406: Flames and Exhaustion

Flames and Exhaustion

After the conclusion of the meeting, Rosalind wasted no time in making her way back to the secluded tower where she and the others sought solace. This would be their first opportunity to openly discuss the events that unfolded in that goddess-forsaken place.2

As she stepped into the tower, the familiar faces of her companions greeted her. Among them, Elias approached her with evident concern etched upon his features. His question about Atior's whereabouts caught Rosalind off guard, a mix of surprise and curiosity flooding her thoughts.

She never thought that one day, Elias would ask her about Atior's whereabouts, but then again, she understood that the two spent some time together on the island.

Turning her attention to the others, she noticed the presence of Huig and Magda, their expressions mirroring a combination of exhaustion and relief. Valentin was calmly sitting on the couch, his gaze fixated on Rosalind.

Rosalind demanded, "Recount the events that unfolded on the island."

Elias persisted, "But what about Atior?"

"I want to know what occurred before that man whisked you away," Rosalind redirected her attention, disregarding Elias.

Elias sighed, his irritation evident in his gaze. "Atior performed a ritual. She claimed she would rescue you, expressing her lack of trust in the Duke. Then she vanished," he explained with frustration. "But what exactly is happening here?"

Rosalind let out a weary sigh, realizing she couldn't provide the answers they sought. She began narrating the events that transpired inside the cave until their eventual rescue. Of course, he hid some things, including the fact that the Duke could restore the barrier, but he refused to. Or the fact that the only reason why he was there was because of Rosalind.

She needed to know more about it for her to make some conclusions.

"It appears that the barrier between our continent and the realm of demons is crumbling, and somehow Atior is somehow linked to it," Rosalind revealed.

Curiosity sparked, Huig inquired, "Why? How could someone like her break a barrier?"

"I don't have all the answers," Rosalind admitted with a tinge of regret. She knew she needed to consult with Belisarius to uncover the truth. "But I am determined to find out soon."

Valentin interjected, seeking further information about the demons. "Can you enlighten us about these creatures? If the barrier fails, what can we anticipate?"

A heavy silence descended upon the room as Rosalind pondered her response. "There may be a war," she confessed, her voice conveying the weight of the revelation. "Dealing with those creatures won't be easy. That's why I wasted no time in informing the others upon our arrival, urging them to prepare for the impending conflict."

To Rosalind, being prepared was crucial in the face of an uncertain and daunting future.

Valentin's voice broke the silence, his tone laced with disbelief. "So, if I understand correctly, there's a barrier separating us from creatures that surpass even the ferocity of the northern beasts? And this barrier is teetering on the edge of collapse?"

Rosalind simply nodded in confirmation, her weariness palpable. "Yes."

Another heavy silence settled in the room as everyone processed the gravity of the situation. Rosalind let out a resigned sigh. "I will provide you with more information tomorrow. For now, let us all rest."

Understanding the fatigue that weighed upon them, the others nodded in agreement. They recognized that while Rosalind had immediately ventured out of the tower upon their arrival, the rest of them had been granted a small opportunity to recuperate.

After everyone had departed, Magda chose to remain in the tower, offering her protection to Rosalind. Grateful for the gesture, Rosalind didn't object and allowed her to stay.

Entering her room, Rosalind released a heavy sigh. She couldn't determine whether her exhaustion was due to her waning adrenaline or the solitude that now enveloped her. Collapsing onto her bed, she pondered the events that had unfolded, feeling the weight of it all bearing down on her.

Her thoughts then turned to the fragmented memories that had flashed before her eyes. They were snippets that didn't belong to her, yet they felt strangely familiar, as if they were her own recollections.

It was a different experience from the glimpses she had caught inside the monsters' minds, and she found herself without a satisfactory explanation for it all.

Could it be possible that she had personally lived through those experiences but somehow forgotten them? The notion left her with more questions than answers. It made her more confused than ever.

A shiver ran through Rosalind's body, prompting her to turn her attention to the dwindling fire in the fireplace. The room had grown noticeably colder, emphasizing the need for more wood.

Just then, Belisarius's voice reverberated through the room, startling Rosalind. "You should sleep…" the man spoke.

She fixed her gaze upon the man who had entered without invitation. She wondered if this was somehow a trait that one would develop if they have the power to do so.

"Where is Lucas?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing.

"He is alive. He will return soon," Belisarius replied calmly.

The tension in the room remained palpable as Rosalind pressed on. "What about— tell me what happened to Atior," she said.

"She managed to escape," Belisarius revealed, surprising Rosalind. She expected him to be vague about it. "It is possible that she may seek you out in the near future."

"Why would she do that?" Rosalind inquired, her mind racing to grasp the situation.

"Perhaps to explain that breaking the barrier was not her intention," Belisarius suggested, his tone hinting at a complex web of motives and circumstances yet to be unraveled.

Rosalind's gaze grew even more complex as she absorbed Belisarius's words. "Is the barrier truly on the verge of breaking?" she couldn't help but inquire, her voice tinged with concern.

"It is a possibility. Something within this realm has triggered the barrier," Belisarius explained. As if to emphasize his point, he extended his hand toward the fireplace.

Instantly, the flames surged to life, dancing with newfound intensity. It was as if the fire itself had taken on a life of its own, defying the laws of nature. Rosalind's eyes narrowed, captivated by the mesmerizing display before her.

...

A/N: On Eve's Gambit someone asked if the DEMONS that Rosalind feared were from Eve's continent. The answer is YES it was. Gosh! I would love to explain everything in one go. hahahaha

pqdm.com