The past whispers in every step we take, even when we try not to listen.
Meeting
The first rays of dawn seeped through the thin curtains, casting long, golden streaks across the floor and painting the room in a soft, warm glow. I woke slowly, the quiet of the morning settling around me like a blanket. The night had been calm, but my mind was already awake, buzzing with the anticipation of what was to come.
Lil lay beside me, her breathing steady and even. I tried to stay as still as possible, not wanting to wake her. She had barely slept the night before, her eyes shadowed with the same weight I felt pressing into my chest.
I glanced over at her, the outline of her face bathed in the golden light, and for a moment, I allowed myself to forget about the looming battle. Her hair, wild and tangled from sleep, fell across the pillow like waves. I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips.
"Morning," her voice came softly, startling me out of my thoughts. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting mine with a mix of surprise and warmth.
"Morning," I said, the word barely above a whisper. There was a pause, a moment of silence that stretched between us, heavy and uncertain.
Lil's eyes met mine, and a playful smirk tugged at her lips as she sit up. The morning light cast a warm glow across her face, making her look both fierce and beautiful. "You know, Shay, you really seem like a gentleman. Three times sharing a bed, and you haven't tried anything.
I stared at her, caught off guard before I couldn't help but let out a short, incredulous laugh. "You think I'm a gentleman because I haven't tried anything? Lil, I'm not about to test my luck and get turned into ashes. You'd light me on fire before I even got the chance to say anything."
"Well, that's true," she laughed.
My gaze lingered. It was a sound I hadn't realized I craved until now, light and unburdened. My eyes stayed fixed on her as she sat there, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. For a moment, I could see the way the morning light softened the sharp edges of her expression, making her look adorable.
She noticed my stare and raised an eyebrow, the teasing glint in her eyes daring me to say something. I opened my mouth to reply but found the words caught in my throat.
"If you don't stop looking at me like that, I'll burn you," she said jokingly.
Her eyes widened, and I leaned in, closing the distance between us, and pressed my lips lightly to her cheek. It was brief—just enough to leave a lingering warmth.
I pulled back, eyes searching hers for a reaction, and there it was: the mix of surprise and something else, something softer. The air between us crackled, and I let myself smile.
I tilted my head, pretending innocence and letting a smirk curl my lips. "I'm just following orders. And since you said I couldn't…"
Lil shifted, moving closer to me. Before I could process it, her lips found mine, soft and warm. A rush of sensation flooded through me. It was gentle, almost tentative, but the weight of it was more than enough.
When she pulled away, a small, victorious smile played on her lips. I stared at her, lost in the daze, my mind racing to catch up with reality.
"Seems like I just raised the stakes, didn't I?" she said, a playful glint in her eyes.
I smirked, finally finding my voice. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for that," I said, the hint of a laugh lacing my words.
Lil just laughed, a sound that made everything else seem less significant. And for a moment, all that mattered was her and the way the morning sun illuminated the space between us.
(...)
I stepped into Mazen's spacious meeting room, its dark wood paneling and high, arched windows giving off a sense of solemn authority. The room was filled with murmurs and shifting robes as mages from various factions settled into their seats. My gaze swept across the room, taking in Livius, who sat at the far end of the table with an air of unyielding grace. His sharp eyes met mine, and he nodded once.
Next to him, Violan lounged with his usual nonchalance, one leg propped up on the chair next to him, arms crossed over his chest. The moment Livius's eyes flicked to Violan, I caught the subtle tightening of his jaw and the faintest narrowing of his eyes. It was like a spark had been lit, and the tension between them was almost palpable. Violan's lips curled into a smirk, one that only deepened when he sensed Livius's glare. Who... arranged the seats like this?
Mazen was already seated opposite of them, his posture as relaxed and confident as ever. Even in his own residence, he had left the leader's chair open for me. It was a silent acknowledgment of my role. Lil's gaze met mine; she was calmly sitting next to Mazen.
Eden sat quietly in a corner, his eyes attentive, yet unreadable. He was a silent witness.
"Listen up," I began, my voice cutting through the murmurs and shifting robes, drawing every eye to me. "We need to change the plan. I'll deal with the apprentices first. Get them out of the way."
A ripple of confusion and surprise passed through the leaders. Livius leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he raised an eyebrow. "What about the original strategy? You and Lil working together?"
I let my expression harden, the weight of the decision pressing on me. "Lil needs to conserve her strength. She'll be the one tearing down the barrier."
The air thickened with tension. Livius's lips pressed into a thin line, his concern framed by the stoic nature of his expression. But it was Violan who broke the pause, shifting in his seat and letting out an exaggerated sigh that had the feel of a challenge. His eyes glittered with barely contained mockery as he addressed Livius without looking at him.
"Well, well, the great white mage seems flustered," Violan muttered, the lilt in his voice dripping with disdain. "Are afraid, oh, Sorcerer Lord?"
Livius's fingers twitched as if he were resisting the urge to respond, but he held back, eyes locked on mine instead. The room's air was heavy with the silent war of wills, and I could almost see it brimming just beneath the surface.
"Enough," Mazen interrupted, his voice calm but sharp, cutting through the brewing storm. "We have bigger things to focus on."
Violan's smirk only grew, but he silenced himself, leaning back with an air of impatience. The hostility between him and Livius could have sparked flames, but the moment passed, and I turned my attention back to the details of the plan.
I took a steadying breath and laid the rolled-up map across the table, the parchment crinkling as it unfolded. Rolo's meticulous sketches spread out before the leaders, detailing the area surrounding the barrier—lines drawn with careful precision, marked with symbols and notes that spoke of hours spent observing and recording.
"Rolo's map," I said, my voice sharp and clear. "It's accurate down to the last detail." My fingers traced the dark lines marking the barrier's perimeter, its undulating form that cut across the landscape. "The barrier's width is just over a mile. Magic density varies, but there are specific weak points here"—I pointed to a series of shaded sections marked with tiny sigils—"and here. They're the most vulnerable areas."
Murmurs spread through the room as they examined the map, the leaders leaning forward with eyes that flickered with cautious interest.
"The barrier is dense, but not impenetrable," I continued, my voice low but unwavering. "Rolo's analysis confirms this."
I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out a small pouch, emptying its contents onto the table with a soft clink. A collection of small figurines, each crafted with an almost obsessive attention to detail, lined up in front of me. Each piece was carved from different materials: some were painted with colors that symbolized allegiances, others were plain but gleamed with a faint, glassy hue.
I placed the black figurine near the edge of the map, in the territory marked with sharp, jagged lines. "The black mages, represented by Mazen," I said, casting a quick look at him.
Next, I put the white figurine beside it, closer to the heart of the map's battle zone. "Livius and the white mages," I said, my voice tightening as I glanced at the man who was already frowning at the board.
The grey figurine, small and muted, went into a corner. "The neutrals, led by Violan."
"And here"—I slid the red figurine at a distance from the rest —"Lilinette's position."
Finally, I placed the glass figurine, delicate and translucent closer to the center. "And this," I said, my voice dropping to a whisper as I traced the edges of the figure, "represents me and my group."
The room fell silent as everyone took in the strategic layout. I stood back, my hand still hovering over the table as I surveyed the map and the figurines. There was no room for error. This had to work.
Livius leaned forward, eyes locked on the figures and the weak points I had marked. His jaw was clenched, but his expression gave nothing away. Violan shifted in his seat, a smirk still tugging at his lips as he took in the set-up, clearly trying to appear nonchalant but failing to hide the glint of interest in his eyes.
Mazen met my gaze and gave a short nod of approval. He knew as well as I did that everything hinged on this plan—and on Lilinette's strength.
I placed three smaller figurines on the table, their craftsmanship less elaborate than the ones that represented the leaders but no less important. Their polished wood gleamed under the lantern light, each one representing an individual unit of combat strength.
"Violan," I said, looking directly at him, my gaze unyielding. "How many capable lust mages do you have to spare?"
Violan's lips twitched with barely contained irritation before he answered. "Twelve," he said, his voice cold but even.
I knew better, though. From my past lives, I remembered that Violan had at least thirty capable mages at his disposal. However, he'd given a generous number for the sake of diplomacy, and I understood the reason behind it. He wouldn't risk leaving his weaker apprentices completely defenseless, even if it meant holding bringing fewer mages. I was sure he would leave Onyx home as well. It was a strategic move that told me all I needed to know. Violan wouldn't sacrifice his people more than necessary, and that made my own choices all the more significant.
I nodded, acknowledging the numbers. Then I turned to Eden next, my expression steady but curious. He had been watching the table, his face unreadable the whole time.
"And how many mages are you willing to bring to the battlefield?"
Eden's eyes met mine, and for a moment, there was silence.
"Three exceptional sons," he said in the end. "They can hold down at least 20 average mages on their own."
"Good," I replied, my voice cutting the tension. I nodded to him, but my eyes already shifted to the man sitting across from me, a stark contrast of calm in the storm of this meeting.
"Mazen," I said, and the dark-haired mage inclined his head. "Will Felis be coming?"
Mazen's eyes flickered with an unreadable emotion before settling into something like resolve. "Yes, he'll be joining us."
I took a moment to absorb that, and then my gaze swept over the group, lingering for just a second on Lil, who sat with her back straight and eyes alert.
"Then," I said, with the finality of a command, "I'll bring a couple of hunters and vampires. They'll provide the support and swift strikes we need if things get chaotic."
I leaned over the map, my fingers tracing the figurines, aligning them in my mind's plan. "These people will form three groups," I said, eyes narrowing as I spoke. "They'll protect the mages working on the spatial isolation at all times, no exceptions."
The room grew quieter, each leader absorbing the weight of that instruction. The safety of those who would create our last line of defense was non-negotiable. Without them, our plans would collapse like a house of cards.
Violan's expression shifted, a flicker of understanding crossing his face, though he kept his stance rigid. His mages would be the shield against any attack. Eden's gaze turned a bit steely but he did not comment. Mazen looked thoughtful, fingers drumming on the arm of his chair.
Livius's question hung in the air, sharp and probing. "Why don't you ask for white mages to join the three groups, Shay?" His eyes met mine, one brow raised with an air of challenge.
I let a smile tug at the corner of my lips, leaning forward slightly. "Do you have any mages to spare, Livius?" I shot back, the question laced with playful sarcasm.
A silence fell over the room, weighted and telling. The white mages were not fighters. Not many were brave enough to join Livius and put their life at stake. He could mostly rely on his apprentices. They were mostly scholars and researchers—hands that held books more comfortably than blades. They could lend their magic to fortify the spatial isolation spell, but they would falter on the battlefield. I knew it, and so did everyone else at the table.
Violan's lips curled into a sly grin, his voice ringing out with mockery. "Oh, Livius, are you really that thin on warriors? Or do your precious scholars not want to risk their robes getting stained? Are they that soft? They haven't seen a battlefield in decades, just teaching comfortably in the safety of your backyard."
Lil's eyes sparkled with mischief as she joined in, the tension in the room shifting into something lighter but still edged with sharpness. "Perhaps the white mages don't want to be seen in battle, Violan. You know, they have a reputation to uphold." She added a wink, the two of them united in their teasing, a rare sight where they seemed almost like allies.
Livius's face flushed, a mix of indignation and reluctant acknowledgment crossing his features. He opened his mouth, perhaps to protest, but then closed it again, the realization settling in. He, like the rest of us, knew that asking for white mages was a far-off hope, not a practical strategy.
I turned to Livius, who was still recovering from the mockery, and spoke with the calm assurance that only I could muster in such moments. "If you want to send any light mages, then send Calista and Gil."
Livius's eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and gratitude.
Violan's expression shifted to one of mild amusement, a smirk still playing on his lips. "Ah, so you do have a few fighters among your scholars, Livius. How interesting."
But there was still hesitation in Livius's eyes when he thought of Gil. I caught that doubt and waved it away with a dismissive hand.
"Just tell him to assist Calista with his explosions," I said, the corners of my lips twitching upward. "It's not like we need him to perform miracles."
Violan snickered at that, but Livius's frown deepened, only to relax when he met my steady gaze. I knew it was hard for him to trust anyone outside his own circles, but the urgency of the situation was pushing him past his boundaries.
Livius's mouth set into a tight line. He let out a short nod. "Calista and Gil will be sent," he said, his voice steady.
The room, tense with the weight of decisions, seemed to hold its breath. I let my voice cut through the silence, firm and unwavering.
"There are three days until the full moon," I said, my gaze locking on each of them, one by one. "But we shouldn't wait until then. The longer we delay, the greater the chance of failure. And we can't forget who we're up against. The Time Mage has turned back time more than once. I'm sure that if it comes to it, she can move it forward, too."
A shiver rippled through the room at the realization. Mazen's eyes darkened as he stared into the distance, and Violan's smirk faltered for a brief moment before he masked it with a sharp, indifferent look. Livius's hand tightened on the edge of the table, his fingers whitening with the force of his grip. Eden merely nodded once, acknowledging the truth in my words.
We couldn't afford to be complacent. Not when our enemy had the power to bend time itself. I knew the risks we were taking, but there was no choice now. We had to strike before the possibility of failure grew to a point where it could swallow us whole.
I took a deep breath, the weight of what I was about to say pressing down on me like a stone. The room was quiet, expectant. I could almost hear the distant echo of my own heartbeat.
"We'll attack tomorrow," I said, voice steady and resolute. The words hung in the air, drawing sharp reactions from those present.
Livius's eyes widened, surprise etched across his features, while Violan's smirk returned, a wicked glint in his eyes. Eden's expression remained unreadable, but his silence spoke volumes. Lilinette looked as if she might challenge the decision, but I caught the slight nod she gave me.
"We need to strike before she has time to adjust," I continued. "Every moment we waste is a moment she uses to prepare. Tomorrow, we move out. There's no room for hesitation."
The room buzzed with murmurs and exchanged glances, but there was an unspoken agreement that resonated deep within me. This was the only path forward.
Mazen shifted in his seat, the smallest smile tugging at his lips. "So it begins," he said, and the others nodded, the air around us charged with both tension and determination.