Silas

The opulent conference room glittered with excess. The walls were covered with silk drapes, and the floor with soft fur carpets. But all the extravagant display was nothing compared to the dress that their mistress wore—a delicately put together ensemble that was equal parts enticing and regal. The woman's confidence was the crowning jewel that held the image together.

"I will be sending my delegations towards your city soon," Lady Lightbringer spoke with poise.

Silas stood behind her, his body stiff like a board. He wasn't particularly fond of being treated this way, but the woman he served held that much power and status to demand absolute decorum. His now deceased predecessor could certainly certify that.

A honey-laced voice replied from the communication crystal, "We shall await your guidance and support."

Their rapid expansion was progressing remarkably well. So far ten cities had agreed to collaborate, while fifteen others had fallen for their misguided defiance. The operation would have been a flawless success if not for one city—Pinespire.

Silas still wasn't sure how they had managed to repel their biggest campaign, but from the little pieces he gathered, they had some hidden trump card stashed away in the mist-covered forest. Quenai Lightbringer, their compassionate leader, had refused to elaborate on what her plan was for the city. The only thing she insisted on was bringing the ice warrior into the fold. Even without the details, it wasn't hard to see that she attributed their plan's failure to that one woman.

The woman seated next to Lady Lightbringer was proof enough of the red-head's status. Karen Smith, a literal nobody, had been lifted off the street and was now his superior. It grated on Silas's nerves that a low-level leech was his immediate boss. But that was the reality of serving Quenai Lightbringer—for all the advantages she provided, the true secrets were shared only with those she deemed worthy.

"This tea is certainly delicious," Karen chirped, her flattery echoing through the silent room.

Lady Lightbringer gave a tight smile but said nothing. Silas had met enough venomous politicians to know her true intent. And so far, the charade had been going remarkably well. The clueless woman had spilled every little snippet of her daughter's life. The fool didn't even know that her second child was languishing in their prison for refusing to surrender his city. Although from her words, Silas doubted she cared much about her son. She hated her own flesh and blood for going against her wishes.

"When is my next appointment?" Lady Lightbringer asked one of her attending maids.

"It is with the Nobility Council, my lady," the timid girl responded, shrinking away from Silas's hungry gaze.

Silas hated the System for a lot of things. The blasted thing allowed ordinary people to rise in power, making it impossible to subdue them easily. It had also snatched away his own little empire from Earth. But the thing he hated most was the restrictions around coercing hapless women into his bed. He had tried it in the first week, leading to a red marker and a three-month long impotency curse—a mild warning apparently. Any successive infractions would increase the curse duration exponentially. His lips curled in irritation. Power meant nothing if he could not take what he wanted.

"Very well," their superior rose elegantly. "What is it about?"

Karen made to rise alongside her, but Lady Lightbringer's raised hand halted her. The polite dismissal masked the sharp disgust flickering in her eyes — a detail only Silas noticed. It gave him immense joy imagining the hag's eventual fall from grace.

"About the addition of a new Earl candidate?" the attendant read from her notes in confusion.

The hidden Alliance leader froze. "Who?" she demanded, her tone chilly.

The maid took a step back in fear. "Some human named Ashryn Fenrast."

The room was pin drop silent, every servant or maid looking at the ground. Even Silas considered running out. That name had been a thorn in their side in recent times. Every move they made against the man fell flat.

"OUT," she shrieked. Everyone started to flee. "Except you."

Silas froze like a deer in headlights—a mere three steps away from the door. He turned around obediently, albeit with dread in his veins.

"As if your failure wasn't enough," Lady Lightbringer said in a low voice. "now I need to contend with a Noble candidate in my own backyard."

"But, my lady—"

"Enough," she raised hand to shut him up. "This entire mission was planned by supreme geniuses of my clan. Once successful, it is designed to guarantee prosperity for generations. And now, because of your screw up, it is all at risk."

Silas wanted to object that it wasn't his fault. That the reason for failure was the deliberate withholding of crucial information. They had not been warned what an Awakened was, nor of the consequences of having a city survive the horde assault. None of these things had been relayed to them, and thus they didn't know how to prepare for it.

But obviously he couldn't voice any of his accurate assessments.

"I am sorry, my lady," he said with a deep bow.

"When apologizing, you do so on your knees," she spat.

Silas swallowed the humiliation and complied. The act was something that had been phased out on Earth. There were no kings or emperors who demanded such displays of servitude. Another reason to hate this new reality.

Silas's eyes were glued to the ground, but he could hear the woman pacing frantically. He felt a small glimmer of satisfaction at that. He of course didn't dare show it on his face.

"No matter," she finally said, straightening her back once more. "It's just a minor inconvenience. Once I have the ice warrior, it will all be for naught." She stepped closer to him. "Don't you dare fail me in that. Or. Else."

Silas felt the cold whisper in his ear, the threat far more visceral than a pack of ogres he had faced a while ago.

"Come," she demanded before marching towards the door. Silas hurriedly followed.

They walked towards the secret room where the City Totem was held. Only she had access to it, and she rarely took anyone with her. This was one such exception.

As the crystal came into view, greed twisted in Silas's gut. One day, he vowed silently, he would claim his own.

Lady Lightbringer straightened her already meticulous dress before putting on her fake smile. Only then did she touch the blood red crystal. Silas followed suit.

They were soon teleported to a large conference room of sorts. If you could call a room big enough to seat more than a thousand people that. It was bigger than the largest meetings he had seen back on Earth during his business fund raisers.

Several factions were already gathered all over the place. Lady Lightbringer's contingent dwarfed every other faction present — larger, louder, and radiating sycophantic devotion. The people under her ran to greet her respectfully.

"Lady Lightbringer, welcome," a man of Asian descent said respectfully. "Please, this way."

More city leaders fawned over her like flies. But the amicable smile never left her face as she strutted forward. Silas of course was ignored like an unknown shadow. Even so, he stood beside her chair without complaint.

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Many other faction leaders eyed her with hostility. They were jealous of the love and respect she commanded but were too afraid of her power. Many had called her out openly, only to mysteriously fall to monster hordes. There were allegations of course, but without proof, it was futile.

This was the fourth meeting that Silas had been a part of. And the gathering was always divided into four large sections. Three behind the Archduke candidates, and one behind Lady Lightbringer. Of the three, two were men, and one was a woman of impressive stature. Even though Lady Lightbringer had the biggest group by size, the other three weren't anything to be trifled with.

"We meet again," Edmund Ravenscar, the largest of the Archduke candidates announced boldly. His thick British accent couldn't hide the disdain that bled through.

"So, it seems," Zuri N'kanza said fiercely.

"Let's get this over with," Liang Wenxuan added crisply, his hand resting on his sheathed saber.

Even though neither of the three addressed Silas's boss, they had all given her a wary look. Her demure calmness unnerved them all.

Only after the peacocking was done did the four leaders finally acknowledge the green haired woman sitting all by herself. And the sight made Silas flinch. He could not forget that face even if he tried.

"Watch out, my lady," Silas diligently warned his superior. "All my subordinates fear her. She has some weird mind reading skill."

"Mind reading skills do not work in this space," Lady Lightbringer dismissed him without turning.

"Thalindra Sylvathorn," the woman said with a curtsy. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lords and Lady." The sharp-eyed woman's gaze fell on the Alliance leader. "And you too miss Lightbringer."

"You will address her as Lady Lightbringer," Silas hollered loudly. "She is—"

His voice died in his throat as a familiar dread seeped into his bones. And all it took was one look from her.

"I believe I already educated your foolish subordinates about the consequences of falsely claiming a leadership title," she replied in a sweet voice. The faint humorless smile never left her face. "She may claim to be a leader or benefactor of the rag-tag group you all are a part of. But the title of Lord and Lady is either earned through the Nobility System, or through mutual respect. Neither of which she has earned yet."

Dead silence filled the gathering. Till date, no one had dared to admonish the defacto leader of their Alliance so brazenly. Silas saw Lady Lightbringer's knuckles turn white from her grip on the chair.

"How dare you," her voice loomed forward. "The consequences of this disrespect—"

"Will be nothing," Sylvathorn interjected. "Or have you forgotten how your horde failed? Did you not receive the coffins we sent back?"

Silas's face went white as he realized what came next. So far no one had dared to oppose them since there was no proof of any wrongdoing. But if this woman spilled the beans, the consequences would be dire.

"Enough with your lies," Lady Lightbringer immediately stepped forward. "I will not have you besmirch my good name. All I have done is try to give our citizens a fair chance by providing them guidance. I have not even laid claim to any city leadership. These people follow me of their own free will."

"Because of what you do for them?" Sylvathorn replied with a smirk. "Or what you buy their loyalty with?"

"Enough," Lady Lightbringer turned to the other three Archdukes. "I know you all don't like me for what I represent—a path for the common citizens to excel without your rule. But I urge you not to allow this conniving woman in your ranks. She will hollow you out from the inside. Her Mayor is a shadow mage, a Class known for deceit and trickery. He is a dangerous man, and must be eliminated at all cost. His illusions and terror will decimate everything we have built."

Lady Lightbringer's charismatic words swayed hearts, as most people looked at Sylvathorn questioningly. Silas felt relief as their counter strategy seemed to be working. But when he looked at the calmness on Sylvathorn's face, his unease deepened.

"Ah, I see," she said with a coy smile. "A banned artifact to project your will on the weak of mind."

Silas froze, as did Lady Lightbringer. This was a secret that none were privy to.

"That is absurd—," his superior began to refute the allegation.

But the next instant, every single person in the room fell to their knees as physical pressure landed on them. Everyone stared with a horrified gazed as the woman's green hair turned incorporeal, as did the rest of her form. In place of a human, there now stood a wraith.

No one could so much as raise a finger as the specter drifted forward. Lady Lightbringer too was rooted in place, watching helplessly as the ghost placed one finger on her chin. With a casual flick the chain around Lady Lightbringer's neck fell off.

Chain of Whispers | Trinket | Legendary | Project your will on others, making them more malleable to suggestion. Effect is greater if the victims trust you. Will not work against those who know its effects. (Warning: This item is banned by the System as it can lead to Corruption.)

As everyone cast Identify to learn of the item's insidious effects, Sylvathorn sauntered back confidently. But no one cared about the power they had just witnessed. A ripple of gasps and sharp breaths rippled out.

All eyes were locked on Silas and his boss. In a panic, both triggered a return from the place—right after Lady Lightbringer grabbed her locket.

Silas collapsed on the floor, shivering uncontrollably. He had never felt that kind of fear before. A primal fear rooted in everything that lived. The fear of death.

He turned to Lady Lightbringer. She too was trembling, her gaze distant. But the reason for her breakdown confused Silas.

"No," she barely whispered. "They can't have two Awakened."

* * *

Aenon

"Well, the cat's out of the bag," Thalindra announced as she joined them.

Aenon and the rest were sitting together in a room—all dressed up for the formal event. Aenon tugged at his collar uncomfortably. The ceremonial dress wasn't his thing—too tight at the collar, too stiff at the shoulders, too… not-him. But the looks he got due to the black and purple attire told him it made him look good.

"What cat?" Jenny asked. She was dressed in a blue and white dress that really brought out the color of her hair and eyes.

"The foolish girl was using a banned artifact during the Nobility Council," Thalindra replied while adjusting her flowy gown—a green and white creation.

It seemed that the attires were selected carefully to match the person's innate element. Velastra was a fiery red, while Boff and Toff had elegant robes with brown undertones. Ignar, true to his fashion, was in minimal leather clothes that exposed his bulging biceps but was formal nonetheless.

Even the wolves were all in attendance, lazing around in a corner. The pups though were busy roughhousing. All except the biggest female pup who was sitting calmly by Jenny's side.

"She couldn't have been that stupid," Borin grunted. The dwarf was busy fitting some kind of custom vest onto Bane and Venge. The Abyssal Wolves didn't object but were definitely displeased with it.

"Apparently she is," Thalindra replied, checking out her make-up in a large mirror as Jenny stepped forward to help. "Guess she wasn't expecting to face an Awakened in the meeting."

"Wait—you released your Aura?" Jenny asked while she adjusted the brocade in Thalindra' hair.

"The opportunity was just too good to give up," Thalindra shrugged.

"Any changes to our plan?" Henry asked. The man was anchored to Aenon's side, ensuring the many maids who were dressing him up did their job perfectly. Mira was delighted at having the opportunity.

"I don't think so. If anything, it will hasten our timeline."

Velastra too joined the ladies, making sure they all looked perfect. Each scruff, each stray strand was scrutinized with utmost care.

"Are you sure I wasn't needed in the meeting?" Aenon grumbled. He would rather attend that than sit here like a doll being dressed by eager women. The scene reminded him of his mother and sister forcing him to sit while they tried different clothes. Aenon had already gone through a dozen variations of the same dress.

Thalindra chuckled. "And let you miss this? Not a chance, Lord Fenrast."

Aenon didn't miss the subtle winks being shared among every female in the room, while the men tactfully looked elsewhere. Even Bane was staring at a dot on the wall with intense focus.

"What were the reactions?" Aenon asked to distract himself from the fifteenth cufflink.

"As expected," Thalindra replied. "Everyone's in an uproar. The cities that had joined are reconsidering their options, while the ones who were about to have backtracked. The three Archdukes—lovely personalities by the way—are busy trying to capitalize from the mayhem. Each one trying to outdo the others."

"No one tried recruiting us?" Boff asked with a frown.

"An unknown woman who made them wet their pants with just her presence?" his brother analyzed succinctly. "I'd like to see the fool who would have dared approach her."

The twins guffawed wholeheartedly, joined in by Borin and Ignar. Aenon was too busy sulking under the many hands that tugged at him from all sides.

No one had any doubts of what Thalindra's Aura must have done to the proud fighters. After Aenon, hers was the most terrifying Aura after all.

"One thing's for sure," Thalindra said with a wink. "The stage is definitely set for your debut, Lord Fenrast."

Aenon didn't honor that with a response, just letting things play out. He knew from experience that any protest would make it worse. Even Thalindra, Velastra, and Jenny joined in after they were done with their stuff.

It took another half an hour—and threat of his Aura—for the maids to back off from Aenon. The only piece of equipment he still wore was his mask as that concealed his race and Class. When he finally stood up, his legs were sore from sitting so long.

Aenon almost made his mask opaque from all the stares he was receiving. He would have jumped into the Shadow Realm if Bane and Venge couldn't follow him there. The wolves too had a starry-eyed look in their eyes.

"When all this is over," Jenny said with glee, "we are definitely going shopping."

Everyone nodded in unison, a genuine affection plastered on their faces. Thankfully, the spotlight was stolen away from Aenon as two others entered the room.

The moment Talia stepped in—tiny hand in Nocthrya's, frilly frock swishing—the room overloaded with pure, weaponized cuteness. Everyone rushed over to the two kids, gushing over them wholeheartedly.

Aenon stayed in the background, quietly enjoying the view. The six-year old's blushing face brought a quite smile to his face.

"Definitely something worth protecting, Lord Fenrast," Thalindra' voice reached him. Her eyes met Aenon's, a quiet understanding being exchanged between them.

The other soul mage too was standing in the backlines, watching what they were fighting for.

The Alliance had tried to snatch away this tranquility from them.

And now, their house of cards had started to tumble down.

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