— The Book of Tevye
The Vulture
The parchment crinkled underneath The Vulture’s fingertips as they leaned against the ship’s salt-slicked railing. The salty air invaded their nose as the breeze caressed their face, and carried the distant cries of restless gulls. They swiftly unraveled the document, eager to read the contents Eryx had left for them.
It was the dead of night, and only the moonlight overhead kept The Vulture company. The ship beneath The Vulture’s feet groaned as it sailed to Rune. One way or another, they would accomplish their goals. Only now the goal was muddled by desperation and vengeance, their previous plancrumbled into nothing.
It was true, The Vulture was grasping for power. Grasping foranything they could do to take over Luciena. They had even resorted to using the last bit of Magick the crystal blade possessed to get their ship through Luciena’s energy ward. It was a gamble, indeed. If their plan failed, there would be no way to travel back.
The Vulture glanced down at the parchment, loosened a breath and unraveled the paper:
If you are reading this, the plan for myself has failed. Well, that’s not entirely true. The plan will be carried on by you. You, The Vulture, the person whom I’ve seen myself in. I recognized myself in you. It’s why I agreed to take on your plan to take over the country. However, you never knew the full scope of my plans. Not really.
Don’t be angry. I planned on telling you eventually. You never know what the promise of power can do to a person, and I wanted to see if you could carry your end of the bargain first.
The blade I gave you is no ordinary weapon. The crystal that makes the blade is cut from the tomb of the first Godlings, and has magickal properties. These properties are powerful enough to turn you into a Godling yourself. Though, the price is grave. You must ask yourself if you are willing to do what it takes. I have no doubt you will.
The Allpower is the power of all five Godlings combined. It is unfathomable power. Power enough to heighten a physical dimension into a higher state. It was the power that created Tevye.
This is the lost piece of knowledge I am passing onto you: If you kill a Godling, you inherit their power. If you kill all five Godlings, you inherit the Allpower. This blade is the only one in the world that can allow such a transfer of Magick.
Be warned. This is no easy task. Your best chance is killing a Godling in their resting state. If the Godling accesses the Godspirit, they are completely possessed by their God and can destroy you with the lift of a finger.
You know what to do.
Yours truly,
Eryx Mrykinia Moros
The Vulture dropped the parchment onto the ship deck, speechless. They steadied their trembling hands on the boat railing and swallowed. The price for power was so much more than they had anticipated. It would be unforgivable. It would be ruthless.
A kernel of hope beamed deep in The Vulture’s cold, black heart. Because despite the price that had to be paid, it was their solution.
They would do what they must.
Chapter 37
‘I ask myself if giving into the darkness was worth losing my mate. What is stronger, the yearning for power, or love?’
— Written entry from Evyen Deyanira’s personal journal
(Post-Division)
Airess
Runean balls were surprisingly similar to the ones in Luciena.
The only differences were the styles of music, food, and attire. They held the ball in the throne room where she and Taryn had met Roz. Flickering balls of fyrelight floated overhead like captive stars, casting a soft glow across the room. There was a massive table of finger foods, all the guests flocking to it, eager to eat. Attendants passed out a tray of glasses filled with clear, pink and amber-colored liquid.
Airess took a glass and sipped, the sweet burn of the wine gliding down her throat. She tried her best to relax, but couldn’t after everything she had been through. It was so strange how life moved on, no matter the traumas and grief endured by the one who lived it.
The Fae laughed and danced, composing themselves with ease in the presence of the king. She watched Roz interact with his subjects casually, as if he were in conversation with old friends. She decided she liked Roz, and wouldn’t mind another friend like him in her life. The world needed more kind-hearted people.
She stood there awkwardly, trying her best to feel comfortable in the clothes the attendants had brought to her. They did give her a choice of clothing, all the options far skimpier than she was used to. After delicate thought, she decided on the perfect dress.
Airess’ dress was a deep crimson. The bodice was tightly wrapped around her waist, and her breasts were on display due to the low V-neck. The skirt of the dress had double slits, the sheer fabric showing off her legs. She wore a low heel with golden laces going up her calves.
Her long hair had been left down in waves. Airess wore the locket Esper had given her. She touched the metal heart at her throat, her thoughts going back to the Priestess who risked everything to get her out of Luciena.
