“How does the main street look?” Lissa said while craning her neck up. “Bad, real bad,” Mera replied while leaning over the edge of the roof, “I don’t think the nobles would last long if we tried to use it.” A loud thunderclap shook the street and surrounding builds accentuating her point. The smell of ozone wafted from the main road. “Gods, what was that?” Whispered someone frantically. Lissa turned to the scared group of nobles. “Someone broke their Focus,” She answered curtly before looking back at Mera.

“Scout a few streets ahead and try to find us a path to the gate that won’t get everyone killed.” Mera nodded before disappearing from sight. “So, what’s the plan?” Darvick asked while stepping to Lissa’s side. She looked at him before looking down the street they were on. A few dead bodies lay off to the sides. Whether they were Gloomed or not, she couldn’t tell.

“Depends on what Mera and Mela find along. How many nobles do we have left?” Lissa crossed her arms, waiting for his answer. “We only lost the one during that ambush a few streets back, so a baker’s dozen or so,” Darvick sighed. “I am not going to lie. It would be better to leave them here.” He pointed to the rooftops, “Travelling over the rooftops would be much easier.”

“Yeah, it would be much easier, but that would mean they would all die,” Lissa nodded behind her, “And we took an oath to defend the Dominion and its people.” Darvick nodded, “Yeah, we did. Do you think it has been enough of a break for them?” Lissa pursed her lips and glanced at the nobles again, “Maybe, either way, it will have to do” She nodded towards the bounding Mera and Mela. Lissa cocked her head as they got closer.

“Get them ready to move. The sooner we are out of this mess, the better,” Lissa heard Darvick turn and walk back to the group. Looking up, she could still see the occasional body fall, explosion, and flaming debris. “What is going on up there?” She wondered aloud while Mera and Mela descended to the streets. “What did you see?” Lissa asked as they hit the street.

“Nothing good, but nothing horrible,” Mera replied, earning a light punch to her shoulder. Mela shook her head, ignoring the glare from her sister, “There is a rather large group of Gloomed about three streets down and to the left. We think they may be waiting to ambush the Legion as they fall back towards the gatehouse.” Lissa touched her chin, “How many is a large group? And do you think we can take them?”

Mera and Mela looked at each other quickly and counted with their fingers. “About thirty or so, and yeah, we can so long as we keep them quiet,” Mela answered while pointing to the nobles. “And keep them about a street or so away,” Mera looked towards Mela, who had cocked her head as she spoke. “What? It’s more of a precaution in case one of them gets past us. I don’t want to kill more people than I have to.”

Lissa nodded in agreement, “Do you mind staying back to protect them while Darvick, Almios, Garza, and I take care of the Gloomed?” Mera and Mela both shook their heads, “No, we don’t mind.” Mera pointed towards one particular Noble, an older man who rubbed his ankle, “Pretty sure a few of them have injuries they don’t want to tell us about, and the sooner we take care of them, the better.”

“It’s settled, then we’ll move up a bit closer. Just let us know when we are close enough, and we’ll split off to take care of them,” Lissa crouched down to look right into their eyes. “I appreciate what both of you have done so far.” Mera and Mela both smiled at Lissa’s words. “No sweat, Lis, this is what we trained for after all,” Mera said while she and Mela moved closer to Lissa.

“How are you doing?” Mela quietly asked as they huddled around Lissa, “And don’t lie to us, please.” Lissa looked at both of them, “Honestly? I am exhausted, scared, and….” Lissa took a deep breath, “And I hate that we had to leave Saida’s body behind wherever it is.” Mera and Mela both put a comforting hand on Lissa, “We hate it too.” Mera turned to look at her sister before continuing, “Wherever she is, once we get this sorted out, we’ll find her and make sure she gets the respect she deserves, okay?”

Lissa smiled at Mera as she spoke, “Thanks, though I think Darvick needs to hear this more than me.” Mera and Mela looked towards him quickly, “Yeah, but I don’t think he wants to admit to himself that she is gone. Once he does, we'll be there for him.” Lissa stood slowly and stretched, “Thanks again, you two.” She smiled at them, “Let's get going before that group moves.”

================================================================

Inalize opened his eyes and looked into the darkness around him. Then, clicking his tongue, he quickly rectified the situation. Aether coalesced around his eyes, and soon the room was lit. Only cobwebs and broken or rotting furniture greeted him. “You really let this place go,” He said to no one in particular.

Taking one tentative step forward, he waited for any traps or runes to activate. Nothing happened, and he smiled. This would be too easy. Inalize strode to the door and passed through it to the other side. The hallway was equally as desolate. Inalize closed his eyes and sent out Aether tendrils, searching for what he needed. In moments he had them both, and to his satisfaction, they were headed to the same place.

Broadening his smile, Inalize strode confidently through the walls and rooms. A few had the remains of some poor fools who had gotten lost over the years, but he paid them no attention. Soon enough, he found the gateway he was looking for. The room had obviously been visited and cleaned some time ago.

All of the old decrepit furniture had been replaced. The cobwebs and husks of dead insects swept away. Inalize stepped onto the platform and towards the arch that made up the gateway. “Now, where are you?” He asked about the stones and runes he saw. Their reply lit up dimly for a moment, and Inalize went towards it.

He traced his finger around the rune, “Sloppy but serviceable, now where is your target?” The archway answered again, and another rune lit up on the other side. Investigating it, Inalize shook his head, “Not even any safeguards to prevent changes, idiots.” Running his hand over the rune, it disappeared. With one fingertip, he carved a new target into the stonework. It only took him a moment, and once he was finished, he stepped back.

Inalize closed his eyes once more. He focused on the spark he had given Callista. Soon he was seeing through her eyes as more of his puppets fell before her. He had to admire the skill and finesse she had with her sword. For being so young, it was remarkable. Inalize ended the connection and was satisfied for the moment. Turning on the spot, he went to the crystal that powered the gate.

Inalize put his hand on it and felt the lack of power within. “This won’t do at all,” He said to himself. With this lack of energy, his plan wouldn’t work. Sighing, he pushed another spark into the crystal. It wasn’t enough to activate the gateway but would allow his plan to work. Smiling, Inalize stepped away from the crystal. “This will do nicely,” Satisfied with his work, Inalize let his form fall away into the darkness. Now all he needed to do was wait for the pieces to fall into place.

================================================================

“Where are you taking me?” Saida asked while eyeing her escorts. They hadn’t said a word so far, and the silence was unsettling. The deserted and nearly pitch-black halls they walked through did not help dissuade the unease either. “You’ll see soon enough,” The girl responded, her voice echoing eerily down the hall.

“You need to be patient, Saida. You will understand what you must do soon enough,” Faceless added a moment later. Saida scowled into the darkness, her anger rising, “Patient? You want me to be patient?!?” She pointed at the now materializing Faceless. “You control the Gloom! It was because of you that my family is dead! I don’t even know why I didn’t just kill these three when they entered the room or at least die trying!”

Saida had stopped walking and was shaking in rage. Her escorts stopped a few paces ahead and spun on their heels to face her. They all glared at her. The two warriors had their weapons ready while the girl simply cocked her head. Faceless’ mask had a disapproving frown, “I only control certain variations of it. The others I have as much control over as you do over the wind.”

“I find that hard to believe. I was under the assumption you are powerful enough to bring someone back from death,” Saida crossed her arms, ignoring the staring warriors and girl. “I didn’t bring her back. I merely stopped her from crossing the threshold,” Faceless added while his mask turned angry. Saida stepped closer, “Then what’s stopping me from taking my chances here and now against my escorts here?”

Faceless became contemplative for a moment, “Once you finish what I need you to do, then I would have the power to bring back the dead.” Saida’s gaze fell to the floor. Could he actually do it? “Could you bring them back?” She asked, slowly raising her head to look at him again. Faceless smiled, “Bring who back, Saida?” Saida opened and closed her mouth a few times before replying, “Could you bring back my family?” Faceless’ answer echoed down the hall, “I could do that and so much more.”

================================================================

Elizabeth was scared of the dark, and the stairs led down into the dark. Even with the light coming from the crown, oceans of darkness were both above and below them. Her grip tightened on her mother’s hand as they walked. “It’s okay, dear, we’re safe here,” Her mother cooed while readjusting Xander. “But it’s so dark,” Elizabeth replied, her eyes scanning every dark corner for monsters. Melinda gave Elizabeth a look before turning slightly to look at Miranda.

“Miranda, you'll protect us from the dark, right?” Melinda said while Elizabeth watched some expression cross her mother’s face. Miranda blinked. She knew that look. It was one her mother always gave the maids and butlers around her. Miranda looked at Melinda and then to Elizabeth, “Yeah, of course, I will. You have nothing to fear from the dark so long as you have me.”

Elizabeth giggled as Miranda thumped her chest. The metal armor rang like a bell, and she had to hurry and muffle it. “Which way was it again,” Elizabeth heard her father say as they reached the bottom of the stairs. It split into three nearly identical hallways. Each was full of cobwebs, and Elizabeth could only imagine the horrible monsters lurking down each one.

“You don’t remember?” Melinda asked while stroking Elizabeth’s hair. “It’s been years since I was down here, and normally I would have,” Charles touched the crown while turning to face them. “This to guide me. Now that it isn’t connected anymore, I just need a moment to jog my memory.”

Charles took a few steps into one hall and pressed his palm to the stone wall. Elizabeth gasped as she watched the hallway light up. Spread out evenly along each wall, glowing amber stones shone brightly. Elizabeth let go of her mother’s hand and walked towards her father. She didn’t notice the subtle head gesture Melinda gave to Miranda, but she did hear the armored footsteps behind her.

Elizabeth knew she would be reigned in soon she decided to make the most of it. She ran to her father and touched the nearest Lightstone. Surprisingly to her, it was cool to the touch. Charles smiled at Elizabeth, “Watch this.” Elizabeth watched his eyes close, and the lights changed to a sky blue. “Again!” she screamed, and the colors changed again to a bright green.

“Charles!” Elizabeth winced as her mother’s yell echoed. Charles looked back to Melinda. Elizabeth watched a wordless exchange happen with a confused Miranda in the middle. Then, with a sigh, Charles moved his hand from the wall, “Not this one, but now I know which one.” Charles crouched to look at Elizabeth, “I will show you more later, okay?” Elizabeth smiled, “Promise?” She held out her pinky. Charles grinned, and Elizabeth couldn’t help the giggle that came out.

“Promise,” He said, wrapping his own pinky around hers. He pat Elizabeth on the head, “Now go on back.” Elizabeth pouted, and another wordless conversation happened between her mother and father. This time Miranda had at least moved out from the crossfire. Finally, Charles turned back to look at Elizabeth. His expression was blank, “You don’t need to hold hands with Miranda or your mom, but….” Elizabeth didn’t let him finish and started walking towards the next empty hall.

Her Father gently grabbed her arm, “But you can’t go running off without someone with you, okay?” Elizabeth looked at her blank-faced Father and then to her equally blank-faced Mother. Miranda, meanwhile, seemed even more confused. Finally, Elizabeth sighed dejectedly, “okay.” Charles leaned over and kissed Elizabeth on the head, “How about you lead the way with me, okay?” Elizabeth smiled, “Okay, which way?”

She followed her Father’s finger as it pointed to the hallway behind her. “That way, I will be right behind you,” Charles barely finished speaking before Elizabeth walked to the hallway. She turned on her heels as she reached the darkness, “How do I make the hallway light up?”

================================================================

“That was reckless, and you know it!” Melinda hissed to Charles as Miranda and Elizabeth walked ahead of them. “You and I both know my family sealed all other entrances decades ago,” Charles bit back while pointing at Elizabeth. “Besides, would you rather her be scared right now?”

Melinda looked at him before sighing, “No, but you could have still been a bit more cautious.” Charles sighed as well and kissed her, “You’re right. I could have and should have. But I don’t regret doing it, though.” Melinda readjusted Xander in her arms, “At least he is a heavy sleeper.” Charles kissed her head.

“Yes, he is.” Melinda looked at Charles’ bloody knuckles. “How are you doing? Answer honestly, please.” “Terrified, worried, and confused,” Charles looked into her eyes. “Melinda, I don’t know what to do,” The words were a barely audible whisper. She held one of his hands softly, “We’ll get through it. I know we will.” Charles smiled at her, “At least we will be safe once we get to the gateway.”

Melinda returned the smile, “Where does this one lead?” Charles looked away for a moment, lost in thought. Melinda could see the gears turning in his mind. His fingers rhythmically tapping against hers. Her smile widened. It was the small things that let their marriage last. “It should take us to my Uncle Darrien’s keep if I remember correctly,” Charles feigned uncertainty and earned himself a crushed finger.

“Funny, what are we going to do once we are out of here?” Melinda asked while watching her daughter prance around Miranda as they walked down the hall. She had made the lights emit a sea blue that matched her eyes. “I don’t want to count our chickens before they hatch. But all I see in front of us is a lot of sleepless nights,” Charles responded after a moment. “We should be close to the gateway now,” Charles spoke loud enough for Miranda and Elizabeth to hear.

“Take the hallway on the right, and make sure to turn the lights on!” Elizabeth stopped prancing and smiled, “Okay!” She bounded down the hall a few meters and stopped at its mouth. Melinda watched her stand on her tiptoes to reach the right spot on the wall. Elizabeth closed her eyes, and soon that hallway was bathed in soft purple light. Giggling, Elizabeth went into the hall while Miranda jogged behind her to keep up.

Xander stirred finally and began to cry softly. “Hush, it’s okay love, mommy and daddy are here. I know you are hungry but wait just a little bit longer, okay?” Melinda cooed, brushing some hair out of Xander’s face. She knew Charles’ eyes fell to her chest, and an ear-to-ear grin would be on his face. “Not now, maybe when we’re safe,” Melinda said while glancing at Charles quickly.

She was right, and his grin was infectious. “I will do my best to….” Charles began before a shrill scream echoed up the hall to them. Melinda blinked, and Charles was gone. She knew he could enhance his movements, but until now never understood just how fast he could be.

================================================================

Charles had rounded the corner heartbeats after the scream reached his ears. His eyes locked on Elizabeth, who was crouched next to a decrepit table. A small, slender hand was wrapped around her wrist. Sidestepping Miranda, who was only a few paces behind Elizabeth, Charles saw what made his daughter scream.

A little girl Elizabeth’s age, or possibly just a year younger, sat beside the box. Her clothes were bloody and torn. Cuts ran up her right arm ending at the torn shoulder of her clothes. A simple blindfold made from a strip of her skirt covered her eyes.

“Are you alright?” Charles said, crouching beside his daughter. He glared at Miranda for a moment before turning his attention back to Elizabeth. “I’m sorry, my lord. I told her not to get close, but….” Miranda stammered out before a gesture from Charles cut her off. “It’s fine, just escort Melinda over and then keep watch,” Charles ordered, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw her nod and leave.

Charles was relieved that Elizabeth wasn’t hurt as he initially feared. The girl must have grabbed her unexpectedly. He put a comforting hand on the strange girl’s arm. “Can you let go, please?” He asked while noting the girl’s flesh was feverishly warm. The strange girl looked in his direction and nodded.

Her grip loosened on Elizabeth’s hand, and Charles let out a relieved sigh. “Are you alright?” He whispered to Elizabeth, who nodded aggressively. “Good, back up, please,” Charles turned to face the injured girl. “What’s your name, sweety?” He asked while holding her hand gently. The girl muttered something under her breath. Charles leaned closer, “Can you speak up, please? I couldn’t hear you.”

“Jasmine, my name is Jasmine. Can you help me, please?” She said. Charles took a deep breath. He didn’t know how this little girl got here, but something didn’t feel right. Then again, she didn’t attack or infect them, so what would the harm be in taking a scared little girl to safety?

“Okay, we can help you. Are you able to stand?” Charles asked while gently taking the girl's other hand. He watched Jasmine try to stand but, her legs buckled underneath her.

Charles heard the sharp intake of breath as she fell and preempted the tears, “It's okay, it's okay, I can carry you.” Lifting her up gently, Charles was able to get a good look at her legs. Cuts and abrasions ran up both legs as far as he could tell. One foot dangled at an unnatural angle. “What happened to you?” He whispered softly to himself.

“Charles, is everything alright?” Melinda’s voice came from behind him. The quick turn prompted a pained whimper from Jasmine. “No, Jasmine here is hurt and lost. We’ll be taking her with us,” Charles saw the unspoken question on her face. Was the girl going to put them in danger? “And she scared Elizabeth by grabbing her hand unexpectedly.”

Melinda looked at the healthy but scared Elizabeth and was satisfied with that answer. “How much farther to the gateway?” Melinda asked while coming closer. “It should only be a short walk away now,” Charles met them in the middle, and he could see Melinda do a once over on the girl.

“You poor thing,” She brushed some hair away from Jasmine’s face. She reflexively twitched away and whimpered. Charles and Melinda exchanged pained expressions. Melinda then turned to look at Elizabeth. “Let's go. Hold Miranda’s hand while we walk okay. It may get a little dark.”

“Okay,” Charles saw Elizabeth’s worried expression. “She’ll be fine. Once we are safe, we will get her looked at, okay?” Elizabeth simply nodded while they continued to the gateway. Charles tried not to jostle the poor girl as they walked but found it incredibly difficult to do so. Each pained whimper broke his heart.

“We’re almost there Jasmine, you’ll be safe soon. It will all be okay,” Charles repeated this phrase innumerable times to Jasmine over the next few minutes. Soon they found themselves in front of a large set of doors. Each was easily two meters wide and had no clear way to open them. “Miranda hold her for a moment please,” Charles turned and tried to hand Jasmine off, but she clung to him desperately. “No, please no,” She cried, and Charles relented.

“Alright, Miranda, I need you to place both palms on that,” Charles pointed with his head, “Section of the door. After that, you need to feel out the latch on the other side with your Aether and flip it downwards. That will then open these doors, got it?”

Miranda looked unsure of herself but nodded. Charles felt the darkness closing in around them as they waited for Miranda to open the doors. “Daddy,” Elizabeth tightly held onto one of Charles’ legs. “It will be okay, sweetie. We are almost out of here,” Charles said this for all their benefits. He could see the worry beginning to etch itself on Melinda’s face. The sound of the latch clicking and the doors creaking open startled them all.

“Quickly, everyone inside. Miranda shut the door behind us, just flip it up this time,” Charles ordered, and everyone obeyed. Once the doors shut, he examined the room. The gateway stood tall and imposing less than a dozen meters away. “I have to give you to Miranda now, okay, Jasmine. I have to do it to get us to safety,” Charles gestured for Miranda to come over as Jasmine gave a slight nod.

Charles gingerly placed Jasmine into Miranda’s waiting arms, “Got her?” Miranda nodded slowly, and Charles let go. He stayed still for a moment, ready to catch her if need be. Once assured he wouldn’t be needed, Charles moved to the pedestal where the crystal powering the gate lay.

================================================================

Miranda looked at the battered girl she held in her arms. Something had been nagging at her since she had first seen the girl. The injuries looked too fresh, but at the same time, didn’t bleed as much as they should. It wasn’t right, and Miranda had to know why, but first, she needed to take the blindfold off. If nothing else, to assess the damage to the girl's eyes.

“I am going to take off the blindfold just for a second, okay? I need to see how badly hurt your eyes are,” Miranda made an adjustment on her hold of Jasmine to free one of her arms. “I...I. I can do it myself,” Jasmine replied while shaking arms and hands worked up to the blindfold. Miranda could feel the girl warming up as she held her. Looking at the wounds she had before, they were now gone.

Miranda looked where Jasmine’s eyes should be as the blindfold came off. The shout to warn the others never escaped her lips. Jasmine’s small but preternaturally strong grip closed on her throat. Miranda looked into the now revealed red eyes and only saw murder within.