Xandros frowned, leaning forward in his seat. "But rushing won't solve anything. You know the power you're trying to unlock is dangerous, even for someone like you. I'm probably sure that is why it was sealed in the first place. What if you can't control it?"
Maze shook her head. "That's why I need to go back home. I need answers. The knowledge I need isn't here, and staying longer won't help me find it. Besides I was on my own when you came to me with this revelation about who I am and now you're trying to stop me?" Maze asked looking at him
"I'm not trying to stop you Maze, but you're gambling with your life," Xandros argued, his voice rising slightly. "If something happens to you, if you fail, what then? The realms will fall into chaos. You are the key to balance, Maze. You can't afford to be reckless."
"And I can't afford to wait any longer, I can't continue to live like this" Maze countered firmly. "I am the only one in the entire four realms who has never had the ability to wield her powers." she said, her eyes glaring as she continued "The dreams, the attacks, everything, they're signs, Xandros. Signs that time is running out."
Xandros leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "Kairos won't like this. He'll think it's a mistake if I let you go."
"I've already made my decision," Maze replied, her tone softening. "I'm not asking for his approval or yours. I'm asking for your support. I need you both to have my back when the time comes."
Xandros exhaled deeply, his shoulders slumping. "And what's the plan? Walk into your realm, announce your return, and hope they hand you the answers you're looking for?"
Maze smirked faintly. "Not exactly. I'll tread carefully. I don't expect this to be easy, Xandros. But I have to try. I can't keep running from my destiny."
He studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You're not running , you are just being stubborn, and risking your life" he muttered.
"It's part of my charm," she teased lightly, though her smile didn't reach her eyes.
Xandros sighed again, standing. "Fine. If this is what you want, I'll stand by you. But you need to promise me something."
"What is it?"
"If things go wrong, if you're in danger, you call for me or Kairos. No hesitation, Maze. Promise me."
She nodded. "I promise."
Xandros didn't look entirely convinced, but he inclined his head. "I'll inform Kairos. When are you leaving?"
Maze hesitated for a moment before answering. "Tomorrow night. I need time to prepare."
Xandros bowed lightly. "As you wish, Master."
"Maze," she corrected, narrowing her eyes.
"As you wish, Maze," he repeated with a small smile.
As he turned to leave, Maze called after him, "Xandros."
He paused, looking over his shoulder.
"Take this letter to Kairos, I don't think he would entirely believe you and one more thing," she said and paused "do you have children?" She asked
"Yes!" He replied "Kaelen and Lunara, they're lovely kids"
"Thank you," she said, her voice sincere.
Xandros nodded. "Just don't make me regret this."
When the door closed behind him, Maze sank into her chair, her thoughts racing. She was scared, yes, but determined. There was no turning back now. Vesper snuggled onto her laps and licked her like always, his expression was always comforting and assuring.
~~~~~
Thorold paced back and forth, his fingers clenched into fists. The room felt heavy with tension, and the flickering torches on the walls did little to dispel the dark energy radiating from him.
"You know, for someone who's supposed to be level-headed, you're acting like a brute," Annabelle remarked, crossing her arms.
Thorold shot her a glare. "I don't need you here"
"You know, in as much as I hate that goddess girl of yours, I hate to admit that you have to watch her back and make sure she's okay" Annabelle said walking towards Thorold
"I still don't need you here" Thorold cold voice husked came right after a brief silence
"It doesn't matter if you need me Thorold," she said "I know we started off on the wrong foot but you really do need me now, we need to talk to the council."
"We are not talking to any council" he said turning to face her his husky voice paranoid "If they find out about her what do you think would happen, we lost Morrigan because of the heavenly realms, what makes you think they would protect someone from the heavenly realms?" He asked angrily
"Thorold's right, if she's going to confront the heavenly realms about her powers then we are the one to help her and not the councils, they can't help us" Ethan said walking towards them
"Fine!" Anna said "no need to get all worked up Thorold it was just a suggestion" Anna defended
"I don't want to wage fight against the heavenly realms, I don't see them telling her what she needs to know," Thorold said shutting his eyes
"And she won't listen until she figures the whole thing out" Ethan said
"Yes cause someone told her about whom she is" Anna said looking up
"She sent words to me through Dolly..."
"Wait...! What? Dolly is with her?" Anna asked looking shocked
"It was for her own safety" Thorold replied
"What does the letter say, who told her about herself" Ethan asked
"Xandros and Kairos" Thorold replied
"The lycan and vampire? How come? they're not even friends," Anna asked
"We didn't even know anything about her powers" Ethan said
"That's because no one's told us, but I do remember my father talking about a prophecy years back with some people, I can't clearly remember and if Xandros and Kairos took the initiative to tell her that means she's not as ordinary as we think she is" Thorold said
"We can't let her face this alone," Ethan said firmly.
"And we can't go with her," Thorold countered. "Not openly. The moment demons step into heavenly territory, it'll be a bloodbath."
"Then what do we do?" Annabelle asked, her voice tinged with frustration.
Thorold looked at both of them, his eyes burning with unreadable expressions. "We watch from the shadows. We help her without being seen. If anyone tries to harm her, they'll answer to me."
The room fell into a heavy silence, Thorold's words sinking in. Annabelle crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.
"I hope you know what you're doing," she said finally.
"So do I," Thorold replied, his voice barely above a whisper.