Tears streamed down my cheeks. Wynn sniffled repeatedly, and Betty nestled her head against my body.

“I can’t believe this,” I uttered, falling to the ground on my back, gazing up at the ceiling. My mind felt numb and fuzzy, like an emotional hangover.

Wynn sobbed. Time was irrelevant. Did we sulk for minutes or hours? It didn’t matter. The sun sank regardless.

“No!” Wynn yelled. “Don’t you understand, Maximilian, if Akara saw us right now, she’d be pissed!”

I picked my head up. Wynn was lying on the bed next to Betty, but she sat up.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

Wynn opened her mouth to say something but froze, staring in the corner with goggle-eyed wonder. Footsteps echoed from behind me. Betty even sat up and lowered her jaw. I turned around, my skin tightening up.

The ghost of Akara was staring at each of us. I scurried to Wynn. Akara was smiling, the look of a proud mother on her face.

None of us said a word. We just watched her. She was wearing an elegant dress, decorated with bones like a necromancer queen. In her hand was a goblet, and she held it up as if to say, “Cheers.”

She took a drink, smiled, turned around, and faded into the wall.

I rubbed my eyes and continued staring at that empty corner.

“Did you see that?” I said.

“Yeah, Betty saw it too,” Wynn murmured. We stayed silent for a few moments before she spoke again. “I don’t know about you, Maximilian, but in a way, I feel weirdly consoled after that.”

“Same. What were you saying earlier about Akara being pissed at us?”

Wynn still held her gaze on the corner. “She’d be pissed because she wouldn’t want us to be sad; she’d want us to focus on the task at hand, or vlark, even celebrate now that we’re finally off the island. And that vision we just had? That’s probably her telling us to get off our asses and get a drink.”

I let her words sit in my head for a moment. “You’re right. I think that’s a good idea. There’s a place around this neighborhood I always went to. It’s a nice, secluded spot. You down to go?”

“Can Betty come?” Wynn rubbed Betty’s back and smiled for the first time in what felt like an eternity.

“Of course.” My lips curved up.

“Can I ask you another question?” Wynn tilted her head.

“Sure.”

“Why did you leave Nezura in the first place?”

I sighed. “Let’s talk about it over some mead.”

“Yeah, let’s collect our thoughts with a drink. But that’s all we have time for, only one,” Wynn stated. We walked downstairs to find a furnished living room with a couch, a couple of chairs, and a table.

“This place is bigger than I thought,” I said.

“Yeah, not bad. I can’t believe we own it. But we’ll have to talk about what we want to do with it later,” Wynn said.

“Yeah, to be honest, it’s the least of my concerns right now.”

We went out the door, strolling down Homunculus street. Caster’s Court was visible to our right, the stadium-sized park square with trees and greenery encircling it. It even had the country’s largest water fountain. Towering over everything at Caster’s Court was the statue of Akara perched at the top of the fountain.

“What a view,” Wynn whispered as we made our way towards it. We passed by shop owners who had skeletons managing their storefront markets. “I just want to go skipping about! It’s so wonderful being immersed in the world!”

“Yeah, we’ll have time to celebrate later,” I warned.

Wynn spun her neck back and squinted. “I don’t see anything on the northern horizon. No sign of Mozer and the Zevolra yet.”

“That’s good. We should have a decent amount of time on our side still.”

People glanced at Wynn as we passed by them since natural hair color was the norm in Nezura. The red streak running down her long black hair drew attention. But so did Betty, as kids were gawking. “Whoa! What kind of summon is that?” “Can I pet her?” “Wow! I wish I had one!”

Betty enjoyed the neck scratches and back rubs, but Wynn and I continued moving after a few minutes of socializing.

“I was afraid this might happen,” I said. “The bar I always went to is down this block of alleys.” I led the way forward, but memories and flashbacks gave me goosebumps.

We walked to the pub with the dilapidated Risers sign. Inside, only one person sat at the end of the bar. Its chairs, stools, and tables were all crafted from ebony wood. The white stone walls looked worn but inviting. The smell of apples, cinnamon, and fermentation hung in the air.

“It’s usually pretty quiet and not very busy, one of the reasons I like this place so much,” I said, taking a seat at the elbow of the bar where Wynn and Betty joined.

A skeleton working behind the counter turned to look at us.

“Henry, how are you?” I asked.

Henry’s teeth curved up. “Max! Is that you? My goodness, it’s been forever, huh? Where you been?”

“It’s a long story, had to leave town after that one night.”

“Yeah, I don’t blame you.” Henry hopped over the counter and hugged me. “Ryoz and I were really worried about you, pal. Ryoz ain’t here, but I know he’d be happy to see you and know you’re all right. Sheesh. I was askin’ all around town for you. No one knew where you went. And the fact that it happened in my pub, I can’t help but feel responsible. So please, for you and your friend, drinks on the house. What would you like?”

“I’ll take a mead,” Wynn said.

The skeleton rubbed his jaw. “Yeah, what kind? We got metheglin, melomel, pyment, medica.”

Wynn glanced at me with uncertainty. “I don’t know what any of those are,” she whispered.

“We’ll take two glasses of melomel.” I smiled. Looking back at Wynn, I said, “The melomel is made with blackberries. It’s delicious. I never met anyone who didn’t like it.”

“Sounds yummy,” Wynn said.

Henry strolled over to the bar and filled up two glasses of mead. As he came by to drop them off, he stopped. “Whoa, what kind of summon is that?”

“It’s a velociraptor,” I said. “Her name is Betty.”

“Well, golly, I don’t reckon I’ve ever seen a skeletal velociraptor. How beautiful. And who’s your friend? Sorry, I didn’t introduce myself sooner. I’m Henry.”

“Wynn.”

They shook hands.

“Pleasure.” Henry turned his attention back to me. “Again, terribly sorry for what happened last time, just holler if you need anything.” He knocked on the wooden bar and spun around to chat with the other customer.

“What was that all about?” Wynn asked. “What happened the last time you were here?”

I took a few gulps of the mead and exhaled a sigh of satisfaction. “The last time I was here was the last time I was in Nezura. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

I told Wynn all about how I moved to Nezura after what happened to Uncle Leopold. Then I explained my life with the kindhearted Mr. Cole, and when he had passed away, I was alone. I had caught up with Megan every now and then, but she had been a busybody. We had rarely seen each other. Then I told her all about what had happened when I was pummeled at Risers months ago.

Wynn put her hand on my back and rubbed it. Betty even leaned over and nudged my shoulder with the tip of her head. I gazed down at my drink as I remembered everything. Out of the corner of my eye, Wynn traced the tiny scars scattered around my face.

“Did they do that to you?” Wynn held her hand over her mouth.

“No, these cuts came from a lifetime of abusive parents and schoolyard bullies.” I sighed, finishing the rest of my mead.

“Oh, Maximilian, I’m so sorry.” Wynn hung her head.

“It almost makes me not want to save these ungrateful jerks if given the opportunity.” I clenched my hand around my glass.

“Oh, Max, you can’t think like that. Not all of them are bad people. Give them a chance. If we save the day, we’ll change a lot of minds. You might even inspire all those other kids who are struggling necromancers but want to get better.”

“Yeah.” I nodded. I knew she was right. “Sorry, I don’t really want to think about that stuff too much. We have a lot to focus on right now. This is our new life, and Mozer is the challenge that stands in front of us.”

“You’re right. I was just thinking about how we should handle this situation, and I have an idea.”

“What’s that?”

“Let’s finish our mead and go straight to the Municipality Building. We still have plenty of time to reach one of the Noble Necromancers. They need to know Nezura is in danger.”

“That’s a good idea. If there’s anyone who would help us, it would be Telyos. Have you met him before?”

“No, I haven’t, but I always respected him.”

“He’s a great guy.” I smiled. “Definitely someone who will listen to us.”

***

Wynn and I finished our drinks and left the bar that once felt like my home.

“Leaving already? Have another drink on the house, please!” Henry yelled.

I waved my hand. “Another time! Take care, Henry. Tell Ryoz I said hello.”

The three of us headed north to the dome-shaped Municipality Building. Skeletal horses pulled carriages by our side as the town of the dead sprang to life with evening crowds clamoring for entertainment, drinks, and skeletons performing songs on street corners.

Betty drew glances from onlookers, but we didn’t stop our stride until we reached the Municipality Building. I gazed at the towering pillars outlining the structure. It was enclosed by a busy circular street filled with people getting ready for their evening plans and buying groceries for the coming week.

“It’s so crowded tonight,” I uttered.

Wynn and Betty were a few paces ahead of me. “C’mon, Maximilian!” She spun around and waved.

I jogged ahead to catch up with them, and we hopped up the steps until we were inside. The familiar scent of parchment and paper delivered memories. I froze for a moment.

“How may I help you?” the man at the counter asked, furrowing his brow. He had long hair, and his face was void of wrinkles.

“We’re here to speak with any of the Noble Necromancers in the building,” Wynn said.

“I don’t see any appointments on the schedule.” He sneered.

“What’s your name?”

“Danny.”

“Look, Danny, we don’t have an appointment, but we don’t have a lot of time. This is a dire issue, and we need to speak with one of them,” Wynn argued.

“I don’t know who you are, but the Noble Necromancers are all very busy. You may as well run along because they can’t meet with you. Suppose you’re not important enough to schedule a meeting with them. In that case, there are always audience communications during the town hall meetings, so feel free to embarrass yourselves then with your little squabble to the leaders. I bid you a good evening.”

Wynn’s jaw dropped while my hands tightened into fists.

“I don’t think you understand the severity of this situation.” Wynn scowled with eyes that could burn.

“Please, explain. This is entertaining.” Danny grinned.

“Nezura is going to get wiped out by King Mozer. We have information that we need to get to the Noble Necromancers to issue a shelter in place order or an evacuation of the people. Meanwhile, my friend and I will stop Mozer.”

Danny paused before he howled. “That definitely tops the list of one of the most insane things I’ve ever heard! That’s rich. Real rich. Thanks for the chuckle, but if you don’t leave now, I’ll get security.”

“You may as well because we’re not going anywhere! We trained with Akara for too long to just get laughed at!”

He laughed until he was blue in the face. “So now you’re talking about a dead woman?” He snorted. “You’re something else, you know that?”

“So, if I said I was the Vyrux, that would mean nothing to you?”

He took a few deep breaths trying to regain his composure, but he cracked up again. “Whatever you say, lady. I’ve had my fun. I’m getting security now if you don’t leave.”

Wynn held out her palm, and a blazing ball of fire appeared from her wrist, expanding closer to Danny’s face. I could feel the heat, and I backed away. Danny screamed. Wynn made the fireball disappear and glared back at him. “I told you, I’m the Vyrux.”

Danny raised his fingers to his face while the charcoal smell of burnt hair permeated through the lobby. His fingers traced his hairless eyebrows, and he rubbed his freshly bald head.

“What did you do?! Are you vlarking crazy?! Give me back my hair now!”

Wynn cackled, and I couldn’t help but snicker too.

“This isn’t funny!” Danny screeched.

Wynn continued to laugh as she strolled past the desk, heading towards the main hall. Betty and I ran forward as Danny chased after us.

“Stop right there!” Danny shrieked. “I can have you imprisoned, you know!”

“Ah, I thought of a way to make yourself useful, so I don’t burn off anything else on your body.” Wynn marched up to him. “Why don’t you guide us to one of the Noble Necromancers? I have a preference to see Telyos. I’ve always admired his ability, intellect, and the fact that he’s a first-generation necromancer.”

“Okay! Okay! Just follow me!” Danny scurried ahead, and we followed behind. Not another word was exchanged. We walked up a circular ramp to the second floor, down a hall with high ceilings that echoed our footsteps. As we approached an arched wooden door, Danny said, “Please wait right here,” and he knocked.

“Come in,” a voice said from the other side.

Danny cracked open the door, but Wynn cut in front of him and squeezed through the entrance first. Danny grunted. “What the vlark!” Betty and I followed Wynn.

“Yes? What can I do for you?” Telyos asked with a lifted eyebrow. He was standing over his desk, which was covered with scrolls. “Ah, Maximilian! Good to see you, I think?” He let out a nervous laugh. “What’s going on?”

“Hi. I’m Wynn, the Vyrux. These are my friends, Maximilian and Betty, brought together and trained by Akara, but I guess you already know Maximilian. We came to warn you that King Mozer is on his way to destroy Nezura while riding in on the summoned remains of the Zevolra. We thought you should know because we want to save as many people as possible before we fight.”

Telyos froze for a lengthy thirty seconds as he glanced between the four of us. Danny stood in the corner with his arms folded. “I’m terribly sorry. They barged their way in here, sir, and uh, well, uh…”

“How can I help?” Telyos said to Wynn.

Danny gaped, Betty tilted her head, and my brow arched.

“So, you believe us?” Wynn replied.

“Yes, I received a letter about a week ago that made me suspicious that something notable would happen soon. Not to mention, Maximilian and I have a history, and I trust him not to waste my time. I just need you to show me your fire, and I’ll believe every word you said to me.”

“No problem.” Wynn held out her hand.

“Uh! May I object? I’ve already seen it, and she took off all the hairs on my head!” Danny barked.

“And you look great, Danny. I’m sure it was done with good reason. Please, Ms. Wynn, if you don’t mind. Before I do anything drastic to protect the people of Nezura, I must see your power. I believe you, but I’m sure you understand.”

“Of course.” Wynn smirked as another ball of fire blazed from her wrist, growing in size, spinning in the air until we all started to sweat. It shined so brightly and roared so loudly that I closed my eyes and covered my ears.

“Very good! That will be enough!” Telyos hollered, wide-eyed. “You’ve convinced me. Now we have to face the challenge of convincing the others, which won’t be as easy.”

* * *

As night approached, the lands over Lavarund saw an unexpected downpour the almanacs never predicted. People in villages, farms, and towns stood inside their houses as the roads flooded, gazing up through their windows. They all swore they saw a cackling madman riding the skull of a giant monster flying south.