The Arcane Archives Chamber in Aethelgard's dome was the Conclave's nerve center. It was a silent labyrinth of scrolls sealed with Light magic and crystal tablets containing Eterea's history and secrets.
For Ren, Commander of Paladins, it was the only place where he could move without Grand Commander Valerius's direct gaze.
Amidst that vast silence, Lyra, the Elf of bureaucracy, was his only anchor in truth.
Ren leaned against a bookshelf containing Vorthus's security protocols. The Elf's face was pale as she manipulated an arcane terminal, erasing metadata and rewriting access logs.
"I've finished removing the traces linking us to Vorthus's timeline, Ren," Lyra whispered, her voice tense. "Inquisitor Vane's cover story holds: she acted out of personal betrayal. But the Tribunal is demanding an answer about the internal leak."
Ren nodded. He had used the rescue's failure (which was his) to gain authority and seek the "leak" (which was also himself).
His soul, bound to the Ash Queen, reminded him of his servitude with a cold, oppressive pulse.
"We need to find a scapegoat," Ren said.
"I already have one," Lyra replied with cold efficiency. "A minor Level Five Arcanist in Logistics. He has a history of gambling debts and resentment toward the Conclave for lack of promotion. We can fabricate an encrypted communication between him and Vane."
Ren moved closer to Lyra, his imposing presence filled the space between them. The Elf, though brilliant and necessary, was physically vulnerable.
"Well played, Lyra. But we must be convincing. The High Arcanist will use a Truth Probe on the suspect."
"I know. That's why we can't use mere forgery," Lyra said, lifting her gaze, a glimmer of ambition and fear in her violet eyes. "We need a half-truth."
Lyra activated a small crystal screen and displayed a document.
"The minor Arcanist was in charge of Vorthus's resource reports. He didn't know about Kaito, but he knew about a shipment of Stabilization Crystals that would be diverted to Aethelgard on the escape day. If we say Vane contacted him to steal the crystals, and the escape was opportunistic... the Conclave will accept the explanation. It's an elegant lie."
Ren smiled, and this time, the gesture was genuine. Lyra's mind was a weapon.
"You're indispensable," Ren said.
The compliment felt like an order.
Lyra shivered slightly.
Ren knew she was loyal to him not out of affection, but out of fear of the Conclave and the promise of power he represented.
Ren placed his hand on the Elf's shoulder, a touch that was possessive and protective at once.
"You'll have to deliver the report to Grand Commander Valerius personally. He'll want to know who helped you track this 'threat'. Don't mention my name."
Lyra hesitated.
"He'll put me in the spotlight."
"Exactly. You can't be a library rat anymore, Lyra. You're a heroine. This will give you influence, access to higher-level archives, and most importantly, a shield. If you become Head of Archives, no one, not even Valerius, will be able to question your moves."
Ren tilted his head, his breath brushed her ear.
"We're a team, Lyra. I control the swords. You control the truth. If I fall, you fall. So *rise*."
The subtle touch, the promise of authority, the fear of punishment; Ren was weaving the web of his own "political harem", using Lyra's ambition for his survival.
She was his insurance.
"I'll make the report flawless," Lyra replied, her voice now firm, the decision made.
The professional coldness had merged with obedience to the Commander.
The Poisoned Bond
Ren remained alone in the archives, watching Lyra prepare to ascend in the Conclave's hierarchy.
The risk was immense, but his life depended on it.
He closed his eyes and focused on the poisoned bond with Kaito.
It wasn't just a pain jab anymore. The bond felt heavy, imbued with the Ash Queen's overwhelming power and the pure, brutal energy trail of training.
*He's alive*. And he's growing in the darkness.
Ren understood the magnitude of his failure.
Kaito wasn't just his brother; he was the weapon the Queen was forging to destroy him and all of Aethelgard.
Ren had to act.
He needed to recover Kaito, but now, first he had to infiltrate the Queen's court, feigning loyalty.
Betrayal of the Light had just become exponentially more dangerous.