Chapter 25: Antares

A clash of metal erupted, echoing through the tall trees.

“If I was your enemy, your insides would already be spilled out on the floor,” Astrid said, her sword inches from Eclipse's chest. The girl stood before her, her own weapon limp in her hands.

“Good to know.”

The two had been training for a while now, the day blowing by like the wind. After recruiting Eclipse into her mission, Astrid had quickly decided that she needed some basic training in battle to be able to get anything done, and Eclipse had easily agreed. It seemed Persuasion wouldn’t be enough to get through Astrid’s missions, especially when they would be facing the notorious Silmorite. Although Antares had very little to do with the girl’s training—considering he wasn’t there to stay for long—a small part of him was still curious as to how it would go.

They had started earlier with hand-to-hand combat, but Astrid immediately switched over to blade after almost snapping Eclipse’s arm. Antares had winced quietly in the background, and Astrid had flatly apologized as Eclipse glared at her.

“Let’s go again. Try to defend yourself this time.” Astrid raised her sword, waiting for Eclipse to move.

Antares sat on a firm log, watching the pair begin to dance around each other. Both girls wore pieces of cheap leather pads and armor, guarding their torsos and a few other vital spots. Astrid circled around Eclipse, her towering height looming over her opponent. He noticed Eclipse’s stance was awfully skewed, her sword raised too high, leaving her abdomen exposed. She obviously had minimal training, though he could see traces of practice in her moves.

That armor does next to nothing, he thought idly. His own metal suits back home had been crafted much more practically.

His own sword sat in his hands, its edge gleaming in the rays of the sunlight. At the sight of his new Ash Courter companion, his mind wandered back to the party, and the dangerous mission they had taken there just a few days prior. After leaving the Ash Court, they had ridden south to the cities neighboring Aldebaran, stopping for the night at a tiny inn in Secanth. Astrid had decided it would be a good place to lay low and figure out what it was they would do next.

Astrid and Eclipse were practicing in a thick forest behind the inn, a good distance away from the main crowd of people. They were covered by the massive trees, and no one seemed to mind the two girls fighting in the forest. The three had placed their horses in a small stable near the inn, having to pay extra for the space.

Eclipse made the first move, lunging forward with her edge swinging for Astrid’s side. Astrid jumped back in a fade, leaving the space empty as Eclipse cut through the air. Catching her opportunity, Astrid flipped her sword and hit Eclipse’s left side with the flat part of her blade. Antares grimaced at the impact, the faint memories of similar bruises flashing back to his mind.

That was such an easy mistake…

Eclipse stumbled, grunting at the force. Astrid waited, her sword back in front of her.

“Must you strike so hard?” muttered Eclipse, rubbing her side.

“That’s how you learn. Get back into the short guard,” replied Astrid.

Eclipse found her balance again, her side clearly still aching. She oriented herself into formation, the tip of her sword facing slightly upwards and out by her hip.

“This stance, right?”

“That’s right. Show me the half gate guard.”

Eclipse shifted her feet, holding her sword before her left foot.

“Decent enough. Don’t have it so far from your body. Your defense is horrible.”

“I have taken fencing, you know.”

“Good for you, but that’s not going to stop your enemy from slicing you into ribbons. Real fights are a lot messier. You need to learn better defense and proper attacks.”

Antares watched Eclipse nod and shift back into the short guard, the back of her thin shirt darkened with sweat. Maybe it was time he put his own knowledge to use rather than lounge. He stood up, twirling his sword in his hands as he walked over. Eclipse watched him approach her from the corner of her eye, her sword still raised.

He stretched his leg out, nudging his foot against Eclipse’s right. She quickly understood and moved her own foot to the proper position.

“If you want to deflect a swing, your feet need to be steady enough to absorb the force, or else you’ll tumble like an infant,” he said as he took a couple of steps back, nodding to Astrid.

Astrid stood in short guard, focusing on Eclipse. “Try to hit me again, but this time don’t swing as wildly, and always bring your blade back to your body after a hit.”

With a deep breath, Eclipse advanced on Astrid, her sword slightly steadier than before. Again she swung to the right, straight for Astrid’s side. Instead of jumping back, Astrid met her sword with her own, hitting it hard as it sent out a reverberating clang. Eclipse seemed to wilt at the shock. She took a few steps back, blinking rapidly.

“Fencing doesn’t prepare you for that,” said Astrid, dropping her sword to her side. “Not to mention when you have multiple people on you. Defense is the most important thing.”

Antares chuckled, still standing a few feet back. “Are you trying to cut through the blade itself, Astrid?”

She shot him an annoyed look.

Eclipse closed her eyes, tilting her head up. “All right, all right, I got it. Can we take a break, for stars’ sake? It’s so hot in this sun.”

“Fine.” Astrid slid her sword back into her sheath, dusting her hands off. “Antares, you start again with her once she cools down. I’m heading to the market to buy more food for us, we can’t rely on the meals here for long.”

“Good idea, we went through most of it,” said Antares.

Swiping her black cloak off a nearby branch, Astrid threw it on, fastening the clasp around her neck. “I’ll take Maximus, his sacks are nearly empty. I’ll buy enough to fill the others as well.”

“Do you need credits?” asked Eclipse, retying her hair.

“No, I have plenty. You train with Soldier Boy over here until I get back.”

Eclipse turned to Antares with her eyebrow raised as Astrid strode off, her silver hair hidden beneath the cloak.

“‘Soldier Boy’?”

Antares shook his head. “Don’t even question it, I don’t bother correcting her.” He wasn’t even a soldier to begin with, but that was besides the point.

Leaning on her sword, Eclipse nodded, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Come on, let’s work on your guards.” Antares dropped his sheath on the ground and situated himself in front of her. He stood in the familiar defense position, his body trained and mastered in the stance. As he moved, his thoughts drifted to his own courtyard, where he and Rigel would train for hours on end. He wondered what his friend was doing, his panicked promise of helping him still in Antares’ mind.

A sudden movement from Eclipse brought him out of his trance, and he sharply refocused.

“All right, I’m ready,” Eclipse declared through the quiet. Her body matched his guard, her sword held out in front of her.

Antares smiled to himself. If you say so.

In a burst of Speed, Antares rushed forward, his blade meeting Eclipse’s. He knocked her back, but she immediately met him with her own force, grunting as she struggled to keep her sword against his.

“Was that really necessary?” she huffed, her eyes meeting Antares between their blades.

“I’m not the only Runner you’ll fight, and this is a strategy we often like to use. Not to mention the Ram’s Strength, the Archer’s Endurance, or the Twins’ Forcefield,” Antares explained, holding his blade steady. “People will always use their Gifts in battle, and you have to learn to protect yourself from them if you want to survive.” He stayed that way for a few moments before shedding his sword, allowing her to retreat.

A surprisingly good amount of force coming from someone so small.

“I did that as an example, we’ll work on Gifts later. Let’s just get the basics down for now. Go back to the short guard.”

He watched as Eclipse obliged, shuffling into her stance.

“Now, I’m going to stay in the defensive position, you come and advance on me. Try to hit me.”

A nod. Antares raised his sword in front of him vertically, waiting. He watched as she took a few steps forward, her eyes calculating her next move. A chuckle ran through his mind, remembering his own training as an amateur guard.

Finally, Eclipse advanced, her sword held at a diagonal in front of her. She swung high, aiming for Antares shoulder. He passed back, his right foot switching from the front to the back of his other foot in a step, dodging the swing. Simply raising his sword, he deflected Eclipse’s blade, throwing her off balance to the right.

Adjusting herself, she faced him again, strands of hair plastered to her face.

“Stars, you aren’t even winded,” she said, taking in breaths. “How much training have you been through?”

Switching back to the front guard, he stood waiting again. “Since I was a child. All my life, I have been training to be a guard. I almost graduated, in fact.”

“That explains a lot, actually. Did you really give it all up for this?”

“I didn’t give it up, exactly. I was forced out of it.”

“Oh, do tell,” she said, her eyes holding curious shine. “How did you even end up with Astrid?” She jabbed her sword at Antares as she spoke, poking right at his abdomen.

He leaned back in an empty fade, before coming forward again and knocking her sword away. “She helped me escape arrest.”

“So you’re a criminal?”

Antares switched his hilt from his right hand to his left, clicking his tongue. “How could you think so low of me?”

“Just tell me,” Eclipse said as she rolled her eyes, falling into the short guard again. Antares could see she was already growing comfortable with it.

“I was falsely accused of possessing Silmorite soon after it was made illegal. As you can imagine, that didn’t bode very well.”

Her eyes widened as she stepped forward, sword at the ready. “You had Silmorite?”

Antares cocked his head. “I said falsely accused!”

“Right, right, sorry. So I assume Astrid asked for your help after she helped you?”

“She sort of threatened me in the process, but yes. I fulfilled my end.”

“Oh, that makes sense. I recall you saying you had a deal with her under my Persuasion.”

“That’s right,” he said with a nod, internally cringing at the thought of her Persuasion. She was painfully strong, and it was not at all fun being kept under her control. “I help her sneak in, she helps me clear my name.”

Without responding, Eclipse ran forward, her sword swinging low for his legs as she crouched down. He immediately lunged forward in response, her sword slicing through where he had stood a moment before. He landed behind her and whipped his sword around, its tip stopping inches from her nose as she turned to look at him. Astonishment flushed through her face as Antares grinned.

“Nice try.”

She let out a sigh, Antares dropping his blade. He offered his hand, and hoisted her up from her crouch.

“I had to give it a go,” she shrugged. “What do you plan to do after she helps you clear your name?”

Antares slightly frowned. “Go back to the Terris Court. What else?”

She paused and shot him an odd look, as though he had given her the wrong answer.

“What is it?” he asked.

She sighed. “Look, I get why you want to go back home. Being a guard means you get to fight and protect and everything, but what can you do when there’s a possible war brewing? It’s pretty obvious none of the Courts have the necessary means to strike Oberon down. Hell, even the Ash Court barely knows the full extent of his threat.”

“I can’t just stay a criminal.”

“No, I get that. We can definitely clear your name, but I just assumed you’d stay since you seem to be the right person to help Astrid and her cause.”

Antares paused, contemplating what she said. Hadn’t he been the one who never wanted to graduate? The son who went against the whims of his father, the captain himself? Going back meant admitting himself to becoming a guard and falling into line. Though, what did he know about stopping a war? What did he know about Astrid, or Eclipse? He was traveling with strangers on the promise of stopping a terrifying threat.

It’s either go back to being a guard or stay with them.

Antares shook his head, trying to clear his mind. “Are you up for another go?”

Eclipse raised her sword in response, biting her lip. “My arms are sore and feel like glass.” Amusement played on her face. “Let’s do it.”

With a nod, the pair matched in their stances, beginning another dance of blades. Antares focused on his weapon, trying to drown out his thoughts with the hiss of their swords.

✦✦✦

Antares stood in front of the mirror, his reflection staring back at him with its chocolate brown eyes. His hair was a frazzled mess as usual, its russet curls damp from cleaning himself. He had been covered in sweat from being out in the hot sun, his body somewhat sore from training with Eclipse.

Antares looked over his bare chest. Dozens of scratches and bruises had been left over the past few days, each one a dark gash against his fair, sandy skin. He took a deep breath, relaxing himself in the humid air. His shirt hung at the bathroom wall, and he quickly plucked it off to pull it back on.

After adjusting his loosely fit clothes, he strolled out the door, droplets of water dripping down from his hair. He sweeped a hand through his locks, wiping the water out as he tugged at the strands. Eclipse was already in the room, sitting on one of the small beds. Her fingers dug through their sack of clothing, eyes focused as she searched for something within.

Antares slowly stepped towards the other bed, tidily made by one of the housekeeping. A bundle of pillows and blankets lay folded on the floor, and Antares couldn’t help but feel a tinge of guilt. They had tried to arrange for a room with three beds when they had arrived, but having chosen one of the cheaper inns in town, there weren’t any they could offer. Astrid had suggested that Eclipse and Antares take the two beds and she take the floor, leaving Antares with a hint of shame even after he tried to protest.

The room itself was sparse and cramped, a lone window letting in the daylight. Unlit candles were attached to the walls, left alone in the summer heat. The bare, wooden floor rubbed against his feet as he walked.

As he sat down on his bed, Eclipse pulled out a small pouch from the sack she had been searching, a purple one tied with a single gold string.

What could be in there?

Antares watched curiously as Eclipse began to untie the string, the small bag opening into her palm. In its center sat a bundle of knotted ribbons, each one caught in a twisted web. With careful fingers, Eclipse plucked one from the bunch, gently pulling the ribbon out.

Oh.

Antares watched as she drew back her hair, bringing her long, black strands together, and tied the ribbon around it in a tight knot. Thinking back to their training, he knew teaching her would be tedious, but she seemed to catch on easily. She was smart, but too aggressive, recklessly diving in to wreak damage. Her defense was her weakest point, which was also the most important aspect of sword fighting.

Next time she trains, she should definitely review her guards first.

Antares dropped on the bed, letting out a sigh. He leaned back, pondering if he should take a small nap.

If only I had my notebook. It was sitting back in his bedroom, its words unfinished and waiting. He wondered if they would ever be completed now.

Just as he began to doze, the rickety door burst open.

“I hope you didn’t miss me,” Astrid said as she hurried through the door, a large sack in her hand.

Antares sat back up. “Did you get our food for travel?”

She nodded, setting the sack down near Eclipse. “That…and something more.”

Eclipse peeked over Astrid’s shoulder, who was already digging through the brown sack. Antares inched himself off the bed, stepping forward to see what she had brought.

Astrid pulled out something wrapped in a thick cloth. She set it on the wooden floor, and began to untie the strings that held it closed. Eclipse and Antares exchanged a small look of confusion, before Astrid unwrapped the item from its cloth.

Is that…a blade?

A clean, polished sheath sat in the center of the cloth, an embroidered leather handle sticking out from the bottom. The scabbard was of a shining grey, small beads of metal laced along its center. The regal, black handle curled inward, layers of dyed leather rippling through it in a practical design. Astrid sat down, laying the blade on the ground. Antares and Eclipse followed suit, studying the weapon.

What could that possibly be for?

Astrid reached for the weapon, pulling it out by the handle. It easily slid out, the silver metal glinting in the dimly lit room. Astrid examined it with a curious eye, taking in each edge and corner of it, before her lips turned in a small smirk.

“You know, we have plenty of weapons,” Antares said. “I don’t see the need for another one.”

“Oh, there’s none like this one, I can assure you that.” Astrid continued to analyze the blade. “This one’s made of solid Sofilium. I’ve been looking for this for a while now, and none of the other weaponsmiths seemed to have it. When I saw it, I knew I had to grab it immediately.”

Antares raised an eyebrow, still not convinced.

“Besides,” she shrugged, “one can never have too many weapons.”

Eclipse peered at the blade. “Sofilium, huh? That’s one of the strongest metals in the world. How much did that cost you?”

Astrid chuckled. “Let’s just say it’s worth every mark. This blade will do nicely.”

She set the blade down and dug into her pockets, her fingers searching through the fabric of her clothes.

“Do nicely for what?” Antares asked as Astrid pulled out her hands. She clutched a small trinket in her palms, bringing it forward for the two to see.

“Is that the pendant? The one you stole from Oberon?” Eclipse asked.

“Quiet, Eclipse, these walls are weak and thin. There’s no telling who may be listening.” Astrid scolded, taking a breath. “But yes, this is the one. It seems I haven’t yet told you why I set out to steal it, Antares.”

Antares nodded, his arms crossed over his chest. He hadn’t found the chance to ask about the necklace yet, the image of Oberon’s enraged face still playing in his head. He thought it was only part of her distraction, after all. If Astrid wanted to steal it, then it must have been for good reason.

Astrid glanced between the pair. With a tiny click, the front lid popped open, and Astrid hung it slightly open with her fingers.

In an instant, a sudden fatigue slammed into Antares. The usual course of adrenaline that pumped through him began to fade, leaving him hollow and confused. He shot a glance at Eclipse, whose eyes were widening with alarm, her expression tense as she stared nervously at Astrid.

“You feel it?” Astrid whispered with a sullen tone. “You both know what this is.”

“Silmorite?” Eclipse gasped, crawling backwards in alarm.

Astrid nodded impassively, before clicking the pendant shut. Relief flooded through Antares as his Gift quickly returned to him, waiting at the ready as usual and thrumming with its familiar energy.

“So that’s what it feels like,” Eclipse said, her breaths heavy as she sat frozen at the ground. Color began to slowly flush back into her face, yet she still sat in shock.

“Oberon’s been holding on to this for quite some time. This pendant can be used to control its power, otherwise it would flood out and affect anyone nearby, just as you witnessed now.”

Antares shook his head, a surge of unease running through him. “So you stole Silmorite from him? I can’t believe this. This is exactly what I was accused of holding, and now if we’re caught, how am I supposed to clear my name? If you use this, you are no better than Oberon and his men, Astrid!”

“Who said anything about using it?” Astrid chided. She set the pendant down, her hand reaching for the Sofilium blade. Gripping the weapon tightly, she stole a glance at Antares and Eclipse, both watching her anxiously.

“If you haven’t already figured it out, I bought this blade so that I could destroy the Silmorite, not use it. This stuff is far too powerful to be in the hands of Oberon, or anyone else for that matter. So it must be destroyed.”

She took a deep breath, reaching for the closed pendant. “Sofilium is one of the only substances that can penetrate it. You said it yourself, Eclipse—it’s one of the strongest metals in the world. There are stronger ones, but this was the cheapest one I could find in this amount, which is saying something.”

Her hands gripped around the pendant, preparing to pry it open. “What you felt before was just a small taste of its unrestrained power. I’m going to open it completely, but you mustn’t worry. As soon as I destroy it, the effects will disappear, quickly enough that it won’t leave any lasting effect.” She exhaled quietly. “So brace yourselves.”

She clicked open the latch, the silver element sparkling within the black case. The same wave of heaviness blanketed over Antares once again, and he felt that unfamiliar sense of unease begin to erupt from within. He clenched his fists.

I will be fine. This isn’t permanent. I will be fine.

Astrid reached into the pendant, her fingers grabbing the tiny bead of metal, and laid it down on the floor, her fingers trembling from its effects. With focused eyes, she lifted the blade high above her head, aiming carefully on her target. A heavy swing, and the Sofilium blade slammed into the element, slicing through it without a sound. Almost immediately, the feeling began to leave Antares, his breathing relaxing just as it was before.

The Silmorite lay before him in pieces of cracked stone, its shining silver now dull and lifeless. Astrid reached for the pieces, capturing them in the brown cloth of the blade and tying them up in a small pouch.

“How did you know Sofilium would destroy it? Our Guards barely know anything about this element! How is it that you know so much?” Antares pressed, his panicked state failing to leave him.

Astrid only glared at him. “I told you. I’ve done my research. Something that the Courts and Guards are failing to do.”

Antares shook his head in disbelief. He knew of Silmorite’s effects. He knew Oberon had control of such a powerful thing. And yet, none of that prepared him for the real effects of it.

“Antares, listen to me. This is what I was after. This is what I needed you to help me steal. So that we could destroy this weapon, the first of much more than we can imagine.”

Antares’ head began to spin. He had known of Astrid’s motives from the very beginning, yet he didn’t realize how severe the situation truly was.

All those people in the raid…this is what they were subjected to?

All this time, he had been focused on clearing his name. All this time, he was waiting for his chance to leave. To go back to the world where he never wanted to be a part of, yet stayed in nonetheless. Even when he had always dreaded his future as a guard, the opportunity came for him to run away forever. Yet here he was, still yearning to go back.

Astrid stood up, taking the pieces of Silmorite with her. “I’m going to throw this out. No one can use it anymore, so it’s harmless.”

She pocketed the locket and specks of the broken element and stepped to the door, Antares warily watching her leave.

✦✦✦

Antares set down his heavy mug with a loud thud, the frothy drink swishing inside.

Eclipse took a sip of her ale beside him, her long hair hanging in front of her face, masking it from view from the sides. Astrid sat just across from them, the trio huddled in a small corner of the tavern, hidden in the shadows.

They decided to spend time resting in the inn’s cozy tavern, kept in the ground floor just below the rooms. Antares could occasionally hear the groans of wood as people walked above him. The tavern was basked in the golden light of lanterns, the darkness of the night trying to creep in through the windows. Faint music played in the background, both festive and serene. An abundance of guests filled the room, many of whom were idle travelers like the group. Some of them chatted with each other merrily, others kept to themselves in the corners. Antares looked away from the scene, cautious of someone recognizing him.

“How long exactly do we plan to stay here?” Antares whispered to Astrid, who briefly swished around her drink.

“What? You don’t like it?” Astrid said smugly. “Or is it that this place doesn’t meet your expectations? I didn’t know you were used to more lavish abodes.”

Antares shot her a look, slightly annoyed. “No. It’s just that we’re surrounded by people here, and if you haven’t noticed, you’re sitting with someone who could get recognized at any second.”

“Hmmm…that’s fair,” Astrid said, stroking her chin. “I suppose we can leave tomorrow. I just assumed an inn was a more comfortable alternative to camping out in the forest.”

“It is, it’s just…I’d rather not get captured.” Antares glanced around him in suspicion, his foot tapping nervously. “Speaking of which, I thought we had a deal? You still haven’t fulfilled your end of it. I probably have guards and villagers in every city searching for me by now.”

“Well, how do you propose we clear your name? You haven’t given me any ideas.”

“You said you would help me!” he exclaimed, his frustration rising.

“And I will. Once you inform me of what you need me to do. I’ll be there to help, but as of now, my priorities remain elsewhere.”

“Yes, I’ve been meaning to ask,” Eclipse cut in. “What’s next on our agenda?”

“Well,” Astrid started, taking a sip of her drink. “At this point, we don’t have a lot to work with. We know very little of Oberon’s plans, but we can be sure that he’s plotting something. And no doubt that Ember Legion of his is training furiously as we speak.”

Eclipse leaned in, her eyes narrowed as she took a sip. “So what are you thinking?”

Astrid stared back at her. “I’m thinking we infiltrate his base—he must have one. That way, we can get more information on him to properly expose and stop him. Figure out his next plans so that we can interrupt them before they happen.”

“And that base would be where?”

“My guess is somewhere in the Ash Court. It would be the easiest place to hide from the other Courts, even if it is slightly predictable.”

Eclipse nodded, sitting back in her chair.

“However,” Astrid began. “If we’re going to have any chance at success in this mission, you are going to have to train more. It’s inevitable that we would meet some…friends…along the way, and I wouldn’t want your amateur training to get you in trouble. They’re trained to fight entire armies, and you can barely even lift your sword.”

“Thanks,” Eclipse said with a glare.

“Antares and I will continue to teach you, but you have to be willing to learn, and in little time too. Every second we waste, Oberon is using to plot. Only once you’ve been adequately trained can I trust you on a mission.”

Eclipse let out a sigh. “Understandable, but what about—”

“Quiet. Someone’s coming,” said Antares, cutting her off..

The three instantly silenced themselves, taking small, inconspicuous sips of their drinks as a tall, shadowy man walked by. Antares’ eye caught thick rolls of paper in one of his hands, and a hammer gripped in the other. The man walked right by their dark corner, stopping as he reached a clear spot at the tavern wall. Antares quietly watched him unravel the papers, straightening them out and pressing them to the wall.

Posters.

The man hammered a nail into the first poster, sticking it firmly into the wood. Only when he stepped away did Antares steal a glance at them, before a sick feeling started to fill his stomach.

“Eclipse,” he said as he nudged her. “Look.”

Eclipse shot him a perplexed look, before glancing at the posters. “Shit.”

Antares’ face was drawn out on one of the papers, his familiar round face with its strong jaw staring back at him in the ink. The word Wanted was written above in bold script. A smudge of writing appeared just below his face, no doubt featuring a pricey reward for his capture. Although the picture wasn’t in color, it was still clear that it was him, his name plastered just below in blocky letters.

Just beside his poster hung one of Eclipse, hers carrying a much different design. Missing appeared written just above her drawn face. Both of their expressions were impassive and clear.

“It seems my parents have finally noticed my absence. It’s so much like them to make a fuss over such trivial things,” Eclipse said, shaking her head.

“To be fair, you are missing. They must have assumed you were abducted,” Astrid said as she surveyed the wall.

Antares drew up the hood of his cloak, Eclipse doing the same. The thick cloth casted dark shadows over their faces, masking them from view. Now there was an even higher chance of being recognized. They definitely had to leave soon, and without notice.

“Huh. Now that I look at it again, they didn’t get my lips right at all. Or my eyes, they're not that far apart. That drawing honestly looks nothing like me. You know, in different circumstances, I would probably be pretty upset about this. But now…” Eclipse said with a shrug. “They got your features surprisingly accurate though.”

“Comforting to know,” he muttered.

“Wait,” she said after a pause. “Your name is Antares Euphorion?”

Antares stared at Eclipse, before pursing his lips. “Oh. Right. I haven't mentioned that yet?”

“Like the captain?”

Antares sighed. There was no use avoiding the subject. “Yes. He’s my father.”

“You’re the son of the Terris Court Captain of the Guard? How could you not have told me this?”

“Well, I’m not all that proud of it.” Antares glanced down.

“Huh. No wonder you had the captain himself chasing after your tail,” muttered Astrid.

Eclipse opened her mouth to say more, before a sudden crash sprouted across the room.

Antares turned his head halfway, observing the scene behind him. An upturned table sat at the side, shattered glass littered around it in glittering specks. Gripping his mug, he exchanged glances with Astrid and Eclipse.

“Just another bar fight,” whispered Astrid. “Don’t give it attention.”

A slight nod. Antares took another gulp of his drink, willing himself to stay relaxed. His body was still tense from the unexpected crash.

As he took in a swallow, another crack of wood cut through the tavern buzz. Everyone around them immediately hushed, and Antares finally turned around completely in his seat, his curiosity getting the best of him.

What in the stars is going on?

A man and a woman stood in the center of the area, the man fiercely gripping the arm of another young lady. His face had an easy-going smile, juxtaposing the red-hued fury of the older woman facing him. A broken chair lay near their feet, thrown in obvious anger. The girl he was holding had her back to Antares, her long, tangled hair hanging down like a waterfall. The pale nightgown she wore made her look like she just stumbled out of bed.

“Branan, you sick bastard!” yelled the woman, her apron stained. “You’re going to pay for that, every last credit of it! What in the stars is wrong with you?”

“Aw, calm down, sweet Sibel. I was only having a little fun. Besides, I’ll be out of here soon enough. I’ll just need one of your lovely rooms.” Branan had an obvious drunkenness in his voice. Antares watched his grip tighten on the girl, who was clearly struggling to escape his grasp.

“Absolutely not. You’re going to leave immediately before you wreck anything else.”

The big man let out a loud bark. “But the pretty lady wanted to ask you for a room! I’m just being the gentleman I am and renting one for her.” Antares gritted his teeth, knowing exactly what he intended to do.

Antares’ head turned sharply as he watched another man stumble from his seat, placing a pale hand on Branan’s arm. Antares could hear Eclipse and Astrid shift in their seats, but he kept his eyes on the people in front of him.

“Oh really, Branan? Why don’t I offer the lady a room? I’m sure she could go without the likes of you.”

The loopy smile on Branan’s face disappeared, a growl curling on his lips.

“Keep your filthy hands off me, Edwin.”

Branan shoved Edwin backwards with a swipe of his arm. The thin man fell back against a nearby table, sending all the glasses flying. The two people who had been sitting there stood up in a roar, soaked with ale. In an instant, the calm tavern erupted in loud yells and crashes as the crowd swelled. The barkeeper instantly disappeared, leaving the room of angry, drunk people. Antares caught sight of Branan in the middle, relishing in the chaos. The girl he had been holding was also lost in the crowd.

The sounds of wood breaking and glass shattering joined in the yells of the people, the air becoming warmer despite the cool dusk. Antares saw one woman ram her fist into the face of another man, knocking out a tooth in a spray of blood. He winced as the bloodied man fell to the ground, now at the mercy of the people’s crushing feet.

“I do think it's time we retreat to our room,” Astrid declared, her voice raised over the shouts of the crowd. She dropped a few credits on the wooden counter, leaving her cup half filled. Standing up, she pulled her own hood up.

“I don’t think so,” said Eclipse through gritted teeth. Without looking at either of them, she strode right into the brawl, her cloak fluttering behind her.

“Eclipse,” hissed Astrid, moving to follow her.

Before she could reach her, Antares heard Eclipse’s voice ring out from the crowd.

“That’s enough!”

Immediately, everyone nearby slowed down, a forced quiet filling the atmosphere. People lay in tangles on the ground, others were holding glasses and chairs. Antares strained to see Eclipse through the tall bodies, before spotting her near the middle. His eyes widened as he moved up next to Astrid, who had stopped near the edge.

“Release her. Now.”

Antares tilted his head in confusion. What is she doing?

He took a few steps to the side, and finally got a clearer view of the scene. Eclipse stared up at Branan, her hood still cloaking her face. Antares watched in quiet amazement as he released the girl from before, loosening his grasp on her arm. Antares could see the girl’s face, a sprinkle of freckles dotted along her sickly pale skin, her light eyes swollen with tears.

Stumbling forward, Eclipse shot her arm out and steadied the girl, stretching it to wrap it around her shoulder.

“None of you follow us. Forget about everything that just happened.”

Guiding the girl away, Eclipse walked over to Antares and Astrid, tilting her head up to see them under the hem of her hood. Antares opened his mouth to say something, but Eclipse shot him a look.

“Come on, let’s go. I can’t keep them like this for long,” she whispered under her breath, stepping around them and heading for the stairs of the inn down the hallway.

“How are you doing that?” he asked. She had just Persuaded an entire room of people. Even for someone strong, wouldn’t that completely exhaust her Gift?

She only shrugged. “It’s harder for them to resist when they’re drunk.”

Antares shot Astrid a bewildered look, to which Astrid responded with a shrug as well. She gestured her head and followed Eclipse. Antares hesitated before hurrying after them.

Catching up to them, Eclipse and Astrid disappeared down the hall. Circling around the corner, he stopped in front of Eclipse, who had pushed her hood down, her wavy hair flowing out. She stood with the girl from the tavern, who was observing them with red-rimmed, tired eyes. Antares noticed the welts on her arms, her cuts obviously untreated for.

Astrid stood to the side, her eyes narrowed as she studied the girl. They huddled near the winding stairs that led to the rooms, far enough from the bar that the resumed chaos was muted. Antares rested his hand on the blade at his side.

“Are you all right?” Eclipse asked softly.

“I…” The girl opened her mouth, but hesitated. “I’m fine. I just needed to get away from that man. Thank you.”

“Did he hurt you?”

A shake of her head. “No, I walked in to see if I could rent a room. I didn’t have any money, so the innkeeper turned me away. That’s when he grabbed me.”

Eclipse exchanged a look with Antares. The girl glanced between the two nervously.

Antares took a breath. She had clearly been through a lot of trauma, and he tried to think of a way to make her more comfortable.

“What’s your name?” he asked softly.

Astrid shot him a look, her dark blue eyes bright under the shadow of her hood. Antares ignored her, waiting to see if the girl would respond.

She crossed her arms over her chest. “My name is Andromeda.”