Over the course of three years, Gavreel didn’t gain any ground while trying to find out more about Ira. He actually didn’t show any signs of breaking another taboo. When the group of Lycanthropes that Sylun sent arrived, Gavreel assumed it was Ira’s doing until she realized it wasn’t. The group of Lycanthropes spoke of interesting things, one being Ira’s growing family. Seeing a potential vulnerability nearly spurred Gavreel into action, she attempted to use Juliana’s abilities to find out more about Ira’s children.

Unfortunately, Ira wouldn’t allow any clairvoyant enemy to do as they please. The area surrounding the space surrounding the Valkyrie fortress was under his complete control. It meant that anyone that attempted to look would find their view distorted and incomprehensible. If they were truly determined to pry their way in they’d have their senses scrambled by the distorted space. Actually, it would be hard to find the location without being physically present to look at it.

So, since Gavreel couldn’t get to Ira’s children or those within the fortress, she decided to focus on someone else, Sylvia Meldara, the princess of the Dark Elf Empire. The Lycanthropes told her about the way Ira was worshipped as a God which infuriated her though she didn’t show it outwardly. She held the royal family of the Dark Elf Empire responsible for spreading what she saw as blasphemy.

“No mortal can escape a Divine Curse,” Gavreel said to herself.

There were many ways the Gods would punish mortals and curses were just one of them. In times of ancient civilizations, the curses punished cities that decayed into all-out chaos. Though that was during a time when the Gods actively monitored the Mortal Realm.

A typical Divine Curse would strike thousands of people at once, but in this case, there was only one target. The one delivering the curse would be none other than the group Lycanthropes themselves. They were completely unaware that they were all carrying a dormant curse within themselves. It would spread to each person they made contact with and once it reached the intended recipient it would activate. It would drain the vitality of the target slowly while increasing in intensity each day. Since Sylun would definitely go to see the Lycanthropes that meant she would hold the curse and inadvertently deliver it to Sylvia.

Gavreel established a reputation as a healer, Ira or at least someone close to him would be forced to visit her.

…

Meanwhile, in the Underground City. The time had come for the youth of the empire to demonstrate what they learned. It was a huge event that brought every citizen out of their homes. Of course, a special arena was constructed for the event. The Dark Elves took heavy inspiration from the Colosseum of the Free City.

A huge pit was made for the demonstration and observer platforms made from wood and stone were placed around it’s rim. Of course, the most detailed platform was the one where Sylun, Ira, Avery, and the others would be. Even if Ira asked it to be the same as everyone else’s there was no way the Dark Elves would allow it.

Of those attending, the leaders of each newly-founded faction were present. Eloise, the Queen’s Royal Guard, served as the leader of the Lycanthropes. Saren led the Dark Elves. Jydar was appointed as the leader of the Beastkin, a decision that was recommended by Sylvia. It showed that she and Jydar got along very well unlike a certain greatsword wielding Valkyrie and a dragon. Finally, the one who lead the Vampires was a man of humble origin named Gareth.

The four of them gathered together before Sylun and Ira arrived to discuss certain matters. The spirit of competition surged within each of them and the half-dragons were all prospects that couldn’t be ignored. Since the Half-Dragons were still too young to actually for a political power, the Valkyries were temporarily placed in charge of them. That didn’t mean that they couldn’t go to other factions though. The abilities of the Half-Dragons were very versatile and with additional training and the right individual, they could function in any role.

“You may be the Prince Consort, Jydar, but don’t think you’ll be able to recruit who you want as you please,” Eloise said. She, like all Lycanthropes who had their bloodlines awakened, became more aggressive than before. However, Eloise was speaking lightheartedly at the moment.

“Ha, I’ll leave some of the good ones for you,” Jydar replied with a smile.

“Funny, I was just about to say that,” Saren chimed in before looking at Gareth.

As the one appointed to be the leader of the Vampire faction, Gareth had quite a lot of work to do in order to restore trust.

When Ira first arrived at the Underground City a Vampire by the name of Lucien tried to incite a coup but was killed by him before it could happen. As a result, the standing of the Vampires fell. The ones who conspired with Lucien were all killed but the remaining Vampires still feared being attacked. Especially by Harper who was personally sent by Ira to root them out during those days. Just the thought of her crazed ghostly blue eyes made it hard for some to sleep at night. Though it should be said that the current Harper was far tamer since she spent most of her time with her niece and nephews.

“Any thoughts, Gareth?” Saren asked.

The eyes of the group fell on him and he took a few seconds to contemplate before answering.

“I doubt there’ll be many who are suited to be assassins and those who are won’t have traits that fit well with the other branches of the army,” Gareth replied.

“Ah, you’re right. Though there is one person I wish I could recruit,” Eloise sighed.

“Cibylla was her name right? Sylvia told me that Ira took notice of her a while back,” Jydar said.

“I’ve heard that the Valkyries think highly of her but they won’t say much so the girl doesn’t get too prideful,” Saren replied.

“There’s nothing wrong with knowing your own worth but I agree,” Eloise responded.

“Hey, speaking of children…” Saren started. “Is it true that Sylun wanted to create an arranged marriage with one of the Keeper’s sons if she has a daughter, Jydar?”

“I–” Jydar opened his mouth to speak but before he could someone joined the group.

“I don’t think a person in your position should spread rumors so easily, Saren.” Sylvia reprimanded her brother causing him to smile wryly. With a single glance, one could tell that Sylvia was far along in her pregnancy.

“Ah, I would’ve escorted you here if I knew you were coming so early,” Jydar stood up and gently helped Sylvia to a seat.

“Thank you,” Sylvia spoke tenderly. When she sat down she caressed Jydar’s face and the silvery ears atop his head slightly twitched.

“I fear I won’t be able to stomach this much longer, your Highness.” Eloise puffed her cheeks out as if she was going to throw up.

Sylvia shook her head and laughed before turning to the open pit. Various generals, instructors, and warriors were busy setting up and the observation stands were slowly filling. The ones who were allowed to attend at the earliest time were those who tended to the Moon Temple.

The faction leaders shared their thoughts about what was to occur and eventually, the time for the event arrived.

“I have to go, the Keeper will be in a different area.” Sylvia stood up to leave and Jydar moved with her.

“Send my greetings to the Keeper,” Eloise said.

“Mine as well,” Saren added.

Gareth stayed silent, not because he didn’t want to say anything but he was unsure of how it would go over.

“I understand,” Sylvia nodded before moving on.

She navigated the connected platform before arriving at the highest area, a large space decorated expensive sheets of cloth and silk each depicting a symbol. Some showed wolves and others illustrated the red moon. It was obvious who the observation room was reserved for. Jydar reluctantly let go of her hand since he wasn’t invited to enter. Sylvia planted a kiss on his cheek and smile before greeting two Valkyries who guarded the entrance and walking inside.

When she entered, Sylun was already there as well as Ira, Avery, Rhys, Harper, Raveria, Zephyr, and Valeryn.

“Keeper,” Sylvia said. She was about to bow but he gestured for her to stop.

“You really don’t have to do that, especially now,” Ira said while pointing to her abdomen.

“Forgive me,” Sylvia said and almost bowed out of instinct but she managed to restrain herself.

“Forget it.” Ira shrugged. He couldn’t get the Dark Elves and the other races to do away with all the courtesy and piety they showed but he grew used to it.

Sylvia took her seat next to Sylun and looked around only to see Raveria sticking her tongue out at her. The former smiled at Raveria who still showed hints of childishness.

“How are you feeling today?” Sylun asked out of motherly concern.

“I’m fine, Mother,” Sylvia replied.

“Good.” Sylun covered her daughter's hand with both of her palms.

It was a small action that seemed inconsequential but it would have consequences no one could predict. Sylvia felt a very brief sense of dizziness but it went away as fast as it appeared. She furrowed her brows but didn’t feel anything peculiar so she ignored it. A Divine Curse slowly took root within Sylvia and no one realized it.