## Chapter 25: Lyra's Concern
Lyra paced her laboratory, which was hidden deep within the heart of the forest, far from prying eyes. The lab was carved into a large, ancient tree whose roots dug deep into the earth, and its branches reached up toward the sky, creating a natural canopy that concealed the entrance. Inside, the laboratory was a blend of nature and arcane architecture, with vines and roots interwoven with stone and metal, creating a harmonious yet otherworldly space.
Shelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes, scrolls, and alchemical ingredients. Various arcane instruments, from crystal spheres to enchanted measuring tools, cluttered the workbenches. Magical lights floated in the air, casting a soft, steady glow over the room. The air was thick with the scent of herbs, the earthy aroma of the tree, and the faint hum of enchanted devices.
Lyra reached into her dimensional ring, a simple silver band with intricate runes engraved on it, and pulled out her communication amulet. It was a small, crystalline orb that shimmered with an ethereal light. She held it in her palm, took a deep breath, and activated it with a thought.
A moment later, the image of her mother appeared, projected from the orb. Her mother, Seraphina, was a striking figure with flowing silver hair and eyes that seemed to see into one's very soul. She was seated in a grand, elegantly furnished room, surrounded by the trappings of her status as one of the continent's guardians.
"Lyra, my dear! To what do I owe the pleasure?" Seraphina's voice was warm and filled with motherly affection.
Lyra managed a small smile. "Mother, I need your advice. I've... well, I've adopted a human child."
Seraphina's eyes widened in surprise, and then she burst into laughter. "You? Adopting a human child? This is rich! You've never had much patience for humans, Lyra. What brought this on?"
Lyra sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's complicated. The boy, Arthur, he's an Awaken. He managed to reach awakening on his own at just five years old."
Seraphina's laughter faded, replaced by keen interest. "An Awaken at five years old? That's extraordinary. But I sense there's more to this."
Lyra nodded, her expression turning serious. "Yes, Mother. While his potential is immense, his grasp of magic is... lacking. He uses far too much mana for simple spells, and his control is almost non-existent. I don't understand how he could have awakened with such poor manipulation skills."
Seraphina's gaze turned thoughtful. "That is indeed puzzling. Awakening typically requires a high degree of mana control. There must be something unique about this boy."
Lyra hesitated for a moment before continuing. "There's more. Arthur is connected to a demon. He has an ancient demon named Baal bound to him."
Seraphina's eyes narrowed, her voice growing grave. "A demon, you say? This is serious, Lyra. Demons are dangerous and cunning. Their power can corrupt even the strongest of wills."
Lyra nodded, her worry evident. "That's why I contacted you. I need to know everything you can tell me about demons. Their history, their nature, and how to deal with them."
Seraphina leaned back, her expression darkening as she recalled ancient memories. "Demons are remnants of a dark time in our world's history. They were created through the twisted experiments of a powerful mage who sought to harness divine essence. This mage, Baal, gave birth to these abominations. The celestials, the guardians of our world, had to intervene to stop them. The resulting conflict devastated the land, and the demons were scattered, hunted, and sealed away."
Lyra listened intently, absorbing the weight of her mother's words. "So, Baal was the one who created them. And now he's bound to Arthur."
Seraphina nodded. "Indeed. You must be extremely cautious, Lyra. Demons are not to be trifled with. Their power is seductive, and their intentions are always self-serving."
Lyra felt a lump form in her throat as she thought about Arthur. "I understand, Mother. I'll do my best to protect him."
Seraphina's expression softened. "I trust you will. But Lyra, what about your husband? How is he faring?"
At the mention of her husband, Lyra's composure crumbled. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her voice trembled. "Mother... he's gone. He was killed by a demon."
Seraphina's face fell, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Oh, Lyra... I'm so sorry. I had no idea."
Lyra struggled to speak through her tears. "It happened so fast. He was trying to protect our home. The demon was too strong... I couldn't save him."
Seraphina's projection reached out as if to comfort her daughter. "Lyra, my dear, I am so sorry for your loss. But you must be strong. For yourself, and for Arthur. He needs you now more than ever."
Lyra nodded, wiping away her tears. "I will be, Mother. Thank you for your guidance."
Seraphina gave her a sad smile. "Take care, Lyra. And remember, you are not alone. We are always here for you."
Lyra took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Mother, there's one more thing. I want to know if there's a way to remove Baal from Arthur without harming him."
Seraphina's expression turned grave. "Show me the mark."
Lyra projected an image of the intricate tattoo that covered Arthur's back, a network of runes and symbols that pulsed with dark energy.
Seraphina studied it for a long moment before speaking. "This is a binding of the highest order. The only way to sever such a connection is through the death of the host."
Lyra's heart sank. "So there's no way to save him without killing him?"
Seraphina's eyes were filled with sorrow. "I'm afraid not, Lyra. You must be careful. The boy's life is now bound to the demon's essence. Removing Baal would mean ending Arthur's life."
Lyra clenched her fists, her mind racing with the implications. "I can't just let him be consumed by this. There has to be another way."
Seraphina's voice softened. "You have always been resourceful, my daughter. If anyone can find a way, it's you. But tread carefully. Demons are masters of deceit and manipulation. Protect the boy, but do not lose yourself in the process."
Lyra nodded, her resolve hardening. "Thank you, Mother. I will find a way. I promise."
Seraphina gave her a sad but hopeful smile. "I believe in you, Lyra. Stay strong."
As the communication ended, Lyra took another deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges ahead. She had to protect Arthur and find a way to free him from Baal's influence without sacrificing his life. It was a daunting task, but she was determined to succeed.