Valaia’s steps echoed through the empty corridors of the palace as she made her way to the princess’s chambers once more. Her heart was a conflicted mess, torn between her resurfaced memories and the lingering pull of Kalythra’s presence. Each time she thought to confront the princess, Kalythra remained elusive, as if avoiding her deliberately.

The door to the chambers was slightly ajar. Valaia hesitated, her hand hovering over the polished wood. Taking a deep breath, she pushed it open, the familiar scent of jasmine and something darker, more forbidden, filling her senses.

The room was empty. Her eyes scanned the chamber. Papers were scattered across its surface, and among them, something caught her eye.

A small token lay atop a stack of scrolls, its polished surface gleaming in the light. Her breath hitched as she recognised it—a passage token, an item used to grant safe travel through the heavily guarded gates of the palace.

Her hand trembled as she reached for it, her fingertips brushing the cool metal. Was this left for her intentionally, or had it been forgotten amidst the princess’s chaos?

She clutched the token tightly and glanced around the room one last time, her jaw tightening. ‘If she wanted me to stay, she would have been here to explain all of this.’

Resolve hardened her features. She turned and hurried back to her sleeping quarters.

*

Valaia quickly packed her things, keeping her movements swift and quiet. A few sets of clothing, a blade that she took from the princess’s belongings. She glanced around the room, ensuring she left no trace of her departure. Her fingers tightened around the strap of her satchel as she slipped the passage token into her pocket.

The palace grounds were still and silent as she made her way to the gates. The guards barely glanced at her once she presented the token, their gazes shifting respectfully. She passed through without hesitation, the weight of her memories and her decision pressing heavily on her shoulders.

*

The journey to the Dunes of Razak was grueling, the landscape transforming from lush greenery to the harsh expanse of endless sands. The scorching sun beat down on her as she traversed the familiar terrain, her mind racing with every step.

By the time the towering sandstone spires of the Dunes of Razak appeared on the horizon, Valaia was exhausted but determined. She approached the hidden entrance, her presence immediately recognised by the hooded guards stationed outside.

“Valaia,” one of them said, his voice a mixture of surprise and suspicion. “You’ve been gone for too long. We thought you’d abandoned the creed.”

Her eyes burned with excitement as she stepped forward, holding up the token. “I never abandoned it. I’ve come to fulfill my mission.”

The guards exchanged glances before nodding, stepping aside to allow her entry.

As she descended into the labyrinthine halls of the Dunes, her resolve solidified. She would uncover the full truth about Kalythra and her dark magic. This time, she won’t allow herself to be swayed, no matter the cost.

*

Valaia entered the grand hall of the Dunes of Razak, its imposing stone walls casting long shadows under the flickering torchlight. The leader of the creed, Grandmaster Zael, stood at the far end, his piercing eyes studying her as she approached.

“Valaia,” Zael began, his voice sharp and commanding. “You’ve been gone far longer than expected. Over three months have passed since your last report.”

Valaia stopped in her tracks, her breath catching in her throat. “Three months?” she repeated, disbelief lacing her words. “That… that can’t be right. It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long.”

He frowned, crossing his arms. “And yet it has. Explain yourself. Have you forgotten your mission?”

She lowered her gaze, her hands clenching at her sides. “No, Grandmaster. I didn’t forget. At least… not willingly. Something happened while I was at the palace.”

Zael’s expression darkened, and he gestured for her to continue.

“I don’t know how, but the princess… she made me forget. My memories were stolen, fractured. Even time felt… warped. I only remembered my purpose when I received the message,” she admitted, her voice shaking slightly.

He studied her intently, his silence pressing her to speak further.

“I’ve regained fragments of what happened, but it’s still incomplete,” she said, her voice firmer now. “I know she’s… different. The rumours might be true. The princess wields magic—dark magic. I’ve seen glimpses of it. But I can’t recall everything. The moments I spent with her feel… foggy, like a dream I can’t fully wake from.”

Zael’s gaze sharpened. “You’ve seen the magic?”

“Yes,” Valaia replied. “The first time was when she absorbed her former servants. She… she took their energy, their lives, and used them to sustain herself. And when I was last in her chambers, she bound me with magic, suspending me in the air as if I weighed nothing. It felt powerful.”

Zael leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “And yet you are unsure? This is the very essence of your mission, Valaia. You were sent to confirm whether the princess wields the forbidden arts.”

“I understand that, Grandmaster,” she said, her voice filled with frustration. “But the magic—what I’ve seen—it’s subtle and elusive. She’s not reckless. She hides it well, only revealing glimpses. And… when I was with her, it was as if she had me under a spell. I couldn’t think clearly, couldn’t question anything. I—”

She cut herself off, shaking her head. “It’s hard to explain. But now, I remember enough to know she’s dangerous.”

Zael’s expression remained unreadable as he studied her. Finally, he spoke. “If she indeed wields such power, then she is a threat not only to the Dunes but to the entire kingdom. Yet your uncertainty clouds the matter. You must be certain, Valaia. The nobles who sent you demand answers.”

Valaia straightened, meeting his gaze. “I’ll find the truth, Grandmaster. This time, I won’t let her cloud my mind. I’ll uncover everything—whatever it takes.”

He nodded slowly. “Good. But be warned: if she truly practices dark magic, she may already know your intentions. The princess is not one to be underestimated. Proceed carefully, Valaia. Should you falter again, there may not be another chance to return.”