What can be done to deescalate the situation? Hurling the conflagration into the air might work… but what if it ricocheted back down? It could land directly at the state or a nearby home. The risk was not worth considering any longer.

A thought occurred to me, a buried line in the books— but only in passing.

Mana absorption.

This was a term I fully did not understand completely, but the book had a few topics of the wild creatures of this world.

Something about not having a core and being able to absorb the mana surrounding them due to the harsh conditions set.

…

….

…..

Maybe this is doable.

I clenched my scorched hand and directed its focus toward the fireball. The wild heat radiated violently, each flicker of flame feeding off the remnants of my mana reserves.

Pull in the mana.

Ignore the wild temporal flames.

The flames coiled, like an invisible hand yanked at it.

It wasn’t vanishing, it was compressing.

Collapsed inward in a spiraling vortex of bright burning light, until there was nothing but smoke and some ash that remained.

I collapsed to my knees with exhaustion taking over.

The nightmare was over.

Looking over at my hand that had been seared, the skin felt as if it was still sloughing off my flesh.

I smiled and then began to laugh.

I’m done for today.

— Alicia Lockwood —

How long has it been since I’ve seen my beloved sister? I wish this were merely a simple occasion. This god damn lunacy of a monarchy with its uprooted corruption.

It is never easy with the Astreas.

A letter that exclaimed the upmost urgency, too much formality to simply be about a family gathering.

These haughty Astrea bastards and the royal kingdom have their attention focused on little Ash.

Rain began to pelt the rooftop in a type of rhythmic tap. I had to take a seat down, arms crossed, watching little droplets streak across the window.

There was simply no way to avoid this. These vultures will possess him if even the slightest bit of talent.

A life yet unlived. I leaned against the windows, fogging the glass with a quiet breath. It was time to pack up my bags and belongings. I knew there was no delaying this trip any longer.

Onwards, I suppose.

As I stepped out of my room, a rather nuisance man standing tall in the hallway, awaiting me. If I didn’t know any better, it would be regarding my little visit.

“I suppose you have something to say, Marcus?” I muttered, gritting my teeth at the man’s unsavory appearance.

The man didn’t take too kindly to my choice of words— however, he was in no position to bark.

“Ah, excuse me Ms. Alicia,” Marcus said humbly with a gentle demeanor. “I simply wanted to see you off… properly.”

A man with critical scrutiny on his desires.

Everything was meticulously done by him with the desirable goal of benefiting and elevating his family’s name: Hestia.

With no desire to continue this conversation that would lead to fallacy— it was best to avoid answering any questions Marcus might’ve had.

“I do believe you were tasked with an assignment on your little trip.” Marcus spoke gently. Sauntering towards me. “My offer still stands.”

His words sent a ragged shiver down my spine. The vile, disgusting manor of his proposition was buried deep into my chest— and it was no better than the task given to me by the queen.

I turned away, refusing to engage in this type of lunacy any longer.

Marcus wasn’t always like this matter-of-fact. There was once a kind side to his demeanor that truly cherished the lives of others. Now, it all seems like one big farce.

“I have not forgotten your offer and will need time to think about it.” I said, shooting a deep glare at the man before peeling my eyes away.

The rain continued to slam against the rooftop in relentless waves.

The storm had rolled in quickly, dark clouds blotting out the once blue sky in a manner of minutes.

Funnily enough, even nature itself seemed to protest my departure.

No words were exchanged between us. If he kept insisting… I might have agreed to his terms.

What felt like forever, was the estate’s entrance. The downpour had seeped through the canopy, drizzling onto the ornate carriage.

It was simply ridiculous how over-the-top this embellishment shimmered under the grey light.

Whatever, it wasn’t my money, but I stepped in, exhausted.

The rain continued to hammer against the windows with violent rhythm. Looking back, the city began to fade behind the mist and waterlogged streets.

It disappeared— as it had never existed.

Weeks passed in a blur.

My beloved sister’s home finally came into view— set within the open embrace of the rural land, untouched by the corruption of its kingdom.

It was a great view to look at the humbled homes lined by the roads, some freshly built, others worn down over the coming years.

From crops, to hillsides, and livestock, I found this place to be more suited for my taking.

The carriage had finally rolled to a halt, and there they were— my sister and her family standing outside of their home.

My heart skipped.

She… hasn’t changed much, still beautiful and graceful as ever under the homely garb of rural life.

While I wasn’t fond of her husband politely waving, my focus was on someone else.

My nephew.

His eyes lit up the moment he laid eyes on me, with a tiny toothy smile spreading across his adorable face as he waved towards me.

Such a cute boy to be pulling on my strings. I have brought so many gifts for him that I want to spoil him this instance. My body ached from the tedious travel and periodic stops. Seeing them felt like I was drawing in full breath after being underwater.

Welcome home, it all seemed to say.

As my sister and her husband gathered around the kitchen table and set up for a little bit of tea, they knew this wasn’t just a simple visit occasion.

They caught on quickly.

Sister had a nervous look staring towards her husband who sat adjacent towards her. “Are you sure the Terryn royalty know about our little Ash?” Priscilla said with a more nervous demeanor, beginning to shake.

“Yes,” I said, matter-of-factly. “They will come for the boy after I test his affinity.”

“They can’t do this!” Andrion exclaimed, slamming his hand down on the table with a sharp crack. “There has to be someway to fool them to let him go, right!?”

His face was a silent plea for help, but what could I do?

“There… is still that offer from the Hestia family.” I said shakily, peeling my eyes downwards.

“However— it’ll be a similar case where Ash is taken and used to improve the Hestia’s family’s standing.”

I couldn’t tell what was more concerning: the fact the Terryn family was hell bent on having my nephew as a weapon, or the fact I can sense him using magic at this very moment.

Subtle, but present— it was enough to raise an alarm.

I didn’t hesitate, and flicked two fingers beneath the table, casting a soft barrier spell to suppress both sound and energy signatures from the nearby room.

Ash didn’t need unwanted attention just yet, and knowing what he was doing confirmed my worst fears.

I glanced back up to find the murmuring about contingencies and outside help— possibly their old guild connections.

If only I had the strength… to overrule these foolish customs.

“Let’s leave it for another day and enjoy ourselves.” I interjected, causing the two to lose track of their conversation and direct their attention towards me.

“I want to spoil my little Ash right now.”

“Yes, I bet he’s pining for some cookies right about now.” Priscilla said with a chuckle as she rose from her seat to prepare some treats.

“I’ll go fetch my son.” Andrion added, looking delighted that the conversation had finally shifted.

Without warning, the back door creaked open.

A small, frail child excused himself from the gardens and into the home.

I hadn’t sensed his approach. The barrier was to silence sound and mask mana but not track physical movement.

His appearance… looked to be shaken, as if he was hiding something with one arm tucked behind his back.

My eyes widened.

“Ashur?” I said, rising halfway from my chair.

The others turned. Priscilla gasped, while Andrion was already on his feet. His father barked, rushing towards little Ash. The sudden shouting made Ashur flinch, shrinking back a step.

“I-it’s not… what it looks like,” he mumbled, eyes fixed on the floor.

Priscilla knelt beside him, caressing Ashur’s brunette hair— gently gripping his right hand that he deliberately kept behind his back.

With slow hesitation, she reached for it— pulling it forward.

His tiny hand was red and swollen, marked with searing burns and faint cracks where the skin had blistered.

All of us stared, but we couldn’t be angry towards him… just fearful of what’s to come.

“Ash, you need to be more careful, honey.” Priscilla said softly, invoking a splurge amount of magic onto his palm to heal the wound.

Andrion hobbled over to Ashur, patting his son on his back. “That’s my boy, taking a step forward, huh? He smiled, ensuring his expression was as genuine as concerned.

I stood there tall, admiring the affection and care he was being given.

This should have been a time when he’d be lectured and disciplined, but none of it mattered.

Not right now.

Only three days left to spend with little Ash.

There has to be a way.