Chapter 9: Under the Mountain

Anri winced with nearly every step she took. Her adrenaline was wearing off now that she wasn't actively fighting, and she was beginning to feel the pain from her wound. Of all the places the arrow could have struck, it hit and severed her tendon. That alone would have been enough, but she had yanked it in a rush and probably caused even more damage. Regardless, she had to keep going. If she didn't the bald man might kill Murtagh and be done with it. The sudden and drastic changes in direction weren't helping either, and she nearly stumbled when they entered a large room made of white marble.

Eragon must have noticed her brief wobble, because he had suddenly turned to her with worry in her eyes. "Are you ok?"

This kid… "I'm fine," she managed. He was the one who'd been pushing himself for weeks, he was the one who looked like he was about to drop dead. And yet he was focussing on her rather than himself. But that was just who he was.

"You're not," he furrowed his brow, looking at the red staining her surcoat.

"Don't worry about me, I'll sort it out. We need to focus on Arya and Murtagh right now."

"Quiet!" snapped the bald man holding Murtagh.

"We have injured! She's–" she was cut off.

"Do not speak! It must wait until you have been tested." The man shoved Murtagh over to one of the warriors, who caught him and readied his sword across his neck. The bald man clapped and faced them. He had a glint in his eyes that made Anri's blood chill, whatever was about to happen wouldn't be good. "Remove your weapons and slide them to me." Eragon hesitated, but after a moment he did as he was told, before doing the same with his bow and arrows.

The man turned his gaze to Anri and with a growl she did the same, drawing her blade and sliding it over. Her battered shield remained on her back. "Your shield too!"

"It's a shield…" she deadpanned.

"Slide it. Over." So they weren't that dumb, great… Slowly she placed the shield in front of her, wincing at the pockmarks and the two large gashes across the once beautiful crest. With a wince she shoved away from her with her foot. "Now step away from your dragon and slowly approach me," commanded the bald man. Confused, Eragon did as he was told. When he was a few feet away the bald man spoke again. "Stop there! Now remove the defenses from around your mind and prepare to let me inspect your thoughts and memories. If you try to hide anything from me, I will take what I want by force… which would drive you mad. If you don't submit, your companions will be killed."

"Why?" Eragon asked with shock on his face.

"To be sure you aren't in Galbatorix's service and to understand why hundreds of Urgals are banging on our front door," growled the bald man. "No one may enter Farthen Dûr without being tested!"

Anri growled before speaking, her patience quickly failing. "We don't have the time!"

"Quiet knight," he spat at her, "your words mean nothing until you've all been examined!"

"Are you deaf!?" She yelled, causing the warriors around them to tense. "There is a dying elf on the back of that dragon! Are you going to let her die for a stupid examination?!" She took a shaky step forwards, gesturing wildly at Saphira.

"It will have to wait! No one will leave this room until we have discovered the truth of this matter. Unless you wish–"

The dwarf that saved Eragon and herself jumped forward, "Are you blind Egraz Carn? She's right! We cannot keep her here if she's in danger. Ajihad and the king will have our heads if she's allowed to die!"

Finally!

The man's eyes tightened with rage before he took a too-fast breath and answered with a sickeningly smooth voice, "Of course, Orik, we wouldn't want that to happen." He snapped his fingers and pointed at Arya. "Remove her from the dragon." Two human warriors sheathed their swords and tentatively approached Saphira, who watched them silently. "Quickly, quickly!"

The men did as they were told a bit faster. When they laid her on the ground one of them inspected her face before yelling in shock. "It's the dragon-egg courier, Arya!"

"What?" exclaimed the bald man, before his gaze was on Eragon again. "You have much explaining to do."

Eragon met his gaze with all the strength his exhausted face could muster. "She was poisoned with the Skilna Bragh while in prison. Only Túnivor's Nectar can save her now."

"Whatever you do, don't remove the ring. If you do, she will only die that much faster." Anri added.

The bald man looked at both of them with an unreadable face. "Very well. Take her to the healers, and tell them what she needs. Guard her until the ceremony is completed. I will have new orders for you by then." The warriors nodded curtly and carried Arya out of the room. His attention snapped back to Eragon. "Enough of this, we have wasted too much time already. Prepare to be examined." Eragon nodded.

Anri watched with bated breath as it happened. The bald man muttered words that she couldn't hear and closed his eyes. Eragon's face scrunched up in pain and remained that way for a few minutes. Anri's fists clenched as she watched, wishing more than anything that her hands were around the man's throat. She nearly took a step forwards when a line of blood dribbled from his nose when suddenly he gasped and fell backwards. Orik caught him before admonishing the bald man.

"He'll live. That's all that is needed," defended the bald man coolly

There was an angry grunt. "What did you find?" Followed by some moments of silence. "Well, is he to be trusted or not?"

The man sighed and spoke as if disappointed. "He… is not your enemy."

Anri ignored the sighs of relief, she ignored Orik, she ignored the way Saphira was growling. Even with her injured leg she crouched and smiled gently at Eragon as his eyes fluttered open. Both her and Orik helped him stumble to his feet, even when her leg trembled.

After he stood on his own her leg finally buckled and she was forced to gingerly sit down. She watched the confrontation between Murtagh and the bald man with anger, and her hand found the doll on her hip just in case. Luckily though she didn't have to, as Orik pulled him off and the two broke into an argument that she half-paid attention to.

"Can he use magic?" roared Orik, his deep voice echoing in the room. The bald man's face suddenly turned unreadable, though there was a fire in his eyes he couldn't quite hide from her.

He clasped his hands behind his back. "No."

"Then what do you fear? It's impossible for him to escape, and he can't work any devilry with all of us here, especially if your powers are as great as you say. But don't listen to me; ask Ajihad what he wants done."

Anri watched as the two stared at each other for a few moments before the man let out a breath through his nose and turned to Anri. "But she can," he said. "It's your turn now."

Anri glared at him before standing up. If he thought he would intimidate her then he was sorely mistaken. "I don't think you know what you're getting into, Carn." And he really didn't. If he looked through her memories it would drive him mad.

The man gave her an evil grin. "I think I do, and I'll have to go back quite a ways as well. Who knows what training the Empire gave you, what if this was your mission the entire time?"

"I'm not a part of the empire, I never was." She spat.

"You might be able to fool them but not me, nobody but the Empire fields knights like you," he spat back, glaring at her.

"You're the only fool here."

He advanced until they were about a foot apart. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Eragon glaring at him and Saphira baring her teeth.

The man grinned, muttering lowly so only she could hear, "I honestly hope you resist. The boy did, but I wasn't allowed to kill him. I'll happily cut the strings of your sanity, and accidents do happen sometimes~"

She fixed him with a blank expression, "You won't find much to cut…"

He scowled at her, as if he'd been expecting her to quiver in fear or at least show some kind of hesitance. A moment later he put his cold hand against her forehead and began muttering. Anri felt a tether poke at her consciousness, and invited it in. If he wanted to see her memories, then she'd show him her memories. The tether advanced, and was met with–

(-)

–Ash! There was so much ash! The man tried finding his footing but he was swept away in the currents. There was nothing around him but a vast sea of blackened and warm ash. The wind howled around him and he was suddenly dragged under, consumed, deeper deeper deeper–

He caught glimpses of a castle, utterly massive and beyond comprehension. A great formless beast was attacking it before suddenly its gaze was fixed on him, and he was filled with cold dread. Don't look at me! Those evil eyes cut into his very being, deep into the recesses of his soul. And suddenly the castle crumbled and turned to ash, mixing and flowing with the current. There were sounds above the howling of the wind but he couldn't make any out. And suddenly he was drawn under again, towards a flickering light. Closer closer closer, anything to escape the ash! Until–

He was thrusted into flame, and consumed by utter agony. He felt the fire lapping at his skin and then deeper. It wasn't satisfied with his flesh and bones, it wanted more. He tried fighting but his very being was being pulled apart, and suddenly the flame yanked at his soul, tasting, consuming, burning… And found him lacking… The fire grew angry, raging hotter hotter hotter!

He screamed, hoping beyond hope that it would carry above the roar of the flames surrounding him. He was being turned to ash, ash that would join the current! He needed… Needed…

He couldn't leave! The fire and the ash was dragging him deeper. It was as if it knew that he was trying to leave, and was stopping him. Out! LET ME OUT!

He was sobbing now. Barely catching the glimpses. A castle, larger than what should be possible. A great swamp, and a cycle of killing and death. A great cathedral in the snow. Small gravestones. And he heard words too, though any meaning was lost on his breaking mind.

Astora…

The First Flame…

Lothric…

Anor Londo…

Fire…

Unkindled!

He broke, and suddenly he was thrusted out from the sea of ash.

And suddenly their connection was shattered, and the man before her stumbled back before collapsing. She watched dispassionately as he curled into a ball and hugged his knees, mumbling and sobbing. She warned him, after all…

She heard a curse in a language she didn't understand before Orik was at his side, shaking him. When he didn't get a response he turned to her, furious. "What did you do to him?!"

"Exactly what he wanted me to do." Was her blank reply.

The dwarf growled, "All of you must stay here for the night. I'll make sure that food is brought to you." He turned to two men nearby, both wearing nervous expressions. "Help me with him!"

Anri watched as the four left through the door before it closed and the bolt loudly slid into place. Almost in a daze she limped over to Eragon, Murtagh and Saphira. She caught the tail end of their conversation as she stumbled and slid down, resting against Saphira's leg. She closed her eyes and processed the pain along with the memories…

"Are you ok?" She heard one of them ask. She didn't know which one.

"… No." She answered after a couple of seconds. With some reluctance she opened her eyes and saw the two boys looking at her with concern.

Without saying anything else Eragon put his hand on her thigh, causing her to flinch and shoot him a look before; "Waíse heill." There was a warm feeling and suddenly the pain in her leg all but vanished. She was confused for a moment before the confusion was replaced by anger.

Anri smacked Eragon on the side of his head, "Why did you do that?" She ignored the indignant yelp and his confused look.

"You were injured," he defended.

"You're exhausted," she shot back before sighing. "I could've done that myself, you can't be pushing yourself to use magic."

There was a moment of silence before Murtagh spoke. "What did you show him? Neither of you moved for an hour."

"My past," was her simple answer. "I told you I'm ancient."

"But what did you show him that caused him to react like that?"

The air was quiet for some time, and she could tell that even Saphira was interested. "The Age of FIre…" she began, "was a cruel and evil era. Things you would call magic were everyday occurrences. Beings you would call monsters were just part of the environment. There were people that ruled, and they would be gods to you, because what else could they be?" She shrugged. She opened her eyes and looked at them, hauntedly. "What I've experienced…"

Fire ate at her flesh, tearing, burning, biting, devouring. It was the most excruciating agony she had felt in her entire life, and she screamed until her throat bled, and even that was consumed by the flames. She didn't want this anymore! It hurt! GODS IT BURNED!

"… There are things I try not to think about, try not to remember." She shook her head and closed her eyes again. "I re-lived some of my worst experiences… They aren't something you can comprehend. And even if you could I wouldn't subject you to it…" She could still feel their gazes on her. "I'll be fine. It's just gonna take some time to process… living through that again."

Murtagh talked more about his life before meeting Eragon, more about his life with and under Galbatorix's rule. She listened, but didn't deign to comment. She already knew what she needed to, so she let Eragon do enough talking and questioning for both of them. Some time later food finally arrived and quickly after the two went to sleep. She remained awake.

"You look human, yet you do not eat, or sleep." came the now somewhat familiar voice of Saphira. She didn't jump like she used to, so maybe she was getting used to the dragoness?

"I'm Unkindled; something a bit more than human… or a bit less," was her easy reply.

"All living things need to eat and sleep."

"I'm not quite a living thing."

The dragoness blinked owlishly at her and spoke in some amusement, "Are you then claiming that you're a dead thing?"

Anri let out an amused huff before leaning more against Saphira's calf. "Not even I'm that lucky."

"You wish for death?"

She didn't reply for a time. "… I was robbed of my peace to help Eragon on his journey. He's the reason I'm 'alive,' so to speak." She turned her head slightly to look at the boy. He really was so young… "I don't hold him at fault Saphira, but I wasn't given a choice in coming back." She pulled the coiled sword from her box. It was regaining its power again, but it was taking even longer than before. Maybe it was finally dying out.

Good.

"Whoever brought me back was a fool…" Saphira's attention was back on her. "The Age of Fire should've been forgotten." She said no more on the matter, and put the relic back into her box.

Saphira's next words were spoken softly. "For what it's worth, I'm glad you're here. Eragon is too."

"Both of your burdens are as heavy as mine once were. I'll fulfill my oath, I promise you that."

No more was spoken between the two of them and even though she didn't go to sleep, Anri still closed her eyes. She was content with the silence.

The next day a troupe of men and dwarves came into the room, leading them was another bald man, similar but different from the one before. A twin, she realized. He leered at the four of them, but when his gaze met Anri's it turned downright hostile. "You have been summoned to Ajihad, leader of the Varden. If you must eat, do so while we march." They asked him about Arya's condition but he didn't know anything. They were led into another large tunnel where they found Orik holding the reins to their horses. Anri would freely admit to feeling relief upon seeing Mira again and she approached happily. "You will ride single-file down the center of the tunnel," instructed the bald man. "If you attempt to leave or go anywhere else, you will be stopped." When Eragon started to climb onto Saphira, the bald man snapped, "No! Ride your horse until I tell you otherwise."

After a few minutes they began to move, surrounded by the warriors who had divided themselves equally on either side of the small column. Anri took a moment to inspect the stonework, and was immediately reminded of the Catacombs of Carthus. The stonework here was much better, and in much better condition, but it still put an uneasy feeling into her stomach. Almost on instinct she looked for pressure plates or piles of bones before reminding herself that these tunnels were inhabited by the living instead of the dead. They continued in a straight line for over an hour until Anri began to see a faint glow ahead of them. Finally though, they reached their destination. There were thick marble pillars laced with rubies, amethysts, and all manner of gemstones standing in rows along the walls. Scores of lanterns hung between the pillars, suffusing the air with liquid blue and golden brilliance. Gold tracery gleamed from the pillars' bases like molten thread, almost like the gold veins themselves were transported from the caves. Arching over the ceiling were carved raven heads, their beaks open in mid-screech. At the end of the hallway rested two colossal black doors, accented by shimmering silver lines that depicted a seven-pointed crown that spanned both sides. All in all it was very impressive, but her awe was dashed by a sudden and unwelcome memory of Anor Londo with its doors at least thrice the size of these and covered completely in immaculate stonework. As much as she hated the gods, nothing in this Age could compare to their brilliance.

The bald man stopped and raised a hand before turning to Eragon. "You will ride upon your dragon now. Do not attempt to fly away. There will be people watching, so remember who and what you are." Eragon quickly dismounted Snowfire, and then clambered onto Saphira's back. They're showing him off. It's a power play, she thought to herself.

"I'm ready," Eragon said, squaring his shoulders. Anri saw right through him.

"Good," said the bald man. He and Orik moved to either side of Saphira, staying far enough back so she was clearly in the lead. "Now walk to the doors, and once they open, follow the path. Go slowly." As Saphira stepped forward, gleaming and shimmering in the light, the ornate doors swung outward on hidden joints. As the rift widened between them, rays of sunlight streamed into the tunnel, falling on the group and temporarily blinding everyone. When she could see again, Anri's eyes widened.

They were inside of a massive cratera dozen miles across at the least. A soft beam of light fell through the aperture in the ceiling, illuminating the crater's center, though it left the rest of the massive expanse in darkness. Far across in a hazy light, massive icicles hundreds of feet thick and thousands of feet long hung leagues above them like glistening daggers. Anri had seen much, far too much in her time. Nothing in the Age of Fire that she had seen even resembled something like this. Looking down there was a cobblestone path extending from the doors' threshold. The path ran straight to the center of the crater, where it ended at the base of a snowy-white mountain that glittered like it was its own gemstone.

She heard Orik's deep and accented voice from her side, speaking to Eragon. "Look well, human, for no Rider has set eyes upon this for nigh over a hundred years. The airy peak under which we stand is Farthen Dûr—discovered thousands of years ago by the father of our race, Korgan, while he tunneled for gold. And in the center stands our greatest achievement: Tronjheim, the city-mountain built from the purest marble."

It was then that she realized that the mountain wasn't actually a mountain, but a city cut entirely from what appeared to be marble! And it was also then that she saw a large crowd gathered in front of the doorway. There were many humans, but there were many more dwarves. The human men all had daggers or knives, they were armed for war it seemed. The women wore clothes that looked self-made, and there was a deep-set weariness about them that Anri was very familiar with. And the dwarves glared openly at them, frowning and muttering to each other. Eragon hadn't noticed them yet. He would soon, and something would have to happen. The muttering was getting worse and the humans were only becoming more wary of them as the time slowly ticked by. The bald man had a smug look on his face and he moved to do nothing, content to sit by and watch as things got worse. If he wouldn't do something, she would, even if she was already starting to regret it.

She egged Mira forwards a foot or so and took in a breath. "Behold!" She called out, thanking the powers above that her voice didn't falter or crack, "Eragon; Rider of Dragons, and Saphira; daughter of the sky! A Dragon Rider is among you!" Her voice echoed once, and nothing happened. Eragon, startled by her proclamation, raised his hand hesitantly in a wave before bringing it back down in embarrassment. Anri felt a bead of sweat go down her neck, but suddenly someone began to cheer. That cheer was joined very quickly by others and suddenly there was a cacophony of joyous exclamations. She smirked slightly when she saw the bald man glaring at her, and she simply shrugged. The dwarves, she noticed, only scowled more.

Saphira blew out a snort of smoke and the cheering stopped, only to come back with more force from before. Anri saw dwarves leaving.

She heard the bald man scoff, "Just start walking." And so they did, slowly moving through the cheering and awed crowd. Much of the attention was on Eragon because of course it would be, but Anri was given some unsure glances as well. If these people were with the Varden, a knight may be an unwelcome sight for them, she realized. They passed wide-eyed and awestruck children as well, many of whom were looking at the large dragon but many of whom were also looking at the shiny knight. She gave them gentle smiles and waved at them as she passed, watching as their eyes widened even further. Some of the adults, upon seeing this, softened their expressions at her. The crowd followed them as they progressed and eventually quieted down, but their awed atmosphere didn't lesson in the slightest. And although she was relieved at the somewhat warm welcome, there was another issue she noticed.

Murtagh was ramrod straight and deathly pale. She gave him a hesitant smile and a hopefully reassuring nod, but it was either unseen or he was too petrified to notice it. She was beginning to get worried.

As they got closer the city came more into focus, the white marble of Tronjheim was highly polished and shaped into flowing contours, as if it had been poured or molden into place. There were countless windows with all kinds of carvings, and each one held a lantern of some color. Directly ahead, two thirty-foot-high gold griffins guarded a massive timber gate resting some twenty yards into the base of Tronjheim—which was shadowed by thick trusses that supported an arched ceiling above their heads. When they reached the base the large doors opened and they entered. The inside was just as ornate as everything else with large blood-red pillars and tapestries beyond count in any direction. Clumps of people gathered on the three stories and the cheering reached a new height. They continued through doorways and hallways of immaculate design and make, so much that it all blurred together until they reached a nexus of sorts. Above them was a large rose, and for a moment Anri thought it was real before she noticed that it was a massive carved gem.

The bald man walked in front of Saphira and said, "You must go on foot from here." They all dismounted and had their horses taken away from them before being ushered through a hallway for a hundred or so feet before they entered through a door stained almost black with age. Everyone but the guards entered the room.

The room itself was a two-storied study of sorts lined with bookshelves and an iron staircase. At the other end of the room was a man standing before a large desk. The man was dark-skinned, and if Anri didn't know better she would think him to be from Catarina, though he lacked the joviality the Onion Knights were known for. His head was bald except for a trimmed beard, and he had strong features with intelligent eyes. He had a powerful frame and besides his red vest and royal purple shirt he exuded dignity and held a commanding air. He reminded her of… of… she couldn't remember anymore…

When he spoke, his voice was strong, confident: "Welcome to Tronjheim, Eragon and Saphira. I am Ajihad. Please, seat yourselves." Eragon and Murtagh did as they were offered, Anri stayed standing, crossing her arms about her chest and standing protectively with Saphira. Ajihad raised his hand and snapped his fingers. A man stepped out from behind the staircase. He was identical to the bald man that had guided them here. She was right, they were twins. The bald twin from before looked like had recovered, but there was still a fear that lingered in his eyes. "Your confusion is understandable; they are twin brothers," said Ajihad with a small smile. "I would tell you their names, but they have none."

Anri watched them neutrally as Saphira hissed. Both of them glared openly at her, but the one was more subdued. Hopefully he learnt his lesson then. Ajihad regarded them for a moment before he sat down and fixed them with an unwavering gaze. After a moment he beckoned one of the twins over and had a silent conversation with him. When the twin shook his head Ajihad frowned, then nodded as if something had been confirmed.

He looked at Murtagh. "You have placed me in a difficult position by refusing to be examined. You have been allowed into Farthen Dûr because the Twins have assured me that they can control you and because of your actions on behalf of Eragon and Arya. I understand that there may be things you wish to keep hidden in your mind, but as long as you do, we cannot trust you."

"You wouldn't trust me anyway," said Murtagh coolly, but Anri noted a slight tremor in his voice.

Ajihad's face darkened as Murtagh spoke, and his eyes flashed with a dangerous light. "Though it's been twenty and three years since it last broke upon my ear… I know that voice." He stood ominously, chest swelling. The Twins looked alarmed as he did so and began whispering to themselves. "It came from another man, one more beast than human. Get up." Murtagh warily complied, his eyes holding a wild light. "Remove your shirt," ordered Ajihad, and with a shrug, Murtagh pulled off his tunic. "Now turn around." As he pivoted to the side, light fell upon the scar on his back. Anri let out an exhale and closed her eyes for a moment.

"Murtagh," breathed Ajihad. A grunt of surprise came from Orik. Without warning, Ajihad turned on the Twins and roared in rage, "Did you know of this?"

The Twins bowed their heads. "We discovered his name in Eragon's mind, but we did not suspect that this boy was the son of one as powerful as Morzan. It never occurred–"

"And you didn't tell me?" demanded Ajihad. He raised a hand, forestalling their explanation. Unconsciously Anri rested a hand on her bottomless box. "We will discuss it later." He faced Murtagh again. "First I must untangle this muddle. Do you still refuse to be probed?"

"Yes," said Murtagh sharply, slipping back into his tunic. "I won't let anyone inside my head," He said with more confidence than before.

Ajihad leaned heavily on his desk. "There will be unpleasant consequences if you don't. Unless the Twins can certify that you aren't a threat, we cannot give you credence, despite, and perhaps because of, the assistance you have given Eragon. Without that verification, the people here, dwarf and human alike, will tear you apart if they learn of your presence." He continued to explain the situation to Murtagh but the boy shook his head. No matter what he wouldn't let anyone inside of his head. He proclaimed as much, stating that his mind was the one sanctuary that hadn't yet been violated… Anri could relate, in a way.

"Do with me what you will," Murtagh said, "but know this; death will take me before I'll expose myself to their probing."

Ajihad nodded, "I'm not surprised by your choice, though I had hoped otherwise… Guards!" The cedar door slammed open as warriors rushed in, weapons ready. Ajihad pointed at Murtagh and commanded, "Take him to a windowless room and bar the door securely. Post six men by the entrance and allow no one inside until I come to see him. Do not speak to him, either."

As they left the room Murtagh caught Eragon and Anri's eyes. She looked furious, but it wasn't at him. She mouthed, "We'll find you later." He nodded dazedly. After he was escorted out Ajihad ordered everybody except for Saphira, Eragon, and herself.

After a long silence, Ajihad sat with a tired sigh. He ran a hand over his face and stared at the ceiling before turning his gaze on her. "You present another difficulty entirely. You were very nearly able to break one of the twins with your memories alone. For a long time he wasn't able to say anything, and when he did come to, he kept repeatedly mumbling; "Ash" and "Fire." Care to explain?"

Anri sighed internally. How would she go about answering this?

We're finally here! The Second Arc is officially beginning and we're finally in Farthen Dûr! I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, even if there wasn't a ton really happening. I especially liked writing the delve into Anri's memories, and I hope you enjoyed that too. Suffice it to say, an unprepared mind would not have a pleasant time seeing the horrors of the Souls Universe. Inheritance Cycle certainly has scale certainly, but it can't compare to Dark Souls, not even close. And don't forget that being Unkindled means that Anri tried to link the fire, so that experience would probably be enough to drive a normal person mad! Unfortunately now she's going to have to explain herself to Ajihad, and that probably won't be very fun for her. I can't wait for it!~

We're also meeting someone special in the next chapter, I'll let you guess who it is, although it might be obvious to some. The next chapter is also where the cannon is going to diverge ever so slightly, and I can't wait for you to see what I have in store. Like I said in the last chapter I'm alternating between my two stories so the next chapter is probably going to be a bit, but hopefully not as long as this one!

Regardless, thank you so much for reading! I'll see you all soon~