“I don’t want too!” I screamed, streaking through the mansion. “

“Wren Ventus! Get back here right now!” my mother shouted. There was a crackle of lightning and a pair of hands grabbed me from behind.

“No!” I protested as she picked me up and carried me back to the changing room. “I hate politics and fancy dinners. I won’t do it! Make Charly go instead.”

“Charly does not know anything about etiquette. You do, even if it is a bit outdated. Now, stop acting like a spoiled child and put on the dress.”

I eyed the frilly monstrosity with distress. How were people even supposed to move in something like that?

“Can’t I at least wear a normal dress? That thing looks like it will eat me whole.”

“This is the popular style in court right now. Your grandmother spent a lot of money on this dress. Now you will wear it, and you will tell her you like it. Understand?”

I shivered under my mom’s steel gaze. I would rather face a hundred demons then try to stare her down.

I heard a chuckle at the door as my grandmother walked into the room. “Reminds me of when you were little. you always hated the dresses I picked.”

“Mother! I am sorry she did not mean to be rude.”

“It is fine dear.” My grandmother replied. She motioned towards the nearby seamstress who was there for the fitting and turned towards me. “I will not force you wear a dress you do not like. What kind of dress do you think would be good? I will buy it for you.”

My mother looked at her incredulously. “Just make her wear this one. I do not remember getting a choice when I was growing up.”

“Yes, and look how that turned out. You were barely older than her when you ran away. Wren’s birthday should be coming up in a few months. Let us call it an early birthday present.”

My mother’s face flushed in embarrassment, but I looked at my grandmother curiously. “How do you know my birthday?”

“Don’t mind that dear. Now tell me what do you not like about this dress and what you would like in a new one.”

“Well… I would like something less pink and frilly. Something that does not look like it is for a doll.” I said cautiously. My grandmother talked it over with the seamstress, and we eventually settled on a new dress I was happy to call my own. It was a pretty green that reminded me of leaves and trimmed in a loose style that was apparently popular a year ago.

“Now, are you more willing to go to the dinner?” my mother asked.

“No.”

“Wren.” My mother glared.

I felt a drop of sweat drip down my back and squeezed out a nervous smile. “I mean… yes. Of course, I am happy to go.”

“Good enough.” She replied with a sigh. “You inherited far too much of your father’s personality.”

“And yours.” My grandmother said, smiling happily. After getting dressed came hair and makeup… it was a long evening.

Hours later the three of us walked down the stairs. My father sat waiting. He had been dressed in a fine suit hours ago. Now, he was intently inspecting the bracelets that paired with his weapon, studying the runes. I was sure he could spend years studying them if we let him.

“Seems like I get the honor of escorting the three most beautiful women this side of the Novus Empire.” My father said, looking away from his study with a charming smile. It was the first time I had ever seen him look like a noble. It was strange.

“You cleaned up nicer than I expected.” My grandmother mused. “This might be easier than I thought.”

“Believe it or not, he used to always be like this.” Replied my mother with a smile. “I had to make him stop. if not, I might have had to compete with nearly a dozen concubines.”

“One woman is already scary enough, let alone a dozen.” My father replied.

“Scary?” she replied raising an eyebrow.

“No… I meant… you…” my father stuttered, trying to find the right word. After a moment floundering, he sighed and flipped back his hair. With his most charming smile, he looked directly at my mother. “Actually, I think scary is the right word.”

The was a crackle of lightning as my mother stared at my father. “When this party is over, and I am out of this stupid dress, you and me are having a sparring match.”

“There is the woman I love.” Replied my father, still smiling. “I was worried you got lost in all that frill you're wearing.”

A cart pulled by two large men rumbled across the smooth road. It was a traditional form of transport rich used throughout the city that I found extremely pompous, but my grandmother said it was necessary. The summer heat was on full blast as we were carted through the city. The only relief was the slight gust of wind from our quick moving cart.

My grandmother explained that we were headed to one of the most influential homes in the city for their yearly celebration. This Dareia family used parties like this to flaunt their wealth and connect with other influential families. As for what they were supposed to be celebrating, that had been lost to time.

With only a few moments in the cart, we arrived at a nearby mansion. We had barely gone any distance at all, causing me to grumble that it would have been easier to walk.

The mansion’s white marble was identical to every other mansion in the upper half of this city. Expensive decorations filled the yard. Silver statues, carved fountains, and gold trim screamed wealth. It even made grandmother’s house seem poor by comparison.

A pair of servants led the four of us to a large hall. They announced our names to the crowd before quickly excusing themselves. Slow music played by nearly twenty musicians echoed through the dining hall. Dozens of people in extravagant clothing talked quietly amongst each other. Some looked our way as we entered, but we were mostly ignored.

A singly elderly woman came to greet us. “Selene, it has been far too long since you last attended one of my gatherings. I was starting to think you were avoiding us.”

“I would never try to avoid you Eirene.” My grandmother replied with a smile that seemed a little too big. “Allow me to introduce my family. You remember Prometia. This is her husband Renald and her daughter Wren.” The three of us bowed in the traditional greeting.

“The runaway child returns after all this time. The entire city is talking about it. Your daughter Wren is truly lovely, her eyes… might cause her some issues, but I know many people. Have you entered marriage talks for her yet? If not, I can recommend…” The woman got distracted as another family entered through the great hall. “Let us put a pin in this conversation. The guests need me.”

I let out a deep breath in relief as she hurried away. “Please tell me that will not be a common topic of conversation tonight.”

“Unfortunately, yes.” My grandmother replied. “I do not hold much political power these days, but our family has never lacked money. Many of the young and ambitious have political power, but lack wealth. You and Charles will be prime targets in their eyes, since they would gain my financial support. Age means nothing to the ambitious.”

I felt exhaustion already as dread set in. I hate politics, and despised pretending to be polite. I would rather be anywhere else than here.

Maybe we can set a fire… escape in the confusion.

“Wren, I know that look. Do not cause any trouble.” Said my mom sternly. “We are here to make friends and allies in the senate. You will smile, be polite, and not burn anything down.”

My cheeks turned red. I turned away from the uncanny mindreading that every mother seemed to possess.

My grandmother laughed. “Of course, if you find someone you like, a future senator would make a good husband.”

“Mother, don’t start with that. I had enough of it when I was a child, and Wren is even more headstrong than I was. It will not end well.”

The party continued for the next hour without a major event. There were many uncomfortable moments as more families introduced themselves. Their motives were plain to see. My mother and grandmother seemed adept at these conversations, leading them along without promising anything. it was a dance that irritated me to my core.

I knew I could not act like they did, so I stayed near my mom. She was able to save me from the more pointed conversations. I answered any questions politely, and forced a bright smile at everyone that approached.

As the day turned to evening, the party dragged on. Eventually, the woman, Eirene, made a speech. The music dimmed and people turned silent.

“Thank you all again for attending this year’s Dareia family celebration. We will be moving to the feast soon, but first, we have a very special guest here tonight.”

A man walked into the hall with a friendly smile. Flowing black hair, and an effeminate face, he looked out at the crowd with bright golden eyes. I felt my blood turn cold at the sight of the familiar man.

Otto!

Why was he here? I can’t be seen by him.

I hid behind my mother’s dress, hoping… praying that Otto was not using his innate talent. I scanned the room for an exit. Other than the entrance Otto came from, there was only one other door at the end of the great hall.

My mother and father had noticed the problem as well, and both moved to stand in front of me. Not that it would help if he really was using his skill. Otto’s innate talent was well known. Divine Eyes, a power capable a seeing through all things. With his innate talent, Otto could see a person’s past, and their possible future. It was said he could even see into their very soul. A fact I knew to be true.

He had known me as the Immortal Empress, and would easily recognize me if he peered closely.

We made an excuse that I was not feeling well to my grandmother, and slowly made our way towards the exit at the far side of the room. I was always careful to keep my parents between me and Otto’s gaze.

Eirene’s introduction ended and a swarm of people gathered around the living legend. Hopefully they would distract him long enough for us to escape. The door was almost in reach. Pale silver handle glittering in the light of the chandeliers.

I reached out to take hold of the door when I heard a singsong voice behind me. “A soul that burns as bright as yours is a rarity I have seen only one other time in my life.”

I turned, muscles stiff and unresponsive. Standing behind me was Otto. He looked down at me with that same friendly smile he always seemed to wear.

It was too late. He knew. I winced, waiting to be attacked. My current flames had no way of injuring someone on Otto’s level. We had no weapons on us. Sylvie and Nox were back at my grandmother’s mansion. Everything was over.

My parents both tensed up, preparing to do what they could, but I knew anything they tried would be pointless against someone of Otto’s level.

Each second dragged on for a lifetime. Surprisingly, the attack never came.

Otto laughed at our response. “Let us find a more private place to talk. I am sure you do not wish to discuss with me in front of everyone here.”

I nodded silently, confusion clouding my mind. Why is he pretending to be friendly? With his talent he should be able to tell how weak I am.

Under the gaze of everyone, Otto led the three of us out of the great hall and into a private room provided by the Dareia family. He collapsed into the sofa without any of the refinement or grace expected of someone in his position.

The three of us stood stiffly. My parents on either side, willing to risk everything to protect me if they needed to. Otto motioned us to sit, but nobody moved.

His golden eyes stared at me with a gaze that made me shiver. I felt naked in front of him.

Silence stretched on for what seemed like an eternity before Otto spoke. “What did you do to your soul? It looks like a child tried to mix two paints without realizing that one was water based and the other oil. If it was not for the green flames engulfing everything, I would never have been able to recognize you… Aurielle Aevus.”

I forced a smile, and feigned confidence as I sat in the couch opposite of the man who would decide my fate. My parents still stood on either side, watching carefully.

“It has been a long time, Otto. I was surprised to learn one of Sebastion’s knights rebelled and created his own state. Even more surprising, is that you want to talk and are not trying to kill me right now.”

“Would it matter?” replied Otto with a sigh. “How many times have you died? If I killed you now, you would just come back in a couple decades and get your revenge. I could try imprisoning you, but it would never be permanent. I have learned many things about the Endless War in the years since we killed you. About what the Aevus name really means… We were so naïve back then.” Otto leaned back, looking at me carefully. “Most importantly though, I do not hate you the way King Sebastion does. I understand that you did what you thought was right, even if he will never accept it.”

I looked down at the ground and spoke with a quiet voice. “Sometimes I wonder if there was another way. A path I could have taken that did not leave us enemies, but to this day I cannot think of one.”

“King Sebastion is a bull-headed fool, and you are an uncompromising, cold-hearted pragmatist and a fool. The two of you were always destined to be enemies.”

I smiled, genuinely this time. “So, if you do not want me dead and you do not hate me, what do you want from me?”

“To leave the Free Cities.” Otto paused as he looked at me. “That is what I wanted to say, but now I am not so sure. If it was the old you, I would never trust you to stay here for even a moment, but you are not really Aurielle anymore, are you? No, you are something more now… your soul… what exactly did you do?”

“I had a rare moment of compassion… You are right. I am not Aurielle anymore.” I reached out and grabbed hold of my mom and dad’s hand. They smiled down at me sweetly. “I am Wren. For now, and forever.”

Otto grew silent as he looked at me. His innate talent working in overdrive, causing his golden eyes to glow brightly. “You are really telling the truth!” His eyes grew wide in shock. “To think I would see a day like this… alright I have made my decision. You can stay in the Free cities, but you have to tell me, why are you here?”

I paused before speaking slowly. “Envy is preparing to invade. We have less than a year.”

Otto closed his eyes. The overly friendly smile disappearing from his face for the first time. “That is what it was… for a few years now, my innate talent has given me visions of many peoples deaths. They are nearly certain which is normally impossible since the future is always in flux.”

“You know as well as I, the Demons never spare humans.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“We need an alliance, and I need my Chronicle, the book I always carried with me. Before my death at Sebastion’s hands I stored a lifetime worth of power inside of it. Only with that power can I fight Envy.”

“That blasted book again.” Otto sighed. “You know we spent years trying to figure out that stupid thing. We could feel the power you left in it, and something much greater than that, but could never do anything about it. The king had me use my innate talent on it at one point. He hoped I could gain any information about it at all. The backlash from the book nearly killed me.”

I chucked in response. “The Chronicle is connected to all five members of the Aevus family. We each hold a copy. You are not just lucky to survive the backlash. If another member of the Aevus family was annoyed at your attempt the entire Novus kingdom could have been wiped off the map”

Otto shuddered. “Will it really help us defeat Envy?”

“It might be the only thing that can.”

Otto grew quiet. Silence filled the room. Indecision reflected in his eyes. He looked at me then my parents. Finally, he let out a sigh and spoke. “This may be the wrong choice, but I will trust you for now. I can speak with the various senators to support an alliance. Your book however is in king Sebastion’s personal treasury. We have not been on speaking terms since my rebellion. I can attempt to negotiate with him, but I want something in return.”

“What do you want?” I asked.

“I am sure you noticed the heightened security when you entered the city. Recently, there has been an outbreak of a new drug. A drug with a rather peculiar side effect.” Otto leaned forward and clasped his hands tightly. “This drug does not give you a euphoric high or dull pain. It is something I have never seen before. This drug allows a normal person to temporarily gain an innate talent.”

I felt a shiver run through my spine. A drug like that should not exist. The Thirteen Divisions outlawed it centuries ago.

“How long has it been in circulation?”

“I have known about it for only a couple weeks, but I have evidence it has been in circulation for months. The city has issued a warning, but nobody believes it. No side effects have appeared yet, so nobody is talking.”

“A drug that allows people to gain an innate talent? What is so bad about that?” my father asked.

I paused, considering how much I should share. I doubt even Otto knew the full extent of how bad such a drug can be. I spoke slowly, considering each word. “The Thirteen Divisions have always sought ways to win the Endless War. Naturally finding ways to manufacture innate talents was a very popular concept. About three hundred years ago a lab under the Twelfth Division with the help of the Ninth Division created a drug. This drug allowed soldiers to temporarily gain an innate talent. It was an amazing breakthrough, and for many months it did indeed help the war effort…”

I took a deep breath, the acidic smell of blood still fresh in my memories. “A few years after the drug began circulation, every single person who used the drug… went mad. Their bodies began to mutate into inhuman monsters and they turned on their comrades… hundreds of thousands died.”

I closed my eyes as I remembered friends and allies turning on each other. Our enemies did not miss the opportunity the chaos created. In one of the bloodiest campaigns of the war, we lost nearly a fourth of our territories before the year was finished. My mother placed a calming hand on my shoulder, but it did nothing to dull the emotions welling within me.

Rage burned in my chest as I remembered everything we lost. “Later, we learned that everything was orchestrated. A traitor under the command of the demon Envy was the head researcher for the drug. He faked the results that showed the drug as a safe and successful way to gain an innate talent. Since then, the drug has been outlawed by all Thirteen Divisions.”

“And now, it is in the streets of Aktaio.” Replied Otto.

“I doubt it is a coincidence that it has reappeared at the same time as Envy’s invasion.” My father replied. “He wants to weaken our forces before he attacks.”

I spoke, as a firm determination crept into my voice. “Alright Otto, I will help you find the source of this drug. I can only pray we are not too late.”