The library of Zeth's castle breathed with an ancient stillness, the kind that settled into stone over centuries and refused to leave. It was a silence layered with age, dust, and the weight of forgotten knowledge—a silence that felt alive, listening, watching, and remembering. Sunlight streamed through tall arched windows, pouring into the room in long golden beams that cut through the air like warm blades, illuminating motes of dust that floated lazily, suspended in time.
The scent of old parchment, cracked leather bindings, and polished wood filled the space with a soft, comforting haze—the smell of history and stories waiting to be touched. Shelves towered toward the ceiling like wooden cliffs. Some spines were faded into muted browns and reds, their titles long vanished, while a few books hummed faintly with dormant magic, their covers pulsing with a soft, ethereal glow.
Four red couches sat arranged in a square around a low wooden table. On the table rested several cups of steaming tea, their aroma mixing with the scent of old books. Thin spirals of steam curled upward, catching the light like silver threads.
The Sages were scattered throughout the sanctuary. Vaelus leaned against a bookshelf, flipping through a thick tome with a bored expression that couldn't quite hide his genuine interest. Iris sat cross-legged near a window, sunlight pooling around her like a halo. Morvath stood near the far wall, arms crossed, pretending not to read the book floating before him. Selyndra was deeper in the aisles, the faint sound of turning pages marking her location like a steady heartbeat. Dravien had eventually wandered back to the couches after drifting between the shelves like a curious cat.
At the center sat Lord Zeth. He rested comfortably on one of the red couches, his black coat making him look like a shadow seated among sunlight. Across from him sat Eiden. He looked better—still pale and tired, but present.
Dravien was curled up on Eiden's lap, sleeping soundly with his legs wrapped around Eiden's waist and his face nuzzled into his chest. A soft, rhythmic purring vibrated against Eiden's ribs, a sound so gentle it felt out of place after the chaos of the past days. Eiden rested one hand lightly on the small Sage's back, while the other held a warm cup of tea.
"You look better," Zeth said, his voice low and even.
Eiden exhaled softly. "I feel… awake."
"That's an improvement," Zeth replied. "Three days of unconsciousness tends to worry people."
Eiden glanced down at Dravien, whose ears twitched in his sleep. "He hasn't left me alone since I woke up."
Zeth chuckled. "He hasn't left you alone since you fell."
"You scared the hell out of us, you know," Vaelus spoke up without looking from his book. Morvath grunted in agreement.
"We're just glad you're awake," Iris added softly.
Zeth leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "There's much to discuss. For starters, the day after you fell, the seal on the Great Demon Jarfa began to fade. I asked the other Sages if they would handle him, but they didn't want to leave your side. Also, I received a letter from the Council of Mages. They are sending Dyuke and an army to these lands—an escort and search party, essentially. Dyuke will be here today to discuss matters regarding the Council of Gods."
The Sages perked up instantly, the air in the library tightening like a drawn bowstring.
"What could they want?" Vaelus asked.
Zeth shrugged. "I expect Dyuke to explain when he arrives."
Seraphaine, leaning against a shelf, tilted her head toward Zeth. "How come you're not burning from sunlight? I thought all vampires burn to ash."
Zeth smirked, his fangs flashing. "I developed my own ability—or spell—that makes me immune. I used it during the days when humans tried to make my people extinct, though they didn't manage to kill even a few hundred."
The door opened softly, and Dinnes stepped aside as Dyuke entered, his white robe trailing like a banner of authority and glowing in the sunlight. He approached the couches and sat beside Zeth, his eyes softening as they met Eiden's.
"Eiden… I see you're doing well."
"It's been an uneasy recovery," Eiden admitted, careful not to wake Dravien. "Dodging so many slashes from that blade was exhausting."
Dyuke leaned forward, his blue aura dimming as he gathered his thoughts. "The Council of Gods sent a message. They are demanding the bodies of Uzak'me, Reia, her daughters, the Angel King, Yajin, and the Celestials. Everything—their bodies, their weapons—transported to the Land of Gods urgently."
Zeth frowned. "That alone is concerning."
"It gets heavier," Dyuke continued. "They want the Seven Great Sages to fill seven open positions in their council. And they specifically requested you, Eiden… and Morvath."
Morvath stiffened. "Me?"
"Yes," Dyuke said. "They want both of you to travel to the Land of Gods. They'll open the barrier at the west entrance. They've had birds searching every kingdom for you, assuming you were recovering in the Unclaimed Lands."
Zeth tapped his chin. "It's probably related to Morvath being the son of the Demon King. And for Eiden, perhaps his connection to the Blackcrest clan."
Selyndra's eyes sharpened. "You don't think it's related to his past… do you?"
Zeth's expression tightened. "It's possible. But we shouldn't bring it up in front of Eiden. Last thing we need is his opposite striking us all dead."
Vaelus shuddered. "Don't remind me of how insane he used to be…"
Eiden blinked, looking around the room. "Hm? What—"
"Nothing!" everyone in the room shouted at once, their voices echoing in a suspicious, synchronized reflex.
Eiden stared at them, confused, as Dravien purred louder in his lap. Zeth cleared his throat quickly. "Anyway, Dyuke still hasn't explained the full reason they want you."
Dyuke nodded. "The gods didn't explain their reasoning in the letter. But based on what they demanded, it's something big. Something only you and Morvath can answer for."
The library fell back into silence. Sunlight drifted across the floor as the tea continued to steam. Eiden exhaled slowly, the look in his eyes suggesting that while he heard the words, the full truth was still hiding just out of reach.