The Farlier manor's nursery was a cozy sanctuary, its walls painted in soft blues, adorned with delicate murals of starry skies and gentle beasts, the air warm with the scent of fresh linens and a hint of sweet milk.
A plush rug covered the floor, scattered with wooden toys and stuffed creatures, the morning light streaming through tall windows, casting playful shadows that danced across the room.
In the center, little Delphini, barely a year old, giggled with unrestrained joy, her tiny hands clapping as she played with Abigail, her scales gleaming like polished obsidian as silver runes shimmered faintly along its coils.
The baby's laughter echoed as an innocent bright melody that filled the space, her curious brown eyes fixed on Abigail, who slithered in slow, careful circles, her yellow eyes soft, the nursery was a haven of warmth amid the manor's cold grandeur.
Servants hovered near the door, their faces pale and eyes wide with fear, hearts pounding as they watched Abigail playing with Delphini.
They whispered among themselves, voices trembling, "If anything happens to the princess…"
Their minds raced with visions of Lira's wrath, Lady Farlier's ruthlessness was a legend that chilled their blood, their hearts cowering at the thought of her tearing them apart, Delphini's giggles a stark contrast to their tension.
On a regal chair of carved mahogany, upholstered in deep crimson, Lira sat, her brunette hair cascading over her shoulders, her dark eyes soft with love as she watched Delphini, whose smile was a balm to her weary soul.
Her black dress hugged her curves, a subtle glow of her official Magus aura radiating, the air around her calm but charged, her eyes reflected the inner storms in her mind.
A young man approached, his steps were cautious and a silver tray in his hands bearing a single glass of ruby-red wine.
Marcom was the newest addition to the repertoire of servants working in the manor, he had a lean build and sharp green eyes, his Level 3 acolyte aura subtle but promising, he was a loyal servant to Leylin bounded by a contract.
Lira took the wine, her fingers brushing the glass while her mind was distracted as she sipped, the wine's tart bite grounding her, her dark eyes flicking to Marcom, studying him with a mix of curiosity and unease, Marcom's gaze was respectful as he bowed.
'How little I know my husband?' Lira thought, her heart heavy with the mystery of Leylin, spiraling through the five years since their marriage yet she knew little to nothing about the real Leylin Farlier.
Unknown to her, Leylin had built a secret force under him, weaving loyalty among his previous students, Marcom was the first to pledge allegiance to him, signing a soul-binding contract at Leylin's command, devoted to carrying out his master's will.
The wine glass was cold in Lira's hand, her thoughts racing.
Marcom can be considered somewhat of a genius. At eighteen, he was already a Level 3 acolyte and served as Delphini's protector, a role Leylin entrusted to him.
Leylin has even left a Rank 1 spell and Grine Water with Lira to aid Marcom breakthrough if he convinced her with his service, or to pass to another if he failed.
'He was a semi-converted Magus, at least.' Lira mused, her heart was completely in awe by Leylin's power, reeling at his growth in just five years.
'In just five years, he picked up potionerring and attained a mastery which rivals Master Kroft, maybe even surpassing him. He has built secret a force of loyal followers like Marcom, and…' Her gaze shifted to Abigail, her heart tightening, sensing a change in the snake, its presence heavier and more potent, no longer just a Level 2 acolyte equivalent but a force that could challenge seasoned Level 3 acolytes and it seemed she could get stronger.
'Blood experiments?' she wondered, her heart chilled, her mind flashing to Siley's mention of Dorotte's report—Leylin's seamless bloodline merge when he just an acolyte, a feat that hinted at mastery over blood rituals.
'Has his research reached the point of improving or changing bloodlines? Alchemy, rune crafting, potionerring, curses… how much were you hiding, my love?' Her heart ached with the distance between them, her mind lost in the enigma of Leylin.
'It seems I am really in for a surprise, others might doubt your chances but I am sure you are far beyond the confines of mediocrity.'
.....
Dock Nick shimmered under a blazing sun, its golden beach stretching endlessly, the sand warm and soft, reflecting light like a sea of tiny mirrors.
Coconut trees swayed, their broad leaves rustling in the salty breeze, waves crashing gently against the shore, their foam sparkling, the air alive with the tang of seawater and the faint sweetness of tropical fruit.
A quaint inn stood just off the beach, its wooden walls weathered but sturdy, reserved for travelers with airship tickets, its windows offering sweeping views of the ocean, the inn a haven for weary Magi.
Leylin had waited for the past three days holed up in a sparse room at the inn, its walls bare, a single cot and table.
The sea visible through a small window, its endless blue a mirror to his thoughts, he has used Lira's help to convince Siley to let Leylin go to the Light Magi region and after getting his support Leylin immediately left, he has been waiting for this moment for a long time.
Leylin was in Dock Nick of Gedlis City, which was under the Lighthouse of the Night's iron grip—a Rank 3 Magi faction that brokered peace during academy wars.
The Gedlis city bustled with life, its streets alive with commerce and it's airship port was a lifeline connecting Dark Magi region to Andre Town in the outskirts of Teljose City, which is hailed as the heart of the Light Magi domain.
Booking a Magus cabin was a nightmare—expensive, exclusive, with background checks and guarantors weeding out wanted or rogue Magi, the process itself a fortress of bureaucracy which made the heart of every traveler race to secure a seat.
Leylin, backed by Abyssal Bone Forest and Siley's clout, had breezed through the process, connecting with Magus Beruit who helped Leylin in reserving a cabin.
Boom! A low rumble shook the inn, followed by a sharp Shuuu! SShuu! Just then the airship descended, its blue hull with white stripes gleaming in the sun, its massive form casting a shadow over the port, the air vibrating with its power, the heart of every traveler and staff leaping, the beach's sand swirling, the coconut trees bending, the waves louder now, as if heralding its arrival.
Leylin, clad in a sleek green armor—Light Magi's flashy style, a stark shift from Dark Magi robes opened his window, the sea breeze cool against his face, his grey eyes scanning the ship.
A knock rattled the door, causing Leylin's head to snap in attention, his hand waving the Wrath Wand, its bone grip warm and red runes flaring, following the wave of his wand the door swinged open with a creak.
A green-haired man in a black robe stood there, smiling, his voice light, "You must be Master Leylin? Are you waiting for the ship?"
Leylin nodded, "Yes, I'm Leylin. You are?"
The man's smile widened, his voice warm, "I'm Sue, Marcom's cousin. I worked with Lord Beirut to secure your accommodation."
Sue's voice brightened, "I'm an acolyte working with the Garrison, chosen as a messenger for customers, contacting overseas networks. If you need help, just ask!"
Leylin's eyes narrowed, a smile tugging at his lips, his innate charisma bore from Misty Spirit Fox bloodline captivating him. "Sue, huh? What an odd name. Marcom never mentioned you, but let's see what he'd think of you."
Leylin stepped closer as his semi-converted aura flared, a dark and fiery pressure that dropped the room's temperature, and caused the inn's walls to creak.
In a split second the air thickened and Sue's heart lurched, his mind froze as his body locked up and sweat beading on his brow while his acolyte strength crumbled.
Leylin's eyes were cold as he raised the wand towards Sue.
"My lord…?" Sue's voice was a strained gasp, his heart was trembling and his eyes pleaded.
Leylin flicked the Wrath Wand, its red runes glowing, lifting Sue's sleeve to reveal his forearm, then he used the wand to tap Sue's skin which unveiled a curse mark—swirling black runes made of a skull and snake pulsing with blood and soul, a sigil of Leylin's mastery over curses and bloodlines.
Leylin smiled with satisfaction, this mark was a chain used for binding his followers serving under him.
Leylin's Death Eaters was a small group but growing force of loyal acolytes who bore his curse mark and turned their souls and blood captive under his control, their hearts sworn to serve him.
In return of their service, Leylin fueled them with his support, knowledge, potions, resources and even poised some for advancement.
He wasn't worried about anyone growing to defy him, because as long as the bearer strength doesn't surpass his own, Leylin's control over the group was absolute, the mark was a pact of power and slavery.
Marcom was the only one except Leylin, with the authority to mark other Death Eaters. It seems he thought highly of Sue to put him under the curse mark.
Even Sue who was marked didn't know who Leylin or his supposed master is, most Death Eaters are not clear about who they are truly serving, they are just given mission and rewards meanwhile Leylin's identify always remain a secret to most of them.
"So, you're one of my own," Leylin said, his voice low, a mix of approval and menace.
Sue's heart jolted, his mind reeling as his voice stammered in shock, "My… my lord? You're dark…"
He voice cut off as his heart froze feeling Leylin's cold gaze on him.