~ Three months later ~

"Hey, portal girl," one of the guards called to a red-haired woman who stood barefoot in a pool under a waterfall and practiced her water based spells. "General Tirins wants to see you. Immediately!"

She stopped moving, slowly exhaled and vaporised the water shapes she just created. Along with half of the pool.

"Fine," she frowned, got off the water, grabbed her shoes and followed the guards. She's been in this nightmare fortress for three and half months already and nothing changed. Except behaviour of few Elyos, some of the crew got used to her, but most still stopped talking when she was passing by, so she preferred to be left alone. After that incident with those Balaur when her leg was broken and she was almost killed, the aether begun to slowly return to her and she decided to practice more than just fire.

"General Tirins," she bowed politely when she entered the room. There were several people except him, but the most noticable one was a dark-skinned Asmodian with long, black hair. He wore only traveller's clothes, no armour and he had that half-curious, half-careful smile.

"I'm glad you came, miss Shienar," the general said. "Sir Hypnou has joined us today as a reinforcement and he'll share the duty of creating the portal with you. Please, show him around."

"Follow me," Shien turned around and walked to the exit.

"No need, I already was here," Hypnou's words surprised everyone. "Few years back as a prisoner. I was exchanged for someone important later. And I don't want to hinder Shienar from her duties."

"Like there was anything to do here besides the portals," she grunted. "They won't let me touch anything except few herbs."

"Lady Lumiel expects your full report and you in Pandaemonium tomorrow afternoon," the sorcerer grinned. "And I bet you haven't even started yet."

"Be ready tomorrow morning to send me to the Spire," she frowned. "Now excuse me, I have a report to write."

~ x ~

Finally her history and politics lesson was over and Chellia could freely walk through the streets of Kamar and breathe some fresh air. When she passed the assassin recognition test, she had no idea how much theory she'll have to learn along with the fighting. She had nothing against the history or politics, both these disciplines had their interesting parts, but her lessons were too concentrated for her taste. But her tastes had to adapt. There was war and she had to become able to handle any task that will be given to her. And almost everyone called her Young Lady. She knew why and she already got used to it, but it still bothered her. She was no Lady. She was... who was she? As Kaisinel said, she was a spit into Aion's face, forbidden existence, yet people who didn't know about this law put their hopes onto her. They had absolutely no reason to do so, but they believed in her, because despite her noble origin, she held no real political power, she seemed to be one of them. But they were wrong and she already gave up on trying to explain it to them.

She headed to her favourite place, the palace gardens. It was never completely people-free, but she could always find a quiet spot, where could she think and calm her mind down.

"Where is he now?" she heard Kahrun's voice from behind a decorative bushes.

"We put him into underground prison for now," someone she didn't recognise replied. "He didn't have any weapons and said he came in peace, but it's a Lepharist, they can't be trusted."

"Good, leave him there for now. Did he tell you anything else?"

"No, sir Kahrun, he said this information is for lady Chellia only."

"Ask him again," Kahrun ordered with cold voice. "More clearly, but still civilised. Dismissed."

"Yes, sir."

The man walked away, fortunately in different direction than where Chellia was listening. She didn't even dare to move. What could the Lepharists want from her?

"I think you're too overprotective, Kahrun," the elder Ekios said after few moments. "She's not a little girl, she's a daeva and we're at war. We can't sugarcoat anything for anyone."

"I know, Ekios," Kahrun sighed. "But I won't send her as a gift to Lephar. I promised lady Triniel and lord Nezekan I'll take care of her."

"Have you reconsidered..."

"No. There's nothing to reconsider. I won't marry Chellia. That's my final answer," the Reian leader's voice was irritated.

"But for the peace..."

"I know it would secure the peace better than anything, but I won't do that. I have very serious reason for my decision. Please, don't ever bring that topic up again."

"As you wish, Kahrun," the elder resigned.

Chellia waited motionless few more moments before they walked far enough and then sat on the ground. They were plotting against her. They kept something important secret from her. And that idea with marriage! Kahrun might have refused, but what if they try to marry her to someone else? And what did they say about those Lepharists? One of them is in Kamar prison with information for her?

"What do you think, Ouzo, could it be trap?"

The spirit looked at her with concern, but when she patted its head, it happily murmurred.

"Of course it's a trap," she sighed. "They're Lepharists, they hate daevas. If it's not a trap, it's a part of some greater plan. But asking one prisoner can't hurt, right? Maybe I can find something useful."

~ x ~

"Mirror, mirror, stop mocking me, show me the portal, not my queen!" Beritra was in his infamous bad mood again. The previous attempt in getting information about the way to Hyperion failed, as the artifact displayed his former prisoner's face instead of anything that would resemble a portal. The fourth Dragon lord was furious. The daevas took away what was rightfully his. And he wanted to get it back. The mirror must have sensed somehow what occupied his mind the most and answered the unspoken instead of the spoken. But now, the glass surface remained dark. Nothing was shown. Beritra got up from his chair and half transformed his arm, decided to shatter that thing, which was already broken. This is what one gets when dealing with Shugos! But before hitting the mirror he stopped. The mirror always worked flawlessly, why would it break now? He calmed down his mind and recalled the Hyperion and events connected to it.

"Show me, mirror, this time don't lie, the mark of Hyperion, what's in the eye?"

~ x ~

The Pandaemonium library was an amazing place for her. She'd been here every time she found an opportunity and always loved the experience of walking among the bookshelves, the smell of the old tomes and the silence. No one dared to be too loud in the library. At least not for long. There was always at least one powerful sorcerer or master of spirits studying, who wouldn't hesitate to bring the silence back. Most people learnt to respect this place and take their quarrels outside, if that was necessary.

"Miss Shienar," Cavalorn greeted her when she entered the great hall. "Lady Lumiel is expecting you the moment you get here. Please, don't let her wait."

"Thank you, Cavalorn," she smiled and walked up the stairs to reach the parts of the library which were reserved only for those who had business in there. She wanted to ask the librarian about the unexpectedly high number of Elyos in Pandaemonium, but it could wait until the end of her... probably scolding. Shien sighed. She didn't look forward to this meeting. She almost knew that lady Lumiel will find ton of things in her report which she will be displeased with. The young sorceress frowned at the papers in her hand, knocked on the door and after the confirmation from the inside she entered the room.

"Good afternoon, lady Lumiel, I'm..." she stopped talking and stared speachless at the visitor the Lady of Wisdom had in her office. "Al... uhm... good afternoon, lady May, what brings you to Pandaemonium?" she tried to keep the possible conversation at official level, until she's told otherwise.

"Hello, Shienar, we have some new trouble in Kurngalfberg, I asked lady May if she could assist us," lady Lumiel smiled. "Give me your report and tell lady May about your involvement in awakening Kasadrasil. I'm sure you're interested to hear that, dear," she turned towards the Lady of Life who only stared at her friend, unable to say anything. Then she got up and embraced the sorceress.

"I missed you so much, Shien," she said quietly and then looked at her. "I hope you're doing well."

"I'm fine, thank you, Alia," Shien smiled.

"Are you sure? You look distressed."

"Of course I'm fine," Shien kept smiling, she didn't want her friend to worry. "I'm just bit tired. But you look too pale."

"Oh," for a moment the cleric didn't look like a Lady, but again as the shy girl Alia, whom Shien knew. "It's... the change of environment. I... I got too used to Elysea... I'm... I'm sorry, Shien, please, don't worry. Better sit here and tell me about Kurngalfberg."

"Ah, well, okay," the sorceress sat on a chair and started talking about what happened in the frozen city, after Alia left. It didn't take long and in the end lady Lumiel smiled and told her to come tomorrow early morning for new orders, which will be decided after the Lady of Wisdom reads the report. Shien said her goodbye and left the library in moderately puzzled state. She was happy to see her friend, but she had a feeling that lady Lumiel strongly disagreed with their casual talks and she'll remind her that tomorrow.

"Shienar, you're finally back in Pandaemonium!" the voice she heard when she reached the Pandaemonium Plaza didn't make her happy at all. "You should have sent me a note you're coming."

"Hello, mother," the sorceress turned around with a polite smile. "I'm sorry, I got the order to return yesterday, there was no time to send anything ahead."

"Ah, that's a shame. How long will you stay?"

"I don't know. Lady Lumiel will give me new orders tomorrow. She has a very important guest now."

"The Elyos," Shien's mother puckered her nose. "They think they can do anything here. That truce should have never happen."

"You have never seen the battlefield, mother," the sorceress frowned. "You don't know how bad it is. This truce is the best thing that could happen since the alliance with Reians was formed."

"Are you listening to yourself, Shienar? How can you even say such a thing?! You've been there for far to long, it has affected your mind. Please, try to behave properly tomorrow, I'm sure lady Lumiel can be persuaded to give you duties that are more fit for a young woman of your stature."

"Please, don't start with this again."

"I've heard some rumours about your misbehaviour in Sarpan. If you don't stop doing things out of spite, you will have real problems to find a suitable husband."

"I won't..."

"I managed to convince sir Rodego that it was certainly some misunderstanding," her mother didn't pay attention to her protests. "He is ready to meet you as soon as your duties allow you."

"I told you," Shien gritted her teeth. "I won't marry some random guy I don't even know just because he's rich or famous or both. I am not a decoration you could show during celebrations. I have..."

"Stop with this talking back, Shienar. After you'll get married, you will thank me for being this considerate."

"No. I won't marry him, I..." she clenched her fists and looked helplessly around. And a potential salvation caught her eye. "I can't. Wait here, I'll be right back."

She ran to the other side of the Plaza to meet a familiar person, who was occupied by buying souveniers and haven't seen her yet.

"Hi," she said a bit nervous.

"Good afternoon, miss Shienar," Shade smiled, surprised when he saw her.

"Could you... help me with something, please?"

"Oh, of course, what do you need?"

"Thank you," she smiled too and then surprised him even more with a light kiss. "Just play along, please, I'll explain later."

Then she gently grabbed his arm and walked back where her mother was impatiently waiting.

"What's the meaning of this, Shienar?"

"Shade, this is Elliana, my mother," she took a deep breath. "Mother, this is Shade, my fiancé."

Both, Shade and her mother were shocked for a moment.

"It's a pleasure to meet you madam," the assassin recovered, bowed and attempted to politely kiss her hand, but she stepped back with a disgust in her eyes.

"What... what is the meaning of this, Shienar?" she repeated. "How dare you to bring this... filthy Elyos this close to me?"

"Please, pay some respect, mother, he's..."

"Don't call me like that!" madam Elliana was hysteric. "This is outragous, that scandal... Don't you dare to come to my house ever again. You're not my daughter anymore!" with those words she quickly left the Plaza.

Shien was paralyzed. If Shade didn't catch her, she would surely fall on the ground. After few minutes of pure shock she burst out in tears. Shade gently led her to a near bench and then, sitting next to her with his arm around her shoulders he waited until she calmed down.

"I'm such an idiot," she sobbed. "I... I should have known that... I... I just didn't want... she wanted to marry me to some guy I've never met and I... wanted to stop her..."

"I'm sorry, Shien, it led to this," the assassin was puzzled, he never had to console a person after an argument this bad.

"That's not your fault," she shook her head and dried her tears. "She hates everything that's not an Asmodian noble, I should have known she'll react like that. I just didn't know what to do and when I saw you there..." she sighed. "It looked like a good idea at that time. I'm sorry I dragged you into this. Please, forget about it."

"That's impossible to forget such a beautiful woman calling me her fiancé," he smiled.

"That... that was just an act," she blushed and looked aside.

"Even the kiss?"

"Yes. Please, leave, I need to be alone."

"Alright, Shien. Just allow me one question," his voice became a bit serious and she looked at him with curiosity. "If you can't go home now, do you have a place to stay over night?"

"Uh... I think I'll find some inn," she shrugged.

"I thought so. But that might be a problem now, you know?"

"Why?"

"Because lady May is here since yesterday. She's staying in lady Lumiel's place as her guest, but we, her attendants are accomodated in various inns around. Her visit was known several days before, so people who wanted to know how she looks like, rented all the other rooms."

"Ah, well, I'll stay awake then," she didn't like the idea, but going home and ask her mother for forgiveness was unacceptable. "The library is open over night too."

"I have a better idea," Shade smiled again. "What about staying with me?"

"What? No, that's out of option. We just met and... no. Sorry. Thank you for your offer, but no," Shien became clearly nervous.

"I didn't mean anything should happen. I just offered you a place, where you can have nice dinner, take a bath and sleep. That's all."

"And what do you want in return?" she asked warily.

"Uh, why would I want something in return? Spending time with such a beautiful woman is a reward on its own," he smirked. "And besides, I kind of helped with getting you into this situation, so you can consider is as a repayment."

"Don't be silly, you did nothing wrong," she sighed. "It was completely my fault."

"Shien, don't be so hard on yourself. I know you did it in spite of her wishes, but your mother clearly overreacted. I'm sure, when you both calm down, it will be fine. It will take some time, but..."

"No, Shade, it won't be fine," she shook her head. "Once she said things like she said, she won't take it back. Ever. She's too proud and stubborn and..."

"Clearly something you two have in common," he smiled encouragingly. "Don't give me this look, you know it's true."

"Yeah, I know."

"Alright, I'll take my leave for now," he got up from the bench. "If you decided to accept my offer, I have a room at The Dark Side, you know where it is?"

"Yes."

"Then take care and see you later," he gently took her hand and kissed the back of it, which made her cheeks turn instantly red.

~ x ~

The night fell on Kamar. The life in the city have calmed down, but it didn't stop completely. Some shops and businesses closed, some others have opened. The streets weren't emptied, but a lot less people were walking through them than during the day. The shadows lenghtened and became darker. And moved. One of the shadows carefully advanced to the eastern city gate. It was almost time for the guards to change and the shadow wanted to use that little opening to sneak outside. After several minutes of waiting, the new soldiers came and let the old ones tell them report. The shadow moved. It took only few steps to get outside the gates. And then the shadow ran, followed by much smaller one. When they were safely out of reach, the little one stopped and mewled.

"What is it again," Chellia frowned and turned to her companion.

Ouzo looked at the city and then again at its mistress. It had a really worried expression.

"Stop it. I'm just going to talk with him, okay? If you stop delaying me, I'll be back before Beritra finds out I left the city," she patted the spirit's head. "Come, we need to be quick."

The little wind creature sighed and followed Chellia through the forest road. In an hour or so they reached Garldar village, which the captured Lepharist mentioned. He also said there would be someone waiting for her, but the village appeared to be sleeping. Except the two soldiers who were walking around and watching the surroundings, ready to either fight or raise alarm. Chellia hid herself and her bodyguard in the shadows in nearby bushes and watched the village. Nothing indicated presence of any Lepharists.

"Follow me," someone whispered to her ear and she almost yelped. Why didn't I notice him? She thought, but carefully went after him. He led her through a secret door in the village fence and entered a near tent. Inside he took off his hood and gave Chellia and her pet an inspecting look.

"Yes, you're the one you're supposed to be," he nooded.

"But you're not," she snapped. "Where's Lephar?"

"Calm down, young lady," he frowned. "Lord Lephar wouldn't obviously be in a place like this. I'll contact him and then he'll decide where you will meet."

"Fine, be quick then, I don't have all night for him."

"Pay some respect, lord Lephar is very respectable and powerful man, those like you should not look down on him."

"Just call him," she shrugged and looked around. She didn't like this place and second thoughts about this visit have slowly crawled into her mind.

The Lepharist touched a strange device, closed his eyes and for a moment he concentrated on something Chellia couldn't see.

"Lord Lephar will meet you now," he said after a minute or so. "But only you, the spirit stays here."

"And you think I will go there, wherever it is, alone?

"Lord Lephar promises you no harm, but he doesn't wish any witnesses present at the conversation," the man added. "Ensure the spirit won't freak out after you're teleported away. You will be returned here."

The girl frowned and for few moments she just stared at him with silent anger. Then she knelt beside her spirit, patted its head and whispered some calming words. Ouzo protested and tried to change her mind with its puppy eyes, but she just asked it to stay calm until she returns.

"Alright, send me to him," she said to the Lepharist.

"Touch this orb," he pointed at another device on the table. "And concentrate on meeting lord Lehpar. It's already set up."

She nodded and did as he said. Almost instantly the aether around her whirled and she was teleported to a place she has never seen before. It looked like the pictures of Reshanta she used to see from time to time in Pandaemonium, but she couldn't see either Asmodae or Elysea from here. Also the Eye, a huge island surrounded by a sphere of blazing flames was nowhere in sight. She was just standing among rocks floating in void. And few steps in front of her stood a hooded man dressed in black and wearing an ornamental silver necklace.

"Welcome, Chellia," he greeted her. "You're too young to know me, so a formal introduction is needed."

"You're Lephar, right?" she interrupted him.

"Yes, I am Lephar," he nodded with an amused smile. "But also I am your Empyrean lord Israphel, Guardian of Space, Sentinel of the West."

"Wow," Chellia was shocked, but didn't want to let him know that. "So many titles. Aren't you supposed to be dead?"

"Yes, everyone believes I died with Siel, but that's not why I called you here. We have something more important to discuss."

She watched him, her eyes narrowed. Something about him felt off. She couldn't tell what, but if he really was an Empyrean lord, the sole fact that he was hiding from the others didn't mean anything good. But attempts to question him would be in vain. Someone who was capable of running an organisation that big as Lepharist Revolutionaries, couldn't be stupid.

"Fine. Tell me what do you want," she folded her hands on her chest.

~ x ~

After two hours of sitting in the library with a book in her lap, unable to concentrate on anything, Shien gave up. She would be able to stay awake for all night, but not today. The events of this afternoon were too much for her and she really needed sleep. And she wouldn't deny dinner or bath either. Despite Shade's warning she tried to find a free room for herself, but she visited five different inns and all of them were full. As she wandered through the streets, she bought few necessary things and her steps led her to the Vanahal district. Before she realised it, she was standing in front of The Dark Side inn. She still couldn't decide if she should accept Shade's invitation. After all he was an Elyos and she barely knew him. On the other hand, he saved her life and he helped her today to overcome that awful situation she got into. He said he won't try anything, but could she believe him?

"Can you guess who's here?" someone put his hands over her eyes. She panicked, pushed his hands off, turned around and made two steps back, aether begun forming between her palms instinctively. Then she realised whom is she looking at.

"Oh, uhm, hello, Shade," she took a deep breath to calm down. "You scared me..."

"I'm sorry, Shien, I just wanted to surprise you," he looked puzzled.

"No, it's okay, I just don't handle well this covering eyes thing, I... I hate when I can't see," she admitted and looked aside.

"Are you here to accept my offer?" he smiled.

"I... yes. I'll be very grateful, if..."

"Alright, let's go. The dinner is getting cold," he smiled, took her around her waist and led her to the inn. His room was appropriate to one of the best Pandaemonium's inns. Large bed with luxurious pillows and blankets immediately caught her attention. Two soft armchairs and ornamental table stood on the other side of the room and various decorations, shelves and cabinets covered the walls. There was another door, probably leading to a bathroom, but she didn't examine that.

"Take a seat," Shade led her to one of the armchairs, took her bag from her and put it on a cabinet near her. Then he took off the dish-covers, that were on the table and revealed plates with some meat, grilled vegetables and sauce. It smelled delicious. "I hope it's not too cold, they brought it just few moments before I saw you from the window."

"How did you know I'll accept?" she asked warily.

"You looked very bad, back then. Oh, no, I don't mean it like that, of course you look awesome all the time, but you were hurt. Even if you try to hide it, I can see that pain in your eyes. And that's not the time people should be alone."

"Shade, stop this," she frowned. She didn't want to be reminded the events from this afternoon.

"Alright, I admit, I didn't know," he sat into the other armchair. "But I hoped. And you came. See? Never lose hope," he smiled. "Now, let's eat. The Asmodian food is surprisingly good."

"Unlike the Elyos food, which is awful."

"Hm? You mean the food you get in the Beacon?" he asked with an amused smile. When she nodded, he continued: "But that's military food. That's awful everywhere. You should visit Sanctum some day, even the fast foods there are better than the portions in the front lines."

"I don't think Sanctum is a place for me," she shook her head and for a moment she just picked among the food on her plate. "I love Pandaemonium, it's amazing city, but I hate the people here. And Sanctum is a capitol too, far from the warzone..."

They spent the rest of their meal and a long while after that with casual talking, telling stories and laughing. It was late when Shien decided to take a bath. A tub filled with hot water and scent of soap were exactly the things she needed to relax. And think. Shade wasn't that bad as she originally thought. He was handsome too and clearly he was interested in her. Maybe she could date him? Maybe later, after she gets to know him better. She got out of the bath, dried herself up and dressed into a night dress she bought on her way here. It was a long plain grey robe with a glimpse of belt under her breasts. She hoped it was not too sexy and Shade won't take it as an attempt to seduce him. But when she got out of the bathroom, he surprised her.

"You look really stunning," he said with a smile and embraced her. She wouldn't admit it, but the touch of his palms around her waist was very pleasant.

"It's just a night dress," she blushed.

"But you look stunning in everything," he kissed her on her cheek. Without thinking she embraced him too and kissed him on his lips. He didn't resist, instead he pulled her closer and returned the kiss. When they ended, she realised what just happened, took a step back and looked at him with a fear in her eyes.

"I... I'm sorry, Shade, this shouldn't happen," she babbled out. "I... I think I should go."

She picked up the pile of her clothes and wanted to return to the bathroom to change, but Shade caught her arm.

"Shien, it's alright, where would you go?" he said with calming voice.

"No, it's not alright. I shouldn't even come here. Thank you for the dinner and for the bath and..."

He silenced her with another kiss.

"It is alright," he insisted. "Please, Shien, stop being hysteric. I won't do anything you wouldn't want me to do, I promise. If you really wish to go, I'll let you. But only if you calm down. I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

"I... Okay, I'll stay," she breathed out.

"Thank you," he smiled, took the pile of her clothes from her and put it onto the cabinet. Then he lifted her and carried her into bed.

"W-what are you doing?"

"Have a nice dreams, Shien," he tucked her into the bedsheets and kissed her again. "I'll take a bath now, you don't have to wait for me. Good night."

He walked to the bathroom and left her in the room alone with her thoughts. Why did she kissed him? What was she thinking? Nothing. She just acted according to her instincts. And she couldn't take it back. She liked the kiss and she would kiss him again, but she was afraid that he would want more than just kisses. And she couldn't...

When Shade came out of bathroom, she pretended to be already sleeping, so he just snuffed out the flame in the lamp and laid down on the other side of the bed. As he promised, he didn't try to do anything. Shien smiled and within moments she fell asleep.

But then the nightmare came again. Everything around her was burning. The hungry fire again consumed the images of people she cared about. But when she was about to wake up in horror, something changed. Her mind calmed a bit and she just opened her eyes.

"It's alright now, you're safe," Shade was lying behind her, his left arm was gently wrapped around her and he was whispering calming words to her ear. To her surprise, it was quite comfortable to be like this.

"I'm... okay now," she whispered too.

"Bad dream?"

"Hm..." she nodded. "Thank you."

For a few moments they stayed in silence, enjoying each other's closeness.

"What... What do you think you're doing?" Shien's voice was disgruntled when Shade's hand started gently caressing her breast.

"It's so hard, Shien," he whispered.

"Yeah, I can feel that too."

"Oh, well, I didn't mean that," Shade laughed quietly and turned her around, so now he was above her. "I ment... it's so difficult to be this close to you and stay calm."

"Shade... please..."

He didn't hear the afraid tone of her voice and kissed her. At first his kiss was careful, but it quickly gained the intensity of his passion. His hands caressed all over her body. Then he kissed her on her neck and continued lower.

"Stop... please, stop..." she said once her mouth was free. Her voice was shaking. "Stop... I don't want to hurt you..."

Shade sat and looked at her in surprise. In the dim moonlight he saw tears glittering in her eyes. He realised she didn't respond on his touch at all.

"What... what happened?" he was totally confused. He remembered the passion when she kissed him back then, but now it was not there, only fear. And he wasn't aware of doing anything wrong.

"I... can't..." she turned away from him and hugged her knees. "I can't give you what you want."

"Did I do something wrong?" he was puzzled.

"You said you don't want any payment," she sobbed. "You promised me you won't try anything. And yet you..."

"Alright, I'm sorry. I lost control, I'll be more careful from now on," he sighed. "You could just say so, I would stop. There's no need to cry, you don't need to act as if I..." She hates the Elyos. And she has a good reason for that, he remembered Canta's words. "Oh, no, Shien, don't tell me that... Great Aion, I'm such an idiot. Shien, please, don't be afraid of me," he sat next to her, lifted her and gently embraced her. "You're safe here. No one will hurt you. You're safe..."

~ x ~

After her honourable guest said good night and went to bed, Lumiel sat behind her work desk and read the reports. She always read the reports the same day she got them, except when there was an urgent situation, like on that day, when the Primum fortress was sieged by both, Balaur and then the Elyos. But today was the same as any other day. The Elyos delegation was just a pleasant distraction. Lady May was clear as a glass, readable as an open book. She didn't have to worry about any deceits from the Elyos side. The only trouble here could be Zikel, but he was already in Reshanta and he should be there at least for another week and he didn't even know about the Lady of Life's visit. So the only thing to worry about were the reports. Lumiel paid a special attention to one of them. After she read it, she frowned. The girl made a progress, but it was too slow. Will she be ready in time? Even with her title as Lady of Wisdom she didn't know. What she knew was, that she didn't have much time.

Should I push her a bit or leave the things to go naturally? If things go naturally, it might take too much time, but if I push her too far, she might break.

~ x ~

It was almost a dawn when Chellia sneaked out of Garldar village. The conversation with Lephar was longer than she expected and much more shocking than she could imagine. Not only he was the Empyrean lord of Space, but he also knew the secret behind Tiamat's strength. The Siel's relics. An ancient artifact of immense power which the Reians claimed to be rightfully theirs, but everyone else also wanted it. She didn't doubt that the moment either the Asmodians or the Elyos would get hold of it, the war would start again. The relics were key to defeat Tiamat and possibly Beritra too. Lephar told her about few tricks what to do, if the Dragon lady and the relics get separated. But she wasn't stupid. The moment she would do anything he suggested, he would take the relics and use them for whatever purpose. His ego was too large to handle power responsibly.

Lost in her thoughts she noticed that Ouzo was running around her in panic too late. A shock ide-grenade fell in front of her. She reacted instinctively and jumped aside, but the explosion hit her. Then five Balaur with Beritra's symbols emerged out of the bushes and surrounded her. She painfully got up, pistol in one hand, dagger in the other.

"Ouzo," she whispered. The spirit shook off and inhaled. With every bit of air it consumed, it grew larger.

Chellia quickly aimed and fired. The bullet hit the Balaur to his shoulder and he was forced to drop his sword. Another Balaur raised a cannon to return Chellia the favour, but Ouzo saw the danger, leaped, changed its shape and pierced the Balaur in a form of several tiny air arrows. One Balaur down. But three and one injured remained and with their weapons and preparations it was clear the assassin and her spirit will have very tough time.

Suddenly all the Balaur froze. Literally. Instead of attackers there were four ice statues. And these statues cracked and bursted open within a blink of eye.

"The road is safe now," a person hidden under heavy cloak and cape came from behind a tree. Neither from the appearance nor from the voice could Chellia tell if it was male or female.

"Who are you? Did Kahrun send you?" the girl asked in shock. She has already seen a display of power of some daevas, but this was too strong.

"No. And if you have at least half of a brain, you won't tell him about me or these soldiers."

"If he didn't send you, why did you save me? What do you want?"

"I'm here to ensure you won't go to Beritra yet."

"Yet?!" Chellia stepped back, her heart begun beating faster with fear.

"Yes. You're not ready. But when you will be, you will seek him out on your own will."

The person lifted the cape a bit, so Chellia could see eyes. Silver, glowing eyes. And the world around her turned black.