At some point, I must’ve lost the battle to remain conscious because I was drifting in a sea of black.

It was peaceful; I would’ve stayed there forever if I could’ve, but a rousing sensation told me it was time to wake up.

The curtains weren’t drawn, but light around their edges brightened the room enough to see comfortably. Clair sat in a chair beside my bed, her head nodding to the side as her mouth slipped open. She must’ve spent the night watching over me.

She looked uncomfortable in the chair, so I got up and transferred her to my bed.

There was shouting in the hall outside my door. Then, as I was pulling the covers over her, my door burst open. Clair jolted and shot up, her face nearly crashing into mine. 

A large group pushed through the door, after a girl with four black horns. Some of them were arguing among themselves; the rest appeared to be trying to stop her.

“What the hell are you doing?” The horned girl shouted, her words directed at me.

I was still half naked and knew exactly what it looked like, but an explanation escaped me. “I was… she was… this is my room! I should be asking you, what are you doing?”

Clair’s cheeks flushed red as she shuffled out of the bed.

The girl at the door didn’t seem satisfied with my answer. Her arms crossed over her chest and she pursed her lips as her eyes narrowed. I was trapped in her scrutinizing gaze for a moment, until she turned her attention to Riona and a horned man, both standing behind her amidst a slew of servants.

Having taken a moment to breathe, I realized I knew who she was. “Lu…Lumia, you’re alive.”

The man, her father, rolled his eyes. Making no effort to hide his disdain, Lord Andrhei scoffed, “You see Lumia, the boy hasn’t thought of you at all. While you’ve been upholding this bond like some sort of sacred promise he’s off—”

“Every chance you get you try and convince me to break the bond, but you must’ve forgotten how bonds work to say that to me now.”

Lord Andrhei’s eyes popped with surprise. “You—” he began, but Lumia wasn’t done.

“You can only see the situation as it appears, but even before we entered I could feel his intent. Silvon wasn’t doing anything wrong.” Then she turned to my mother. “But how dare you leave him alone with another woman and not allow me in.”

Riona stood firm, raising her chin at the raging girl. “You may care for him, Lumia, but I am his mother. I will decide what’s best for him and if he needs rest, I’ll not have you disturbing him.”

Standing from the bed, I cleared my throat. “Lumia,” I said approaching her, “I’m glad you’re okay.” 

Lumia looked at me once more, her red eyes still glowing with rage. I noticed tears building at the corners of her eyes. Then she turned and started to stomp away.

I went to follow her, but Lord Andrhei stepped in front of me, glaring menacingly, before turning and following after his daughter.

Riona pulled me back into the room shaking her head. “Back for two days, and already getting into trouble.”

“I really wasn’t doing anything wrong.” I said.

Riona laughed. “Relax Silv, I was only teasing, but you should give it some time before you try talking to Lumia.”

Moving to the window, I nodded. As I watched her sprint across the lawn below I said, “I’m just glad she’s alive.”

The Queen nodded. “You bonded with her when you stopped your uncle turning her into an eidolon. You couldn’t feel her all this time?”

I shook my head. “I did draw some pictures of her, but I didn’t know it was her. I also drew other things from Aeros though, so I don’t think that was because of the bond.”

Riona smiled sweetly.

As usual, she was reserved, but I thought I’d try, and hope she’d answer my questions today.

“Why Earth?” I asked. “Why did you send me away?”

“I had no choice, Silv.” Looking toward Clair and the attendants who still remained at my door, Riona waved everyone away. Once the door was shut, she continued. “Your uncle, he wanted Lumia. I can only speculate why, but it was probably to use her against Lord Andrhei. Once you bonded with her there was only one way he could achieve his goal. He’d had to kill you. I chose Earth because it’s low mana atmosphere made it a perfect place to hide while your core recovered.”

“Your majesty,” Naelina said, pushing the door open gently. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but there’s a report you really need to see.”

“Right, I’ll be right there.”

“Mom,” I said, grabbing her arm before she could leave. “If uncle Vale is back—”

She shook her head. “You let me worry about your uncle. For now, all you need to do is focus on getting stronger. Strong enough to defend yourself and if necessary, to rule in my stead.”

***

I didn’t need to be warned about the strained relationship elves had with dragons, but my mother reminded me anyway. With a kiss, she sent me on my way to meet lady Silvia so I could find out what happened with my core—if I could still use it.

Under no circumstances was I to approach Lumia, instead I was told to wait for her to come to me.