"Absolutely not," Rosemary argued, crossing her arms. Peterson frowned, frustration flickering in his eyes.
"Remember, we promised we wouldn't interfere with the healing process," she continued. "And besides… it's just a game." She was firm in her stance. Neither of them knew—yet—what the game had done to Cynthia.
Peterson exhaled, his gaze returning to the tablet. Something about this unsettled him. "Can you leave me your tablet?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. "I want to watch more."
Rosemary handed it over without hesitation. "Sure. I'll be in the kitchen. I have some chores to deal with." She excused herself, leaving Peterson alone to dive deeper into the mystery.
In the Karian Kingdom, the scent of burning flesh lingered in the air. The fallen vampires were set ablaze, their bodies reduced to ash. Those bitten were separated and confined—quarantined in case they turned. Doctors worked tirelessly, bundling wounds, applying antidotes, and offering what little hope remained.
Cipher and Ren sat on the sidelines, watching the grim cleanup. Ren shifted slightly, stealing a glance at her. "So," he started, hesitating. "Which state do you come from?" He coughed lightly, clearing his throat. The question was casual—but Cipher knew its weight. She hesitated. If she said she was from Intra-Multi-Gaming-Voyage, she knew they wouldn't believe her. She needed a convincing answer.
Before she could respond, movement caught her eye. A figure dressed as a priest approached. Ren immediately rose to greet him—a sign of respect. Cipher quickly followed suit. "Good evening, Father," Ren saluted. The priest smiled warmly. "Good evening, Ren."
Cipher met his gaze. "Good evening, Father." The priest extended a hand, his demeanor open and inviting. "My name is Gideon Hale. Just call me Father Gideon."
Cipher mirrored his smile, grasping his hand in a firm shake. "Cipher." The handshake lingered briefly before they pulled away. Then, Father Gideon's expression shifted. Something flickered in his eyes—recognition, unease, certainty. His voice was low, deliberate. "I have seen you in my visions."
Cipher's breath hitched. Ren tensed beside her. Father Gideon lifted a hand slightly, as if to emphasize his words. "You are her." Silence stretched. Cipher exchanged a glance with Ren, her confusion mirrored in his own.
"Who?" Ren finally asked, his tone cautious. Father Gideon didn't answer immediately.
"The one in prophecy and—" Father Gideon's words were abruptly cut short as Nova Velasquez strode into the conversation, her presence carrying undeniable authority.
"Here goes Father Gideon with his prophecies," she interjected, voice laced with sarcasm. Father Gideon turned to face her, and both Cipher and Ren followed suit.
Nova smirked. "What has he been feeding you two?" she quipped. "Let me guess—visions that never come true?" Silence wrapped around the three. Father Gideon squared his shoulders, his expression unwavering. "Nova, visions are sacred. Prophecies come—"
"From the Lord," she finished, cutting him off with a chuckle. "How did I know that?" Then, her gaze shifted toward Cipher. Cold. Calculating. "And you. Who the hell are you?"
Cipher hesitated. "My name is—"
"Forget it," Nova waved dismissively. "I don't want to know. But the Queen, for reasons beyond my understanding, finds you fascinating. She demands your presence."
Cipher glanced at Ren, the one who had taken her in, protecting her during the battle. Ren met her gaze and gave a small nod. "Go." Cipher exhaled slightly before stepping toward Nova.
Nova lingered for a moment, then turned toward Ren. "Good fight today," she said. Ren raised a brow, slightly surprised by the praise. "If you want to chat, you know where to find me—city gate," he added as Nova began to walk away, Cipher trailing behind.
Father Gideon watched her go, shaking his head slightly. "Nova… she is something else." Ren kept his eyes on Cipher's retreating figure. "See you around, Ren," Father Gideon muttered before turning to leave. But Ren stopped him. "Who is she?"
Father Gideon paused, glancing back, then lowered his voice. "The one written in the holy scrolls. She will wipe out this demonic plague." Ren's breath stilled. "Are you sure, Father?"
A knowing smile curled on Gideon's lips. "Without a doubt. I have seen her in my visions. She is special." And with that, he walked away, leaving Ren alone with his thoughts. Cipher. A prophecy. A war much greater than he had realized.
"So, what are you?" Nova asked as they passed through the towering city gate of the Hall. Her tone was sharp—demanding. "A witch?" Cipher caught the stares from the people gathered near the entrance. Their gazes lingered on her, scrutinizing. It could have been her dress—so different from theirs. Or perhaps they had seen the phoenix when it emerged.
Whatever the reason, their eyes burned with curiosity. Zane's voice curled into her thoughts. "She is annoying." Cipher exhaled sharply. "Yeah, you're right about that." Zane huffed. "If she keeps this up, I will burn her." Cipher shook her head slightly. "We're here to deal with vampires, not each other."
Nova wasn't patient. "Are you dumb?" she pressed when Cipher didn't immediately respond. Cipher blinked, feigning innocence. "Sorry, what was your question?" Nova's expression darkened. She didn't like being ignored—Cipher could tell. "Forget it," Nova muttered. Then, her voice dropped to something colder. "Let me warn you—I'll be watching you. You might fool everyone here, but not me."
Cipher held her gaze, trying to read the hostility behind it. Why did Nova despise her so quickly? She barely knew Cipher. Yet her distance was obvious.
They reached an oxcart, its large frame harnessed to a wooden carriage. Nova climbed in without hesitation, Cipher following closely behind. "Drive," Nova instructed. As the carriage lurched forward, Zane stirred again in Cipher's mind. "I feel hungry." Cipher lifted a brow. "What kind of food do you eat?" The phoenix scoffed. "Precious stones—any kind. A gemstone would be ideal."
Cipher's thoughts raced. Where was she going to find a precious stone? Maybe, just maybe—the palace would have what she needed. The ride to the palace was mostly silent. Cipher alternated between brief exchanges with Zane and quietly observing the unfamiliar world outside. The streets, the people, the towering architecture—it all felt surreal.
She was here. And somehow, she was at the center of something much larger than herself. The carriage finally slowed as they approached the grand entrance. To Nova's surprise, Queen Drusilla emerged personally to greet the strange girl.
Nova Velasquez stepped out first, her demeanor unchanged. "We've arrived," she announced. "You can come out—and remember to bow before the Queen." Cipher inhaled, steadying herself before stepping down. Her gaze locked onto Queen Drusilla. She needed no introduction—the regal presence, the intricate attire, the effortless command over her surroundings. Cipher immediately recognized who she was. Nova watched with subtle disbelief.
What was it about this girl? What had she done—or who was she—to warrant such an audience? She wasn't royalty. She wasn't nobility. Yet queen Drusilla was receiving her with the grace reserved for high officials, kings, queens—even princes from noble families.
Queen Drusilla's lips curled into a smile. "Welcome to the grand palace of the Karian Kingdom." Cipher recalled Nova's earlier tip. With a respectful nod, she bowed slightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Queen Drusilla studied her carefully, the warmth in her expression steady—but the curiosity in her eyes unmistakable. Something was unfolding. Something only the Queen seemed to understand, "Please walk with me into the palace." Cipher hesitated for only a moment before nodding. The queen's invitation was gentle, yet there was an undeniable weight to it—a significance she couldn't quite grasp.
Nova lingered nearby, arms crossed, watching the exchange with unreadable eyes. Though she had escorted Cipher, she remained skeptical, as if expecting some hidden truth to suddenly reveal itself. Cipher stepped forward, following Queen Drusilla into the grand palace.
The towering doors opened before them, revealing a sprawling hall adorned with intricate carvings and polished stone. Golden chandeliers flickered overhead, casting warm light across the gleaming floors.
As Cipher walked alongside the queen, she stole glances at the guards stationed along the walls, their armor gleaming under the glow of torchlight. Everything about this place felt… majestic. Ancient.
Queen Drusilla led her toward an elegant corridor, her steps purposeful. "You must have many questions," she said finally, breaking the silence.