Under a sudden cold breeze, Vlad woke up with a jolt. His eyes fluttered open, and his gaze immediately went towards the campfire, which was now just a set of dying embers and ash. He threw some kindling and logs back to reignite it and slowly built up a warm fire again. He then looked at his two new companions, still in their blissful slumber.

"Nothing came, Sigurd?" he asked, and the knight gave him a reassuring smile.

"No, I have honestly never experienced such a silent night before."

Vlad sighed. "Something tells me it's got to do with our company."

He looked up into the sky, and it was barely illuminated by the sun. Still, he stood up and stretched, trying to work up his muscles still aching from the scuffle with Mayla before checking on Hoof. He was sleeping as well, but once Vlad stepped closer, he let out a chortle and offered his nuzzle.

Vlad scratched his neck. "Like I said before, I don't know why you're so loyal to me, but I'm glad you are."

Hoof's response was to shake his head and lean further in to get more scratches, but Vlad retracted his hand. "I can't spoil you too much though, otherwise, you'd grow complacent." He patted him on the head. "We'll leave soon enough."

Since the dragons wouldn't wake up any time soon, Vlad took the liberty to disassemble their camp, so they could move out as soon as they got up. When he was finished packing, he nibbled at a piece of jerky and sat back down next to the campfire.

"Now, we just need to wait until they wake up," Vlad remarked before popping the rest of his snack inside his mouth.

"But do we have the time to spare? I believe our goal is to get to the mountains before Ethelwulf does," Sigurd said, and Vlad nodded.

"That would be preferable," Vlad admitted. "But it's nice to loaf around for a moment, and forget about this world-ending catastrophe. Makes me remember the good old days."

"You yearn to return to your homeland then?"

Vlad blinked before a hum escaped his lips. "Honestly, besides my wife, I don't know what else could be waiting for me there. In fact, if I did return, I'd probably give her a heart attack."

He threw one more log inside the campfire, causing it to spit embers everywhere. "She has all the wealth she needs to live out the rest of her life. She doesn't need to worry about anything else."

Looking down at his hand, now adorned with Sigurd's ring instead of hers, a sudden pang of guilt locked his stomach. He let out a hiss. "Even if it's in solitude."

Sigurd nodded. "Leaving someone you love behind is… difficult, especially when you're fully aware of that fact and need to live with it."

"Speaking from experience then?"

"I have recollections of my life, but they are nothing more than fragments strung together by a loose web. An image of a warrior is still just that, an image."

"So, you're incomplete." Vlad shifted in place, focusing back on his Emblem Ring. "Have you ever thought about remedying that?"

"I don't have the means to do so," Sigurd said while shaking his head. "In the end, I'm still just a tool. Self-aware, yes, but I don't have a say in what my bearer chooses to do. I can only provide council and battle support at most."

"And yet you do both things remarkably well." Vlad let out a snort. "Almost too well sometimes."

Vlad lifted his head to look upon the burning campfire and saw it slowly lose its warmth, but decided not to add more fuel. With the sun rising over the horizon, it wouldn't be long before they had to leave.

There was still some unfinished business to attend to, though.

Vlad inched his way closer to the still sleeping Mayla and shook her roughly. "Hey, wake up."

He was rewarded with a low moan before Mayla slowly opened her groggy eyes. Once she realized where she had taken her abrupt nap, she rose to her feet, and her hand moved to the dagger hidden under her dress.

However, she slowly eased before letting out a sigh. "Don't do that ever again."

Vlad rolled his eyes. "What is up with dragons being extremely jumpy when they wake up? Whatever, me and Alear have to get to a certain place in time. We need to head out."

"Have you forgotten the reason why I came here in the first place?" Mayla inched closer to Vlad, her hand not leaving the dagger's handle. "Alear is coming with me, not you."

"And have you forgotten what kind of position you're in?" Vlad shot back before a lop-sided grin adorned his features. "Besides, didn't you say the words: I'll listen, before hitting the hay?"

"I was tired and wasn't in the right mind," she answered quickly.

"If you say so." Vlad walked past her, not batting an eye to the dagger still flashing its steel. "I was actually going to offer you a ride with us, but if you aren't interested, I understand."

He knelt next to Alear, who was still embracing Veyle tightly, and gave her a gentle shake. "Come on, wake up, Alear. We gotta go."

She let out a groan before massaging her eyes. When she tried to stand up, she almost forgot about Veyle and maneuvered around her to make sure not to wake her up. Once she was on her legs and Veyle still buried inside the blanket, she scratched at her disheveled hair. "Is it… morning already?"

Vlad nodded. "Yes, unfortunately." He offered her a comb with a small smile. "But at least fix your hair before we move out. You look horrible."

Alear's disinterested face and half-opened eyes made it clear to Vlad. He was nagging. She took the comb anyway and started working on her hair. All the while Mayla gazed at them with a bewildered look.

Then, Vlad walked past her, and she readied her dagger once more, but again, nothing happened. He bent down to pick up the blanket she had her foot on before rolling it up and storing it inside one of the bags hanging from Hoof.

He treated her like she wasn't there. It annoyed her, but compared to how confused she felt, it didn't matter.

"What are you doing?" she suddenly asked. Once Vlad strapped the bag, he turned to her.

"Nothing, really. I'm just waiting for your answer."

"What kind of answer?"

One of Vlad's eyebrows shot up. "Just yes, or no? It's really not that complicated."

"I thought you said I wasn't interested," she shot back.

"If you aren't, then what is stopping you from leaving?"

"Do I have to spell it out to you?"

Vlad couldn't help but groan. "No, of course you don't. Look, I've got things to do, so either start packing yourself or you can stay here with your daughter." He turned to face Mayla and crossed his arms. "So, what is your answer?"

She hissed under her breath, clutching the handle of her dagger tightly like a lifeline. Slitting Vlad's throat to silence him and take Alear with her was a choice she desperately wanted to have, but the man in front of her didn't allow her.

Her indecisiveness took so long that Alear eventually joined them, and Mayla's eyes immediately darted towards her. She wanted to speak up, but her words died in her mouth once she saw Alear refusing to see eye to eye.

Vlad took a deep breath before patting Alear on the shoulder and leaving. "I guess you need some alone time. I'll go check on Veyle."

Mayla jolted in place. She gritted her teeth and pulled out her dagger to attack Vlad, but Alear grabbed her hand and stopped her altogether.

Mayla's eyes shot wide open. "What are you—!?"

"He won't hurt her," Alear interrupted her quietly, as if afraid to speak up. "You can trust him."

She wouldn't have it. Her head snapped towards Vlad, only to see something she couldn't dare believe. Vayle was already up, hugging the blanket with a curious expression on her face while Vlad was sitting next to her.

Mayla couldn't hear what they were talking about, but Veyle was actively opening her mouth to speak. Eventually, her gaze landed on Mayla and Alear, but Vlad gently stepped between her and them, as if saying they had their privacy.

The grip on Mayla's dagger eventually loosened, and it fell to the ground with a dull thud. All she could do was stare at them in disbelief.

"Why?" was all she could say.

"I don't understand him either," Alear remarked. "He was like this when I first met him as well."

Mayla turned to her. "So why do you follow him?"

"I…" Alear paused before grabbing her elbow. "It's not like I want to, but Mother assigned him to me."

"...Mother? You don't mean the Divine Dragon, do you?"

The silence that followed that question made Mayla shoot forward and grab Alear with both of her hands. "What happened, my dear!? I lost you after that horrid occasion in the mountains and now I find you here with a mere human under that witch's supervision!?"

"Mother is not a witch!" Alear shouted back at her before jolting in place from how loud she was. She turned around and saw Vlad and Veyle staring at her before hissing under her breath.

She jerked away from Mayla's grip before aiming deeper into the forest. "Not here."

Mayla, stunned by the sudden outburst, reluctantly followed her, leaving Vlad and Veyle alone in the camp. He switched his attention back to Veyle, only to see her tears welling up.

"Why was sister angry?" she asked, trying to wipe away her tears.

"Reunions don't usually go as you'd expect," Vlad said before offering Veyle a napkin. "I can't count how many times I've reunited with old friends, only to find out how much they've changed."

Veyle took the napkin, but instead of drying her tears, her grip on the napkin tightened. "But aren't we supposed to be family?"

Vlad turned his head away, glancing at the dying campfire. "Even family fights with each other from time to time. Clashing perspectives can create friction, and while that can help to deepen trust, other times…" his hand balled up into a fist. "That relationship can break."

"So then—!"

"But I don't think you have to worry about that," Vlad interrupted Veyle before patting her head. "Alear took the necessary first step to ensure that doesn't happen. I will admit, it makes me proud of her."

Bewildered, Veyle looked up and saw Vlad with a hint of a smile adorning his features. She sniffed before finally taking the napkin and blowing her runny nose into it.

A chuckle escaped Vlad's lips. "Feeling better?"

"Yeah," Veyle said with a nod. "Thank you, mister."

"You don't have to thank me, so how about we play a little game instead?"

Her eyes suddenly lit up, before eagerly nodding. "What game?"

"Have you heard of the game called Twenty Questions?" Vlad said before leaning his head against his palm. "It's simple. Someone asks one question and the other will try their best to answer it, then the one who answered asks instead. What do you say?"

"Okay! Can I go first!?"

Of all the things Vlad could have done, he didn't expect himself to snort. "Sure, go ahead."

Veyle opened her mouth to speak but didn't utter a word. She clapped it shut before touching her chin and mumbling a few words. Then, as if a lightbulb lit up in her head, she pointed at Vlad with a determined look. "Are you a dragon?"

Vlad choked on his breath before falling into a coughing fit. Once he took a deep breath, he shook his head. "I don't know what gave you the idea, but I'm not. Hopefully, you won't think less of me."

"You… aren't?" Veyle exclaimed while tilting her head to the side. "Then why do I—?"

"Hold on, it's my turn now. Let's stick to the rules a little, alright?" He tapped one of the golden chains dangling out of Veyle's feet. "Aren't they uncomfortable?"

While the pout she gave after Vlad interrupted her was momentary, Veyle's eyes glanced down before she hugged her legs after he uttered his question. "They aren't, but Mom said I have to wear them. She didn't explain why, so I just got used to them."

Vlad frowned, wrinkling his face, but he eventually decided not to pry further and silently prompted Veyle to ask with a hand motion.

"Alright, what is it then?" she asked. Although she wasn't specific, Vlad still knew what she was talking about. Digging into his pocket, he grabbed the red stone the size of his fist. It pulsed with eerie light as if it was mimicking a heartbeat. It was warm to the touch, but despite its sturdiness, Vlad couldn't help but think how fragile it felt in his hand.

"This is what you probably sensed," he said while allowing Veyle to look closer. "While I don't know why your mother had this in her possession, it is quite an important item. It's probably pointless to ask, but you probably already know whose this is, don't you?"

A solemn nod was Veyle's answer. "But then why do you have it right now?"

"As a precaution more than anything," Vlad explained. "Although I will probably return it sooner or later. I don't find it comfortable to have something like this on me. I would be lying if I said it didn't give me the creeps."

He put the stone back into his pocket. "Anyway, let's start asking different types of questions. Ideally those that won't sour the mood like this. So… what's your favourite food?"

Her expression brightened up and a smile spread across her features. "I really like spicy…"

While the daughter of a dragon and the foster parent of another started their more juvenile conversation, Alear and Mayla had gone far enough from the camp to have their moment of privacy. Yet neither of them dared to start.

The silence between them was heavy and thick, the ice between them difficult to break, especially for Mayla. She remembered Alear as just a small child among many, there was nothing special about her when they met for the first time.

"Do you…" Mayla began, making Alear flinch. She had her back turned, but at least spared a glance in Mayla's way. "Do you remember the first time we met each other?"

Alear's expression was pensive, and her lips puckered. "How could I forget? You were good friends with my original mother. The first moment doesn't matter when it feels like you never left her side."

Mayla nodded while a sad smile spread across her lips. "That I didn't. Honestly, she was able to bring that ray of joy into our sad existence. I envied her in so many ways," she clicked her tongue. "Except for her naivety."

A frown spread across Alear's features, fully turning to face Mayla. "What's the point of this reminiscing? She isn't with us anymore. She met the same fate as my brothers and sisters."

"How can you talk so coldly about her?" Mayla stepped forward, leaving only a few inches between her and Alear before scowling. "She treasured you so much that she asked me to protect you as her dying wish. Do you know what I had to do to make sure you weren't killed off? How submissive I had to become so that I could appease Sombron's whims!?"

Her ever-increasing anger was reflected in her eyes, as well as tears trickling down her cheeks. "And now this is how I find you!? Do you know how betrayed I felt after all I did for you!?"

Tears started to well up in Alear's eyes as well while she hissed through her teeth. "Then where were you when I needed you the most!?"

Mayla's rage was swept away in an instant as if she was slapped in the face. "I… I know I wasn't there to help you, but please, Alear, believe—"

A pained scoff escaped Alear's lips, interrupting Mayla. "You're talking about feeling betrayed? Do you know how much I felt betrayed that you weren't the first person who came to my aid!?"

The dam fully broke. She wanted to shout louder, but a lump in her throat choked her. It hurt, because Mayla was like a mother to her too, and yet the emotions bottled up inside her couldn't care less. No matter what, Alear would say her piece for her own sake. "Mother was the one that saved me that day, and that's a fact you can't deny."

A sob escaped her lips. "Despite the fact I'm a Fell Dragon, she helped me. Cared for me, even though I didn't ask her to." She balled up her hand in a fist. "I don't understand why she did it or what she saw in me, but she gave me a chance, and I—"

"Then how am I any different?" Mayla suddenly interrupted her while she was on the brink of tears herself. "I've also given you a chance multiple times. I can't count just how many strings I had to pull so you'd survive. So why… why that single time I wasn't there for you makes everything I've done feel pointless?"

It was as if a stake was nailed into Alear's heart. It hurt so much that any other physical wound paled in comparison. Was she too harsh with her words? Was she too blind to the devotion Mayla gave her at her own expense?

No, she knew that well enough, but to be under someone's constant protection would never free her from her sorry excuse of an existence. She had to take matters into her own hands.

She would never be free otherwise. She would never feel free.

Alear rubbed her tears away before giving Mayla a determined look. "No, I wouldn't be here otherwise if it wasn't for you. But I can't go on like this, Mayla. I don't want to suffer like this anymore."

"What?" Mayla exclaimed. She wasn't denying that Alear was suffering, she would be a hypocrite otherwise, but what caught her off-guard was the way Alear said it. Did she hear a hint of… jealousy?

Mayla shook her head. It would be pointless to try and persuade Alear to come with her. While it pained her to admit it, she wasn't in a position to demand anything from her. In fact, she should have felt glad Alear finally found the courage to speak her mind like this.

Yet she couldn't find herself to feel proud, because she wasn't the one that allowed Alear to change. She probably never would have if she'd stayed by her side.

Alear's eyes were puffy from all the crying and she took a deep breath through her nose. "I… hope you can understand, Mayla."

Mayla hummed. "Then can you at least tell me what exactly happened in those mountains? All I saw was a horrible explosion that left nothing behind."

"That…" Alear paused before looking away. "I don't remember much, but that was probably Mother's doing—to fake my death."

Mayla blinked, but after what felt like centuries, she was able to let out a chuckle. "I guess some things don't change. You're a terrible liar."

Suddenly, all the tension disappeared, and it caused Alear's cheeks to flush. "What are you planning to do now?"

Mayla smiled at how poorly Alear tried to change the conversation. Instead of prying, she looked up at the sky. "I don't know. I wasn't expecting you to turn me down like this, so I'm at a loss. Maybe—"

"I told you not to worry about them." Vlad's voice suddenly reached both dragons' ears and they tilted their heads in its direction, only to gawk as they saw him carrying Veyle in his arms.

"But they were shouting at each other," Veyle said worriedly, tightly hugging Vlad back. "I'm worried they're fighting."

"That usually comes around when you have…" Vlad paused when his eyes landed on the two Fell Dragons. His mouth hung in place before clapping it shut. "An argument."

"Hmm?" Veyle curiously peeked out of Vlad's chest and her eyes lit up. "Mom! Big sister!"

She jumped out of Vlad's grip and rushed towards Mayla before embracing her mother. Mayla was still too stunned to speak but she eventually patted Veyle on the head affectionately before glaring at Vlad. "How much did you hear?"

"Very little," he stated while shaking his head. "Although if I had to guess, you two have already finished?"

Mayla switched her attention back to Alear, who wordlessly gave her a slight nod. She sighed. "Yes, we've talked things out."

Vlad raised an eyebrow. "In a good or bad way?"

"That's not for you to know," she said before turning around, facing Alear and Vlad with her back. "We're leaving."

It's probably going to be better this way, she reluctantly thought while taking a deep breath. I'm sorry, Alear.

When she took the first step, however, she felt a sudden tug at her dress. She looked down and saw Veyle standing still with her head down and sagged shoulders, grasping at her dress.

She knelt to her level, her hand caressing her cheek. "What's wrong, dear?"

Veyle's lips puckered and her chin scrunched up. "Do we have to? Do we really need to leave?"

Mayla's breath hitched. "Dear, we don't have a choice."

"But why?" she asked. "We just found big sister and now we're going to just leave? Why can't we stay with her?"

Mayla's hand tensed up. What was she supposed to say? That it was her negligence that wedged her and Alear apart? No, that wasn't something a child like her should hear. That said, she didn't want to lie to her daughter either.

She clicked her tongue, unable to find the words to answer Veyle.

"You know my offer still stands, right?" Vlad interjected with a sincere tone before a small smile graced his lips. "Besides, some company for the ride ahead would be appreciated."

Mayla jolted in place before facing Vlad with wide eyes. "You're still at it? I threatened you—even tried to kill you." Her face slowly formed a deep scowl. "If your only goal is to mock me, then you'd better stop."

"I'm not," Vlad stated. "And I don't think this bud is ready to be nipped. In fact, it might be the opposite." He let out a loud whistle, and Hoof came rushing towards them before neatly stopping next to Vlad, eagerly expecting his next order. "You're looking for a place to hide, right? If Lumera was kind enough to save a fledgling like Alear, then a fleeing mother and daughter shouldn't be a stretch either. Besides, the Somniel can be quite the lonely place."

Mayla was torn. There had never been a time when there was an alternative to hiding. It came second nature to her. It was either the pitchforks and slurs sent their way, or Sombron's Corrupted chasing them down, but they always prevailed, finding that temporary haven.

But is that witch the next haven? she thought before looking down at Veyle, still buried in her dress. She peeked, and her watery eyes and scrunched face made guilt crawl into Mayla's consciousness. Eventually, she took a deep breath before letting out a long sigh.

"Can I trust him?" Mayla eventually asked Alear, and was answered by a nod.

"He saved my life."

"Twice, might I add," Vlad butted in, earning Alear's glare before clapping his hands together. "Then it's settled. You have a way of transport?"

Mayla nodded and stretched out her hand. A surge of dark energy blew away dirt, pebbles and the campfire before a black liquid poured from the tips of her fingers. They fell to the ground with a wet splash, forming a blob that slowly took shape into a black horse with dark plates glued to its body with sinew.

Its beady red eyes fluttered open, and it let out a demonic chortle, patiently awaiting its passengers.

Vlad blinked before turning his head away. "I'm just going to pretend I didn't see that."

Mayla smirked. "What? Are you scared?"

"No, but it's extremely unsettling," Vlad answered while helping Alear to mount Hoof. "Is it usually this easy to summon… well, anything?"

"It depends on what you want to summon," she explained. "A few soldiers is relatively fine, but an army…"

"Let me guess. Sombron can do it with just a flick of the wrist?"

Mayla's lips pursed before she carefully nodded, making Vlad click his tongue.

Bloody hell, just how complicated will it be to get to Lythos? the grip on Hoof's reins tightened. "Then we're going to need all the help we can get."

AN: Yes, yes, long time no see. Did I get my ass kicked in Elden Ring? Yes. Will I play it again? Probably not.

This chapter here is nothing more than to make sure you (and me) haven't forgotten about this piece of work. Whether the next chapter will be done in two weeks or not is something I cannot guarantee right now. My workplace is hell right now.

Anyway, I'd like to thank Cavik for proofreading and cleaning up this mess of a chapter.

Thank you for reading today's chapter.

God's speed.