Bratovi Castle
Bratovi.
Styx Bratoviae
Styx had barely walked through the threshold of the Bratoviae Castle when a figure clad in a light blue dress comes crashing into him. "Speak of the devil" Lilith says. Styx couldn't help but notice the serious look on her face. "Aunt Sylvia and I have finished the tasks you entrusted to us. She wants to see you in her cottage " Lilith says in one breath. "Alright " Styx responds as he follows her in the direction of Aunt Sylvia's cottage. "By the way, you have a visitor ". Styx reacted with surprise "A visitor? Who is it?" Styx inquires. "Oh, you'll see" she says with a small smile while looking at Styx from over her shoulder.
Upon reaching the cottage, Styx immediately recognizes his aunt, Sylvia, evident from her long, shimmering silver hair and the familiar sound of her jewelry. He spots Rudiger who sits in a chair, and finally, Styx notices the awaited visitor.
Saturn from the house of Aurum stood tall, his muscular frame complemented by honey-colored skin, golden eyes, and shoulder-length golden locs. "It's been too long, my friend," he greeted, his voice rich. Styx chuckled at the sight of him in his customary robe, adorned with large golden beads around his neck. Approaching him, Styx embraced him warmly. "Thank you for coming," he expressed gratefully. Styx, Rudiger, and Saturn shared a long history, although their paths diverged due to respective duties. "If you two are quite finished with your reunion, we have pressing matters to address," Sylvia interjected dryly.
As the friends released their embrace and gathered around the table, Aunt Sylvia rose to address them. "Let's begin with the good news: I've found a way to break the Discretion curse," she announced. Styx and Rudiger breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. "And the bad news?" Styx inquired, while Saturn looked on. Sylvia hesitated before taking her seat, her expression grave. "Upon analyzing the powder you provided, I discovered something unsettling," she began. "It not only incapacitates those who ingest it but gradually erodes their consciousness. Throughout history, the tenebrae maleficae have used it to turn victims into mindless beings, preparing them for sacrifice. In essence, all those who have been kidnapped are being groomed for sacrifice."
Styx's heart sank at the revelation. "I can't divulge much about the nature of the sacrifice at the moment. However, given the number of humans and vampires they're abducting, it's likely a significant event. The only silver lining is that such rituals take time and carry a high risk of failure, which grants us some respite. Apart from that, there's a council meeting scheduled soon to address recent developments. I'll let you guys catch up for now," Aunt Sylvia informed them.
Styx, Rudiger, Lilith, and Saturn sat in silence, processing the information. "This is serious," Saturn remarked. Rudiger cleared his throat, turning to Styx. "What's your take?" Styx met Rudiger's gaze. "I anticipated a storm brewing, but it's already upon us," he shared, recounting what he'd learned from the Nightshades. "The uprising in Medellin isn't coincidental; it's connected to the abductions. The question remains: what's the significance of Medellin? What are they after?" Styx concluded, voicing their collective concern.
Despite Styx's absorption in the discussion, he couldn't ignore the subtle exchanges between Lilith and Saturn. Their unspoken communication spoke volumes. Lilith, breaking the silence, offered her assistance. "Count me in to support in any way possible. We're all in this together. I've been grappling with prophetic glimpses lately, but they're mere fragments of a larger picture. I'll strive to piece them together into a coherent message," she pledged earnestly.
Acknowledging Lilith's commitment, Styx nodded appreciatively. Before he could respond, Saturn chimed in with an offer of relief. "I'll arrange for some laxiaceta tea to alleviate your migraines," he offered, prompting a grateful smile from Lilith. Rudiger, observing the interaction, shot Saturn a pointed look, silently questioning his gesture. Saturn, sensing the unspoken query, explained, "Lilith suffers from debilitating migraines triggered by her visions. Laxiaceta is her only relief."
Lilith, feeling slightly uncomfortable under Rudiger's scrutiny, excused herself from the conversation. "I'll leave you all to catch up," she said, making her exit.
"How's your territory holding up?" Styx inquired of Saturn. "We're facing the same issues as you," Saturn replied. "With the looming threat of a regnis war, chaos was inevitable, but the emergence of tenebrae maleficae has escalated matters beyond expectation. What's your take on the situation?" he queried Styx. "I've got it under control for now," Styx assured him, "but I need to visit Medellin for further information, and I'll require your assistance with that."
"Speaking of Medellin," Rudiger interjected, "there's growing discontent within the council. Some are advocating for the impeachment of the Medellins. It seems the regnis is considering appointing someone else to address the crisis." "This doesn't sit right with me," Saturn remarked. "Weren't the Alexandriovs supposed to lend aid to the Medellins?" he questioned. "The Alexandriovs are stationed in the north; it'll be months before any assistance arrives. Furthermore, given the perception of the Medellins as a sinking ship, no other house is inclined to offer support. It's a testament to the fleeting nature of alliances in our realm," he concluded. The others nodded in solemn agreement.
"Why did you really want me here, Styx?" Saturn inquired. "I need to call in that favor," Styx replied. "Let's hear it," Saturn agreed. "I need you to track down the annals of mortifer. It's something I desperately need, and you're the best tracker in Regnum," Styx explained earnestly. Saturn chuckled, though the gravity of the request wasn't lost on him. "You want me to embark on a wild goose chase for something we're not even sure exists?" Styx's desperation and frustration colored his tone. "My source insists it's somewhere in the Orion Valley. I risked my life to help you before. I really need this," Styx pleaded.
Saturn sighed before conceding, "I've got your back, brother." "Thank you," Styx said, expressing his gratitude with a cupped hand gesture. "As you said, we're brothers. No need for thanks. When do you plan to head to Medellin?" Saturn inquired. "In three days," Styx confirmed. Saturn nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, Rudiger stood up, fetching a bottle from Aunt Sylvia's shelves and poured them each a cup of blood mixed with gin. "To brothers," Rudiger toasted, raising his cup. "To brothers," Styx and Saturn echoed, clinking their cups in agreement.