Vaelora’s eyes widened as she looked from the growing pile to Ray. “Looks like my daughter has good taste,” she said as something danced behind her eyes.

  Ray closed his bag as the last potion fell out and placed it on his back. He looked up at Vaelora, unsure of how to feel. He had two conflicting emotions well up. On one hand, he was happy that Erith’s mother approved of him, but wasn’t she the elder’s right hand?

  He tried to latch on to that idea, but a part of him would not let it go. The same part that was still celebrating when he learned the elder had died.

  “Yeah,” He said, staring off into the forest.

  “I’m,” she let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry for what my father did, for what I did. I should have spoken up when I saw what was happening. I should have tried to help you like you have helped my family, but I didn’t, and all I can do now is ask for your forgiveness.”

  Ray looked over at Erith, who was helping hand out healing potions. He stayed like that for a long time before turning to Vaelora.

  “It’s ok. I’m sure he told you the same lies he told me and Erith. It’s not your fault.” he added mentally.

  “I… Thank you. I still wish I had done more,” she said, bowing her head toward Ray.

  “We should help hand these out,” Ray said, picking up a blood-red potion.

  Vaelora nodded, picking up a few, and they walked over to join the others. A few hours later, after all those with injuries had gotten healing potions, a group of six sat in a large tent near the center of the encampment. The group included Vaelora, Erith, Ray, Chio, a representative of the Erentcrest clan named Garoth, and the elder of the now destroyed Felwind clan.

  “So, how should we proceed with the Elborn family, knowing that we know one of their strongest is no longer in fighting condition?” Vaelora asked.

  “Even if that is the case, it’s only removing the threat of one high-level opponent. We still have Draven to deal with, and even confronting him, two level 80 warriors did not end in our favor,” the Felwind elder said.

  Vaelora placed a hand on her scar. “It ended poorly because we had two warriors. That damn skill of his.”

  “What skill?” Ray asked.

  “He can send those around him into a berserk state, not allowing them to distinguish between friend and foe,” Chio said with a frown.

  “Exactly, that’s why I will face him alone,” Vaelora said.

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  “Hmm,” the elder mussed. “It’s not the worst idea I have heard, but what about the other members of his clan?”

  “We could make a direct assault while my mom engages Draven,” Erith said.

  “Destroy the clan while he is occupied, ay? I like it,” Garoth said, punctuating his statement by slamming his fist into his palm.

  The group talked for a while longer, discussing how and when they should attack the clan. Eventually, they decided to go in two days, giving everyone time to gain as many levels as possible.

  Ray and Erith went out hunting again until night finally fell. They opted to stay in the camp instead of returning to the castle. Neither of them wanted to be anywhere near Zenith for the foreseeable future.

  “Are you ready for what we will have to do?” Erith asked as they made their way back to the camp.

  “Honestly, no. There have been two moments where I was prepared to take someone else’s life, but I don’t think this conflict will be like that.”

  “I know what you mean, but I don’t think we will be able to avoid it.”

  “You’re right, and I will do what I need to when the time comes, but I would still like to avoid it.”

  Erith smiled at him.

  “What?”

  “You’re a good person, Ray.”

  “Where did this come from?”

  “I overheard your conversation with my mother this morning and thought. Would I be able to forgive like you have if I were in your shoes? I don’t think I would. I still want to watch the life leave Ren and everyone who remotely helped him kill my father.”

  “Erith, I-”

  “And you still don’t want to hurt those who shunned you. Even when they are on the opposite end of a war.”

  “I have had more time to deal with my pain. I’m sure you could come to forgive those not directly responsible, given enough time.”

  Erith sighed. “You’re probably right.” She stared up into the star-filled night sky.

  Ray walked up, put his arm around her shoulder, and pulled her close. She leaned into him as they looked into the vast twinkling lights above.

  Another figure stared at the night sky, wondering what had happened to his son. Just as Draven had begun caring for one of his children again, they vanished. Not only that, but a horde had suddenly descended on the clan a few weeks ago, destroying their village and wiping out half of their fighting force before they knew what hit them.

  He yelled out into the night, clenching his fists. “How? Everything went according to plan. Why did it end up like this?” He panted, his eyes flaming with a crazed light.

  “Because you lack power, mortal,” a grinding voice said from behind.

  Draven turned as the screech of heavy, mechanical footsteps grew closer. A large form that looked like a heavily armored skeleton approached him. Draven lowered himself into a combat-ready stance as the creature came closer.

  “Come now, I do not wish to fight you.”

  “Then where are you here?” he asked with a growl, his rage skill activating.

  “I come bearing news of your son and a proposition from my lord.”

  ‘What do you know about my son!?” Draven shouted, readying a strike.

  The creature cocked its head, staring at his ready fist. “Threats will get you nowhere. Your son is safe for now.”

  “What are you doing to him?”

  “Nothing, as long as you comply with our demands.”

  Draven visibly shrank as his rage skill deactivated. “What do you want?”

  “Good. Two individuals have appeared within the forest that my lord has taken an interest in, but he wants to see how they fare against an opponent stronger than themselves.”

  “Why do you need me for that?”

  “My brothers and I are currently making preparations for the next stage in our plan and are unable to test them at the moment.”

  “Fine, who are they?”

  The creature pulled two circular devices out of a gap in its armor. The devices illuminated, and an image of Erith and Ray hovered above them.

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