The grandfather clock ticked ominously in the hushed library. A low rasp of hinges followed, and the heavy oak door groaned open, revealing a hidden chamber. Warm lamplight spilled out, casting long shadows across ornately carved bookshelves. Athena, her fist clenching the armrest, watched a shadowed figure slip through the doorway.
"They're onto me," Amelia murmured, her voice a low rasp as she sank into an armchair opposite the princess.
A surge of irritation lanced through Athena, momentarily shattering her composure. "Back so soon from your... social engagement, shall we say?"
Amelia's surprised face morphed into amusement. "Unforgettable. Let's just say… Astra has a certain... aversion to chivalry. Apparently, rescuing damsels in distress is so last millennium."
"Aversion to damsels in distress, or aversion to you?" Athena countered.
"I managed to get a kiss from the ice princess, however." Amelia grinned, her golden eyes locked into Athena, but this time, the princess's features were oddly neutral.
A glint sparked in Amelia's eyes as she leaned in, their lips met in a kiss, abruptly cut off by Athena pulling away. A low growl rumbled in her chest. "Here to brag, or to warn me?"
Amelia's amusement vanished, replaced by a steely glint in her eyes. "Forget Astra. The ghouls are evolving unnaturally. We need answers, now."
An enigmatic smile crossed Athena's face. "Looks like you'll be on a leave of absence for a while, Amelia."
Amelia nodded curtly. "I'll delve into the mutation." With a determined glint in her eyes, she vanished.
The heavy oak door slammed shut, a final thud that sent a tremor through the room. Athena was alone. In the flickering lamplight, the shadows seemed to writhe on the walls, mirroring the storm brewing within her. Was it fury at the new threat, or something else entirely?
*****
The click of Indigo's heels echoed down the sterile hallway, each step punctuated by the ragged breaths he tried to control. The familiar aroma of coffee and tea barely masked the bitter taste of rage in his mouth. He flung open the meeting room door, his colleagues flinching at the unexpected intrusion. Their usual composed expressions were replaced by a mix of surprise and unease.
Grant, the Council Vice Leader, stood at the head of a large mahogany table, a PowerPoint presentation glowing on the screen behind him. The blue light glinted off his bald head as he turned to face Indigo, his voice smooth but laced with a subtle condescension, "Professor Crane. This meeting wasn't on your agenda, was it?"
Indigo slammed his laptop onto the table with a metallic clang. "Why haven't you investigated the mutated ghouls yet?" he growled, his voice strained with barely contained fury.
Grant's lips curled into a sneer. "Capturing Queen Eydis remains our utmost priority, Professor."
Indigo's jaw clenched so tight his teeth seemed ready to crack. "Five lives, Grant! Civilian and hunter! And now Miss Kruger gone missing!" he spat, his emphasis a deliberate challenge.
Grant's smile faltered for a fleeting moment, a flicker of something akin to annoyance crossing his eyes. "Unfortunate indeed. Now, how confident are we that this Amelia is truly the Queen of the Damned?"
"Eighty percent," Indigo muttered, his knuckles white from gripping the edge of the table. "The intel aligned, and her speed was undeniable." His gaze darted to the map plastered across the screen, a web of red dots marking Amelia's recent excursions beyond the academy's protective walls.
"Excellent. Advise Callista to remain within the academy perimeter," Grant instructed, his voice firm with a glint of calculation. "Securing her position there wasn't easy, and we'll handle things from here."
Dr. Saito's voice cut through the tense silence, tight with worry. "But what if Callista's cover was blown during last night's… operation? Staying put could be a death sentence."
Grant dismissed Saito's concern with a dismissive wave. "Callista has served her purpose admirably. But there are other matters within the academy that require her attention. She is capable enough to defend herself, especially since Amelia seems to have vanished."
A wave of relief washed over Indigo, knowing Callista wouldn't be thrown into the dangerous mission. However, a knot of unease tightened in his stomach. "And what exactly entails this new assignment for Callista?" he inquired, suspicion coloring his voice.
Grant's eyes narrowed briefly before he spoke, his tone carefully measured. "Perhaps capturing Princess Athena wasn't such a foolish idea after all. We need leverage against the Queen, and what better leverage than her alleged lover?"
Indigo's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Come again?"
"Reliable intel suggests they were romantically involved before the Metamorphosis," Grant said, his voice dripping with condescension. "A star-crossed lovers narrative, isn't it? So very… touching." The last word was laced with sarcasm, a mocking smirk twisting his lips.
Indigo's fury simmered. "And you kept this vital information from me? Who is this source?"
Grant's gaze turned icy. "Classified, Crane. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a Queen to capture." He dismissively gestured towards the door, his body language making it clear the conversation was over.