Erik had already been having trouble sleeping by the time Sylvando woke him up that night, and after saving Rae, he knew sleep wasn't going to come at all. The day had been rough enough, but now? Now it felt like it had twisted into something heavier.

Even after Sylvando and the others drifted off, Erik lay awake, staring at the night sky. His mind wouldn't shut up.

Rae's fixation on the ruins, Halden letting that pompous prince push him around without a fight - it all grated on him. And beneath that, like a wound that wouldn't heal, were the demons he'd been dragging around for years. The memory of Mia. The guilt, the loss. He had started thinking about her again ever since Rae had that vision, and while it might've promised getting her back, right now, all he could think about was how he lost her.

And then Sylvando woke him up.

"Oh, Mister Patronising Erik, wake up, darling."

"Sylvando? What do you want?"

"Well, I thought you'd like to know that your dear Raeyla ran off into the desert. But it's fine, I'll let you sleep."

Before he knew it, he was tearing through the desert, heart pounding in his chest. He knew where she'd gone - the ruins were the only place that made sense. Rae wasn't normally reckless without a reason, but this? This was beyond reckless.

He'd never been more relieved to be right.

But that relief had vanished the second he saw her lying there, unconscious in the sand, with that monster looming over her. The fear that shot through him was cold and absolute, the same kind of fear he hadn't felt since Mia.

He remembered working with Sylvando to defeat the giant dog with wings that had approached her, and then lashing out at Sylvando when he tried to go near Rae. He knew Sylvando just wanted to help, but he wasn't thinking. All he could focus on was Rae - making sure she was safe, and keeping everything else away until her eyes opened.

He wanted to yell at her. Tell her how stupid it was to run off like that. But when he looked at her, saw how fragile she looked in his arms, all he could feel was relief. She was alive. That was all that mattered.

His sleep when they got back was interrupted with nightmares that came in waves after that. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Mia's face, saw Rae lying motionless on the stone floor. It woke him for the final time in the early hours, heart pounding, breath coming hard like he'd been running.

Rubbing a hand down his face, he sat up and glanced toward Rae's bedroll. She was awake too, lying on her back, staring up at the pale, pre-dawn sky. Even in the dim light, he could see the tension in her posture, the stiffness in her shoulders. She wasn't just awake - she was thinking.

He waited a beat, wondering if she'd say something. When she didn't, he climbed to his feet and jerked his head toward the edge of camp. She noticed immediately, turning her head slightly. After a brief pause, she followed him without a word.

They walked until the sounds of their friends sleeping faded behind them. Erik found a cluster of rocks and dropped onto one, watching as Rae settled onto the sand next to him. She pulled her knees to her chest, arms wrapped around them tight, her gaze fixed on the ruins in the distance. She looked smaller somehow, like the weight of whatever she'd seen was too much for even her to carry.

He cleared his throat. "So… you gonna tell me what happened, or are we just gonna sit here in silence till the sun's up?"

She didn't look at him. "You don't want to know."

Erik raised an eyebrow. "Rae, come on."

"You wouldn't understand," she muttered, her voice tight.

"Try me," he said, leaning toward her. "I've seen my fair share of weird, remember?"

For a moment, she didn't answer. Then, with a heavy sigh, she turned her head slightly away from him, her voice barely above a whisper. "That place… the ruins… something awful happened there. And that was before I even had the vision."

The knot in Erik's stomach tightened. "What did you see?"

She hesitated, her eyes glued to the horizon. When she spoke, her voice trembled. "At first, I saw all of us under Yggdrasil again, Sylvando was there too. But then… it changed. I was alone. Yggdrasil was dead - blackened and broken. And there was this castle, this horrible, twisted thing, floating where it used to be." Her voice cracked. "We failed, Erik."

The words hit him like a punch to the gut. If Yggdrasil was gone, wouldn't everything be gone? But as much as that scared him, seeing Rae like this scared him more. She wasn't just shaken - she was unravelling.

"Rae…" he started, but she cut him off.

"Don't tell me I'm wrong," she snapped, her voice raw. "Don't tell me we'll figure it out or that it'll be ok. You didn't see it. You didn't feel it. I was up there, alone, watching everything die." She buried her face against her knees, her shoulders trembling.

Erik stared at her, the words catching in his throat. He'd seen her pissed off, stubborn, even scared. But this? This was something else entirely. And it worried him.

"I'm not gonna tell you you're wrong," he said finally, his voice low and steady. "But just 'cause you saw it doesn't mean it's set in stone. Maybe it's a warning. A way to stop it before it happens."

She lifted her head slightly, her eyes dull with exhaustion. "We don't even know what's happening to me. What if you're wrong? What if it's already too late?"

"Then we fight anyway," he said, his voice firm. "You know me - I'm not the 'roll over and die' type."

Rae let out a shaky breath, her grip tightening around her knees. "But why us? Why me? Can't Halden get these visions? Or the twins? I'm just a thief."

Erik snorted. "Yeah, well, you weren't always."

"We don't know what I was before then." She shot back, but her voice lacked its usual edge.

Erik leaned back, studying her. "You remember what I told you about that day?"

She lifted her head and frowned as she glanced at him. "You said I was wrapped in some glowing root."

"Exactly." He gave her a pointed look. "A glowing root. You think that happens to some common thief?"

She stared at him, and for a moment, he thought maybe she'd argue. But instead, she turned back to the desert, resting her chin on her knees. The silence stretched between them, heavy and uncertain.

"I thought my visions were confusing before, but this?" She questioned, her voice sounding strained and stressed, "what's happening to me?"

He didn't have answers. He never did. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to find them.

"I don't know," he said softly, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "But we'll figure it out."

She sat there, quiet for a long moment, then turned to face him. His hand still resting on her head.

"I said don't say that… but thank you," she murmured.

Erik gave her a crooked smile. "Hey, someone's gotta keep you from getting into trouble."

She let out a small, tired laugh, and he felt a little lighter knowing he'd managed to pull her out of her head for now. He was about to suggest they try to grab a little more sleep when he heard rustling from the other side of the camp. Prince Faris and his soldiers were already stirring, packing up their things.

Closer by, another rustling sound made Erik glance toward Sylvando, who was sitting up and brushing sand off his clothes before stretching and heading toward a small stream behind their camp. The jester caught Erik watching him and shot him a playful smile and wave before turning back to his morning routine. Erik exhaled through his nose and looked away. He knew he'd have to thank him later.

Since sleep was no longer an option, he stood and started gathering up their things, figuring he might as well get the camp packed up. Rae stayed where she was, arms still wrapped around her knees, watching the shifting colors of dawn. He let her be.

As he was stuffing the last of his supplies into his bag, a groggy voice cut through the quiet.

"What time is it?" Halden asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Early," Erik answered, jerking his chin toward the prince's camp before walking over to Halden's bed. "But our fearless leader is up and ready to go."

Halden followed his gaze, groaned, and muttered something under his breath before dragging himself up and dusting sand off his clothes.

"How are we even going to beat this great monster?" he asked after a moment, frowning. "Didn't the prince say it killed dozens of soldiers over the years?"

"Yeah, well, those soldiers didn't have us." Erik smirked, elbowing Halden lightly.

Halden gave him a dubious look, but before he could respond, a cranky groan came from behind them.

"Ugh, must you be so obnoxious this early? Have you any manners? We women need our beauty sleep!" Veronica complained with a groggy tone once she realised that it was Erik's voice she was hearing.

"You turned back into a child-I think you're fine. Besides, Faris is moving out." Erik replied, ignoring the tired look that Halden sent his way for antagonising Veronica once again.

"Oh dear, Prince Faris is already leaving? We'd better hurry then." Serena, already up and gathering her things in a flurry gasped.

Veronica glared daggers at him but, for once, didn't take the bait, and joined her sister in packing up.

While the others packed up, Erik glanced toward Rae. She had already finished gathering her things and was quietly helping Halden stow the cooking equipment. He watched her, his earlier words echoing in his head.

'You think that happens to some common thief?'

Three years ago, he had shoved thoughts about the whole situations aside. But after everything this past week? He couldn't ignore it anymore. Rae wasn't just some random girl who got lucky when they found her. She was important.

He looked at the others – the twins, sworn to protect Halden, and Halden himself, the so-called Luminary. He thought back to the moment he found Rae, frozen and lifeless in that snowfield, cradled by a glowing root.

You don't just stumble across someone like that.

If Yggdrasil had chosen Halden, the twins, and maybe even Sylvando, then maybe the World Tree had chosen Raeyla too. What if those visions were coming from Yggdrasil itself? If that was true… maybe Erik was meant to protect her as the twins did Halden.

He was the one who found her. The one who freed her. Her visions included him – included his sister and showed him beneath the world tree with them.

That wasn't a coincidence. She didn't get lucky that he found her, he was meant to find her. He was meant to help her.

Mind made up, he turned back to packing, quickly gathering the last of their supplies. By the time he slung his bag over his shoulder, the others were ready. Rae had naturally gravitated toward Halden in the middle of the group, the two talking quietly about the upcoming battle.

Erik took the opportunity to catch up to Sylvando.

"Hey… about last night." He hesitated for only a second before continuing. "Thanks."

Sylvando turned, his expression unreadable for a beat, before his usual playful grin spread across his face. "Oh, darling, of course! I couldn't let your dear Raeyla wander off into the desert all along. Who knows what horrors she might have faced! Is she alright now?"

His gaze flicked toward Rae, watching as she nodded along to something Halden was saying. She still looked tired, her features shadowed with worry, but he could tell she was trying.

"She'll be alright," Erik said simply.

Sylvando gave him a knowing look but didn't press the matter.

The continued their walk in silence until they exited the enclave, stepping out into the full glare of the desert sun once more. Erik looked at the area and could see a large cliff looming at the far end of the clearing - a dead end.

Faris and his soldiers stood in the center, some hacking away at stray cactus monsters. Erik squinted at the scene, uneasy. He didn't like how this felt.

He took a step toward Rae and Halden, lowering his voice. "Something's not right."

Halden looked at him sharply, eyes flicking around the clearing at Erik's warning. Rae didn't hesitate - her hand making its way straight to her bow, nocking an arrow just in case.

The twins overheard him, and shifted into position behind the trio. Sylvando followed, moving to stand next to Halden, casually resting a hand on the hilt of his rapier.

Faris, meanwhile, looked completely unbothered.

"The cowardly creature is nowhere to be found!" He declared, laughing triumphantly. "it must have fled in fear! Let us return to the castle and inform my father of our success!"

As he turned to leave, the ground shuddered.

Erik froze. A deep, rumbling vibration crawled up his legs, and his gut twisted.

A low, booming sound echoed beneath the sand before erupting up into the sky.

Sand exploded between them and the prince. Erik staggered back, barely able to see through the blinding storm of dust.

Faris screamed.

Soldiers shouted in alarm.

And then - a violent roar. A deep and terrifying sound that rattled in Erik's chest.

The sand settled, and standing in the cleared space was a monster he could only assume was the Slayer of the Sands.

It was massive, towering over them with a sleek, sandy brown body that blended perfectly with the desert. Four deadly claws hung at its side, just below the scythe-like arms gleaming in the sunlight. The cyan-haired thief stared at the monster with its back facing them, an unsettling eye-like marking staring back at him. It was a false gaze - one meant to trick predators into thinking it was always watching.

Erik shivered at the idea of something that this thing would consider a predator.

As he looked at the eye, he noted that its actual gaze was locked onto the prince, who sat on the ground of the desert, looking up at the Slayer with pure terror in his eyes.

"Oh dear - looks like poor old Faris has been struck down with stage fright. You soldiers - be dears and look after him, will you?" Erik heard Sylvando call out from his left before unsheathing his rapier and preparing for the attack.

Sylvando looked over to Halden and nodded. The Luminary looked back toward Erik and Rae before asking, "Ready?"

"Not like we've got much of a choice," Veronica muttered from behind him.

Rae loosed an arrow, striking one of the Slayers' claw joints. The beast screeched in pain and turned on them. Erik barely caught sight of Faris sprinting away before his focus shifted entirely to the monster.

The Slayer had its name for a reason. It was fast. It lashed out at them with quick, calculated strikes, and occasionally spat sand toward the back to try and blind Rae and the twins.

Sylvando was truly an asset to the fight. The man handled his rapier with practiced ease, falling into step beside Halden as if they'd fought together for years. Erik took full advantage of their efforts, sneaking in well-placed cuts while Rae aimed for weak spots in its armor.

The beast wasn't just fast either – it was cunning. More than once, it tried to catch Halden and Sylvando off guard, flinging sand into their faces before following up with a flurry of attacks. Veronica, to her credit, countered the attack with wind spells, clearing their vision before the Slayer could strike.

Then, it changed tactics.

With a sudden lunge, it rushed the front line and swiped at Veronica. She barely dodged, but in the process, stumbled back, her head hitting a rock with a crack.

"Veronica!" Serena was at her side in an instant, healing magic already gathering around her hands with a verdant green glow.

Erik swore under his breath as Rae moved to cover them, loosing arrows at the beast while also taking out a stray cactus monster making its way toward them.

He gritted his teeth, knowing he couldn't leave Halden and Sylvando to fend for themselves. Relief only came when Veronica groggily got back to her feet and, with a scowl, sent a barrage of ice spells at the Slayer.

The battle wore on and eventually the beast's movements slowed, its strikes becoming sloppier. Now was their chance.

Erik exchanged a look with Halden. They moved simultaneously – Halden striking low at its back legs, causing it to recoil, while Erik dashed forward, slashing at its front limbs before darting away.

Sylvando took the opening, his rapier flashing as he struck the beast's face. It let out a final, deep roar before collapsing.

Silence followed.

It was only then that Erik dropped onto the hot sand, chest heaving. He wanted to celebrate, but exhaustion had other plans. Sylvando, however, seemed unbothered. He strode over to the fallen creature, pulling a chain from the caravan.

"That will teach you to be so grumpy!" he scolded the monster, shaking his head theatrically. "Now, hold nice and still while I tie you up!"

Erik barely held back an eye-roll. Sylvando was something else. His skill with a blade, his endurance – there was more to him than just a traveling performer. But he'd have to puzzle that out later.

Now that the beast had been slain, a comically fast set of footsteps were bounding toward him, making the cyan haired man groan internally.

Faris came sprinting toward the fallen beast, eyes alight with triumph. "The battle is won!" The Slayer of the Sands is bested! All in a day's work for the Prince of Gallopolis!"

Of course.

Faris turned to his soldiers, placing his hands on his hips. "You saw me, men, did you not? You saw the people's Prince defeat the fiend that terrorized them so?"

The captain hesitated, glancing toward the group before stiffly replying, "Y-Yes, Your Highness! Of course, Your Highness!"

Erik exchanged a glance with Serena, both of them sighing in unison. He knew this was the deal, but would it kill him to at least thank them here?

As the soldiers secured the beast onto the caravan, Halden, Veronica, and Serena ended up near Faris, while Erik and Rae hung back slightly. Sylvando leaned casually against the rocks across from the caravan, watching everything unfold with amusement.

"So, what's next?" Halden asked, clearly unwilling to argue over stolen glory.

Faris clapped him on the back. "You have my thanks, friend! My heroic feat would not have been possible without your… valuable contribution."

Halden opened his mouth, looking alarmed, but Faris steamrolled ahead.

"Fear not! I have not forgotten my promise. I shall speak with my father about the Rainbough upon our return. You may rest assured of that."

Erik had a hard time trusting him but said nothing.

As Faris strode toward the caravan, Slyvando called out, "Really, Princey-poo? That's how you're going to play it? And what do you think they'll expect of you next?"

The jester was clearly under Faris' skin, who spun around quickly at his words. "You speak as though I have a choice! Are you suggesting that I disappoint my father and the citizens of Gallopolis!?"

Sylvando sighed and shrugged. "I'm not suggesting anything, darling. You do what you need to do."

Faris huffed, then turned on his heel. Choosing to ignore the group. "To Gallopolis, men! We return as heroes!"

The soldiers, unmoved by the prince's excitement, silently began pulling the caravan forward at his command. Leave their group to follow behind so they could talk.

Erik, not bothering to keep his voice down, complained, "Ugh. Well, this feels all kinds of wrong… You're right, Sylvando – nothing's going to change if he keeps pretending."

Sylvando smirked knowingly. "Oh, I think the poor boy knows that well enough. All he needs is a little push…"

It was then that he caught Rae shooting Sylvando a suspicious look. The jester noticed as well, but merely gave a dramatic clap of his hands. "Anyway! We should be on our way. Oh, Halden!" He practically skipped forward, leaving Erik to glance at Rae.

She frowned slightly. "I think he's got a plan to teach Faris a lesson."

Erik smirked. "Good."

As they walked back to the city, the desert stretched around them, as the sun lit up high in the sky. Erik kept a close eye on Rae, noticing the way her gaze lingered on the ruins as they passed.

He wasn't the only one who noticed.

"Can you use magic, Raeyla?" Veronica asked abruptly.

Rae blinked, turning to the smaller twin. "Huh? No. Why?"

"You've been staring at those ruins for two days." Veronica crossed her arms. "Or do you not even realize you're looking at the remnants of dark magic?"

That caught everyone's attention. Halden and Serena turned to listen, while even Sylvando raised a curious brow.

Rae hesitated, glancing at Erik before looking back at the ruins. "Dark magic? Is that why it feels so… unsettling?"

"Oh, certainly." Serena answered, her voice gentle. "Dark magic can often linger in places where something awful happened."

Sylvando tapped a finger to his chin. "Sounds dreadful! And what happens if you go near it?"

Rae stiffened, cutting the jester a sharp look, but he feigned innocence.

"Long exposure can be dangerous for anyone and can affect your mind." Serena explained. "But it's especially harmful to those sensitive to magic.

Erik's jaw tightened. He glanced at Rae, silently asking if she wanted him to say anything. She subtly shook her head.

Sylvando, on the other hand, had no such restraint.

"Oh, no, honey, that must be why you passed out last night."

The reaction was instant.

"What!?" Veronica snapped. "Are you stupid? Going over there alone?"

"Veronica," Serena scolded. "She didn't know it was dark magic! Are you alright, Raeyla?"

"What happened? When did you go out there?" Halden added, concerned.

Rae shrank under the sudden attention. Erik shot Sylvando a glare, but the jester only looked mildly guilty.

"She's fine," Erik cut in. "Serena – if dark magic can affect her, what does that mean?"

Serena hesitated. "Well… for it to affect her enough to lose consciousness, Raeyla, you must be quite sensitive to magic. It was only for a short time though, so I'm certain that any effects should pass within a day or two."

Halden and Sylvando let out sighs of relief. Rae said nothing, but Erik saw the flicker of something in her eyes.

He didn't know what it meant. But he did know that they were far from done unravelling this mystery. He only hoped he could protect her along the way.

~~ Hello everyone! So sorry this has been late. I'll be honest and say that I've been having a bit of writer's block. I struggled with this chapter as I didn't really know how I wanted it to go. I'm not sure this turned out as well as I wanted to, but it's done! The next chapter is already halfway done and I'm feeling MUCH more confident about this one.~~