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An ethereal white light traveled over a section of forest, focused on its destination. In this form, Ahzrael was a beacon in the shadows of the woods. Diving toward the ground, his light began to fade on impact, sweeping up his body until he stood tall, taking its place. A stimulating spark lingered in his core, a common aftereffect from this mode of travel.

Gleaming golden eyes surveyed the scene before him. A thickness of green moss surrounded him on all sides. Gentle sounds of minuscule organisms tweeted and chirped within the bush. The rich forest was murky and mysterious, yet beautiful and kind. It would've been bathed in total darkness if it weren't for the gibbous moon peeking behind white clouds.

Ahzrael was still in the humans' world, in a place far from civilization. High trees embellished the land while he focused his sights ahead.

"There you are," he exhaled. In the distance, a large structure sat, hidden behind a thick canopy of trees.

Ahzrael pressed forward, his steps soundless against the fallen branches and twigs. He sauntered with power and grace. The trees seemed to shift aside while he strolled as if the forest was aware of his vigor and welcomed him. Finally, he stepped through the last set of trees, greeted by a large, three-story house in the middle of a small clearing.

The grand house had many windows across all floors, and its brick appeared black in the night's sky. Two large chimneys protruded the roof on both ends with a trail of smoke only escaping one. A stone pathway turned to stairs, leading to huge double doors.

There were feline-inspired sculptures, carved out of green bushes, that stood tall on both sides of the lawn. Three marble benches, a small fountain, and a variety of flowers and plants decorated the entire front of the house. There was no fence or gate, as the Auguras rarely expected foreign visitors.

Ahzrael stood there, observing the dim-lit house when a faint energy crept around him. He felt the vague power of the Auguras gathered inside, paling in comparison to the Inusir's power.

There was a small troop inside, precisely six, although the house seemed large enough to fit twenty comfortably. Auguras were known for keeping together but never minded venturing on their own on occasion.

Upon his arrival, he cloaked himself, which is why not a single Augura hustled outside. He knew they would not be aware of their unexpected guest, which he preferred. He was only there to speak to one and did not need the company of the others.

Closing his eyes, he focused on the presence of the one he sought. Like a humming in his ears, he turned his head to the direction of the pull. The far east wing, third story. He hoped the Augura was decent, for he had no time for modesty.

There was a powerful ward enclosing the house, protecting them from dark and nefarious creatures or forces. Ahzrael slipped through it with ease. Transforming into a near translucent light, he disappeared from his spot and materialized in a long hallway. Cursing, he had to bend his head and shoulders against the ceiling, unable to stand tall, even after scaling his height for this world. Focusing his energy, a wave of light sped over his skin, reducing his height another foot down to better mimic that of a human man, albeit a very tall one.

Inside, it was quiet, save for faint murmurs in distant rooms and a stream of water flowing from another area. White candles lined up along the corridor, their dancing flames illuminating the dim hall. He knew the Auguras were aware of the advanced technologies of their world, but some preferred the fire's light as opposed to electricity.

Ahzrael stood before a large, mahogany wooden door with various symbols etched along the sides. Behind the door, he felt the presence of the one he wanted... and another.

He fought back a sigh. Now was not the time for patience. He reached for the silver knob, turning it. The door pushed open with a soft creak, revealing a massive bedroom.

"I was hoping I'd see you," a voice said.

Ahzrael stepped inside to find a large bed against the mauve painted wall in the middle of the room. Sheer-like curtains were hanging from the canopy, adding to the decoration. On the bed laid the Augura he sought, her eyes weary and face sickly.

Before he could speak, a petite woman walked through a doorway from the other side of the room. There was a tall glass in her hand, and as soon as their eyes met she gasped, releasing the glass. It shattered as it hit the floor, splashing the contents inside. The woman waved a hand over the Augura in bed and a large purple bubble formed around it. It pulsated slowly, flowing with a protective energy.

"Who are you?" the woman demanded, positioning herself between him and the one in bed. She held a hand towards him, her fingers flickering with a purple flame, eyes glaring.

"You are in no danger with me," he said, calm. He looked to the other one in bed. "Oroya, we must speak."

The standing woman's eyes expanded at the sound of Oroya's name. The intensity in her eyes waned, though the flames still flickered on her hand.

"Raly," Oroya coughed, brief. "See him."

The black-haired woman observed Ahzrael intently, her eyes trailing around his entire frame. When it landed on the golden bands around his forearm she staggered backward, nervously looking up at him.

"A Diuxal..." Raly breathed, captivated by his presence. Few Auguras were fortunate enough to have met Diuxals throughout history. The Augura Ahzrael sought was among the very few non-Diuxals he could call an acquaintance, even a friend.

"Forgive me! I-I-I—"

Ahzrael raised a hand, silencing her. "It's already forgotten."

Ahzrael took a few steps forward, his large boots silent against the dark carpet.

"You look shorter than I remembered," Oroya said, smiling.

"Yes, well, your halls were not meant to accommodate one like me." A slither of a chuckle left his lips.

He observed her state on the bed, her auburn hair faded. Even the silver highlights seemed a dull, gloomy gray. She appeared deprived of sleep, and her gray eyes were a milky hue as if her sight was fleeing from her.

"Oroya, what in great hells were you thinking?" Ahzrael seethed through gritted teeth. His tone seemed to startle the one who stood, but she maintained her composure. His gaze intensified as he stared at Oroya, lying ill in bed.

"I was thinking... it was about time someone crippled those scum," Oroya coughed, trying to use her elbows to prop herself up. But her arms trembled, confining her back to the bed.

Raly rushed to Oroya's bedside, seeming to have stirred out of her stupor and sat down. "And look what that's done to you," she said. She reached behind Oroya's head and readjusted her pillow. She turned back to Ahzrael, almost hesitant to reach his gaze again.

"He doesn't bite, Raly, even with that murderous stare," Oroya chuckled. But Ahzrael saw no humor in the situation. Oroya looked up at him, a beam in her pale eyes. "It must've worked then! If you're here, Ahzrael."

Raly stumbled back, nearly falling over Oroya. "Ahzrael..." she respired, her eyes went wide with a blend of fear and awe. "A Pryme Diuxal? Here?" She quickly gathered herself and lowered her head in a respectful bow, muttering another language under her breath. She spoke quickly, like in some sort of prayer.

Ahzrael could hear and understand all she was saying. Her mutterings were of no interest to him, and he was in no mood for her reverence although it wasn't surprising.

"Rise, young Augura, there is no need. I come only to speak with this one." He motioned towards Oroya as Raly raised her head, her eyes slowly meeting his. He smiled warmly at her, hoping to ease her mind.

That smile was all it took. He noticed her shoulders relaxing as she stood back to her normal height. She smiled back for a moment, then turned to Oroya and frowned.

"Ugh, stubborn woman. Look at you. You're paler than snow and ailing by the second, damned to this bed until possibly your last breath," Raly hissed. She stood and respectfully nodded her head towards Ahzrael. "It's a great honor, to be in your presence. I only apologize for the circumstance of my dear friend."

His eyes softened at the woman. He was a being of cosmic power and strength, but often found it easy to forget when he spent little time with humans and the like. Still, he knew when to express kindness where deserved.

"I will heal, Raly. That, we can both be assured of," Oroya said. Their gifts in magick came with several healing properties and even life-extending enchantments.

Raly sighed. "It wasn't worth the cost."

Ahzrael moved forward, towering over them. "What cost?" He arched his brow, his gentle expression vanishing.

Raly lowered her head, her black hair dangling in front of her face. "Her abilities have left her."

For a moment, Ahzrael looked astounded before he immediately reverted to his austere appearance. He inspected the frail Augura, waiting for her to elaborate upon this reveal. But she only turned away from his gaze, too ashamed to admit the truth.

"Did you know of these consequences?" he asked.

Oroya made a slight shrug, barely noticeable. "Yes. Although the consequences were uncertain. I knew there would be some, but not of this scale," she explained, still looking away.

He sighed, then sat down on an empty chair next to her bedside, still towering over the women. He felt like he would break the chair, but the cushioned seat held strong. "Your actions were dangerous."

Oroya turned. "But it worked?" she asked, attempting to push herself up again.

Ahzrael said nothing.

Her eyes widened. "It... worked." She coughed again.

He remained solemn, eyes intense. Oroya was no longer beaming, perhaps cautious, for Ahzrael was still far superior.

He gazed past her, recalling recent events. "We're not sure exactly what worked. The Inusir... it's— "

"Lifeless? Or at least appears to be?" she intervened.

His silence was her answer.

"So, it is done. Then my gifts were not lost in vain."

Raly scoffed, scowling at her. "You don't know that! What you did could be equivalent to simply taking a knock to the head. When it wakes, how can you be sure it won't remember? How can you be sure it will truly forget? If it does remember—"

"It will kill you all," Ahzrael cut her off, looking elsewhere.

Oroya shook her head. "Not with you on our side." She smiled, hopeful.

Ahzrael only gave a meek smile in response, all the more reason he needed to keep the Inusir away. He felt somewhat sorry for Oroya in her diminished state, not used to seeing her so deteriorated, but instead full of life and true magick. He was used to the Augura, who about five centuries ago, was a part of sending hundreds of damned creatures to the forsaken world.

"What did you do exactly?" he asked.

"It was a stripping curse," she began. She explained the process of reaching specific parts of one's memory and every little piece that made creatures of all kinds who they are.

The process was only meant to target the evil that laid within and strip away all malevolent tendencies and memories. Ahzrael remembered tales of such a spell, and claims that it had been done one other time in history. Without proof, those claims were denied.

"212 years and 2,756 whole moons it took me to build the strength and charge the energy for this level of magick. My kind will never have the power to kill one, but we can remove their evil root. Weaken them."

Ahzrael appeared intrigued but disbelieving. What she spoke of was unnatural, but nothing about these present circumstances was natural.

"Wh-where is it now...if... I may ask?" Raly wondered, looking at Ahzrael.

"Concealed. I will need to return shortly." He stood from the chair that was barely large enough to fit him, then glared down at Oroya. "Why?"

Anyone fighting on the side of light shared the same disdain for Inusirs, but her attack was reckless and rare. He would not leave until he knew why.

Her face seemed to drop, and a glaze of tears welled in her eyes, though none fell. She took in a deep, croaky breath, bracing herself for her explanation. "A little over three centuries ago, there was gossip of what sounded like vampyre-like creatures terrorizing a small town about forty kilometers from where we resided. We knew it had to be the kaikers or strifs. They must've escaped their realm and fell into this world somehow. At the time, I had little experience with those creatures, but knew it should've been easy business..." she paused, taking in a quiet, wheezing breath. Raly grabbed her hand, squeezing it in a comforting gesture.

"I wanted to help those people. And my...my husband, Elian, decided to accompany me. When we arrived at the town, following the traces of where it was believed the creatures lurked, we were wrong. That night, we discovered there were no kaikers nor strifs, and certainly no vampyres, but a creature we'd never seen before. I remember its laughter, its genuine laughter. Its deep, unnerving voice telling us we were 'a wonderful surprise'. It rambled about getting bored with terrorizing those humans. And those wings..." her gaze wandered ahead of her, staring at nothing.

"Colossal. Blacker than the darkest night. And I knew... as it taunted us. And my bold Elian, being the fearless man he was, refused to retreat. So I stood by his side..." She paused again. Her eyes remained fixated towards a blank space, not daring to move. When she continued, her hoarse voice was quieter, an underlying emotion following it.

"I watched Elian being slashed repeatedly--over and over. It moved so fast. The Inusir never touched me, like it only wanted me to watch. I remember his screams and my powers useless. I remember the sudden silence and the ghost look in his eyes. I remember his spine lying beside his body..." Her eyes were watery, but she seemed determined not to let another tear fall.

Ahzrael examined her, her lips unmoving, refusing to say more. Oroya never shared this story with him, not that he expected her to. It didn't surprise him what the Inusir of her past had done. Nothing surprised him when it came to Inusirs... except for this circumstance.

"This was the same Inusir?" he asked, pulling back her attention.

"No," she said without shame.

Ahzrael creased his brows. He understood her grief and desire for revenge, but her retribution became worthless since she had confronted the wrong target.

Before he could say anything, she chimed in. "But they are all the same. I searched for two centuries for the one who gave my beloved an undeserving, cruel and brutal death. Within that time, I worked on my curse. But I grew impatient, and the moment one appeared on my radar, I snatched the chance. They are all the spawns of true evil. They are all the same!" A deep hatred roared in her tone.

Ahzrael was not satisfied with her attempt to rectify her actions. "You more resemble a human now. Powerless. Death at your doorstep."

"I regret nothing," she said to him, though it sounded like she may have been trying to convince herself.

Ahzrael examined her once more, a glimmer of sorrow in his eyes. It will not be much longer before her time in this world expires. The price of challenging an Inusir. If only she knew what he planned on doing with the Inusir, if indeed her splitting spell worked.

"And I will recover, Ahzrael," she murmured, her eyes starting to glaze over in exhaustion. There was certainly a chance of her recovery, but she was losing the advantage of time. She would be a meager mortal now. And there was no telling what other side effects might be in store.

"I must go." Ahzrael turned towards the door but was stopped by Oroya's voice.

"Please. When it wakes. Please tell me if it truly worked," she begged, weak.

"If it didn't, you would know." He shifted and glanced at Raly. "Make sure she gets enough rest."

Without allowing a response, he walked back through the wooden door and vanished from their home. In an instant, he left their world and traveled back to Vae'lon, unsure of what he would find.

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