Elias's face grew serious as he continued his explanation. "Those soldiers from Solaris, they were our only help, Lyra. After the resistance club and Ashborne Academy refused to help, I went out into the city. There was a rumored person who dealt with Sanguine issues, but it was nearly impossible to get in touch with her."
Lyra listened intently, her eyes widening as Elias described his desperate search throughout Ashborne City.
"I was all over the city, but no sign of help was coming up," Elias said, his voice tinged with frustration. "Then, a woman advised me to ask for outside help, people who weren't influenced by the mafia." He paused, his gaze meeting Lyra's. "That's when I realized it, Lyra. This city is run by the mafia."
Lyra pulled her hand back instinctively, a chill running down her spine. "Yeah, I know, but still..."
Elias nodded, understanding her reaction. "It's okay. I left and got on a boat to the continent of Arcadia, to the Port of Solaris. It was a long journey, Lyra. But no one here was going to do anything. They would have left you there."
Shock painted Lyra's features as the weight of his words sank in. The idea that she could have been forgotten, left to whatever fate awaited her in Nightfall mansion, was almost too much to bear.
Elias continued, his voice growing softer. "Once I arrived, I went to the knights and told them my story. Most didn't dare to even listen to me. 'Nocturnia is a dangerous land,' they exclaimed. But this one man, Kai, he heard me out. He told me to meet someone... It was your cousin, Lyra. He was a high-ranking soldier."
Lyra's mind reeled at the mention of her cousin. She hadn't even known she had family in Solaris. The weight of everything Elias had done, the lengths he had gone to in order to save her, suddenly felt overwhelming.
"Elias, I..." she began, but found herself at a loss for words.
Sensing her turmoil, Elias gently squeezed her hand. "It's okay, Lyra. Thank you for listening. I can tell you more another time."
Lyra nodded, grateful for his understanding. "I'm glad you're safe, Elias. Thank you, truly." She paused, a question forming on her lips. "But what I really want to know is... what happened with you and Dante? What did he do to you?"
The question caught Elias off guard, and Lyra realized with a start that she had never told him anything about Dante. The memories of her time in the shadow veil, the conversations she'd shared with the enigmatic Sanguine, came flooding back.
"Well, um..." Lyra hesitated, unsure how to explain the complex relationship she'd developed with Dante. "He wasn't that bad, actually. He made sure I was safe, in his own way."
Elias's brow furrowed, clearly struggling to reconcile this information with what he knew of the Sanguine. Before he could press further, they realized their stroll had come to an end.
They embraced, the hug conveying all the gratitude and relief that words couldn't express. As they parted, Elias asked, "Will you be joining the resistance club again?"
Lyra paused, considering. The events of the past weeks had changed her, and she wasn't sure she was ready to jump back into the fray just yet. "I think I need some time apart to recuperate," she said finally.
Elias nodded, understanding in his eyes. "We're all just grateful you're back safe, Lyra. Take all the time you need."
As Elias walked away, Lyra took a deep breath, her mind still processing everything she had learned. She decided to head to her research lab, feeling a need to reconnect with the familiar space after being away for so long.
As she made her way across campus, lost in thought, a familiar voice called out to her. "Lyra? Is that really you?"
Turning, Lyra found herself face to face with her friend Lilith. Before she could respond, she noticed something different about Lilith. Her eyes began to glow, and as her mouth opened in surprise, Lyra caught a glimpse of unmistakable Sanguine fangs.
For a moment, Lyra felt a mixture of terror and joy. The sight of the Sanguine features brought back memories of her time in Nightfall mansion, but the familiar face of her friend tempered her fear. Without hesitation, Lilith pulled her into a warm embrace.
"How have you been?" Lilith asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Lyra, still processing the revelation about her friend, managed a smile. "It's... been quite an experience. How about you? How was your lunar break?"
Lilith's eyes sparkled as she replied, "Oh, it was great being back in the city. There's so much to catch up on! Why don't we grab lunch?"
Still reeling from the day's events, Lyra nodded, grateful for the familiar company. As they made their way to the cafeteria, Lyra's mind raced with questions. Is Lilith apart a Sanguine Mafia? Had she always known about Nightfall?
They found a quiet corner in the bustling cafeteria and settled in with their trays. As they began to eat, Lilith leaned in, her voice low. "I heard you got into some serious Sanguine business, Lyra."
Lyra noticed Lilith's expression grow colder, more serious. It was a stark contrast to her usual cheerful demeanor. "Well, yeah, I have," Lyra admitted, unsure of how much to reveal.
To her surprise, Lilith's face softened into a smile. "Well, you know, normally I would have warned you about getting involved with all that. But I think you're capable. So, I think you're doing fine!"
Lyra blinked, taken aback by Lilith's casual acceptance of the situation. "You... you knew about all this? About Nightfall, about what's really going on in the city?"
Lilith nodded, her eyes darting around to ensure no one was listening. "I've known for a while, about the Nightfall Mafia. It's part of who I am, who my family is. But I never wanted to drag you into it. I thought... I thought I could protect you by keeping you in the dark."
Lyra felt a mix of emotions – betrayal at having been kept in the dark, relief at finally having someone to talk to who understood, and a lingering fear of the unknown. "So, all this time..."
As they continued to talk, Lyra found herself opening up about her experiences – her kidnapping, her time in Nightfall mansion, and even her complicated feelings about Dante. Lilith listened intently, offering comfort and insights where she could.
"I didn't know about your family The Sanguine world is complex, Lyra," Lilith explained. "There are factions, politics, and powers at play that most people can't even imagine. But you've seen it now. You've been part of it. And from what you've told me, you've handled yourself incredibly well."
Lyra felt a warmth spread through her at Lilith's words. For the first time since her return, she felt truly understood. "So, what happens now?" she asked.
Lilith's expression turned serious once more. "That's up to you, Lyra. You've been given a glimpse into a world few outsiders ever see. You can choose to step back, to try and return to a normal life. Or..."
"Or?" Lyra prompted.
As their lunch came to an end, Lyra found herself at a crossroads. The revelations of the day – Elias's journey to save her, the true nature of Ashborne City and the Nightfall Mafia. The path ahead was shrouded in mystery and danger.
"I need some time to think," Lyra said finally, as they gathered their trays.