Marla imagined she would feel relieved upon returning to the Capital, but as they walked through the streets of where she called home, she felt overwhelmed. What would Queen Damari say? Would she see reason? She knew her actions were pure, but that did not keep her from feeling like a traitor. Never had she thought she would have to use this power against them.

Though it was night, the Capital was oddly quiet. Why were there no royal soldiers out on patrol?

"Is it always this empty?" Solen whispered.

"No. Something isn't right."

"Do you think Remalyn told the Queen what we plan to do?"

A speck of silver poked at the corner of Marla's right eye. She swirled in its direction. Several figures emerged from the shadows. They wore golden-laced armor and held a variety of weapons.

"Don't move," one of the soldiers commanded.

"Does that answer your question," Marla responded to Solen. They were surrounded. Another figure approached from behind them. Marla couldn't help but scoff.

"Hello, Marla." Remalyn's voice pierced through the night. "I am glad we could be reunited once again."

"I can't say the same."

"I see you even brought your boyfriend along."

Marla scowled.

"Oh, did I hit a nerve?" Remalyn smirked. "Cuff them." The soldiers obeyed. They bound their wrists with metal and enchanted them with a sealing spell. It was how they captured criminals.

"Did you hear anything the Magoia said to us? The only way to stop the Navaji is to dissolve the power we've taken from him. It is our descendant's fault we are in this mess. We have to be the ones to stop it; otherwise, we won't have a kingdom to protect." A soldier pushed her along as they were led through the dark streets.

Remalyn continued to lead the pack.

"Are you listening?" Marla looked at Solen for help.

"Some people feel threatened without their power. They are afraid to be nobodies."

This caused Remalyn to chuckle.

"So Marla destroys our powers and cleanses us, but then what? Our ancestors tried fighting it with the Magoia's power, and it didn't work. The famous Oberas, the most powerful mage of his time, was defeated that way. Taking the Navaji's power has shown results. The Queen can not risk everything she has worked towards. Doing what the Magoia asks would be a step back."

"If you had stayed and listened, you would understand. Her plan makes sense." Solen tried to explain.

"Her plan is based around a feeling. She is using an old bond with the navaji to decide our future. Her own godliness blinds her as it blinds you both."

"And you are the one blinded by your greed and pride." Marla spat at her.

"Is that so?" Remalyn shrugged.

They descended a stone staircase near the castle. It directed them into a musty basement hall filled with caged rooms. A soldier opened a pair of metal bars in front of them. Marla's mouth dropped.

"Are you seriously going to cage us up?"

"Yes." Remalyn grabbed Marla and pushed her in.

"You are a fool, Remalyn. You are making a big mistake."

"No. You are a fool for coming back here. Surely you must have known where I disappeared to? The Queen will not listen to you now."

"We will see about that," Solen spoke up. "Once the Queen hears what we say, she will understand."

"Oh." Remalyn turned to him. "I'm afraid the Queen isn't available. Didn't you hear? The Navaji has been found, and they plan to attack it tonight at sunset. But, unfortunately, that means the Queen is too busy to speak to anyone. So you two will be staying here, away from everyone else." Remalyn shoved Solen into the cell as well

The door closed with a creek.

"Before you get any ideas," Remalyn's eyes narrowed, "these prison cells have been enchanted with an inhibiting spell. It will stop any type of magic before it is performed. Ironic, right? Magic to prevent other magic? Sounds familiar doesn't it? So, be good prisoners and sit tight. I am sure we will come back for you both eventually." She headed towards the exit but stopped next to a soldier. "Keep an eye on him," Remalyn whispered to the guard. "He is almost as powerful as the magician, Illias. I am sure he will try something."

"Yes, Captain." The soldier put their fist to their shoulder in respect.

"See you later, Marla. Give the Great Magoia my best regards." She smirked before heading back up the stairs.