Drakaris spoke next with a low chuckle, his voice like the roll of distant thunder. “I must admit, I’m surprised Rune never mentioned me.”

I froze mid-bite, the strange pastry I was attempting to eat halfway to my mouth. “I’ve never heard your name mentioned once,” I admitted, blinking at him.

“Not once,” Drakaris mocked a gasp, his tone a curious mix of amusement and mock offense. “I would have thought my… reputation preceded me. Then again,” he continued, tapping his chin thoughtfully, “after I nearly killed Allyster, I can understand why he’d want to keep that little detail quiet.”

My jaw dropped. “You nearly killed Allyster?! That scar is from you?!” I sputtered, nearly choking on my bite.

Quill muttered under his breath, “You should see what he does to people he doesn’t like.”

Sylvain snorted, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Oh, it was quite the spectacle,” she said with a wicked grin. “Let’s just say Allyster wasn’t as good with his sword as he thought.”

Drakaris gave a lazy shrug, utterly unbothered. “He insulted my hair,” he said simply as if that justified everything.

“Your hair?” I repeated, incredulous.

“It’s quite remarkable hair,” Sylvain interjected, flicking a crumb from her sleeve. “I mean, have you seen the way it glints in torchlight?”

I stared at them both, torn between horror and the urge to laugh. “So Rune just… conveniently forgot to mention that the dark lord of wherever we are nearly killed his top general over a bad hair day?”

Drakaris’s grin widened. “It was more than a bad hair day. It was a matter of honor.”

“Right,” I said, dragging a hand down my face. “Of course. Honor.”

Quill leaned toward me, his voice low and deadpan. “This is your daily reminder that you willingly walked into the dark realm.”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “This breakfast is officially the strangest meal of my life.”

Sylvain smirked. “Oh, darling, the day’s just getting started.”

Drakaris’s grin faltered slightly, his sharp, playful demeanor softening like a shadow retreating from the light. The room fell quiet, save for the occasional crackle of the torches on the wall.

“I’ll admit,” he said, his voice lower now, “there’s more to the story than just my hair.”

Sylvain stopped mid-bite, her usual smug expression replaced by something that looked suspiciously like concern. Even Quill sat a little straighter, his dark eyes narrowing as he glanced at Drakaris.

I hesitated, the levity of the moment slipping through my fingers. “What do you mean?”

Drakaris stared into the middle distance, his usual air of dominance replaced by a solemn weight. “Ally… was the reason my wife died.”

The words landed like a stone in the center of the table. I blinked, unsure if I’d heard him correctly. “What?”

Sylvain leaned forward, her voice quieter than I’d ever heard it. “You’ve never told me that.”

Drakaris exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair as if the memory itself was a burden. “It was centuries ago. Ally made a choice—a foolish, reckless choice that cost innocent lives. My wife was among them.” His jaw tightened, and his gaze darkened like a brewing storm. “When I confronted him, it escalated. Words turned to blows. And let’s just say the fight wasn’t exactly restrained.”

I felt a lump form in my throat. “Drakaris, I… I didn’t know.”

He waved a hand dismissively, but the pain in his eyes betrayed his casual tone. “Of course you didn’t. Rune wouldn’t have told you. He knows how much I resent the way he defended Allyster after it happened.”

Quill finally spoke, his voice unusually gentle. “And that’s why you transformed.”

Drakaris shrugged, his smirk returning but lacking its usual sharpness. “It’s not something I dwell on. What’s done is done. Allyster’s still breathing, isn’t he? Plus, I have my son.”

Sylvain let out a low whistle, her tone playful but tinged with sympathy. “But that scar, though, is fantastic.”

I glanced between them, my emotions a mix of sadness and anger. “You’re not still blaming yourself for what happened, are you?”

Drakaris looked at me, his expression unreadable. “Blame? No. But forgive? That’s another matter entirely.”

The table fell silent again, the weight of his words settling over us like a heavy fog. For the first time since arriving in the dark realm, I saw Drakaris not as the intimidating figurehead of this place but as someone who had loved and lost deeply.

I took a deep breath, meeting his gaze. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. For everything.”

Drakaris tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Thank you, Your Lightness. But you’ve nothing to apologize for.”

Sylvain broke the tension with a dry chuckle. “Well, this is officially the most depressing breakfast I’ve ever had.”

Quill glared at her, but Drakaris laughed—a low, rumbling sound that seemed to lighten the air. “Don’t worry, Sylvain. I’m sure you’ll top it tomorrow.”

I rolled my eyes, but a small smile crept onto my face. Despite the moment’s heaviness, there was something comforting about the strange dynamic of this group. Flawed, broken, and complicated as they were, they felt… real.

After breakfast, Sylvain returned me to my room. She claimed that Drakaris had some matters to attend to, but as soon as he was available, I could speak with him. She suggested that I attempt to get some rest while I waited. I didn't realize how exhausted I had actually been until she mentioned sleep.

As soon as Sylvain closed the door behind her, I collapsed onto the bed. The soft, feather mattress enveloped me, and I felt my eyes growing heavy. I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, I was being shaken awake. Sylvain stood over me, her black eyes sparkling with concern.

"I'm sorry to wake you," she said, her sharp teeth flashing in a smile. "But Drakaris is ready to see you now."

I sat up, rubbing my eyes, and walked over to her. She grabbed my arm, and a black cloud instantly surrounded us. Stepping through the portal, I found myself in a lush garden. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees. Sylvain led me along a stone path. Her dark skin gleamed in the sunlight. I could make out intricate black tattoos swirling across her arms and neck.

As we approached a large, ancient oak tree, a sense of awe washed over me. The tree was easily a thousand years old, its gnarled roots twisting and turning like frozen serpents. Drakaris stood in the tree's shadow, his tall frame imposing against the ancient wood. His dark grey skin seemed to blend into the shadows, and his long black hair fell like a curtain over his shoulders.

"Tusen takk," He spoke only to my guide. They spoke for a moment back and forth in their language. They obviously didn't want me to know what they were saying. Sylvain bowed slightly and, with a swift movement, created another portal, stepping back into the castle. I was alone with Drakaris for the first time.

"So, what is it really that brings you here to our land?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.

"As I previously stated, I am looking into the disappearances of my people. I know that the dark fae is growing in numbers while mine are shrinking." I swallowed hard, trying to keep myself as composed as possible. "That is a coincidence I cannot overlook, and I am here for answers."

"Your concern is noted, little light," Drakaris said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "But perhaps you are looking for answers in the wrong place. The dark fae has their ways, just as your kind does." His dark eyes seemed to see right through me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

I straightened my posture, determined to show no fear. "With all due respect, Lord Drakaris, my people are vanishing without a trace. I have reason to believe that your kind may be involved. I will not rest until I find the truth." I met his gaze, my eyes narrowing slightly.

A slight smile played at the corners of his mouth, and he inclined his head.

"Your persistence and reasoning are admirable. I will offer you a bargain. If you can prove that my people are responsible for those disappearances, I will ensure that those involved face justice. But if your accusations are proven false, you will owe me a debt." He stepped forward, his tall frame looming over me. "Are you willing to accept these terms?"

I took a moment to consider his proposal. The prospect of owing the Dark Lord a debt was terrifying, but I was determined to find the truth. "I accept your terms, Lord Drakaris," I said, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "But I have one condition: if I prove my accusations to be true, you must ensure that those responsible face justice by my people's laws, not just yours."

Sylvain had warned me that the dark fae had their own sense of justice, and I wanted to ensure that any guilty parties were punished appropriately. His eyes narrowed, and a silent moment passed between us.

Finally, he spoke, his voice deep and resonant. "Very well. If your accusations are proven true, those responsible will face the consequences as dictated by... your... laws. But mark my words, little light, if you are wrong, the debt you will owe me will be great."

I felt a chill run down my spine at his words, but I nodded in agreement.

"Then it is agreed," I said, meeting his intense gaze. "I would like to begin my investigation immediately. With your permission, I would like to speak with some of your people who were at the festival that night."

Sylvain had told me that the dark fae was a secretive bunch, but I was hopeful that someone would be willing to share information with me, especially with Drakaris' approval.

"You said you are looking into four disappearances?" He pressed, his voice laced with concern and a hint of suspicion. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air. I could see the tension in his jaw, the furrow of his brow, and the unease in his eyes as he searched for the truth.

"Yes, four individuals have gone missing from my realm just 2 nights ago. I fear they may have been abducted and brought here against their will." I replied, my voice steady, though my heart pounded with anticipation. Drakaris' expression returned to neutral, but his dark eyes glittered with a hint of curiosity.

"Very well, you have four days for four people," he stated, his voice deep and rumbling. "But you will understand tonight."

"I need to send word to my council," I admitted.

His tall frame was motionless in the shadow of the ancient oak. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance. "Write your letter, Syl will make sure it is delivered. My people are not obligated to share their secrets with you. They may choose silence, and you must respect their decision."

I bowed my head slightly, grateful for even this small concession. "Of course, my lord. I understand. I will begin my investigations immediately."

As I turned to leave, Drakaris' voice stopped me. "Little light," he called, and I faced him once more. "Be warned, some of my people may not take kindly to your inquiries. Proceed with extreme caution and remember the terms of our bargain. You WILL have Quill or Syl with you at all times while you are here."

I nodded, my determination unwavering. "I understand, Lord Drakaris. I will remember."

As I bowed to take my leave, Sylvain appeared, her dark form materializing from the shadows. She had an uncanny ability to move silently, and I often wondered if she could read my thoughts, knowing exactly when I needed her. We stepped back through a portal, and I found myself in my chamber once more.

The room felt stuffy, and I longed to be back in the fresh air of the garden. Sylvain, ever the mysterious guide, did not explain her timely appearances. I sensed there was more to her than met the eye, and I wondered what secrets she kept. With her sharp teeth and swirling tattoos, she was an enigma, and I felt a mix of curiosity and unease in her presence. I turned my thoughts back to Drakaris and our encounter in the garden.

His words echoed in my mind, and I felt a weight on my shoulders. The bargain we struck was a heavy one, and the prospect of owing the Dark Lord a debt was daunting. Yet, I was determined to prove that they were behind my missing people.

The remainder of the day was consumed by my attempt to compose a letter addressed to Rune, detailing my location and reassuring the entire council of my well-being.