Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 727: Not Just Any Council ()

A drawn out gasp escaped Neveah as she awakened with a start.

Xenon who sat by her bed was immediately attentive. "Veah? Are you back? How do you feel? Any discomfort?"

Neveah blinked, her mind was still fuzzy with the aftereffects of magic, the room swayed unsteadily and it took a moment for her vision to settle, when it did, Neveah’s gaze met Xenon’s worried eyes and she nodded slowly.

"I’m fine. How long was I gone for?" Neveah asked, leaning on Xenon’s support to sit up. Her grip faltered slightly but Xenon’s support around her back was firm.

Xenon placed a palm on Neveah’s forehead, his brows furrowed in concern.

"A few hours at least. You’re burning up. I’ll get the mage and Everon to run checks, make sure you’re fine." Xenon made to get to his feet but Neveah prevented him with a hand over his.

"I’m fine... it’s not my health, just..." Neveah shook her head slightly, lifting her gaze to stare Xenon squarely in the eyes.

A dim golden glow flickered in her eyes for a brief moment and then disappeared just as quickly. Almost impatiently.

"Demevirld." Xenon recognised the presence of the magical entity, with an obvious lack of enthusiasm. "He’s back as well."

"Without our dreams meeting, the connection was abruptly interrupted and so Demevirld could only return now." Neveah said. "He has been useful to Jian too, in this short time. He is a bit cranky about the separation, and sensing foreign magic in me."

"More trouble than it is worth. I thought he was obsessed with Jian, why not seize the opportunity to bind to his rightful host." Xenon grunted beneath his breath, not at all pleased to know Demevirld was stirring discomfort in Neveah’s system again.

Neveah smiled wearily, she now knew better. Jian may have been Demevirld’s rightful host in the past lifetime, but he had already given his rights to Demevirld away. Neveah was in fact the rightful host and Demevirld was the only other person who knew that.

The thought had Neveah mulling in silence for a moment too long and it must have caused Xenon concern.

"How do you feel? Truly? I...well, you cried. While asleep, I would have roused you but... I did not want to pull you back unprepared." Xenon asked Neveah, taking her hand.

"I’m fine." Neveah said in response.

Xenon searched Neveah’s eyes, his gaze thoughtful. "Then... is he alright?"

Neveah’s lips trembled at that, she slowly shook her head and Xenon heaved a sigh of understanding. "How could he be? Asrig is his greatest burden."

"We have to bring him back... I did the best I could, but I think he needs you all now to get past this." Neveah said in a pained tone.

"Veah... you will always be the one he needs most. Do not ever be mistaken about that." Xenon said seriously. "But you are right. Were you able to share our discovery with him?"

"I did. We need to meet Estelle, find out the most likely human host of the anchoring rune in Fort Blazed, if we can find the rune carrier, we can reverse it..." Neveah trailed off, glancing around. It suddenly dawned on her that they were alone. "Where is everyone?"

"The audience hall. The council was convened." Xenon said to Neveah.

"Tara and Everon also?" Neveah asked.

"Veah...it is not just any council. It is a war council." Xenon revealed in a grim tone.

"What?!" Neveah hissed. "What happened?! The Fae declared war?!"

"Not just the Fae... werewolves." Xenon said.

"What?!!" Neveah was completely befuddled. "How is that even...what... how?!"

"With the help of the Fae, portal gateways have been incessantly opened around Fort Inferno, Knight’s Den and Kezrar Dun. The werewolves are pouring into Asvarian territory in the hundreds and growing." Xenon said to Neveah. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Since when was the Fae in contact with..." Neveah trailed off again, knowing it was a silly question to ask. Neveah’s bond with Alessio had even been exposed over a year ago, it should have been obvious then that the werewolves would have a link to the stronghold.

"Who is leading them?" Neveah asked warily.

Xenon caught onto Neveah’s apprehension and tightened his grip on her hand comfortingly. "It is unknown for now. Our scouts will report back soon, but more than the werewolves... the Fae is the greater concern."

"Urgent reports arrived from the spies you placed among the Fae. That is why Tara was summoned to the council. According to the report, there have been no signs of movement from the Fae guards. But there are talks of a change amongst the Fae hierarchy, and talks of arcane magic." Xenon said to Neveah.

"Arcane magic?" Neveah asked uncertainly.

"The lost magic arts of the High Queen of the Fae. Veah, arcane magic is sacred and the most ancient magic in existence, it influences all species of Fae roots... nymphs, pixies and elves. If truly arcane arts have made an appearance, all three species will be unable to remain neutral in this war." Xenon grunted in displeasure.

"Arcane magic can only be passed down through the bloodline of the High Queen. That leaves just Diandre, Adrienne and..." Neveah trailed off.

"Keila." Xenon said, confirming Neveah’s thoughts.

"Menarx? He went after Lodenworth and Keila didn’t he? Where is he?" Neveah was immediately concerned.

"He is heading back to the Keep as we speak. All attempts to contact Lodenworth and Keila proved futile and so the council ordered them back...with the invasion, we already have our answers." Xenon said in a tight tone.

"If Keila really wields arcane magic and has defected..." Neveah did not dare complete the statement.

"We might have a full blown uprising on our hands." Xenon said. "But we are not at a disadvantage. Jian has many talents and preparing for the worst case scenario is one of them. The first, second and fifth squadrons previously reassigned are posted within a day’s flight of Fort Inferno, Knights Den and Kezrar Dun." Xenon revealed.

"But to command a battle of this magnitude...we need our battle lord." Xenon finished meaningfully.

"We must leave for Scabbard at once. Estelle holds the final piece." Neveah murmured in determination.