They couldn't believe what had happened. Raine had been captured by the Emperor's Coven by Kikimora, Darius and Eberwolf for betraying the Emperor's Coven. They were trapped in a stick-like prison that came from their Coven brand that didn't hurt but it didn't feel pleasant either.
They narrowed their eyes at the Coven members, with Kikimora pulling a devious look.
"Raine Whispers." Kikimora chuckled. "It is a shame we had to do this to you. You are such a vital member to our cause."
"Kiki, you have to listen to me." Raine said. "The Day of Unity is a lot worse than you thought, you can't trust Belos."
"Oh, I believe I can." Kikimora retorted. "Belos is intending to unite us. I mean, it isn't called The Day of Obliteration."
"I am going to get out of this Kikimora." Raine said through their gritted teeth. "I am going to stop Belos. You'll thank me when it's done."
But Kikimora just laughed. "Good luck with that. Eberwolf, Darius, accompany me. Let Terra do her work to their brain."
"Actually, I wish to guard them." Darius said to Kikimora. "To make sure they don't escape." Kikimora stared at the Abomination Coven head with a stern look. He just rolled his eyes. "Come on Kiki, it's not like they're just gonna stay still in compliance. They're going to escape if no one is watching them."
Kikimora pondered what Darius said for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. "I guess you're right. Very well, watch them. Make sure they don't leave." Darius bowed to Kikimora, whom left along with Eberwolf.
Once the two had left the room, Darius turned his attention to the head of the Bard Coven. "That was quite a performance you pulled today Whispers. Leading a rebellion, disrupting the peace, breaking wild witches out of prison, teaming up with a known enemy to the Emperor and being a traitor to his cause."
Raine narrowed their eyes at Darius. "Do your worst Darius."
"No." Darius responded as he formed an Abomination chair. "I just wanted to say, I'm sad you didn't invite me."
Raine was amazed by what Darius had said. Were they going mad? Did Darius just say he was disappointed in them for not inviting him? "Okay, am I going mad?"
"I'm going to be straight with you Whispers, I don't like what the Emperor is planning either." Darius' statement made Raine go wide eyed.
"What?!" Raine exclaimed.
"I don't like the Day of Unity." Darius replied. "I know it sounds grand and could be a spectacle, but it could mean something else. And it's making me worried. You had every right to be."
"Then, why didn't you tell me about it?" Raine asked.
"Did you think I would risk talking to the other Coven heads about my concerns?" Darius asked. "I would have been branded a traitor. Besides, you were wise not to tell me."
"Well, today has been rather unexpected." Raine remarked. "I mean, you're topping it all off by telling me you're against the Emperor."
"That me time I wanted was a way for me to figure out what to do."
"So, do we have a plan?" Raine asked.
"I have a feeling what the Day of Unity means, but I don't want to start assuming." Darius replied. "So far, there are four things that might have something to do with it. There's the Coven heads, the Titan, the door and the golden brat."
"What does it all mean?" Raine pondered.
"The Coven Day Parade is coming, hopefully Belos will tell everyone there." Darius said. "If not, then it's going to take a lot off my me time. But you, have the most important task, getting close to the Covens and figuring out any more info on what they're doing."
"Yeah I wish." Raine said. "Except, Terra's probably going to use that memory erase drink to make me obedient."
Darius tried thinking of an alternative. He didn't wish to lose someone he recently discovered was trustworthy. Until a childhood memory popped in his mind. "You remember when you used that spell to make Ghoul Aid taste good?"
"I still use it." Raine replied.
"Could you try and use that spell to stop the effects of that spell?" Darius asked.
"I could." Raine replied. "Worth a shot."
"If it works, say you have a headache to make Terra think she has you under her control." Darius said. "I'll do everything I can to give you valuable information."
"I'm glad I have someone I can trust." Raine said.
"What of your ex?" Darius asked. "The Owl Lady. Should we get her involved?"
"No. If the spell works and I have my thoughts to myself, then Eda would not only be putting my mission in jeopardy, but her life." Raine replied.
"Good." Darius responded. "I wish you luck my friend."
"Thanks Darius." Raine replied.
"Now, I'm going to finish my book and send the first copy to Alador." Darius said. "This is one of the perks to being a Coven head. Just to picture that dead face disappear for once."
Raine stared at their newfound partner with a deadpanned look. "Will you ever explain that grudge?"
"Maybe sooner or later." Darius replied.