Chapter 29

Two Weeks Later

Eryx's exhaustion weighed heavily on him as he rubbed his eyes, the weariness blurring his vision and the throbbing headache intensifying at the back of his skull. He was surrounded by a stack of books, their pages filled with knowledge and wisdom, symbols and diagrams dancing before his tired eyes. But nothing offered the answers he was searching for.

"Have you been here all night?" Fenno's voice broke through the silence, his presence announced by the soft rustle of his footsteps. The old man, with his curly golden locks cascading over his face like a veil, approached Eryx seated at the round table beside the grand window.

"What time is it?" Eryx inquired, dragging his focus away from the  book in his hands. He glanced around, noting the faint light of morning filtering through the window and the spent candle flickering in its holder.

"Oh, Eryx," Fenno sighed, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration as he moved toward his desk, muttering under his breath. Eryx, pinching the bridge of his nose, rose from his seat, joints protesting at the sudden movement.

"I've written to the Arcane Scholars," Fenno announced, his tone grave. "I requested a graduate student For Zeeb. We need all the help we can get. If we're to fix her, we need to do it quickly."

"She's not broken," Eryx objected, his voice tinged with both weariness and defiance. "She's not an object that we have to put back together."

"She's an elemental who can't control her powers," Fenno's words pierced Eryx's heart with every syllable. As if Eryx needed any more reminders of Meera's plight; her condition was a ceaseless torment that haunted him day and night.

"She's a mate without a mark. The longer we wait, the worse this situation might become," Fenno continued, his tone grave, his eyes mirroring Eryx's own concerns.

"What will the Arcane Scholars do?" Eryx questioned, his frustration bubbling to the surface, his irritation seeping into his words. "Do they know what's causing this?"

"No," Fenno admitted, his voice tinged with resignation. "But they will be able to help us look for answers."

Eryx's doubts lingered, festering like a wound that refused to heal. He had scoured every inch of Fenno's vast library, delving deep into ancient tomes and obscure texts in search of a solution. Countless hours had been spent lost in the labyrinth of knowledge, his desperation driving him ever onward. Eryx felt the weight of worry press heavily upon him, a constant companion that shadowed his every thought and action. Meera's well-being consumed him, her struggles a relentless echo in the chambers of his mind.

"Go get some rest, Eryx," Fenno's gentle suggestion cut through the heavy silence, his gaze peering over the rim of his glasses with a mix of concern and weariness. "You can't help anybody like this."

Eryx remained rooted to the spot, his eyes fixed on the flickering flame of the dying candle. His chest tightened with a hollow ache, the weight of guilt pressing down upon him like a leaden cloak. The chill of despair crept through his veins, chilling him to the bone as he grappled with the turmoil raging within.

Outside the towering walls of their sanctuary, a snowstorm raged, its icy tendrils creeping ever closer, blanketing the world in a pristine shroud of white. The silence of the wintry landscape enveloped the tower in a suffocating embrace, the only sound was the soft whisper of snowflakes dancing upon the frozen earth. Yet, amidst the hush of nature's fury, the echo of Eryx's guilt resounded louder than any tempest.

"Go, Eryx," Fenno urged once more, his voice a gentle push toward respite amidst the storm of their troubles.

With a weary sigh, Eryx finally tore his gaze away from the dwindling candlelight. His footsteps echoed heavily in the empty corridors as he made his way through the labyrinthine halls, the air heavy with the scent of burning sage from Zeeb's chambers. The silence wrapped around him like a shroud, its embrace both comforting and suffocating as he leaned against the door, shutting his eyes against the weight of his heartache.

As Eryx stood against the door, his eyelids heavy with exhaustion, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gripped him like icy fingers. Despite Fenno's urging, rest eluded him, his mind plagued by thoughts of Meera and the uncertainty of her condition.

Suddenly, a soft shuffling sound broke through the stillness, drawing Eryx's attention. He opened his eyes to find the maid emerging from Meera's room, a tray balanced carefully in her hands. His heart clenched at the sight of the untouched food, a pang of worry coursing through him like a bolt of lightning.

The maid cast a sympathetic glance in Eryx's direction as she approached him, her eyes mirroring the concern etched upon his own features.

"Your grace," the woman bowed. "Princess Meera has not eaten properly in days."

Eryx stepped forward and lifted the lid from the plate on the tray. His eyes fell on the eggs that had been pushed around and the bits of meat and bread that was torn apart but left scattered around the plate.

"Have some tea brought up to her room," Eryx said, placing the lid back on.

"Yes, Your Grace," with a simple nod, the woman continued down the corridor, leaving Eryx to confront the stark reality of Meera's deteriorating condition.

With a heavy heart, Eryx watched the maid disappear down the corridor, the weight of guilt and fear pressed down upon him once more. Eryx knew that he couldn't afford to rest while Meera suffered. He pushed himself away from the door and set off down the corridor. He turned toward Meera's room, his steps purposeful yet laden with apprehension.

As Eryx approached the window, a bitter gust of wind whipped through the room, carrying with it a flurry of snowflakes that danced in the air like ethereal spirits. With practiced ease, he reached out and pulled the glass panels shut, the resounding thud echoing through the room as the howling wind was muffled into a distant roar.

For a moment, the room was enveloped in a thick silence, broken only by the soft patter of melting snowflakes against the windowpane. Meera's gaze remained fixed on the swirling storm outside, her expression distant and detached as if lost in a world of her own making.

"Meera," Eryx's voice was barely a whisper, heavy with concern and longing. Slowly, he sank to his knees beside her, his fingers gently curling around her cold hand. "You need to eat."

Meera turned to him, her gaze haunted and distant, as if she were a mere shadow of the spirited girl he once knew. Eryx's heart clenched at the despair in her eyes, the helplessness threatening to overwhelm him. He reached out, gently brushing a lock of hair from her forehead, his touch tentative yet filled with a desperate longing.

Without a word, Meera pulled away from Eryx's touch and rose to her feet. Eryx felt a sharp pang of pain pierce his heart, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil raging within him. He watched in silent anguish as she rose to her feet. Following her with heavy footsteps, Eryx could only stand by helplessly as Meera made her way to the bed. His chest tightened with a suffocating ache as she climbed beneath the covers, turning away from him as if seeking refuge from the world.

"You need to eat, Meera," Eryx's voice was a gentle plea, thick with unspoken emotions. "We're working on finding out what's going on. But until then, you have to take care of yourself."

But Meera seemed to retreat further into herself, her hands pressed against her ears as if to block out the world around her. Eryx's heart clenched at the sight as he knelt by her side once more.

"Meera, please," he begged. "Open your eyes. Look at me."

"I want to go home," Meera whispered, her voice barely more than a hoarse murmur. "I want to go back to Azmeera."

Eryx's heart shattered into a million irreparable fragments at Meera's words, the anguish of her despair engulfing him like a suffocating tide. With each labored breath, he felt the weight of her pain pressing down upon him, threatening to crush him beneath its unbearable burden.

As he gazed upon Meera, Eryx felt a creeping sense of helplessness claw its way into his soul. It gnawed at him relentlessly, chipping away at his resolve like a relentless adversary, leaving him feeling small and insignificant in the face of Meera's suffering.

Every fiber of his being screamed out in silent protest, his mind swirling with a maelstrom of emotions—grief, frustration, and a profound sense of defeat. For in that moment, as he stood by Meera's side, he knew that he was helpless to save her.

"When was the last time you stepped out of this room?" Eryx asked.

"Leave me alone," Meera pulled the sheets closer.

"I'm incapable of leaving you alone, M," Eryx confessed.

"I just want to be alone right now."

"No," Eryx shook his head and rose to his feet. "Get up. Let's go."

Meera pulled down the covers and frowned, staring at Eryx as if she did not under the language he spoke.

"I'm going to take you somewhere," Eryx said. "You will like it."

"I'm not interested."

"I am," Eryx said. "Come on. Some fresh air will do you good."

"No, thank you."

"I'll drag you out and put you over my shoulder," Eryx warned.

"Eryx," Meera sighed. "Please, stop. I can't do this right now. I want to be left alone."

"Just trust me."

"I won't make that mistake twice."

"Please, Meera."

"No."

"Fine," Eryx reached out and grabbed the edge of the blanket. He pulled it off and tossed it aside, shocking Meera as she bolted up in bed. Her eyes widened as she watched him grab her ankles.

"Stop it!" Meera commanded, kicking at his warm hands as he wrapped his fingers around her ankles and yanked her to the edge of the bed. "Eryx!"

"In about three seconds, you will be on my shoulder," Eryx said. "One....two....three-"

"No!" Meera shouted, her voice cracking. Her eyes watered and her chin began to quiver.

Eryx immediately released her and stared in horror, "Meera...."

"Please...." Meera begged. "Just leave me alone.....I can't be around you right now. I don't want to be around anyone right now."

"What can I do?" Eryx asked. "Please, tell me. How can I make this better?"

"Send me back," Meera said. "I want to go back home. I don't want to be here."

Eryx watched as the tears in Meera's eyes slid down her face. His insides began to tremble as she twisted away and buried her face in the pillow.

"Go, Eryx," Meera cried. "Leave me alone."

_______________________

Three Days later

Eryx stood silently against the intricately adorned wall of his father's council chamber, his gaze fixated on the tableau laid out before him. King Hemming commanded attention as he meticulously scrutinized the map spread across the table, outlining the borders of Voreios. The map's edges were restricted by the impenetrable black wall that separated their world from the ominous shadows of the Northpass, where the lurking threat of the Shadow world loomed.

Amidst the strategic placement of pawns representing their defenses and the perceived weakness in certain regions, Hemming engaged in discussion with Lyall. Their voices carried weight as they discussed tactics and maneuvers, while the rest of the councilors listened intently, their solemn nods affirming their agreement and understanding.

In this charged atmosphere, Eryx remained a silent observer, content to linger in the background. His mind, however, was far from the matters of statecraft that preoccupied the rest of the assembly. Instead, his thoughts were consumed by Meera, a presence haunting his every waking moment.

It had been three long days since he had last laid eyes on her. In that time, she had retreated from the world. Refusing food, shunning company, and withdrawing into the depths of her heartache, Meera's condition only worsened with each passing day.

For Eryx, the weight of helplessness bore heavily upon his shoulders. Standing amidst the gravitas of his father's council, he grappled with the knowledge that he could do little to alleviate Meera's suffering. Yet, despite the pressing matters at hand, his thoughts invariably drifted back to her, a constant reminder of his own powerlessness in the face of her anguish.

"Eryx," Hemming's voice cut through the silence, sharp and commanding, drawing his son's attention like a magnet. Eryx blinked, feeling the weight of his father's gaze upon him as if it were a physical force.

"What was the question?" Eryx asked, his voice slightly hoarse from disuse, his thoughts still lingering on Meera's condition.

"When will the elemental be ready?" Hemming inquired, his tone clipped, his eyes searching Eryx's face for answers.

Eryx's jaw tensed, his gaze narrowing as he met his father's gaze head-on. "She's not a painting we commissioned. She's a person, and she's suffering. There's no set date for when she will recover."

"The clock is ticking," Hemming retorted, his finger jabbing at the map on the wall. "Osiris found an unguarded portion of the wall while you were away. That's how he was able to send Arthur and Jasper through. We need Meera to be prepared. We can't afford another attack."

"Unguarded area?" Eryx raised an eyebrow, his skepticism evident. "That should never have happened. How did that slip Andrick's attention?"

"Call it an oversight," Hemming replied tersely, his patience wearing thin.

"Do not defend him," Eryx snapped, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "His reckless behavior cost us-"

"It's not his job to guard the wall," Hemming interrupted, his tone sharp. "It's your job. You were raised and trained for this. I'm handing Voreios over to you, Eryx. Don't look for flaws in other people."

"Will has a better understanding of our defense," Eryx insisted, his voice tinged with defiance.

"Eryx," Hemming's tone brooked no argument as he silenced his son once more. "Andrick's mistakes can be dealt with outside of this chamber. We're talking about Meera. She needs to start her training."

"She'll start when she's ready," Eryx asserted, his stance unyielding.

Hemming's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. He stood, his jaw clenched, his gaze locked with his son's.

"She also has to be marked," Hemming declared, his voice firm.

"Not until she's trained," Eryx countered, pushing off the wall and turning toward the door with finality, his resolve unwavering.

Eryx's footsteps echoed through the hallowed halls of the castle as he stormed out of the council chamber, the weight of his father's expectations heavy on his shoulders. Anger and frustration churned within him, his thoughts still consumed by the argument he had just left behind. As he marched down the dimly lit corridor, his mind replayed the exchange with his father. His steps grew heavier with each passing moment, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down upon him like a suffocating blanket. Lost in his thoughts, Eryx rounded a corner and froze as his eyes fell upon Meera.

Through the glass window, Eryx's heart sank as he spotted Meera sitting on the bench beneath the imposing statues of the gods. Her slender form seemed smaller than he remembered, her once vibrant presence now subdued and listless.

Her head was tilted upwards, her gaze fixed on the somber visage of the black marble statues. But it was her eyes that caught Eryx's attention the most – hollow and sunken, devoid of their usual spark.

Beside her, Venna sat in silence. The snow beneath their feet seemed to mirror the chill ran up and down Eryx's spine.

As Eryx observed, the sight of Meera's frailty sent a pang of pain through his chest. She appeared to have lost a significant amount of weight, her cloak hanging loosely around her diminished frame. Her hair, usually a cascade of dark waves, now hung limp around her face, the lackluster color doing little to brighten her complexion. Despite his best efforts, Eryx couldn't shake the feeling that he was failing her, unable to offer the comfort and support she so desperately needed.

"Is that a good idea?"

Eryx looked to his side as Dawn came to stand beside him. His eyes narrowed and a deep frown formed on his face.

"Do we really want Venna with Meera right now?" Dawn asked, her eyes watching the two figures out in the lawn. "I only ask because we all know Venna's history."

"If you're here to talk ill about my sister then I do not want to hear it, Dawn," Eryx said, dismissively. "Leave."

"I would never," Dawn turned toward Eryx and placed a hand against his arm. "You know I care about both of them, don't you?"

Eryx's brow raised, "Since when?"

"I've watched Venna grow up," Dawn said. "I worry for her just like everyone else."

"And Meera?" Eryx questioned.

"Well...." Dawn's voice trailed off as she shrugged. She reached up, her fingers brushing against Eryx's shoulder as if to dispel the tension that hung between them. "She's your elemental, and I respect that."

Eryx's gaze flickered towards Dawn, a spark of irritation igniting within him at her insinuation. "You seemed too happy the day she couldn't control the water," he retorted, his tone edged with defensiveness.

"I was shocked," Dawn countered, shaking her head in denial. "Are you sure she's the one?"

With a roll of his eyes, Eryx turned away, dismissing Dawn's doubts with a wave of his hand. Yet, just as his gaze settled back on Meera, a jolt of electricity surged through him.

Caught off guard, Eryx found himself locking eyes with Meera, her gaze piercing through the distance between them. In that moment, it felt as if the weight of the world had lifted from his shoulders, replaced by a glimmer of hope that flickered to life within him. His heart quickened its pace, pounding against his ribcage.

"Venna?"

Across the yard, Meera's breath caught in her throat as she watched Eryx and Dawn standing by the window, their proximity igniting a pang of jealousy within her. The fragile silence and peace she had momentarily savored shattered like glass as Eryx pushed Dawn's hand off his shoulder and turned towards the stairs.

"Venna, I would like to return to my room," Meera announced abruptly, her voice tight with emotion.

"Now?" Venna looked up, her brow furrowing in concern.

"Yes, now," Meera replied tersely, already rising to her feet with an urgency. "Right now."

"Meera, wait," Venna called out, scrambling to catch up as Meera hurriedly made her way towards the tower.

But Meera could scarcely hear Venna's words over the thunderous pounding of her own heart, the rush of blood in her ears drowning out all other sounds. With arms wrapped tightly around herself, she broke into a run, her cold feet slipping on the icy ground as she bolted through the doors of the tower, desperate to escape the turmoil churning within her.

But her hasty retreat proved ill-fated as she collided with a tall figure the moment she stepped inside, the force of the impact sending both of them sprawling to the ground in a tangled heap.

As Meera scrambled to her feet, her heart pounding with embarrassment, she found herself face to face with a young man sprawled out on the floor, a pained expression etched across his features.

"Oh! Dear lord!" the man groaned, clutching his head as Meera pushed herself away from him.

"I'm so sorry," Meera gasped, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I... I didn't see you, and my feet slipped on the ice, and..."

"Could you help me up?" the man interrupted, his voice strained with discomfort as he rubbed the side of his head, his nervousness palpable.

"Yes, of course," Meera replied, her own anxiety mounting as she approached him cautiously, offering him a hand.

With Meera's assistance, the man managed to regain his footing, though his skittish demeanor remained evident. As Meera gathered his fallen books and papers from the foyer floor, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"I am truly very sorry," Meera apologized again, her voice tinged with genuine remorse.

"It's quite alright," the man assured her, though the discomfort in his voice was unmistakable. "I was standing too close to the door."

"Here," Meera said, holding out the stack of books she had retrieved. "Bran Hearth."

The man, Bran, turned sharply towards Meera, surprise flickering across his features. "How did you know my name?"

"It's written on your books," Meera explained, her confusion evident.

"You can read?" Bran's incredulous tone betrayed his surprise.

Meera frowned, taken aback by the question. "Yes..."

Bran took a small step back, his nervousness palpable as he observed Meera with newfound interest. His eyes roamed over her face as if trying to memorize her features.

"You're of royal blood," Bran concluded, his voice hushed with awe.

"Yes," Meera confirmed. "I'm Princess Meera."

Bran's eyes widened in realization. "Oh... you're Princess Meera."

"Yes," Meera affirmed, her patience wearing thin.

"Your grace," Bran stammered, his nervousness evident as he bowed his head respectfully. "It's such an honor to meet you. I've never met an elemental before. I'm Bran Hearth from the Arcane Scholars. I'm an alchemist."

"Like Fenno?" Meera inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes," Bran chuckled nervously. "Master Fenno asked for me. I'm here to help heal you, Princess."

"Heal me?" Meera's frown deepened, her brows knitting together in confusion. "From what?"

"From whatever is stopping you from feeling the water," Bran replied earnestly, his voice tinged with determination. "I've studied all the books about elementals. I know everything there is to know about them. It was an honor to be called here."

The weight of Bran's words hung heavy in the air, and Meera felt a lump form in her throat. Could it be possible? Could this young alchemist truly hold the key to unlocking her abilities, to restoring what had been lost to her?

"You can fix me?" Meera's voice trembled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.

"I am 99% sure I can," Bran affirmed, his expression earnest as he met Meera's gaze with unwavering determination.

"How?" Meera pressed, her curiosity piqued despite her lingering doubts.

"Well," Bran began, his nervousness evident as he fumbled with the books in his hand, "I don't have all my answers yet. But I have a few things I would like to try -"

"Master Bran," Zeeb's voice interrupted their conversation, drawing both Meera and Bran's attention towards the stairwell where the old alchemist stood. "We've been awaiting your arrival."

Bran hastily shut the books in his hand and stepped forward, lowering himself into a bow before Zeeb. Meera watched in silence as the two men exchanged pleasantries, their words carrying an air of familiarity and respect.

"I see you have already met Princess Meera," Zeeb remarked with a warm smile directed at Meera.

"Yes, I have," Bran nodded in acknowledgment.

Meera hesitated for a moment before addressing Zeeb directly. "You trust that he can fix me?"

"Heal you," Zeeb corrected gently, his gaze steady as he met Meera's eyes. "And yes, I do."

"How?" Meera questioned, her eagerness palpable. "When do we start?"

"As soon as Master Bran has settled in," Zeeb smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Come, I'll show you to your room, Bran."

Meera's eagerness shone through as she stepped forward, her anticipation palpable. "How long will all this take?" she questioned, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency. "Should I wait in your chambers, Zeeb?"

The two men exchanged a brief glance, a silent communication passing between them that only heightened Meera's sense of unease. She stepped closer, her eyes pleading for reassurance.

"Please," she implored, her voice soft but laced with desperation. "We need to do something... I can't feel the water... and it's like I've lost a part of myself."

Zeeb's eyes softened with understanding as he met Meera's gaze. He sighed heavily and turned towards Bran, his expression thoughtful. "Would you mind settling in later?"

"Not at all," Bran replied, his tone eager to assist.

Meera released the breath she had been holding, her chest feeling less constricted as a flicker of hope ignited within her. Gathering the folds of her dress, she fell into step behind the men as they ascended the staircase toward the upper chambers of the tower.

As they neared the top, the sound of Helios's large wings echoed through the tower, drawing Bran's attention. He paused, casting a curious glance over his shoulder, while Meera looked up to catch sight of the majestic bird peering down at her with keen interest.

"What is that?" Bran asked, his gaze fixed on the majestic falcon perched high in the tower beams.

"Ignore him," Zeeb dismissed with a wave of his hand. "I'm sure he's here for Eryx."

Bran's head tilted as he studied the falcon more intently. "Is that...?"

"That's his familiar," Zeeb confirmed with a knowing nod. "The prince is one of the last members of his bloodline to have one."

"I've heard of them," Bran remarked with amazement, his eyes never leaving the bird. "I never thought I would see one."

Meera's attention was drawn back to the falcon as Bran continued to speak, his words echoing with wonder. "An elemental and a familiar all in one day."

"What's a familiar?" Meera's curiosity was piqued as she glanced toward Zeeb.

"They're extensions of their human counterparts," Bran explained eagerly, his enthusiasm evident. "They share a bond. I'm sure Prince Eryx is able to see through Helios's eyes or hear through his ears or taste through his tongue."

"Has Eryx not explained his connection to Helios with you, my dear?" Zeeb's frown deepened as he turned his gaze towards Meera.

Meera's heart clenched at the reminder of Eryx's tendency to keep her in the dark. "Eryx tends to not explain anything to me," she admitted quietly, her sadness evident in her voice.

"I can explain," Bran interjected, eager to fill the silence with his newfound knowledge. "I know everything about familiars."

Zeeb chuckled softly at Bran's enthusiasm. "Newly minted alchemist. Full of fresh knowledge."

As they continued their ascent up the stairs, Bran launched into an explanation of familiars.

"Since Prince Eryx inherited his father's wolf, his spiritual connection to the moon goddess allows him access to tap into other animals as well," Bram began. "Only a few wolves have ever been able to claim a familiar. It's not rare to make a claim, but it is extremely difficult to keep your imprint on the animal."

"Eryx excels in whatever he puts his mind to," Zeeb explained.

Meera listened quietly Despite the newfound knowledge, she couldn't shake the sadness that lingered in her heart, a constant reminder of all the information Eryx had kept hidden from her.

"I can hardly wait to meet the prince," Bran remarked, adjusting the strap of his bag on his shoulder. "I have so many questions about the mate bond."

"You and me both," Meera replied quietly, her gaze distant as she grappled with the weight of her unspoken thoughts.

"What was that?" Bram looked at her.

"Nothing," Meera shook her head. "Would you like for me to carry something? I can hold those books."

"Oh, yes, please," Bram handed Meera the stack of books she had gathered up earlier from the foyer. "Are you a fan of tea, Princess?"

"Not particular," Meera said. "But I have been drinking more since being in Voreios."

"Excellent," Bram nodded. "Master Zeeb, I have the herbs you requested. They're best used in-"

"Teas and in soups," Zeeb smiled. "Yes, Bram. I am aware."

"Of course," Bram chuckled, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "You wrote the book on them."

"I did," Zeeb paused before the double doors and pushed it open.

Meera had stepped into Zeeb's work chamber countless times before, yet each visit still filled her with a sense of awe and wonder. The chamber itself was a masterpiece of alchemical ingenuity, with its high Gothic ceilings reaching towards the heavens and stained glass windows casting colorful patterns of light across the room.

Despite the grandeur of the architecture, the true beauty of the chamber lay in its contents. Shelves lined the walls, packed with jars of dried herbs and exotic plants, their vibrant hues adding splashes of color to the otherwise dimly lit space. Glass tubes bubbled away with mysterious concoctions, their swirling colors mesmerizing to behold.

The air was thick with the scent of rosemary and tea, mingling with the earthy aroma of the herbs and plants that filled the room. Neat stacks of papers littered every available surface, each one filled with scribbled notes and diagrams detailing the secrets of alchemical transmutation.

Bram's eyes widened with delight as he entered the chamber, his mouth hanging open in amazement as he took in the sight before him. His gaze darted from one intriguing object to the next, his curiosity piqued by the array of ingredients and equipment that surrounded him.

"Is that a frostberry bush?" he exclaimed, his excitement evident as he hurried over to inspect the small bush with its clusters of white berries hanging like pearls from a vine. "And are these shadowshade roots?"

Zeeb chuckled at the young alchemist's enthusiasm, his own appreciation for the wonders of alchemy evident in his eyes. Meera watched from a distance as Bram continued to explore.

"Oh, the endless potions that we could make in here," Bram mused, his voice filled with wonder. "I hope to someday have a collection like yours, Master Zeeb."

"Play your cards right, and one day all this might be yours," Zeeb replied with a grin, his words carrying a hint of teasing. "But for now, let's focus on our real purpose – serving the elemental."

"Yes, of course," Bram nodded eagerly, tearing himself away from the shelves to join Zeeb at the workbench. "I've studied the letters you sent me extensively on my journey here."

"And what do you think?" Zeeb asked.

"I definitely think we should try the cleansing brew," Bram nodded. "But I have a small suggestion."

"Go on," Zeeb urged.

"Princess Meera saw attacked by the other elemental and wolf on her way here, correct?"

Zeeb nodded, "Yes."

Bram turned toward Meera, "And correct me if I'm wrong, but you had trouble putting out the fire. With the water from the stream?"

Meera nodded again, her eyes reflecting the fear and frustration she had felt in that moment.

"So the disturbance in your connection to the water started that night," Bram concluded. "Not here in Voreios."

"What are you saying?" Zeeb's curiosity grew as he leaned in closer.

"What if the other elemental placed a hex upon her?" Bram proposed, his voice low with concern.

"A hex?" Meera's eyes widened with disbelief. "Like... witchcraft?"

Zeeb's brows furrowed as he considered the possibility, his mind racing with the implications.

"That can't be possible, right, Zeeb?" Meera's voice trembled with uncertainty, her gaze pleading for reassurance.

"Arthur and Jasper have been living in the Northpass for the past few years," Zeeb mused aloud, his tone thoughtful.

"It's not uncommon to find a witch past the walls," Bram added, his voice grave with realization. "They could have picked up a hex from anyone."

"Is there a way to know for sure?" Meera's desperation was palpable as she sought answers.

"Not really-" Bram began, only to be interrupted by Zeeb.

"There is," Zeeb interjected, a glimmer of determination in his eyes.

"There is?" Bram's curiosity was piqued as he turned towards the old alchemist.

"Shadowshade roots," Zeeb announced, walking around his worktable to retrieve a small jar of dried roots resembling ginger. "When shadowshade is brewed with ethereal orchid, what happens, Master Bram?"

"It induces vivid dreams," Bram replied, his excitement building as he recalled his studies. "Allows dream sharing, telepathic communication, and-"

Bram's words trailed off as realization dawned upon him, his eyes widening with sudden understanding.

"And allows oracular dreams!" Bram exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement.

"Yes," Zeeb confirmed with a nod of approval.

"What does that mean?" Meera's voice trembled with anticipation. "Is that good?"

"It means we can find out if you have been hexed," Zeeb explained, his tone grave yet hopeful. "We can induce oracular dreams in you that will allow your mind and sprite to reveal to us what kind of energy is surrounding you. If you were hexed, it will be revealed through your dreams."

Meera's heart raced with a mixture of hope and trepidation at the prospect of uncovering the truth through her dreams. The idea of delving into the depths of her subconscious both frightened and intrigued her, but the possibility of finding answers was too enticing to ignore.

"I'm willing to try anything," Meera declared, her voice firm with determination. "If there's even a chance that we can uncover the source of this... hex, then I want to do it."

"We should speak to Eryx before any-"

"No," Meera shook her head. "I'm ready. We can't delay this."

Zeeb hesitated for a brief second before nodding. His eyes reflected a sense of admiration for Meera's bravery in the face of uncertainty.

"Very well," He said after a pause. "We'll prepare the potion and perform the ritual tonight."

"Oh, I can not wait for this," Bram said with excitement. "I've waited my whole life to see how shadowshade works."

Meera's chest swelled with anticipation as she exchanged a determined glance with Bram, her newfound ally in the quest for answers. She was determined to succeed. And get the hell out of Voreios... 

What do you think of the new developments?