All connection to Kyrik had dropped.

Kali wasn’t the only one to feel it, either. One moment, she and Jirmen were getting ready to go back through, then the portals suddenly shut off. Kyrik was gone. Jirmen had asked Kali if it was only him, and once she confirmed it wasn’t, panic began to set over them.

“I knew leaving him was a bad idea,” Kali bit at her talons worriedly. “Something was wrong, and I left anyway.”

“He was right in sending you here,” Jirmen clasped a claw on her shoulder. “Had something truly been wrong with you, then the situation may have been worse.”

“Doesn’t change the fact I wasn’t there!” Kali snapped before closing her eyes to simmer down. “She did something to him.”

“I have no doubts,” Jirmen nodded. “Come.”

Kali was led out to a small portal room, where there were…portals. There was no other way to describe it. In it, around ten elite Warlocks waited. The leader, a black gryphon, bowed her head upon their entry. Shimmering armor surrounded their bodies, along with a mixture of plate and robes. Rune-like gauntlets with sharp tips were outfitted over the claws, while the two-legged Warlocks were equipped with double-sided swords and a shield. To her surprise, they would not be accompanying them at first.

“When we go,” Jirmen announced to them, “wait fifteen minutes. If I do not report, storm the castle.”

“Archmage,” The gryphon – Sal’iv, Kali remembered – spoke, “would she not have him under some sort of spell?”

“It is entirely possible,” Jirmen confirmed. “If you must defend yourself, non-fatal attacks.”

With a nod, the gryphon prepared the other Warlocks for combat. Last minute equipment checks, something that was done three times by now. Still, this was Azulia. Kali herself had to make sure she was well prepared for the potential battle.

She couldn’t wear armor outside of light plating, as it heavily encumbered her movements, but a warding cloak provided shields. A focusing crystal hung from a necklace, allowing her to elevate her latent abilities to a new level. Should she run out of stamina, a few arcane crystals would replenish. Kali wasn't sure how useful she’d be against Azulia by herself, but against minions she should be fine.

Certainly would protect against another bullet.

“Kali,” Jirmen said lowly, “I want you to stay near me. Azulia will no doubt target you due to your bond with Kyrik.”

“I kind of figured she would,” Kali suppressed a frown. “She's been looking at me oddly all night.”

“I don't know what her end goal is,” Jirmen tapped his staff on the ground, “but she obviously sees you as a threat.”

Kali said nothing, wondering just how that could be possible. Although she acted tough, on a one-on-one battle Azulia would win. The hint of transformation earlier was more than enough to show Kali just how strong the Queen of the Damned was. Kyrik didn't seem to notice it, but there was something far more sinister in her than she let on.

For that one second, Kali didn't need to invade a mind to read it.

“We are ready on your orders, Archmage.” The lead Warlock reported.

“Like I said, fifteen minutes.” Jirmen opened his arms. Before them, a shifting tear tore itself into the fabric of reality. Staring into a black hole was the best way Kali could describe it. The Archmage went in first, followed shortly by Kali.

Kali didn't feel anything, a sharp contrast from how Kyrik did his portals. Usually had some lingering nausea from those. Probably due to his lack of experience.

They arrived in the courtyard, where to their surprise, guards waited for them led by Lei. The abysean had his arms folded, eyes ignited. He strode forth, but Kali didn't bother getting defensive. The wards were still intact.

“Azulia told me you might be coming.” Lei walked straight up them. “I am glad to see you did.”

“Where is she?” Jirmen demanded.

“Busy,” Lei shrugged. “I am not to let you into the castle until she is free.”

“You can't exactly stop me, you know.” Jirmen smirked. “Sure, I may not be able to attack, but I could get by you.”

“Oh?”

Jirmen disappeared with a small ‘pop’, standing in between the castle walls a second later. Had he wanted, he could have stridden right in. Instead, he kept his gaze locked on Lei. The abysean let out a laugh, clapping loudly. Why he did, Kali didn’t know.

“Impressive!” Lei stopped clapping. “But what of your friend? She cannot teleport over. Do you intend to leave her behind?”

“You can't harm her,” Jirmen pointed out. “So even if I did, she'd be safe.”

“Now that is true,” Lei nodded. “However, do you really trust these wards? I'm sure Kali told you of what was going on here.”

Jirmen shifted his gaze to Kali. He already knew about the murders, but in her haste, she had neglected to mention the Methir situation.

“Someone is masquerading as Methir,” Kali told him. “They are targeting Kyrik. Somehow, they are getting past the wards.”

“What?” Jirmen's face went blank, matching the bluntness of his tone. “Why didn't you tell me this?”

“With all the craziness, I didn't get the chance,” Kali shifted her gaze.

Jirmen didn't say anything. Much like Kyrik, he was hurt by what happened to Methir. She didn't dare approach him with the subject, already spotting him look longingly at pictures of Aurgal and Aura. It didn't take much to connect the dots.

He nodded after a moment. “Then why are we wasting time? If Azulia is having such problems, why didn't she call me sooner? We all know it’s not to protect our feelings.”

“Seeing you here would cause a panic, she said.” Lei stated simply.

“...How?” Jirmen was flabbergasted. “Me being here would do nothing! It is because of the twins and I that this place didn't get leveled!”

Lei shrugged wordlessly. Jirmen rolled his eyes and teleported back to Kali, muttering under his breath, leaving Kali to look at the gates hopelessly.

The clicking of claws from the entrance echoed into the courtyard before Azulia showed herself. She looked...happy. That alone was enough to send shivers down Kali's spine. Her lidded eyes drifted to Kali, face flickering to one of triumph for a second. A quieter clicking of claws came from behind as someone else stood beside her.

It was Kyrik, but different. He wasn't energetic or nervous. Despite the skull mask, she had begun to read his emotions quite well and knew when something was wrong. Everything looked normal, but his eyes were vacant. Something that would have been overlooked by anyone else. Trying to brush her mind against his was met by a wall.

Jirmen noticed it too if his stiffened posture was any indication. “I didn't expect you to show.” He kept his voice pleasant.

“Why would I not?” Azulia sounded insulted. “You know you are always welcome, Jirmen, but I wish you had not done so today.”

“We lost connection to Kyrik and Kali mentioned Methir,” Jirmen replied bluntly. Kyrik twitched slightly.

“Ah, so you do know.” Azulia nodded. “Come inside. We will discuss this away from the cold.”

“I thought you couldn't feel the cold?” Kali questioned. It was a stupid one, but intentionally so. If what she thought was right, then this was a trap.

“You are correct,” Azulia stated after a brief silence. “But...you can. And in the dead of night, you must be frigid. Say what you will of me, but I am not a poor host.”

Kali was right; this was going to end poorly. Pulling her cloak tighter, she followed the pale monstrosity inside.

Although the castle was warmer, Kali felt colder than before. There was something different about this place since she had last been here. What it was, she could not tell. Maybe it had to do with how Kyrik was moving. No more did he have a lowered skulk, replaced with an almost confident stride. To the ones who knew him, it was like he was trying to send off a signal.

Trotting closer, Kali lowered her head to talk to him. “Are you alright?”

He looked at her with those big eyes of his. For a moment, they weren't vacant. Slowly, they returned to how they were before.

“I'm okay, yeah.” He said cheerily. “Sorry for dropping contact; was blocked.”

“By what?”

“Well...Methir's body dropped before us,” Kyrik explained lowly. “Had a bone in her back like the rest. Shock canceled it.”

By his tone, he wasn't completely lying. But the way he acted contradicted it. He couldn't look at her directly. When he shifted his neck, Kali caught a glimmer in the light. Why was he wearing jewelry? He was never like that; he hated it due to his sensitive scales! The only thing he could ever wear was the reaper chain! Better yet, where was it?

Kali paused mid-walk. Kyrik tilted his head at her inquisitively. Thinking back, she remembered Azulia getting upset over a necklace. She was vain, but never struck Kali as the type who would send one of her champions after a necklace. Even one that caused the owner to die. There was something strange about that story that didn't add up.

Now Kyrik had a necklace around him. This had to be the real purpose of the necklace. A dark thought entered her mind.

What if Kyrik was being controlled by Azulia?

Kali had no proof of this, but it was the only way to explain his strange behavior. She'd have to go to Jirmen when they could be alone. If such an opportunity could arise, that is. Speaking mentally may not be a good idea, for though they could not sense Kyrik, it was very possible he was listening in. And through him, Azulia.

The queen led them to her throne room, where Witherwing and a strange shriker stood. Must be Tarvi, as she certainly resembled that ‘Huntress’ title Kali heard before. The doors shut, and Kali shifted her gaze back. They were locked in. Jirmen and Kali shared a look; they knew what they were walking into.

“We should be alone now,” Azulia reclined on her throne. “Now, I'm sure Kali has informed you of her experiences. But she does not have the full story.”

“I have no doubts,” Jirmen conceded with a nod. “I would like to hear Kyrik's side of it.”

All eyes shifted to the small reaper, who had sat before the stairs that lead to the throne. He pondered for a moment, telling them in detail what happened with a lot of claw gestures and pauses. Very like what he would do. Again, there was something forced.

Especially the mentioning of a perfect golem, which sent all types of alarm down Kali’s spine. She knew very little of the reapers, but knew their power was potent. If someone was using it here…but that was impossible. Kyrik destroyed the shard Methir used.

Unless Azulia found another.

Jirmen waited in silence until Kyrik finished. “I want to see the golem,” He told Azulia.

Azulia looked like she was going to refuse that request before her gaze flickered to Kali. “Very well,” she said. “But I must insist that you come alone.”

“Why?”

“Because I'm not having the four of us in the morgue.”

She was lying, but Kali really couldn't argue with her logic. The last thing she wanted to do was see more dead things. She also didn't feel comfortable being here alone with the three of Azulia's strongest. The moment Jirmen left, they would no doubt spring.

Kali saw Jirmen cast something behind his back. Then, he raised his head and accepted Azulia's request.

If Azulia was surprised, she didn't show it. “Very well,” she rose from her throne. “Witherwing, see that our guest is taken care of.”

“Of course,” He bowed.

The moment Jirmen left, Kali braced herself. But, to her great surprise, Kyrik bounded over to Kali. His tail swished slowly, the familiar excitement she found so endearing returning.

“I'm so glad you're okay,” He looked at her shoulder.

“I'm alright,” She smiled through a nod. “Are you?”

“What do you mean?” He cocked his head.

“I mean, with what just happened and all...”

“Oh,” the fins behind his horns drooped slightly. “Well...no. But I wanted to ask you something.” He looked at the rest, who were still watching them. “Alone.”

Kyrik lead Kali out down another corridor. The eyes on the paintings seemed to follow them. All of them were strange in general. Twisted masks, a figure with two shadows. A claw over a skull. Somehow, Kali didn't think this was a coincidence.

“What did you want to ask me?” Kali asked after a moment of studying the paintings.

“Um,” Kyrik paused for a second, “I didn't want to say this in front of the others, but have you noticed something really...odd about this?”

Kali wanted so desperately to say him. “Which part?” She instead asked wryly.

“Methir,” Kyrik said. “Why now? Why here?”

“I don't know, Kyrik.”

“I thought it was Azulia for the longest time,” He continued. “But I couldn't think of any reason for her to do that.”

“I could,” Kali couldn't bite her tongue anymore. “She wanted you.”

He stopped suddenly. “Why?”

“You're powerful, Kyrik.” Kali explained softly. “Imagine what someone could do with you.”

Kyrik went silent. Looking at him, she saw that his eyes were shut. Strain had curled his claws. He stood like he was fighting a violent stomachache. Lip curled into a snarl before returning neutral. When his eyes flew open, they were vibrant. At first, she thought he had fought off whatever enchantment was on him, only to see how wrong she was.

“Like Jirmen,” He said quietly. Horror began to grow inside Kali.

“Kyrik, stop.” She said sternly. “Listen to yourself! He took you in because he cared!”

“That's not true,” Kyrik snapped back. “He wanted to kill me when we first met!”

“But he didn't, did he?”

That got him to stop for a moment. He stared down into his cloak, but then shook his head and gave Kali a fierce look.

“Because he saw what I had. He won't let me go. It's the real reason why he won't let me stay here!”

“No, he wouldn't let you stay because she's dangerous!” Kali snapped. “She has you twisted around her finger! Look at yourself!”

This time, he didn't reflect. Instead, he grew more hostile. Winds violently began to whip around him. Kali took a step back. On one claw, she was expecting more deception and trying to hide it. On the other, this was Kyrik.

One thing was for certain; he was too crazed to have sense talked into him. As a ball of spectral energy began to form in his open maw, Kali did the only thing she could do when faced with an enraged reaper.

Run.