Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 697: Sunset ()

Neveah leaned against the wall of the ascending room, her brows were slightly furrowed as she pondered the situation.

Neveah was somewhat regretful that she had made her assumption as to Zephyr’s whereabouts out loud, knowing the concern that had now triggered in his parents.

Imagor and Kaliana were also in the same space and though Imagor maintained a calm countenance, the thumb of his left hand rhythmically tapped the ring on his index finger and Neveah knew that was a tell tale sign of his unease.

On the other hand, his right hand rested on the small of Kaliana’s back, offering his comfort and reassurance with a silent gesture.

Their bond had always amazed Neveah, for as far back as when Imagor had nearly brought down the Keep when Kaliana’s life was endangered at childbirth.

A child for which Kaliana had risked her life to have, Neveah could not even imagine how the couple felt in this moment, even if it was still left to be known if Zephyr was actually in danger or just out terrorising others like he would often do.

Neveah herself was much calmer but still her mind was not at rest, in many ways, Neveah had also sacrificed a lot for Zephyr’s birth, and he meant so much to Jian and Xenon, she did not dare imagine a scenario where the boy was harmed.

"You have reached Kirgan?" Neveah enquired of Imagor.

Dragons shared their own mind connection, and that between the King’s guard was all the more stronger.

The moment they had left the study, Neveah knew Imagor would attempt to reach Kirgan.

"His mind block is up. I cannot reach his thoughts." Imagor replied to Neveah’s question, his tone tight.

"Menarx?" Neveah asked for the other available option.

Imagor nodded in response. "The trial is coming to its end, judgement is being deliberated. At Narx’s words, nothing seems untoward in the Rider’s Academy, all is as it should be." Imagor related to Neveah.

"Kirgan is not by his side but guarding outside. Menarx cannot reach him either... I did not mention Zephyr to Narx, he must not be unsettled whilst executing his duties. I will find Zephyr." Imagor said.

"We..." Neveah corrected Imagor’s statement.

Imagor glanced over at Neveah, nodding his head in gratitude. His gaze was unfocused, Neveah knew his mind connection was currently in use as he communicated with his kin.

"What does the flight patrol say? There are eyes in the skies at every moment, they would not have missed Zephyr if he left Keep grounds." Neveah noted when Imagor’s gaze regained focus.

"He was last seen in the courtyard during the shift change, a short time after Kirgan left. Zephyr is always out and about, no one would find it unusual."

"In that brief moment, it is unknown if he tailed Kirgan or returned into the Keep. The flight patrol is already tracking him, but there are no indications that he left Keep grounds yet." Imagor relayed the information.

"Then he might still be somewhere here, perhaps his attention was caught by something and he lost track of time." Neveah murmured.

"I do hope so..." Kaliana replied, her eyes wide with anxiety.

"Kaliana, I do not think you should go with us to the Riders Academy. All the places you know Zephyr is fond of, check them again...he may have returned on his own."

"If not, along with a few Keep dragons, scour Keep grounds and the back mountains. He might not be within the Keep, but that does not say he has strayed out far." Neveah suggested.

Kaliana looked to Imagor for his input and Imagor nodded.

"Neveah is right. You stay here, Narx and Kirgan are also at the academy and everything is still in order there, nothing reports otherwise. The flight patrol also assures everything is in order. Nothing will go wrong. If Zephyr is there, I will fetch him, give him a scolding and bring him back to you...trust me." Imagor spoke to his rider in a low, reassuring tone.

The ascending room came to a halt on the ground floor and Imagor led the way out, Neveah followed, whilst Kaliana stayed back.

Only when the ascending room had gone closed did Neveah speak to Imagor.

"Just in case, have Menarx delay the execution of the judgement till our arrival. If anything...it might be related to the dark fairy. She appears to be someone of importance, after all..." Neveah said to Imagor in a low tone, conscious not to let Kaliana hear her words.

"If that really is the case and they lay even a hand on my boy..." Imagor trailed off.

It was the first time he would voice his doubts and unease, Neveah understood he had kept his calm for Kaliana’s benefit.

She depended entirely on him, if Imagor appeared even the slightest bit shaken, Kaliana would be far more panicked than she presently was.

But for reasons Neveah could not understand, Imagor did not hide his unease from her. Perhaps because he knew she had already seen him in an even worse position when Kaliana’s life hung by a thread.

Or perhaps that was just how much he had come to trust her. Neveah did not wish to contemplate it.

"Then you have my full support to set everything ablaze." Neveah replied without hesitation.

"But it will not come to that. It will not." Neveah said firmly.

Imagor sucked in a sharp breath, he nodded once and they continued on their way.

__________________

The deliberation in the courtroom had taken only a few exchange of glances, no one would have anything to say in favor of a dark fairy. Neither would there be any pleas for leniency.

The trial itself was just due formality, so the forces in the stronghold could not find fault with the dragon dynasty or accuse them of tyranny.

"Your judgement is finalized. You will face dragon fire by sunset. In the time between this moment and that...you may choose to voice your truths, or die with them. Ultimately, it makes no difference to Dragon Dynasty." Menarx made clear.

"Sunset? Not immediately?" Adrienne asked Menarx in a hushed tone.

Menarx shook his head slightly, passing Adrienne a look.

"There is a cause." Menarx muttered in an equally hushed tone.

"A good one, I hope." He added, his brows furrowed slightly in concern.