Narinder sat upon his ebony throne, pondering a most intriguing oddity. Baal was kneeling before him, and yet his brother was nowhere to be found. This was extremely peculiar, the two were inseparable. He had never been met by only one in their twenty-one years of service. He had already sent out an orb to locate the missing twin. He could ask Baal, surely the servant knew, but he wanted to hear the explanation from Aym first. As expected, the twin in question approached only minutes later. He kneeled down beside his brother.

"You called, Master?"

"I did indeed..." Narinder motioned for them to stand, and they did so, looking up at him expectantly. "Why did you return separately? Is there a feud?" Aym hesitated, then nodded.

"Yes, Master, I believe so."

"Interesting, I have never witnessed a quarrel between you two before. What is this about?"

"Aym has begun a relationship with Mir̃alai, Master." Baal interjected. Aym chanced a short glare at his brother. Narinder was taken aback by this revelation.

"I see... Then, is it safe to assume you have feelings for Mir̃alai as well, Baal?"

"Yes, Master." Baal confirmed solidly.

"My, that is a dilemma." Narinder stated, sitting back in his throne as he contemplated the situation. He pressed his fingertips together as he thought. There were various routes he could take... His initial inkling was to punish Aym. That small part of him that still cared for Mir̃alai insisted upon it. However, logically he knew that would be both counterproductive and unfair. Additionally, that would cause yet another rift between him and Nykka, something he did not have the patience for. He could also forbid Aym to see Mir̃alai, which would solve the issue between the brothers. However, he foresaw that the Lamb in question may not take that well. She would surely confront him, an argument would ensue... It would be more trouble than it was worth. He decided to try a more diplomatic approach.

"Baal, you have my sympathies. But, Aym's love life is none of your concern regardless of who is involved. I have a mission for you two, and I need you to act as a team. This feud cannot interfere with it. You must let go, and move on."

"Yes, Master..." Baal said, looking a bit defeated. Narinder watched him appraisingly, then spoke again.

"Very well... Nykka and I have decided the time is right to grow our following. I need you both to go on an extensive crusade, spread my word, and gather Followers."

"Yes, Master." They spoke in unison.

"Wonderful..." Narinder grinned, "Go, and do not return until you have sent me thirty Followers. Understood?"

"Yes, Master." They spoke again before leaving together. Narinder waited for them to leave before standing from his throne. He wished to investigate the matter of Aym's new relationship a bit further. He had already formed a solid theory, and was eager to see if he was correct.

Narinder stepped through the gates of Mir̃alai's cult, and soon found the Lamb. She was walking the grounds with Caxton at her side as always. The rabbit was first to spot Narinder, a disgruntled look instantly visible on his face as he pointed him out to her. Mir̃alai turned and smiled upon seeing him. She seemed much happier than their last meeting, she had regained that same aura of sunshine she once had.

"Hello, Narinder." She greeted him once he approached. "Did you need something?"

"Only a moment of your time... I'm told you are responsible for the feud between my servants." Her smile faded a little at this.

"In a manner of speaking, I suppose I am. If you are going to try to stop me from being with Aym..."

"That is not my intention, by all means, be with him." Narinder shrugged.

"Then why does it matter?"

"He is jealous." Caxton said offhandedly. Narinder glared at the rabbit, who smirked in turn. "I suppose it is lucky that it was I and not he who walked into your bedroom this morning to find Aym in your bed." Mir̃alai's face went red and she glared at Caxton.

"Caxton...!"

"I thought you said it wasn't meant to be a secret...?" Caxton asked, feigning a look of innocence.

"My relationship, not what I do in my bedroom."

"Or whom..." Caxton added yet another jab at Narinder. Mir̃alai gasped at his very bold words.

"Go!" She pointed at random, "Go and- and catalog something." The rabbit walked off, but not before shooting a last smirk at Narinder. Mir̃alai sighed and rubbed her temple, looking off in embarrassment. Narinder took a silent breath before he spoke.

"I cannot help but wonder..." Narinder began, trying to sound as unaffected by this news as possible, "If you are using Aym as a substitute for me."

"What?" Mir̃alai looked at him, "That is a bold assumption to make..."

"How could I not assume such? Aym and I are quite similar." The Lamb had to stifle a small laugh.

"You and Aym could not be more different. The only thing you have in common is species." Narinder rolled his eyes, not appreciating the offensive implications of this.

"Yes, well..." He sighed, "I only say this because I'd hate for you to grow tired of a replacement."

"Aym is not a replacement for you." Mir̃alai glared, her humor apparently depleted. "What is the point of this, Narinder? Are you trying to dissuade me from being with him?"

"Of course not..."

"You made your choice already." She said coldly, "Don't you dare try to prevent me from moving on after you yourself insisted on it."

"I am not, Mir̃alai... I am pleased to see you trying to move on." He lied.

"I have moved on."

"Wonderful." Narinder decided it best to shift the topic a bit. "I am also curious why you chose Aym. Baal is rather upset with your decision." Mir̃alai took a moment to answer.

"Aym and Baal are very different." She began, "I'm sure even you could see as much... Both are very handsome, of course, but that sort of thing hardly matters to me. In the ways that matter, they are nearly opposite. Aym is thoughtful and deliberate. He considers his words carefully, and means what he says. While Baal acts on impulse. He simply says the first thing that comes to mind... While he always means well, sometimes the things he says are inappropriate, or insensitive. Most importantly, Aym has a set of strong morals. He sticks with them, and always does what he feels is right. He does not care how it makes him look, he does not hesitate for fear of scrutiny, and he is not afraid to show me how he feels regardless of who might see." She glared pointedly at Narinder, who gathered she was no longer comparing the twins. "In the one day we have been together, he has already made me feel more secure in our bond than you ever dared to. He is not a substitute, he is an improvement. He is everything you should have been. He has been loyal since day one, he stayed behind when you abandoned me..." Tears had begun welling in her eyes, "He would never hurt me the way you have hurt me. You value your ego more than anyone, Narinder. You had no issue ripping my heart out just to save face."

"I... don't know what else can be said, Mir̃alai. I have apologized, I've tried to right my wrongs, I've tried to console you. I've offered my help, Nykka has offered her help. What can I do to fix it?"

"That's just it, you can't fix this. There is no way to fix what you did to me." She wiped her eyes. "The only thing you can do is stay out of the way, let me be with Aym. It is the least you can do." Narinder opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off sharply. "Do you think I am a fool? You came here with one intention, to make me doubt my relationship. Say whatever you like, but I know that is what you're trying to do. Because if I am the one to end it, you are not to blame. You are so fucking manipulative, it is disgusting. I had hoped you were here for a simple visit, but of course not. You came to torture me. Luckily you have Nykka. She might be able to fix that rotted lump you call a heart."

"Mir̃alai-"

"Just leave. I will not speak on this any more. Not ever again. If you want to try to remain friends you need to seriously consider how you treat me." Narinder stared at her a moment and sighed.

"Very well..." He turned and began walking back to his Domain, he could feel that same bitterness begin to fill him again, but he maintained his silence. Narinder was tired. He was tired of trying to change, trying to deny his nature for the sake of being good. Mir̃alai once told him she saw good in him, Nykka also seemed to think he was meant to be benevolent, but he did not feel it. Every time he tried to fix things, he would make it worse. Every time something good would happen, he ruined it. Why deny it? He took sick enjoyment from exhaustive arguments. He enjoyed using his keen intelligence to manipulate those beneath him. He was not designed for benevolence. He is, and has always been, ruthless and cold. These last few months have been nothing more than a failed experiment. He no longer wished to play nice.

Narinder entered his Domain and held out his hand, his crown ran down his arm, shifting to the form of a large, white scythe. He stepped to his throne and turned, tapping his scythe against the ground. A massive shrine of glistening black and gold marble sculpted in his image rose from a black portal. A blue flame ignited around the golden base, burning furiously. It was large enough to seat all thirty of his expected followers. He tapped his scythe again, large cabins paneled in ebony wood appeared, each containing beds, kitchens, and bathrooms. Everything his Followers would require. With a final tap of his scythe, a new summoning circle appeared before his throne. An engraving of the triquetra had been carved into the stone surface in place of the pentagram the Red Crown relied on. The lines of the symbol glowed softly with a cold, blue flame. Narinder took his place in his throne, waiting.

The first Follower had appeared before the day was out, the stag kneeled, his head bowed as he prayed fervently. Narinder stood, approaching the creature, scythe in hand. The stag chanced a glance up at him for only a moment before bowing his head once more.

"Please, Master, indoctrinate me and I shall follow your teachings faithfully." A smile crept onto Narinder's face with these words. He tapped his scythe and the stag rose into the air. His tattered clothes transformed into a set of black robes. The stag's face was hidden behind a white mask for total anonymity.

"You will no longer require a name, Follower. I expect you to act as one body with your fellow Followers to come." He smirked, "You shall have the honor of being the first to pray in my name."

"Thank you, Master." The stag bowed deeply before rushing off to the shrine where he fell to his knees once more. Wisps of devotion began to pour from him immediately. Narinder chuckled softly and sat upon his throne. A grin had set into his face, a symptom of the excitement that began to build inside him. He was so close to the power he had always desired, he needed only to wait a bit longer.

As the Followers appeared, they were instantly indoctrinated into Narinder's cult. All wore black robes, all had their faces hidden behind white masks, all nameless. The Bishop found himself disappointed in his servants' performance though, the Followers were being delivered much slower than he would have liked. It had taken nearly two weeks for the twins to gather what was demanded of them. In that time, Narinder had undergone some change due to the influx of power he received. He had grown closer to the formidable form he once embodied. He had grown taller, his three eyes returning to their once crimson shade. He also reclaimed the threaded veil he once wore. He could only assume Nykka had undergone changes of her own in her quest for power. There was no way of knowing though, the two did not have time to meet again while rebuilding their following.

The final Follower had appeared before him nearly a day ago, and now he was awaiting Aym and Baal's return. Just as his impatience teetered towards irritation, the two walked the path leading to his throne. Narinder grinned upon seeing them once more, and chuckled softly at the glint of fear that had flashed in their eyes. The servants promptly kneeled before him.

"You've finally returned to me... I must admit, I am disappointed." He sighed, leaning against the arm of his throne.

"Apologies, Master!" They said in unison.

"Why has this simple task taken so long? I expected better from you two."

"I apologize, Master." Baal spoke up, "It was my doing, I took the lead and had gotten us lost."

"I see... Aym usually navigates, does he not?"

"He does, Master."

"Aym knows the Domains much better than you, does he not?"

"He does, Master." Baal said again, his voice wavering a bit.

"Then why did you take the lead, Baal?"

"I... I wanted to impress you, Master."

"Ah..." He chuckled lowly, "I understand... you wanted me to favor you. The Lamb has truly scorned you. You want attention so desperately..."

"I apologize, Master, I will not act so foolishly again."

"You agreed to put this in the past, Baal. You agreed that you would not let this feud interfere with your mission." When Narinder paused this time, both were silent. "You disobeyed me. You certainly did not impress me." Narinder stood up, the crown shifting to a scythe in his hand. "Aym, I believe you did the best you could given this handicap. You are free to spend one week with your beloved." Aym looked up at Narinder, then to his brother, panic apparent in his eyes. "I have rewarded you, Aym..." He spoke again in a warning tone.

"Thank you, Master..."

"You are welcome." He chuckled, "Now go, your brother shall stay with me." Aym stood hesitantly. "You seem frightened, Aym." Narinder pointed out with a grin. "Do not fret, I am no monster... I would not kill him, not for this. Now go, while I am still pleased with you."

"Y- Yes, Master..." Aym turned to leave, but halted when Narinder spoke up behind him.

"Oh, and Aym? You are strictly forbidden to speak of the goings on within my Domain. Especially to the Lamb... I expect you appreciate the gravity of this order."

"Of course, Master." Aym bowed to him once more before leaving the Domain.