Chapter 24: Consequences.
**In an office under a city**
In a square-shaped room illuminated only by a sliver of sunlight filtering through a hole in the ceiling, the room appeared dark, filled with shadows.
In the room stood an ebony wood table and a tall black leather chair. Behind the table sat a figure, draped in a long black hood that obscured every part of their body, with a black mask covering their face. The eyes of the mask emanated a boundless well of darkness.
Two smaller black leather chairs sat in front of the table, facing the door - a brown wooden door adorned with intricate designs. Behind the table loomed a tall bookshelf.
On the left wall, a mural depicted a huge grey bird, incredibly lifelike with pronounced features. To the right stood a door, its surface adorned with strange carvings and symbols.
The masked figure sat, fingers tapping on the table, lost in thought as darkness swirled in their eyes. They were interrupted by gentle knocks on the opposite door. Glancing at the entrance, the figure spoke in a hoarse voice, "Come in."
A person entered, their face concealed by a mask, revealing only wavy dark hair and a graceful figure. "Your grace, you sent for me," the lady spoke with calm respect, bowing.
"Yes, I have a mission for you. The goddess has tasked us, and I want you to carry it out," replied the figure.
"What is the mission, your grace?" the lady inquired, still bowing.
"The goddess demands the capture of a person. Here is their image," said the figure, conjuring a pane of glass displaying the person's likeness.
"Where can I find this person, your grace?" the lady asked, studying the image intently.
"He will be in Ocean Manor City in about two days. Await his arrival, then bring him here," instructed the figure.
"Yes, your grace." With a bow, the lady departed.
The figure watched in silence as the door closed behind the lady, sighing before murmuring, "I guess that's taken care of. Time to prepare for the approaching battle."
Back in the cave, Kevin desperately tried to mend the cracks that had spread across Nicholas' body. Despite his efforts with herbs and potions, the cracks continued to bleed profusely.
"Come on, Nicholas, please, use that spell of yours. Heal yourself," Kevin pleaded, applying potions frantically.
As Nicholas weakened, his pulse fading, Kevin's efforts seemed in vain. However, the little wolf, sensing its master's plight, approached and infused Nicholas with silver and black energy, halting the cracks' progression and initiating healing.
Watching in amazement and relief, Kevin ensured Nicholas' wounds healed completely. Exhausted, he wrapped Nicholas in his coat, and dropped to the ground but not before noticing the little wolf's deteriorating condition.
"Oh no"
The white line on the wolf back was fading as well as the luster of it's black fur.
With the wolf weakening, Kevin retrieved a spirit stone from his bag and, sitting in a lotus position, directed its essence into the wolf's body, surrounded by a soft blue glow.
In Nicholas' mind, consciousness returned amidst fleeting thoughts and scenes of his life on Earth. Tempted to give in to death's call, he found resolve in thoughts of Kevin, vowing to repay his kindness. With renewed determination, external energy surged into him, healing his body and mind, leaving him in a state of calm relaxation.