Lost in a chapter

One

Black smoke filled the room as High King Sylvain shadowed into the council chamber. The air grew heavier, the flickering torchlight dimming as the dark presence of their king settled over the room. All present stood in silence, their heads bowed low, afraid to meet his piercing gaze.

Sylvain's sharp eyes scanned the room as he took his place at the head of the council table, his presence dominating the space. As he went to sit, his gaze briefly flicked to his commander, his brother, whose hands were bandaged and marked with burns. Sylvain’s jaw tightened. I’ll deal with him later.

“Begin” Sylvain’s voice rang out, its quiet authority cutting through the tension like a blade.

“My High King,” began the Lord of Lavarune, his voice hesitant, “the prisoners east of Lavarune are growing restless. Just yesterday, fifteen of them managed to kill four of our soldiers at the water’s edge after attempting an escape. We’ve tightened security, but I fear it won’t be enough. We need more guards.”

The Lord’s request hung in the air as Sylvain tilted his head slightly, considering the matter. He turned to his brother; a single, sharp brow raised. “Commander, how many soldiers can you spare?”

Prince Solis, ever composed in the presence of his brother, straightened. “I am aware of this, and have sent Lord Thalion a hundred new guards, High King.” Solis said, eyes piercing through the Lord of Lavarune.

Sylvain gave a subtle nod, acknowledging Solis’s reply before turning back to the Lord of Lavarune. “Does that suffice?” he asked, his tone cold and detached.

“Yes, my High King,” Lord Thalion answered, his relief evident as he bowed his head. “Thank you.”

Sylvain’s attention returned to the council as discussions continued, his commanding presence dominating the room. Yet his mind wandered to his brother, to the burns that marred Solis’s hands. You’re hiding something, Sylvain thought, his expression remaining unreadable.

When the meeting finally concluded, Sylvain rose from his seat, his movements deliberate. “You are all excused,” he announced curtly, then added, “Commander, stay behind.”

The room emptied swiftly; council members eager to escape the oppressive tension that now radiated from the High King. As the doors closed behind the last of them, Sylvain turned his full attention to Solis.

“Is there something you wish to tell me, Commander?” Sylvain’s tone was dangerously calm, but his piercing gaze betrayed the storm building beneath his composed exterior.

Solis hesitated, his usual confidence faltering for the briefest moment. “Brother…” He averted his gaze, unwilling to meet Sylvain’s eyes. “It’s…”

Sylvain’s claws began to extend, their sharp tips gleaming in the dim chamber light. The air grew colder, biting against Solis’s skin. “Commander,” Sylvain growled, his voice dripping with menace. “Do not make me ask again, why do you have water burns? I thought I made it clear to stay out of the water.”

Solis let out an exasperated sigh. “A human has appeared through a portal,” he admitted, his tone defiant despite the tension crackling between them.

Sylvain’s eyes narrowed sharply. “What?” The word cut through the air like a blade. “How?”

“I was patrolling near the borders of my estate after receiving reports from Lavarune,” Solis explained, straightening his posture to meet his brother’s gaze. “I heard the portal open. I caught her scent; it led me to the river. She was high on Luminarias, drifting with the current. My soldiers were too far away, and none would have been fast enough to retrieve her.”

Sylvain’s lips curled into a cold, calculating smile. The disbelief that had flickered in his eyes vanished, replaced by something darker. “And where is she now? The portal, what of it?”

“She’s at the estate,” Solis answered. “Marthos is working to siphon the book from her.”

The mention of Marthos made Sylvain’s expression darken, his features twisting with scorn. “Seriously Solis?”

“We’ve known her for centuries. I trust her with my life,” Solis said without hesitation. “Only Aurathen can siphon.”

Sylvain’s claws slowly retracted, though the tension in his stance didn’t ease. “I trusted her once, and it almost cost my life. Use her for what we need, and then send her away. If you don’t,” his voice dropped, razor-sharp and cold, “I will make sure to end her myself.”

Solis’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

“Destroy that portal,” Sylvain ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. “And bring me the human.”

Before Solis could respond, black smoke coiled around Sylvain like a living shadow. In an instant, he was gone, leaving the chamber as cold and empty as the silence that followed.

Solis shadowed to his estate; the heavy silence broken only by the faint crackle of displaced air. Marthos stood waiting, her eyes sharp with curiosity.

“Did it work?” Solis demanded; his voice taut with urgency.

“Yes,” she replied briskly, tossing him the book.

“Solis, there’s more” Marthos said in a warning tone.

“Spit it out” Solis said impatiently.

Marthos rolled her eyes at her friend’s rudeness. “She’s Thoradian, when I removed the book, she changed completely.”

Solis stared at her confused, “Then she’s even more of a threat to Sylvarune, I’ve got things to take care of in Jeverune, keep an eye on her Marthos” Solis said, leaving Marthos behind.