Devereaux's movements were a mesmerising display of skill and agility, twirling Ada with an almost ethereal grace that seemed to defy the laws of combat. He effortlessly sidestepped incoming attacks, his every step a calculated evasion that kept Ada safe from the razor-sharp edges of the assailants' weapons.

As Ada moved in tandem with Devereaux, she marvelled at the fluidity of his motions. It was as if he and the shadows were one, seamlessly intertwining to create a mesmerising ballet of evasion and counterattacks. The assailants, relentless in their pursuit, struggled to land a blow on the elusive duo.

The moonlight cast flickering shadows on the battleground, accentuating the dance of darkness and steel. Ada, caught in the midst of this surreal spectacle, clung to Devereaux's movements like a leaf caught in a tempest. Her senses heightened, she could feel the air pulsating with tension, each heartbeat resonating with the rhythm of the confrontation.

As the assailants closed in, their weapons poised to strike, Ada felt a surge of panic gripping her. Devereaux, who had valiantly shielded her until now, was momentarily incapacitated. The imminent danger was palpable, and the distorted voice of the masked figure cut through the tension.

"You are Ada, but you are also a threat. The darkness within you has grown stronger, and we cannot allow it to consume our realm."

Ada's brows furrowed in disbelief. "Darkness within me? I'm trying to protect Romersai from real threats! Why are you attacking me?"

The Guardian Mages remained unyielding, their allegiance seemingly unwavering. Suddenly, a voice from the group holding Devereaux shouted, "Hanna needs her alive!" The vigilant hunter responded with a roar, "She killed my father! Do what you're asked for! You can't break the rules!"

In the midst of the escalating tension, a blinding light emanated from the hollow, brightening the night as if it were day. From the radiant glow, Hanna appeared, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Stop it! Stop it right now!"

***

Ada and Devereaux were escorted by the Vigilant Hunter and other Guardian mages. The frowning figure in the group eyed the two with distrust, his every step resonating with reluctance. Hanna led the way, her strides deliberate, creating an atmosphere of caution and wariness.

Inside the sanctum, the atmosphere was both serene and charged with an underlying energy. The tall, arched corridors adorned with intricate runes on the walls created an ethereal glow. The soft hum of magical energy permeated the air, and the fragrance of ancient spells lingered.

"What brings you back to Luna Sanctum at this hour?" she began, her voice measured, "And why is he here? As far as I know no one is dead here." Her gaze shifted to Devereaux, a hint of suspicion lingering. She observed how the amber in the Dark Lord grew with her remark.

Ada took a deep breath, attempting to convey sincerity in her words. "You know so very well why."

"I'm not sure," Hanna replied, her eyes meeting her perplexed ones.

Ada couldn't fathom the sudden change in Hanna's demeanour. The cryptic response left her unsettled, and a wave of frustration surged within her. Hanna, who had always been a pillar of support, now stood as a cryptic enigma. Ada felt a pang of disappointment, her confusion transforming into a mixture of hurt and defiance. Her frustration reached a boiling point. She couldn't comprehend the sudden distrust, and it manifested in a fiery outburst.

"What's up with you guys?" Ada exclaimed, her voice carrying the weight of frustration. "He-he just tried to kill me!" She pointed accusingly at the vigilant hunter, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and confusion.

The assailants exchanged uneasy glances, and even Hanna seemed taken aback by Ada's outburst. The tension in the air thickened, each step towards the Council Chamber feeling heavier. Hanna stopped in her tracks and turned around facing the fuming girl with a scrutinising gaze.

Ada, however, was beyond reasoning. "I thought you were supposed to be on my side. Is this how Romersai treats its own when they return? With suspicion and accusations?"

The assailants tightened their grip on their weapons, the vigilant hunter narrowing his eyes at Ada. The Luna Sanctum, once a haven, now felt like a battleground of conflicting loyalties. A hushed tension settled over the onlookers. The air seemed charged with anticipation, and the shadows of concern flickered across the faces of the gathered denizens of Luna Sanctum.Eyes darted between Hanna and Ada, capturing the unfolding drama like silent spectators of an intricate play.

"Ada, we're here to ensure the safety of the Sanctum. Emotions are high, and decisions must be made carefully." Hanna sighed, attempting to diffuse the situation.

"And I'm the threat?" she asked in utter disbelief. Sure she was a threat. She paid her price. She was still paying.

Whispers circulated among the observers, creating a murmured undercurrent of speculation. The gravity of the situation was palpable, and the crowd's collective gaze seemed to oscillate between empathy and scepticism. The drama unfolding before them was an unexpected disruption in the usually serene sanctum, and curiosity mingled with concern as they waited to see how the events would unfold.

Another sigh escaped the head mage. "I need a moment with the former Heiress. Escort the Death to Council Hall. We'll be there in a minute."

Devereaux and Ada exchanged a lingering glance, a silent conversation passing between them. In that brief moment, emotions swirled-concern, trust, and an unspoken understanding. It was a look that conveyed more than words ever could, a connection that transcended the doubts surrounding them. As Devereaux turned away, his ebony cloak sweeping the floor in a graceful motion, Ada felt a mixture of resolve and vulnerability, the assailants leading the way.

"Let's go inside and talk," Hanna gestured towards the nearby chamber.

The tension between them was palpable, and Ada's eyes glistened with unshed tears. Once they were in and the door shut behind them she turned towards Hanna, her expression a mixture of hurt and confusion.

"Why, Hanna? What happened to trust?" Ada's voice wavered, the weight of betrayal evident in her words. "You think I don't know? Gan is feeding upon Normies, he is taking innocent lives! I came back to help, to protect Romersai. Why is everyone treating me like an enemy?"

"Ada, you must understand. Romersai has changed since you left. The shadows have grown darker, and the threat we face is greater than ever." Hanna sighed, her gaze softening with a hint of sorrow. "The Heir is gone. Erixir was found dead the other day and no one still knows how. We don't need any more trouble Ada."

"Oh, I see why everyone seems to have lost it." she scoffed. "He deserved that death. You know that too. Don't blame me for that."

"So I guessed it right. You know how he died." Hanna asked concern and realisation etched in her voice. Ada watched her as she walked over to a locker nearby and retrieved an ornament that distinctly looked like a rose. It was made of steel and she could immediately tell where it belonged. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"We retrieved this from where we found Erixir dead. I'm sure you know what it is."

Ada gulped hard. She had no idea it was an early reap. "It-it-" she stumbled upon her own words. Her brows furrowed as she struggled to make sense of the situation.

"Not everyone knows what you know about him," Hanna added. "You shouldn't have come."

Ada was taken aback. She phased uneasily around the space. "You-you told me to return whenever I'm ready,"

"And you're ready now?" Hanna asked, raising a brow.

"I thought you, of all people, would understand," Ada confronted, her voice tinged with the sting of betrayal. "You've been there for me through everything, and now, when Romersai faces its gravest threat, you question me?"

Hanna met Ada's gaze, her eyes revealing an inner struggle. "Ada, it's not about questioning you. It's about ensuring the sanctity of the Luna Sanctum and the safety of our people. The recent events have raised concerns, and I must tread cautiously."

The words cut through Ada's resolve. "I've always followed the path you taught me, the principles of Romersai. Now, when I need your support the most, you distance yourself."

Hanna sighed, a mixture of sympathy and conflict etched on her face. "Ada, you're not the same as you were. There's something different about you, about your connection to the darkness."

Ada's eyes flashed with defiance. "I'm doing everything I can to protect Romersai. If that means letting the darkness to consume me, so be it. I won't let Gan destroy everything we hold dear."

She stood before Hanna, shoulders squared and chin lifted, but beneath the surface, there was vulnerability.The weight of the decisions she had made, the consequences of her actions, played out in the furrowed lines on her forehead and the subtle quiver of her lips.

"I started it, and I need to finish what I start," she declared. The words she spoke held a conviction, a determination to confront the chaos she had set in motion. "I can't afford risking any more innocent lives."

The fire of rage flickered in her eyes, fueled by the intensity of her guilt and frustration. She bore the weight of responsibility, a burden she couldn't shirk. The lines etched on her forehead spoke of the internal struggle, a clash between her innate confidence and the gravity of the situation.

Hanna approached Ada, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. She knew her from when she was a toddler. She knew how stubborn she could be."If that's the case I want you to do it on your own. Not with the help of another one from the Dark Side. Why is Devereaux even here? You know no entity of the Dark Side is allowed here anymore."

A cynical chuckle escaped Ada. "What a ridiculous rule. He's the Death. A rule ain't gonna stop him venturing wherever he wants. I guess it was Erixir's idea." Ada, though hurt, couldn't ignore the gravity of the situation. "I need your trust, Hannah. I'm not here to bring harm. Devereaux is helping me, guiding me. Please, give us a chance."

"Someone has seen you with Devereaux that night. We will have to start with the explanations."

At that moment the chamber door creaked open, drawing the attention of both the former heiress and the head mage. A figure stepped in with a grace that bespoke regality, adorned in clothing befitting the higher echelons of Romersai society.

The doorway revealed Sea, dressed in an ensemble that exuded elegance and tradition. The fabric of her attire shimmered like moonlight on water, a delicate interplay of silver and midnight blue. It billowed gently as she walked, and the delicate hemline brushed the floor, trailing behind her like a soft cloud.

A sash, intricately embroidered with symbols of Romersai heritage, cinched at her waist, adding a touch of ceremonial significance to her ensemble. The entire room seemed to bask in the ethereal glow emanating from Sea's presence as she curtsied gracefully, her eyes alight with reverence.

Ada's eyes widened in both surprise and amusement . Sea's face lit up with joy and admiration as she beheld Ada, the former heiress. "Lady Romersai," she exclaimed, her voice a gentle melody that resonated with a mix of respect and excitement.