“ 'Stolen'? You're implying a level of intent and control I didn't have,” Saelina argued, calmly.

The white-haired woman raised an eyebrow and for a moment she reminded Saelina of someone, though she could not quite place it.

“You're saying you wouldn't have taken the essence if you knew of its power?”

Saelina shook her head.

“I'm saying nothing of the sort. I'm saying my choice on the matter is irrelevant because it was never given. Just like my choice to come to Islasa or stand in front of a group of strangers who call me a thief.”

The lady inclined her head, slightly.

“I see. Then allow me to elucidate: we are the Council of Houses, representing the five ruling clans of Islasa.”

She motioned towards the far left end of the table.

“The House of Night.”

Three Nyxis stood up and bowed their heads. She moved her hand towards the right end.

“The House of Gold.”

Another three people, another three head bows, this continued with the House of Phantoms to the right, and the House of the Blade, to the left, and finally ended with the House of Shadows, during which she gestured to herself and two others who stood and bowed with her.

“I am High Councilor Niranne Sethaernan, Mastre of the House of Shadows. We're the authority on all matters pertaining to Islasa and her prosperity, among which we count the essence, carried within you. Perhaps you would be so kind as to present your own introduction, now?”

Saelina swallowed, nervously, highly aware of how weary her body was getting.

“My name's Saelina. I hail from Mahlein, where I encountered Tahlisa Sorram while she was injured; I believe she fed me the essence, witho-”

Before she could finish, a voice boomed through the chamber.

“Why are we wasting time on pleasantries? The falosines are at our door and we need action!”

It was someone from the House of Gold, as far as she could tell; he scowled at her and her two companions.

“Has there been an incident, here as well?” Lyari asked.

“They've hired highway men to target our trade caravans.”

“If they've breached the defenses at the mountain pass, we need to send out teams to put new traps in place,” Ezeas noted.

“They don't need to breach the defenses because they're already here.”

“Are you suggesting treason?”

The man paused for a moment before answering Ezeas.

“It's a possibility.”

“That would explain the pirates,” Lyari added.

“Pirates?”

A woman, next to the man who originally spoke, stood and gave Ezeas a look of curiosity. He nodded.

“We were attacked on the voyage here. It was clear they didn't care about looting us and they knew exactly who we were.”

“Then there's a leak in our ranks,” the lady concluded, in a flat voice.

Ezeas turned towards the high councilor in alarm.

“We have to-”

“I would hope that my own flesh and blood would be wiser than to discuss military strategy in the presence of a complete outsider. And in Lissónese, to boot.”

The high councilor's voice was low but icy and both of Saelina's escorts had the good sense to look down in shame.

“Our apologies, high councilor,” they both mumbled.

“Councilor Alloine, Councilor Maros, if your emotions are too unsettled to keep in check, may I suggest that you excuse yourselves from the remainder of the meeting?”

The pair who had interrupted sat down without saying anything more. The councilor turned her gaze to the trio.

“Would you care to explain why your second feels entitled to be present in this room?”

Ezeas cleared his throat.

“Lyari Nessaia was the one to track down the sorceress.”

The attention shifted to Lyari, who stood with her head held high.

“Is that so? And are you to thank for her injury?”

The sharp gaze refused to let go of Lyari, who suddenly looked like a girl being scolded and shifted uneasily, as if she were uncomfortable in her own skin.

“She rejected any attempt I made at talking, peacefully, and fled. I couldn't risk her getting away.”

“My second has admitted to her mistake and I have reprimanded her, thoroughly,” Ezeas added.

The high councilor was not convinced and narrowed her eyes at the woman.

“Again and again, I've seen my son and grandson excuse or turn a blind eye to your complete lack of competency but I am in no humor to suffer your fumbling attempts at justification. You're dismissed. Hopefully, one of your superiors will take proper action.”

She looked from Ezeas to Lyari while talking, quietly, yet forcefully enough for them all to hear, then turned her head to signal the end of the discussion. The female Nyx shot Saelina a nasty glare before slinking out of the room and the human found herself wondering what mental gymnastics was going to make this all her fault, in the end.

A vengeful viper. One who will see you destroyed if you are not wary.

She was relieved to hear the familiar voice, again, though it still sounded tired.

“Miss Saelina, perhaps it would be prudent to discuss why we've been so adamant about acquiring you and the treasure you carry.”

She sat down and gestured for another to continue. It was a young looking man from the House of Night. His expression was gentle and the long charcoal hair was tied up in a tall ponytail.

“The truth of the matter is that we're on the brink of war.”

His voice was pleasant and he was obviously used to speak at length. Ezeas sighed behind her, apparently lamenting the notion of a long-winded explanation.

“Falos, to the north, are amassing forces to attack us. While we're physically superior to humans in terms of strength, speed and constitution, the unfortunate reality is that they outnumber us by quite a lot. Even were we to win, a drawn out war would take a heavy toll upon our people.”

He met Saelina's gaze and while his countenance was friendly, it was also near unreadable, beyond that.

“We've been searching for any and all advantages we could get, mostly from ancient artifacts, that were once possessed by our people. The most well-known edge we have ever had was the essence of a dragon. It's something extremely rare and extraordinarily precious.”

He sighed, dramatically.

“We originally wanted to achieve a pure one and bestow it upon one of our own. But, as you're well aware, that plan has failed. So, we must now find a way to convince the current carrier to help us with our cause.”

Saelina sucked air in through her teeth. She glanced at Ezeas who observed her calmly, if intensely.

“You want me to fight a war for you?”

The speaker looked at her, earnestly, but it did nothing to lighten the weight which had settled in her stomach at the realization.

“We can't force you to help us and we don't expect you to do so, without gaining anything in return. However, with our help, you can unlock the full potential of being bonded to a dragon.”

The whole thing was so absurd that for a long time she could not properly process what was being asked of her.

“This is an attempt to trick me, isn't it? You're planning to torture me or kill me or something worse and you're just playing with my mind.”

The whole room started murmuring but it was the high councilor who answered.

“You need not make a decision, right this moment. Until you do, we will provide you with a place to stay and I think some preliminary training will be in order.”

A shiver of relief went through Saelina and she relaxed a little.

I hope I don't have to inform you to be careful with trusting anyone in this room. Do not expect me to save you from every bad decision you make.

The nyx who had first asked for her help requested to talk again and was given leave to do so.

“Could you tell us if you've heard the dragon's voice, yet?”

She nodded.

“What have they been saying?”

I am not an amusement to be brought forth at the behest of creatures so decidedly below me.

She shrugged.

“Mostly, he's been insulting everyone. Would you care to hear the particulars?”

I would rather you burn the place down and stop the incessant chatter.

“Don't do that,” she answered, aloud.

“It won't stop the talking and this beautiful building would be nothing but molten rock.”

She heard a snicker behind her from Ezeas but kept her face straight. The councilor blanched, slightly.

The high councilor seemed to catch on to her declining patience and waved for the other man to quiet down.

“We don't need to gather all this information, right this moment.”

She leveled a firm gaze at Saelina.

“I have taken it upon myself to arrange for you to stay with a prominent family in the House of Shadow's district. My son and his wife has agreed to host you for the time being.”

She gestured for the man who had met them at the docks to step forward.

“Liansu, would you be so kind as to escort Miss Saelina to her new lodgings. I will ensure that someone competent will be at the mansion, tomorrow, to start your training.”

The steward came and gestured for Saelina to follow and she glanced uncertainly at Ezeas; while she was not on good terms with him, he was the only one she somewhat knew. He gave her an almost imperceptible nod, but did not follow them, as they exited.

Ezeas could hear the sounds from the wooden dummy, which had no doubt been whittled down to a stick by the constant onslaught of aggressive cuts. He was only halfway down the hall to the training room but the clashes and grunts were so intense, he was glad that no one else had stuck around, this late. It was a safe bet that someone would have been sent to the infirmary, if they dared disturb the lone nyx in her endeavor.

Opening the door, he only barely caught a glimpse of something flashing and managed to slam his guarded wrist against the blade, knocking it out of the air. Lyari glared at him, breathing heavily; she was sweating and her short, smooth hair was frazzled. Even so, she still looked indomitable and magnificent. He remembered what had attracted him to this fierce woman, nearly a century ago. Even if those feelings had died down, he was still filled with admiration for her.

“Here to make me feel better?”

He shrugged, knowing the mocking tone in her voice was not as much directed at him as at the overall situation. His non-committal seemed to encourage her bad mood and she threw a dagger at the dummy; wood splinters flew off the effigy as the blade sank in with a heavy thud. Her breathing got more rapid and she spun on Ezeas.

“Where the fuck does Niranne get off, criticizing me? That bitch had no idea what I had to deal with! If I hadn't shot that stupid witch, we'd have had to spend months tracking her down, again.”

“We both know you had other options. Your temper made you reckless, as it has for years.”

It was risky arguing with Lyari when she was in one of her moods but he was one of the few people who could make her see reason.

She slumped down on a nearby bench and Ezeas sat down next to her.

“I'm so sick and tired of dealing with humans. They're rash, weak and arrogant beyond their abilities. Their sense of entitlement is born from nothing, yet eclipses the faes' who at least have the power to back it up. If that bitch sorceress would have just given up the essence...”

“Lyari, there's no guarantee that things wouldn't have ended up the exact same,” Ezeas told her, evenly.

She scoffed.

“I don't trust the beggar woman.”

He chuckled.

“You don't trust anyone.”

She tried hard not to smile but soon lost the battle.

“Humans least of all. But I trust you. And I hope you still trust me?”

He nodded.

“Then hear me, now. Please stop accepting missions that take place among humans. You've always been fair, to a fault. But with those people, you have to be careful.”

“Lyari, I hardly think I need fear them.”

She shook her head.

“Humans are far easier to sway from their convictions. When offered enough money or power, they'll betray their most deeply held beliefs, the very core of their being. As duplicitous as we can be, we are at least confident in who we are.”

She drew a big breath.

“I know the high councilor thinks I screwed up, but I don't regret what happened in Lissón. In fact, I don't regret anything I've done, since Miralise.”

Ezeas accepted the sudden switch in topics, though the new subject was not one he enjoyed discussing.

“My history with her is what it is. I don't agree with your methods but I know you get results. I know you care. That you'll always have my back.”

“Yet, when I think about Laelith still-”

“My cousin's business is not yours, nor mine, Lyari. I will not comment on what she does, especially to you.”

She looked at little taken aback at the blunt refusal but quickly recovered.

“Of course. I'm sorry.”

A tense silence stretched out between them.

“Well, we all got paid. Do you want to come drinking with the squad?”

She winked at him but he was hesitant to answer.

“I have to be somewhere, tomorrow.”

She raised her eyebrows at him.

“What aren't you telling me?”

He met her eyes, calmly.

“It seems my job isn't quite finished, yet.”

She looked momentarily confused, then her eyes widened.

“No. You can't be serious.”

“The human will need training and the high councilor has appointed me to take on the task.”

She stood and started pacing the length of the room.

“Why you? You two can't stand each other, surely someone, anyone else would be better suited?”

“She trusts me to remain impartial. Having the human here is dangerous in more ways than one; my grandmother knows I remain loyal to Islasa and I'll be honest if I believe the human can eventually be trusted.”

He could hear her teeth grinding but she seemed unable to think of a counter argument.

“Will this mean we'll be benched until this human's gone?”

He shook his head.

“I won't be your lead, but you'll still receive missions. As your commander, Kunos will be deciding who calls the shots.”

He rose and went to stand in front of her.

“I trust you to let the team know.”

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze locked with his. Then, she quickly closed the distance between them, grabbed his head and brought his lips to hers. Ezeas stiffened but did not stop the kiss. When she let go, she looked up at him, pleading. He sighed.

“Lyari, you know I don't-”

“I'm not asking for your love, Ezeas. I just want one night.”

She kissed him, again, and he responded, after a moment's hesitation. Her lips were soft and warm and familiar. The fervor in her embrace ignited something within him, from long ago, a residual longing.

When they parted, again, he shook his head.

“This isn't a good idea.”

She put her hands on his chest.

“I know you've been holding back. Neither of us have moved on, yet, but that doesn't mean we can't be there for each other. Don't you think we deserve as much, Ezeas?”

She ran her hands up to his shoulders and down his arms, prompting him to hold her; he felt himself waver.

“This won't end well...for either of us.”

She smiled.

“But the ride will be well worth the heartache.”

When her mouth found his for a third time he no longer resisted. He quickly deepened the kiss, abandoning his last inhibitions, as his tongue found hers. Their embrace tightened and Ezeas moved one hand into her hair, gripping tightly. Lyari moaned, softly, and for a moment, it was as if no time had passed; they were back to the early days of training, sparring for hours only to fall into each other's arms by the end.

She started undoing the fastenings on his leather doublet and he similarly worked at loosening her garments. The heat between them was rising, as the first layer fell to the floor; Ezeas let his hands wander under her shirt, seeking comfort in the familiarity of a body he had felt many times before. He graced her breast, over the bindings, circling her nipple with his fingertips and she gasped and sighed before hungrily seeking his mouth.

He started massaging her breast, continuing the kiss and with the other hand he was untying the strings on her pants; he felt her tugging on his belt, her hands eagerly undoing the buttons underneath. When she had opened them, her fingers sought out his manhood, stroking it, affectionately.

He broke off the kiss, groaning in pleasure. He rested his head on her shoulder as she kept caressing him; his hands managed to open her pants and she effortlessly let them slide down her muscular legs. Freed from their restraints, she pounced on him, wrapping her legs around his waist.

He guided himself inside her and she moaned, loudly. She started swaying her hips, clinging to him, tightly. He found her nipple, with his mouth, and sucked, through the layers of fabric, causing her to sigh and arch her back. His arms kept her from leaning too far and she used the position to grind her pelvis against him.

The exertion of holding her in place, while being pushed deeper inside made him grunt; the pressure started building as they stayed like that. When Lyari came back up, she put her mouth to his, sliding her tongue into his mouth, her moaning getting louder. He carried her to the door, and pushed her up against it, as his movements became quicker.

He started nuzzling her neck, breathing in her scent as the tempo increased, even further. His shirt was sticking to his skin and she dug her fingers into his back, crying out a little with every thrust of his. The heat inside and pressure to release was reaching new heights, and yet he kept it in check, determined to let his partner finish.

Her hips moved in harmony with his, every push sending them both soaring. He felt her tightening around him and shoved harder, as she cried out in ecstasy, and he released himself, groaning and pressing his entire body against hers. She shuddered as her voice faded to a contended moan and she sighed deeply. She put her lips against his ear, sending shivers through his body in the afterglow.

“I'm always here, Ezeas. Whenever you need me,” she said, quietly.

Saelina stepped out of the carriage and stared up at the mansion. Even before her fall from grace, she had never lived in something so...breathtaking. It seemed to be modeled partially after the Council building, with the columns in front and the steps leading up to a double door entrance, though much more modest in size.

She squared her shoulders, hoping this was the last trek before she could finally sink into a bed and sleep. Also, she was certain whomever was waiting inside, had a pointed comment ready for her, for invading their space. Her escort, Liansu, gestured for her to follow and she did so, though reluctantly.

The outer walls were covered in glowing blue vines, coaxed into elaborate swirls, the pale and translucent leaves adding the effect of a blue shadow. It looked like the city of Gaerwhynn was moving towards nighttime, as the light from the crystals above had dimmed and their shards retracted slowly towards the center. She wondered whether nighttime here coincided with that of the outer world. Perhaps the crystals were powered by the sun?

Liansu knocked on the door and took a step back. The seconds ticked by and for a moment Saelina wondered whether anyone would even open for them; then the handle rattled and it swung wide open, revealing an elegant woman in a lovely, blood-red gown, who gave them both a warm smile. Her raven hair was partially put up in a do, while the rest cascaded down her bare shoulders in soft, silky waves, tucked behind the long pointed ears that were so characteristic for her race. Deep green eyes welcomed them from a face defined by its angular features and yet the tiny lines at her eyes and mouth made her expression seem friendly, motherly, rather than severe.

“Liansu! It's lovely to see you again! Come in, both of you.”

She stepped aside and let them in; the interior was decorated in white marble and red tapestry with gold borders and the overall décor gave off feelings of warmth and home. The lady looked Saelina up and down with keen interest.

“Am I correct in assuming-”

“That I'm the human who accidentally ate the essence of a dragon? Yes.”

Saelina was too tired to feign politeness, she just wanted to be done with the day. The hostess gave a small laugh, delicate and pleasant.

“Oh, I was given to understand you prefer to be called Saelina? Hopefully I haven't been misinformed.”

Saelina smiled sheepishly and shook her head. She started to like the woman, whose gentle smile shone at her.

“Well, goodness, you must be absolutely exhausted! Liansu, you're used to being here, would you mind terribly showing our new guest to her room? It's the one that looks out over the garden.”

The lady grabbed her hands, warmly.

“I hope you'll have the chance to look out in the early morning, the garden looks absolutely beautiful!”

She was waved up the stairs.

“Oh, Ezeas will be by later, Liansu, so do stay for a cup of tea. I believe the two of you have met, miss Saelina?”

Saelina stared down, hoping she had somehow heard wrong. The woman did not seem to notice her alarm, and did not stop smiling.

“Welcome to Sethaernan Manor, my dear.”

Oh, fuck me!