(Author's note: This chapter was supposed to come out yesterday but due some technical difficulty, it got postponed till now. That said, Enjoy!)
Alice remembered the night. As if the affair had taken place the day before. Her memory of the events was clear enough that she could recall the face of her father as he pushed her alongside her sister, despite her vehemently protesting against going. It was then Alice knew something was wrong.
After that days, then weeks and months, had passed in a blur. Her interest in alchemy bloomed, and she started to find a passion in the art that she lacked for everything else. It was the aspect of change that attracted her more than anything about alchemy.
At its core, Alchemy was all about change. Take something mundane or useless in its raw form and process it, brew it, and add properties to it, ultimately creating something that was worthy of being called a magical creation.
Alice relished in the process. Each night she would spend just a little more time in her potions chambers. Each night she would lie awake just so that she could avoid thinking about the night. Because Alice remembered everything.
Her sister, Annette, was far more mature in comparison. After being cast out by their father—because that's how she saw it—it was her sister who handled everything. Annette was already married at that time, but it wasn't the pity from her husband that had saved them. No, it was her mature and capable sister who always seemed to hold a solution to every problem.
It was also the reason why she didn't protest much when Annette tasked her with becoming an exclusive alchemist of Count Bloodthrone. That was another matter she found troubling, yet she found strength in the trust she had in her sister.
The man himself wasn't much of a man at all. He was young, probably her age. It would've brought a frown to her features had she lacked awareness of the circumstances in other realms. Though that wasn't what bothered her; it was the fact that he had so little in terms of support. Count Bloodthrone was basically holding a house of cards that could collapse at any moment.
Despite knowing that her sister had entrusted her with such a task. She knew Annette loved her and would never put her in danger. Thus it befuddled her that she would be sent to a precarious place such as Crimson Vale, though it behoved her to fulfil the tasks entrusted to her regardless.
In all this alacrity, though, she was glad the young count didn't sting her eyes. Usually nobles took less care about their features in general and seemed more focused on advancing their schemes. It was a fortunate coincidence that Karl Bloodthrone was a handsome guy, and no small part of her was pleased. Though she wasn't going to show it, the secrets of the heart always remained secret.
Journey to the Night Realm had started as predicted and proceeded as expected. But then they travelled to the Night Realm—all four of them, which, besides herself, made up Edward, Karl, and the black-haired, beautiful girl, Aurelia.
That was another point that had taken the centre of focus in her thoughts. Who was this girl? A relative? A Knight? Or perhaps the future Countess? As Alice had come to understand during the time spent in their ride, it would seem all three. A knight who was also his cousin and likely a lover. What a combo, or was that a triad?
This didn't discount the fact that she seemed plenty strong. Being able to pick up on the faint Mana vibrations made her an excellent scout and was a testament to her status as a Knight.
Compared to her, Alice didn't have much to show. She might be a mage, but her combat abilities barely surpassed a journeyman mage. Of course one must not underestimate an alchemist based on their combat potential. Those who did learnt it the hard way.
"I have a plan." Then Edward spoke up. Even without listening to the rest, Alice knew what it was going to be. Anything but directly related to combat. So she wasn't surprised when it turned such.
In her opinion it was a foolish idea. If there were people after them, then it made sense to make an example out of them. He was a goddamn Count, for fuck's sake. So she decided to say her thoughts out loud. Worst idea ever.
They all turned to look at her. Surprised or amused? She couldn't read from their expression, but it made her breath stop, and she couldn't help but stumble back a little. Attention was her antithesis. People were always just so scary. One of the major reasons why she spent most of her time confined to her laboratory.
Thankfully, due to the urgency of the situation, the talk had shifted from her and back to the matter at hand. Karl accepted Edward's proposition, much to her surprise, but a flicker of understanding went through her heart. Beggars can't be choosers in this type of situation.
As Edward split off, Karl headed deeper into the forest, and they followed close behind.
"How long will it take for us to arrive at your place?" She asked Aurelia, who turned to look at her in surprise. Alice wondered if that was because she hadn't spoken much.
"Well," Aurelia said, "if we were to run all night long, then we should arrive by afternoon tomorrow if we were to compare the earth's timing. Of course there's no afternoon in Night Realm, so there's that." Then paused as if realising something. "Oh wait, I got sidetracked. We won't be travelling by foot all the way. There should be some steeds prepared for us beforehand."
Alice nodded in understanding and kept quiet. Really, it was so easy to conclude everything that needed to be conveyed in a few words. She never understood why people would broach other topics just because. Silence was always calming and allowed for the best preparations during tense or dangerous situations. Like right now.
As they travelled down the slope, Karl and Aurelia would sometimes exchange a few short words. Nothing she was interested in listening to, and neither did she have the context to understand the words. She chose to instead focus on the situation at hand.
She had barely stepped foot in this realm, and danger was already looming overhead. And she had to spend three years in this place, mindful of the fact that someone might be plotting for her head at that very moment. Alice recalled the promise Karl had uttered to her sister and wondered if he would keep his word. That brought a smile to her lips, but she quickly hid it away. No reason why others should be allowed to read her inner thoughts.
It was during the time when they were close to the bottom of the hill when the sky turned a touch darker. It had already been dark despite their enhanced vision, but now it was even worse. Alice had grown worried for a moment until she saw a solemn look flash in Karl's eyes and felt her concerns deepen.
"In a hurry, Count Bloodthrone?" The voice that sounded made them all turn to a particularly shady corner of a tree. Being part of the light guild, she evoked a night vision spell to help her see better. She did not like what she saw.
There were three people in total. Each covered in a black garb with masks woven around their faces. They also carried a weapon each, one a dagger, the other a spear, and the one in the middle carried two short swords. Judging by the contours of their physique, the middle was a lady and the source of that earlier comment.
Karl turned to glance at each newcomer, his eyes shining a dangerous light. "Dogs of Bloodcrest. I see that your sense of smell is excellent." He spoke. "Who tipped you off?"
"I don't have the faintest idea what you speak of." The lady shrugged her shoulders. "Though I do find myself in a bit of a conundrum and was hoping you could help solve my problem."
"Speak." Karl prompted.
"I'm in need of some money, Count Bloodthrone." She spoke. "Something along 50,000 gold. You wouldn't mind helping a peasant, would you?"
Alice saw a grin stretch across Karl's features. It would've come off as magnanimous if not for the evil gleam that flashed through his eyes. "I see that you wish to play games with me." He motioned with his hand at Aurelia. "Rea, would you mind keeping those loons in back occupied while I deal with the lady, as a gentleman should?"
"I would be honoured." Aurelia stepped forth with a smile of her own. Though Alice could detect a trace of uncertainty passing through her face.
The lady in black raised her brow in surprise. "Should I commend you for your bravery or insult you for your foolishness? Truly, young people understand the world so little."
"I wouldn't call it that." Karl shook his head. "From my point of view, it's called confidence."
Then before Alice could react. Before anyone could react, for that matter, the mana in the atmosphere stifled. It grew thicker, bloodier, and more oppressive. They all heard a growl escape the man's throat.
"Blood Moon!"