Cipher swallowed. "I do." Queen Drusilla glanced at her, offering a small but knowing smile. "And in time, you will find your answers." Cipher wasn't sure if that was reassuring—or unsettling. Behind them, Nova followed, her presence silent but ever watchful.
The grand palace hall was vast, its towering ceiling adorned with shimmering chandeliers that cast a golden glow over the marble floor. At the far end of the chamber sat Queen Drusilla's throne—a masterpiece of carved obsidian and gold. Cipher remained standing, unsure where to sit, awaiting instruction. Queen Drusilla settled into her throne before glancing at her. "Come, sit next to me." Her tone was inviting—far warmer than expected.
Nova Velasquez frowned, arms crossed, muttering under her breath. "Really?" A sharp scoff followed. "Now she gets the high seat? Something I've never been granted, and I'm her cousin." Cipher hesitated briefly before stepping forward and taking her seat beside the queen. Nova, standing stiffly, exuded silent discontent.
Queen Drusilla studied Cipher, a soft smile concealing keen curiosity. "What is your name, and which state do you come from?" Cipher had anticipated this question. She had crafted her answer carefully on the way here. "My name is Cipher. I don't come from here." She paused before delivering her next words carefully. "I was tasked with a mission—to help deal with the vampire crisis." The room fell into a quiet hum of contemplation. As Cipher spoke, Dr. Marcellus Thorn entered, bowing before the queen. With a flick of her hand, Queen Drusilla signaled him to sit.
Both Queen Drusilla and Nova furrowed their brows—speculation and curiosity flashing across their features. "Are you a vampire hunter or a witch?" Queen Drusilla pressed further. Cipher shook her head. "Neither." That wasn't enough.
The Queen's gaze sharpened. "Who sent you, then? And how exactly can you help if you are neither?" Cipher exhaled, feeling the interrogation grow more intense. "I am from planet Earth. That means people from Earth sent me. And if they sent me, it means I have what it takes." Nova narrowed her eyes at Cipher, skepticism thick in the air. Queen Drusilla's expression flickered briefly—just enough to reveal doubt. "What do you mean? This is planet Earth." Cipher faltered. She hadn't considered that possibility—that to them, she was still on Earth.
"Tell them you are from the future, and they are in the past," Zane whispered in her thoughts, sensing her hesitation. Cipher took a steady breath before speaking. "I come from the future," she declared. "That's why my robes are different from yours." A sharp inhale filled the hall.
At that moment, another figure entered. Nova leaned in, whispering to Dr. Marcellus Thorn with clear disdain. "Look who's here. Another viper—only here for his selfish interests." Marcellus didn't disagree. "I know. And we have no idea what he's planning."
The newcomer strode forward with measured precision and bowed respectfully before the queen, awaiting acknowledgment. Queen Drusilla gestured with her hand. "Lucius Vance, you may sit." As Lucius settled, Queen Drusilla turned her focus back to Cipher. "Proceed." Cipher steadied herself before repeating her claim. "I come from the future—that is why my robes are different."
Nova scoffed, her voice louder this time. "I don't believe a word of this." She shook her head. "She must think we're fools." Her words echoed through the grand palace hall, reverberating like a challenge. Cipher's presence had sparked something—uncertainty, doubt, and something deeper. Something dangerous.
Cipher's patience frayed at the edges. "I'm sorry, Nova. If you don't believe what I've told you, then I have nothing else to say." The grand hall fell into silence, thick with unspoken tension.
In her mind, Zane hummed with approval. "That's a good stance, Cipher. You're showing your supreme rights." Cipher barely acknowledged the remark. All eyes were still locked on her.
"Cipher," Queen Drusilla called gently, her voice measured. "Do you have any sort of proof?" She was determined to get to the bottom of this.
Seated quietly, Elise Blackwell listened intently. She had already been in the hall before Cipher, Nova, and the Queen entered, silently observing the exchange. Then—her thoughts were invaded. "Elise Blackwell," a cold, telepathic voice sliced into her mind like a jagged blade. She stiffened, inhaling sharply. Queen Victoria, the ruthless architect behind the vampire revolution, pressed into her consciousness with a chilling force. "You have given me nothing yet. Do you want me to blow your brains out when I shout?" Her voice dripped with venomous threat.
Elise clenched her jaw. "Excuse me, Your Majesty," she suddenly said aloud, rising to her feet. "I need to step out for a few minutes." Queen Drusilla gave a simple nod of approval, and Elise swiftly strode away. All eyes turned back to Cipher.
In her thoughts, Zane stirred. "Let me come out. Maybe that will help." Cipher hesitated. "Okay, fine." In an instant, Zane materialized—flames licking at his feathers, his presence radiating raw energy. Gasps rippled through the hall. Several attendants jerked backward, gripping their chairs as if bracing for the impossible.
Cipher exhaled. "I think this should be proof enough that I'm not from here." Outside, Elise found an isolated space, far from prying ears. She steadied herself, then shot back telepathically, her voice firm. "If you want to blow my mind, go ahead—but it's obvious you won't get what you want. I am your only option here." A tense pause. Then, unexpectedly—"Sorry," Queen Victoria muttered. A rare apology, though laced with expectation.
"Do you have anything?" she demanded once more, you could hear desperation. Elise sighed heavily. "Not yet. But she claims to be from the future—sent here to help the Kingdom of Karian."
Victoria's presence lingered before her voice slithered through the connection. "Alright. That's not bad." A slow, eerie pause. "Keep at it. If you play by my rules, you will have your brother. Defy me—and he is dead." Elise swallowed hard. There was no way out of this.
Queen Drusilla leaned back on her throne, studying the magnificent creature before her. "So phoenixes exist after all," she mused, regaining her composure. "And here we thought they were only mythical birds."
Right away, Zane spoke in rapid, sharp bird language, causing Cipher to chuckle. Queen Drusilla's brows lifted. "You can understand him? What did he say?" Her curiosity was undeniable.
Cipher hesitated briefly, choosing her words carefully. "He says you're kind of nice… and would like to ask something from you." What Zane actually said? A rather sharp comment about Nova being rude and insufferable. Cipher decided it was best to leave that part out.
A radiant smile spread across Queen Drusilla's face, accentuating her beauty. "What does he want?" Cipher shifted. "He's hungry—and asking for a gemstone." Queen Drusilla chuckled, shaking her head. "That's quite the request. I don't believe I can help with that." She paused. "Try again." A voice interrupted. Dr. Marcellus Thorn raised his hand. "Your Majesty, if I may."
Queen Drusilla frowned slightly but gestured for him to speak. He approached and leaned in, whispering something into her ear. At the same time, Elise Blackwell reentered the hall, settling into her seat.
Queen Drusilla's eyes widened slightly at whatever Marcellus had said. Then, with a composed nod, she motioned for him to return to his place.
"Well, Cipher," Drusilla said, turning her attention back. "I can make an exception for your bird if—" Before she could finish, Zane let out an irritated screech. "I am NOT a bird! I am Zane. Tell her!"
Queen Drusilla blinked, mildly startled. "What did he say?" Cipher sighed. "It's just a correction. His name is Zane. Not 'bird.'"
Queen Drusilla smiled slightly. "Alright. I apologize, Zane." Then, her tone shifted slightly, a hint of intrigue lacing her words. "Now, what I wanted to say is this. There is a plant—a tree, one that is very important to us. If you can retrieve it… Zane can have his gemstone." She folded her hands elegantly. "Do you accept the quest?"
Cipher glanced at Zane, feeling the weight of the challenge ahead. Something told her this mission would be far more than a simple trade.