened to the ring." Lucien finished with a nod.

Helion nodded back, and both froze. They stared at each other for a short moment, awkward and not used to find another spell crafter who would so easily follow the paths of their minds.

Lucien quickly turned around to write down the message to send to Vassa.

"You two work well together," Feyre commented as she entered the room again.

She glanced at the blackboard, covered with new spells and writings she could only half understand.

"Ah, well, Lucien is a very bright young male. He knows spells very well." Helion said, not nearly as smooth and comfortable as he usually was.

"I… thank you, my lord." He answered awkwardly.

Feyre glanced between the two, her eyes gleaming in a way that Lucien knew meant trouble. His golden eye whirred and he narrowed his attention on her. As if she noticed his new curiosity, Feyre appeared all innocent. She smiled, and put down on the table food in paper bags.

"Dinner. You two were so lost in your theories that you forgot me, and dinner arrived. The sun is down so I also brought candles. We'll need it."

"Oh, very thoughtful of you, Feyre. I don't think it'd be wise to go back to Delphos so soon when we are inspired."

After this comment, Helion quickly glanced at Lucien.

"I hope you don't mind waiting later for that stroll with your lady love, uh?"

The slightest of flush coloured on Lucien's cheeks, and Feyre bit down on her lip to not tease him. Helion was smirking enough for the both of them.

"…Elain will understand. She… is growing nervous by her lack of advance on the Seer's abilities."

"Still nothing since her last vision, of the present time, just before her winnowing experience?" Feyre mumbled, frowning lightly.

Lips tight, Lucien shook his head.

"I know she's trying really hard. She wakes up at night and goes study spells and magic on her own, and reads more books. She thinks I don't know but… I keep finding her asleep on the floor, or on the couch, and I always bring her back to bed… She probably believes that she wanders back there on her own."

"Oh, so you do sleep together, after all!" Helion exclaimed with a huge grin.

"You sleep together?" Feyre echoed, the slightest gasp escaping her lips as she leaned forward, eager to learn more gossip.

"Nothing happens!" Lucien exclaimed, turning red, "Nothing happened, ever! We're being–"

His voice broke and he growled, letting his head fall back. He let himself drop into a chair and covered his face with his hands. He mumbled something, smothered by his palms.

"Sorry, what was that?" Helion asked, leaning forward.

"I said– we're being very careful! Because of this damn spell that needs to be broken!"

Lucien let out a heavy sigh, and raised his head again, but a frustrated and sad frown had found its way on his face.

"I'm sorry this story keeps you and Elain from… mating. If I had been more effective in my research earlier… it'd be done already and you would be making wildflowers shake from their roots." Helion said sympathetically.

Lucien gave him a long, hard look.

"I almost thought for a moment that you felt bad for me, because circumstances keep me away from my mate, but you just always bring it back to sex, isn't it–"

"Please, I'm a male and I've been in love before, I know what it's like– and our flower fields are very–"

"Do NOT finish that sentence!"

Helion chuckled. He actually chuckled. He turned away and covered his mouth, self-conscious of letting himself look so vulnerable and easy-going. Lucien was just as surprised to see the High Lord being himself… and then a sad look passed over Helion's face. Rather than sad it was… yearning. As if he missed something he had lost long ago, and this little banter had reminded him of it.

"Food is getting cold. We should get some strength. We have a long night ahead and we, Day Court males, don't work well after the sun has set."

Helion immediately froze and glanced warily at Lucien, who blinked, then corrected himself:

"Well, of course, you, being from the Autumn Court, won't be nearly as influenced as me by the night time. So we're really all counting on you."

"I understood what you meant. Though, I've always felt more comfortable and more powerful in the day time as well."

"Really?"

There was something akin to hope in Helion's eyes.

"The Autumn Court is influenced by the energy of the sun too, after all," Lucien added.

"Of course."

There was a pause, during which Feyre placed the different candles to light up the place. Lucien raised his hand and a flicker of flame appeared at his fingertips. They flew across the room and to the candles, lighting each and every one of them in an instant.

"You have amazing control over your fire," Helion commented, nodding to himself in appreciation to that level of magic.

"Unlike my brothers, I tried to refine my abilities. But…"

Helion turned to him, silently encouraging him to talk. Feyre decided to take a step back, and observe rather than intervene, letting the two males get acquainted.

"But?"

"But I've always felt…"

"Stuck?"

Lucien turned towards Helion, surprised. He nodded.

"It feels like… a lid stopping my powers from leaking out. It's frustrating. I've tried a few times to go beyond my abilities but–"

"This is madness!" Helion exclaimed, frowning, "Going beyond your abilities can hurt your body, it could even kill you!"

Lucien snorted, rolling his eyes, and shrugged.

"Yeah, I noticed."

"Do you have no care for your life?" Helion asked, almost softly, if there wasn't still that edge of anger in his voice – no, rather than anger it was… protectiveness? Though Lucien didn't seem to notice it.

"I'm from the Autumn Court. I can't afford to care for my life, or others'. It'd be used against me. I learned that lesson a long time ago."

Helion frowned, not appreciating such talks, though he, himself, couldn't understand why he felt this way.

"What about your mother?"

Lucien froze. He slowly turned his head towards Helion. His eyes narrowed. The golden one whirred and clicked, the only sound resonating in the long and heavy silence.

"…You seem to be awfully curious about my mother. Do you know her?"

Something sour filled Helion's mouth. But he held Lucien's gaze and didn't waver.

"I met her, here and there, during festivities… or when Amarantha kept us locked Under the Mountain. I was close to my mother… and she died saving my life… I can't imagine a mother… being okay if her son doesn't value his own life. If her children hurt and kill each other."

Silence followed Helion's careful words. Lucien was suddenly curious about the circumstances of Helion's mother's death, but he didn't dare ask. His mind was still full of questions as to why, of all people, Helion had turned the conversation on the Lady of Autumn, his mother.

The tension in the air made the flames on the candles waver. Lights and shadows played on the walls, on their faces. For a short moment, Helion's features seemed… familiar to Lucien. Familiar and yet foreign.

Lucien quickly looked away, he tried to breathe, but his shoulders were tense.

"…My mother knows what sort of bloodthirsty place the Autumn Court is. She knows it better than anyone, like the rest of us, brought or born in this cursed family."

Lucien's words were almost spat out, full of anger and bitterness.

"…Are you glad you left this place, then?" Helion asked, his words low and… considerate.

"I don't regret leaving it. I regret leaving my mother behind to suffer. She grieved two sons by my fault… and suffered from my father's wrath."

Helion's hands tightened on the armchairs. So tightly, so suddenly, the leather and wood creaked. The moment the sound reached his ears, the High Lord mastered himself. His grip relaxed, his shoulders fell in that easy-going manner again, and he smothered the whiffs of pure, furious power that had almost escaped him.

None of it had slipped Lucien's vivid attention. His eyes snapped up at the High Lord's face. It revealed nothing.

Tension rose again in the room.

Helion wanted to say something, perhaps comforting, to Lucien, but… he couldn't find his voice, nor words.

Instead, the flicker of flames attracted his attention to the sword, laid casually against Lucien's chair.

"Is that… a Day Court spelled blade?" he asked, leaning forward curiously.

"Ah– yes."

Lucien was dumbfounded by the sudden change of conversation, but he eagerly took the sword and presented it to Helion. Lucien finally relaxed and was bright again, smiling lightly.

"Elain offered it to me," he said, very proudly.

"A Day Court spelled blade? Mmh?" Helion mused to himself, pulling the sword out of its scabbard to admire the work, "A fine weapon, elegant and refined. Very you. She has good taste."

"I know, she does! Except for human males, but well…"

A slight growl almost escaped Lucien but he controlled himself. He surprised himself by tightening the grip on the armchairs, then forcing himself to release it. Jealousy, anger, protectiveness – that was what had caused him to attack that innocent chair at the thought of Graysen… a very similar reaction to what Helion had had a moment ago, at the mention of his mother suffering from Beron…

Once again, Lucien observed closely Helion, and wondered how he knew his mother… and how well acquainted he was with her.

"She can't have everything. At least she chose a better High Fae male, didn't she?"

Lucien wasn't quite amused by Helion's teasing.

"I intended to ask about the blade," Lucien continued, "But I haven't had the time or occasion to do so yet… what do those inscriptions mean? I know it's a spell, and I looked for it, but I haven't recognized it in any book."

Helion turned the blade around and observed closely the inscription, the magic, engraved in the blade. He blinked and straightened up suddenly.

"You won't find it in any book, it's... how did you get this sword?"

"Elain bought it in a shop in Velaris. The owner had gotten it from his travels. That's all I know." Lucien answered, curious about that strange reaction.

"This… this sword belongs to my family." Helion whispered.

"What?"

Helion seemed just as bewildered as Lucien, not believing it. He kept observing the blade some more to be certain, then he nodded.

"Yes… it's one of the lost treasures of the Day Court's High Lord's family."

"Are you joking?" Feyre said, finally intervening after eavesdropping the whole conversation but not daring to say a thing as Lucien and Helion shared some much needed heart-to-heart talk.

"I wish I were but… one of my ancestors loved metal work. He was very good at it before he even became a High Lord, often making spelled weapons and jewellery. And after he became High Lord, with all that power, he… experimented. He created many weapons, then remade them, added spells, crafted magic in the very metal of it… And one day he was inspired to use some weapons that dated from the first High Lord, already very powerful by themselves. He melted the metals and used his High Lord's magic to make powerful, magical blades…"

There was a thoughtful pause, as he stared at the weapon.

"I'm surprised that the Day Court, who loves knowledge and relics so much, would let his High Lord use precious, ancient relics to make new ones." Lucien commented, frowning lightly.

"He didn't ask for permission, and he was a bit of an oddball… It did offend a lot of people… and his brother, offended by the insult he had committed by destroying ancestral relics, rose against him. A civil war followed, that brother killed him, and became the new High Lord. That brother… that's my great grandfather."

"I remembered learning about the Day Court civil war… I didn't know the cause of the conflict had been… metallurgy gone wrong." Lucien said thoughtfully, "History books say it's because the younger brother was jealous and decided to take the crown for himself."

"History books aren't always right, Lucien. Many probably thought so. Perhaps he did want the crown for himself and the lost relics were just an excuse… I don't know. You should ask Koios, he was there."

Right, Lucien thought, Koios is the second son of that High Lord who had overthrown his older brother.

"Anyway, the new weapons that had been forged by the older brother, turned out to be so powerful that it could only be used by–"

He glanced quickly at Lucien, then seemed to correct himself:

"They could only be used by very powerful High Fae."

Lucien was surprised by that fact. He didn't think himself powerful, even less to handle such a weapon.

"We locked most of those weapons in our family's vault… until a war against Summer, a few centuries after, and many were stolen or lost. We had assumed they had been melted down… or had cursed whoever had gotten their hands on them."

"Sweet, it sounds just like my usual luck to get a cursed sword," Lucien mumbled.

"It's not cursed to you, not if it was a gift from your lady love," Helion said with a shrug, "It's a powerful sword. Its power is in… in revealing the darkness. The books say that this particular sword, called Soluis, constantly shines to chase off the dark. And when used in fight, it turns every dark thought and intent into poison that kills the person from the inside in an instant."

"…What a charming sword," Lucien commented, taking the sword back, a bit more reluctant now that he knew the history behind it, and its deadly power, "But it doesn't shine?"

"Mm, maybe it lost its power, or needs a kick to get its powers back."

"Maybe it's just a copy?" Feyre suggested.

"No. You can't copy such raw power. I can feel it. It's just waiting to be wielded by the right person." Helion explained, staring at the sword in morbid fascination, then he glanced warily at Lucien, as if understanding only now how much power Lucien held without his knowledge.

Lucien didn't notice that glance, too busy observing the sword. No matter its past, he… couldn't help but be drawn to that sword. Perhaps it simply was because it was a gift from Elain, his precious, lovely mate. Or maybe… it was because he has had his share of darkness and he'd take any light to chase it away – it must be fate that Elain, of all people, the one person who is giving peace to his heart and soul, would offer him the weapon destined to chase the shadows and nightmares away.

"You said it was a gift from Elain, right?" Helion asked again.

"Yes."

"And it's a sword made of red gold."

"…Yes."

"…Does she know that red gold weapons are used, in the Autumn Court, to propose to the person you've been courting?" Helion asked with a delighted grin, looking forward for another topic of teasing.

Lucien tightened his lips, and blushed fifty shades of red, especially when Feyre almost choked on her own laugh hearing that.

"Are you saying that Elain unknowingly asked Lucien to marry her by offering him this sword?!" she exclaimed with wide eyes, and a smile as wide as Helion's.

"She doesn't know! She didn't know, it meant nothing for her!" Lucien exclaimed, keeping the sword close to his chest.

"Oh, I can't wait to tell her!"

"You will do no such thing, Feyre! She will be embarrassed beyond understanding!"

"That's the very reason why I need to tell her!"

"No, you will not!"

"I guess the next step is to organise a wedding ceremony then– I'll send a message to Koios right away." Helion said, very seriously and already moving.

"What– no!"

"You don't want to marry her?" Helion asked, feigning shock.

"I didn't– I didn't say that!"

"Then, let's organise a surprise wedding ceremony–"

"Leave Elain and I's wedding ceremony to us! Don't meddle with it!"

"Oh, so you're already planning your wedding ceremony?" Feyre said, leaning forward and jumping on the 'let's tease Lucien until he runs off' wagon eagerly, "And you didn't tell me?"

"One thing is certain, if you keep it up, Feyre, wedding ceremony or not, you won't be invited!" Lucien threatened, snarling slightly.

Helion laughed, followed closely by Feyre. Lucien didn't give them the joy of joining in the laughing when he was the reason they laughed – but he couldn't help himself and smiled. Even though he tried to hide it, still too awkward and flustered to think of anything related in any way to marrying his lady love, his light, his Elain.

In the Tower of Light, even though it shone softly in the night, like a giant firefly, most of its occupants were fast asleep.

Elain was sleeping deeply, surrounded by Lucien's scent and several books scattered on their bed, that she had been reading until sleep had taken over. Ever since they had received, earlier during dinner, a message from the library where Lucien and the others were, that they'd stay there overnight as they had gotten some sort of trail to follow… she had been feeling all over the place. She was comforted that he wasn't in danger, or suffering, and was in a place she knew. She was distressed that he wasn't here though. She unconsciously kept checking the bond, to make sure he was still okay.

The books had distracted her, but… even in her sleep, her mind drifted to Lucien… and the worries that gnawed at them both.

Elain instantly realised she was in the past, feeling that familiar and solid presence that inspired past time. She walked down through corridors and halls, as if knowing exactly where she was going – and she recognized the Tower of Light. It hadn't changed much, except maybe in the decorations.

A High Fae, a High Lord, with dark hair and brown eyes was walking down the hall hastily. He kept glancing over his shoulder, limping from an injury and blood dripped from his forehead. He looked frightened and angry – a dangerous combination for a High Lord. She felt the ripples of power even though it was just a vision of the past. At every step he took, glass cracked, and flames shuddered.

Elain followed him, even as she heard the faraway sounds of battles – not as faraway as she had wished though. It was happening in the very Tower of Light, screams of pain and terror resonated. So different from the tower she felt so comfortable in–

The High Lord kept running and running, he stumbled down but kept going. He arrived in a low level of the Tower of Light, one that Elain hadn't explored yet, and he lunged against a massive double door. His hand rested against a receptacle that shone brightly, reacting to the magic and the blood of the High Lord. The doors started opening, and he stumbled inside. Elain swallowed hard as she passed through the doors, glancing at the bloody handprint left there.

Magic swirled in the air. A magic ancient and powerful that she had never experienced before… except in the Cauldron or when using her abilities as Seer.

Piles and piles of treasures, jewels, swords, mirrors, all oozing riches and magic, were gathered in the treasure room.

"W-where… where is it… where is it?!" The High Lord asked frantically, pulling and pushing at chests and piles of weapons.

He pushed off one that fell from so high that the sound resonated in the floors above. For a moment, the battling ceased, and something shifted in the air. His hand fell on the hilt of a sword, but he didn't pull yet.

The High Lord froze, then he spun around vividly. He saw her then. Elain shivered and swallowed hard. His eyes widened and he stepped backwards, falling on his behind and crawling away, frightened by her vision.

"Y-you…" He whispered.

Elain wondered how he could possibly see her when she wasn't born yet – but a figure walked right through her and she felt her soul tremble. Elain gasped and stumbled, almost reaching out for that female who had just walked through her.

She was young and beautiful, standing proud, though wearing simple clothes. She had long, dark chocolate hair that looked marvellous against her caramel skin. Her eyes were as rich as amber and shining like gold. There was something eerie, mysterious, powerful about her and Elain instantly knew who she was.

The Seer.

"I banished you! You are not supposed to be here– h-how… how did you enter this place?!" The High Lord shouted.

"You opened the door, I just walked in," she answered plainly, gesturing around the treasure vault.

"T-that's not what I meant… the Tower is locked– my men…"

"Your men are scattered and losing. Only the foolish ones are still fighting against Hyperios' army. You can still change your fate, Phaethos." The Seer said calmly, aware of the High Lord's emotional distress.

"You tried to condemn me!"

"You condemned yourself."

"You cursed me!"

"I warned you of the consequences of your actions if you went on your path of arrogance and pride. The weapons you have meddled with, the History and the power they held, were too grand for you to handle."

"It would have worked if you hadn't betrayed me! I could have become the greatest High Lord of all!"

She stared at him, looking him down, that High Lord, who held the power of the sun in his hands, who had the magic of the Day Court flowing through his veins… she staredhim down.

"Your arrogance blinded you, there is nothing I can do to help you now. You intended to rise with the Blood Moon but you have made your fall. You have decided your fate, you will die and be remembered as a thief and a coward."

"Y-you… YOU are the blind one, thinking that you can fight ME! A High Lord! I have power, the greatest power, the power of Day! You are nothing but a vain little Seer, you are worth NOTHING against ME!"

He then pulled the sword he had been looking for earlier. Elain's eyes widened as she recognized the very sword she had offered Lucien. The red gold sword with jewels that reminded her of both Spring and Autumn. A Day Court blade, held long ago by his ancestors. The sword Lucien would soon kill her with.

The blade shone, and shone, so suddenly, and so violently, that even Elain had to hide her eyes. The Seer screamed, in pain and in rage, and when the light receded, the Seer was on her knees, crying and sobbing, holding her eyes.

Elain gasped and stepped away, covering her mouth with her hands. Blood ran down the Seer's face. The light, as fierce and powerful as daylight, had burnt her eyes.

"Who is the blind one, now?! WHO?!" Phaethos shrieked viciously.

He tried to stand up, but stumbled back down. His own hand fell on the blade, and he cut himself. It was the slightest cut, barely felt, a thin line of red against his palm… but it didn't heal. Even though he was a High Fae blessed with instant healing, even though he was a High Lord… it didn't heal.

Phaethos stared dumbly at his own hands, wondering why he wasn't healing when it was such a simple, insignificant cut… then, he looked down at the sword he held. He remembered. Soluis. And he paled.

"Who… who is the blind one now…?" The Seer rasped through gritted teeth.

She pulled away her hands from her face just as several High Fae entered the room and watched the scene. They watched with wide eyes, not knowing what had happened.

"Uncle!"

A High Fae tried to run to help him up but the one who had been leading the charge stopped him with a hand.

"Don't, Koios, don't get anywhere close to that blade…"

"But, father…"

They finally noticed the small figure of the Seer, crouched down in pain and kneeling in her own blood.

"Sibylla…?" Hyperios hesitated, "What happened to you?!" he cried out, running to her.

"She won't give any more of her visions now… not blind as she is!" Phaethos spat out, now too weak to even try to stand up.

"What have you done to her?!"

"He sealed his fate," Sybilla said in a harsh voice, lifting lightly her face and even though she had no eyes left, she stared right at Phaethos.

Once again, he tried to move away from that piercing gaze, now turned dark and bloody, staring right into his soul. He could feel the darkness of his soul turning into poison. It was pulsing through his veins. His own creation, his own sword, his own curse… had killed him.

"I have accepted my fate long ago, but I still held hope that you would change yours, Phaethos. No one deserves to die devoured by their own darkness."

He opened and closed his lips, as if he wanted to insult her, but his face was paler, and dark veins appeared on his neck, climbing to his face like creeping vine. His eyes were injected with blood and he blinked, as if struggling to stay upwards.

"I… I…"

"You have set in motion more than you can imagine, Phaethos and even I cannot see what the future holds. It is constantly changing and the fate of all Prythian… of the entire world… will depend on what you have done."

Then, without help from Hyperios, she stood up straight and proud. Magic filled the air, electrifying it. Everyone stepped away, knowing that the Seer's powers had awakened once more.

"Canna. Cardinal. Lycoris. Roses.The Blood Moon will see him free. The Immortal. The Thief. He will come and steal the promised blood. The Bird is his beginning and his end. The Blood Moon will reveal the secret. In fire and blood, the Fox of Day and the Cauldron-blessed Flower will court the Deathless' rise."

In the present time, the bed, covered in opened books and the lingering scents of apple, cinnamon and flowers, was empty. Elain was gone.

Cliffahnger, cliffhanger.

I hope you liked this chapter focused on Lucien and Helion.

Yours Truly,

May