Azrael leaned back in his study chair, rubbing his temples as he stared down at the reports Sevastian had handed him earlier. The two men sat in silence for a moment, each lost in thougyht, until Azrael finally broke the silence.
"So." He began, his voice low and thoughtful, "There was indeed a rogue sighted nearby. It was not just a baseless rumor or a scare tactic." He looked up, his piercing gaze fixed on Sevastian, who stood across from him with a steady expression.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Sevastian replied, nodding slightly. "One of the villager confirmed seeing a figure moving swiftly across the eastern border, cloaked in shadows. And, curiously, it was not the usual kind of rogue behavior. The witness described something…. almost different and scary about the rogue's presence."
Azrael's jaw clenched as he absorbed the information. "For weeks, we were convinced Rose was behind the dragons' corruption," He said, frustration tinging his voice. "It appears that she had fooled us all and now, there is someone—or something—else meddling with the people of Valeria."
Sevastian nodded, his expression darkening. "It is perplexing, Your Majesty. If not Rose, then who? And why would they seek to corrupt the dragons? It is as if we have been led astray, made to believe Rose was the core issue, when in reality, she might only be a small part of a much larger plan."
Azrael leaned forward, fingers steepled as he contemplated the possibilities. "You think there is a larger scheme at play here, do you not? Someone working in the shadows, using magic to manipulate the dragons."
Sevastian took a deep breath, his brow furrowed in thought. "Yes, Your Majesty. There is no other explanation for the sudden surge in disturbances. According to what the villager mentioned, he believes this new rogues are made with black magic because not only was the creature menacing, it looked like it stepped out of a person's nightmare. If a larger entity is behind this, then Rose might have been an unfortunate scapegoat, a diversion or an accomplice."
Azrael's eyes narrowed as he considered the implications. "I believe we do have a serious problem if it is as you said, Sev, do you believe the man?"
Sevastian nodded his head. "The reports are consistent. And the timing is… too perfect. I also believe this man would not dare make a fool out of you." He replied.
Azrael's hand clenched into a fist on the table. "So, not only do we have dragons succumbing to corruption, but now we have rogues created by dark magic lurking near our borders. This cannot be the work of an ordinary person as it requires resources, power, and influence. Someone is pulling strings, and they are doing so expertly I must admit."
Sevastian's gaze met Azrael's, steady but filled with unease. "Which brings us to a disturbing possibility. If someone is indeed orchestrating all of this, they must have access to forbidden magic, the kind that has been banned for centuries. And that means they are likely someone who understands the ways of the dragons and someone who knows how to exploit them."
Azrael's fingers tapped on the table, his mind racing. "Then we are dealing with someone who is both powerful and well-informed. This person must have allies within the court that gives them vital information."
Sevastian's face grew graver. "And there is something else, Your Majesty. Another matter that might be connected to all of this—or at the very least, something that warrants your attention."
Azrael's eyes snapped to him, curiosity and caution mingling in his gaze. "Go on."
"Rohan," Sevastian said quietly, "There was a sudden letter that he received, He has been summoned home by his father, after years of exile and banishment."
Azrael's brow quired in surprise. "Rohan? That is quite a surprise. Why would his father call him back now, of all times?"
Sevastian's expression turned thoughtful. "That is the question, Your Majesty, although it was written in the letter that it was urgent, but there was no particular reason given. Rohan is always resourceful, he knows things, even back then, about magic that others did not dare touch. It is possible his return is linked to the disturbances we are facing now."
Azreal hummed, understanding what Sevastian was saying, but he said nothing.
Sevastian let out a sigh, "I mean the King of Luminae must be aware of the activities of rogues and if there is someone who is quite equipped with black magic, it should be someone in Luminae. Some of the strongest mages, witches and faes live there."
A few minutes of silence passed between them, Sevastian watched the King lean back in his chair, shutting his eyes close, "When is Rohan expected to return back home?" He questioned suddenly.
"His father gave him two weeks," Sevastian explained, crossing his arms over his chest. "But Rohan is uncertain whether to accept or reject the summons. He fears his father, known for his cunning, may be setting a trap for him."
"We would have to do something about the corruption of the dragons as soon as possible, the longer we let this linger on, the more danger it causes for the people of Valeria and beyond. I believe if we can find a lead on whoever is performing the black magic then we can find the person behind the mask." Azreal explained, his fingers still tapping on the table.
"What do you wish for me to do, Your Majesty?" Sevastian asked, watching the King take his time to devise a plan.
Azrael leaned back in his chair, his long fingers massaging his temple. The rogue dragon situation had gone on far too long, and the rising death toll was instilling fear in his people and neighboring kingdoms. It was clear that the longer this went unresolved, the worse it would get. "We need to approach this carefully. I want you to travel to Luminae along with Rohan. Start by gathering information on any recent dark fae activity or anyone known for dabbling in dark magic. Talk to the locals, they often know more than they let on. If we can find out who has been corrupting the dragons, it could lead us to the who is behind this mess."
Sevastian nodded,, "Very well, Your Majesty, do I inform Rohan of this?" He questioned.
"You will need some help, and Rohan is perfect for that. Besides, I do not think the King of Luminae is particularly fond of me or dragons in general," Azrael replied, a tired sigh escaping his lips.
"Very well, Your Majesty. I will inform him immediately so we can start making preparations," Sevastian stated, meeting the King's gaze. "I will take my leave now." Sevastian passed him a small bow before walking out of the room.