The Kadupul flowers stood, serving as the Eraief’s light source across the dead land. 

There were hundreds of flowers, their white petals touching the soil as if trying to distribute their purities into the wilting grass. Surrounded by thunderous clouds and red skies, the flowers were the closest manifestation faeries held of the Holy One’s ‘magnificent creations,’ even if their purpose had no innocence.  Their creators, the devils, decided to make a mockery of His creations by letting these flowers serve as the Initiae’s gateways to the mortal world, albeit only temporarily till they’ve mastered their sin and proven themselves to have the ability to move through both dimensions on their own. 

For now, however, the irony persisted. 

Ira Eralis landed, the soles of her boots grounded against the soil as she stepped forward. It was another Moonlight, another time when she’d go across dimensions and test the progress that she had made. To her relief, her father remained unseen, unlike other times when he’d hover around her shoulder and burn her for the slightest bit of carelessness. Her hand-shaped wounds ached from the memory, but she straightened her back. This time, she was sure he’d find no faults.

Her wings folded as she walked towards one of the flowers. Each step closer to them felt like the mud was reaching and dragging her ankles to the ground, but Ira persisted–not the slightest bit bothered. Moonlights were events she was used to. The black grass waved welcomingly as the tangy scent grew more robust; the flowers could sense she was near. 

Ira bent down and wrapped her fingers around one of the stems. Luminous red eyes stared at the blooming flower as she whispered, “Ut me opus esse.” With that, she plucked the flower from the ground. 

Gradually, the petals withered, streaking its white shade black. Blood dripped from her fingers to the soil, and soon, the forest that had surrounded her vanished. Screams of death threats and clangs of blades replaced the screeching wind. Shadowy figures surrounded her, flickering like a dying lamp. From visions of revolutionists gripping their spears as they charged towards the enemy ground to victims getting burned at stake, all of them had one thing in common–the seething rage that had pushed them all to chaos. Amid blood and terror, Ira felt at peace. She raised both her hands, relishing the scent of blood and metal, feeding into the little energy the flower was giving her before her mission.

The corners of her lips inched upwards as she felt herself disappearing from Eriaef. Let it begin.