Shadow Beings

30. Get Her Back

Aurelia didn't ask further as I told her that she would have to wait till we reached Earth, till we could all discuss the matter together. The only reason I told her anything at all was because I was sure she wouldn't leave the land unless she was really needed elsewhere.

The wall by the portal had its aura dulled, though a soft pulse of strength remained. That routine of saying the words and letting the portal transport me happened and I couldn't recall anything as I was smoothly transported to the headquarters. I quickly walked out of the room, giving the others their space to return to the headquarters.

As we walked to the main hall my surroundings blurred, Aurelia's presence pulling me along even though I was the one who was supposed to guide her. I took a deep breath and shook my head slightly, things becoming clearer as I exhaled.

The corridor was decently busy as various shadows discussed amongst each other in low voices, an aura of discomfort or caution marking nearly all of them. I smiled as a group of children ran carefree, pulling an older shadow who was perhaps the calmest yet simultaneously incredibly worried.

For the sake of others...

Aurelia wore a confident smile, a soft and subtle glow radiating about that friendly expression, spreading into her surroundings like a small ripple in a large body of water. The noises of discomfort began to quieten and I looked towards the shadows as their aura melted into something from tensed to more determined. Caution remained, but it wasn't as paralysing.

Trina found us on our way, giving Aurelia more comfortable clothes to change into. Aurelia looked at it hesitantly, keeping the essence of her land in mind, but decided to accept it. I pursed my lips and gave Trina a small smile at the choice of those fiery colours.

Holly and I guided Aurelia to the library as Trina and Evelyn called the others. An odd place to discuss our plans, but it was empty and quiet, and almost every other corner of the enormous building was full of busy shadow-trappers.

Our quiet footsteps on the wood echoed in that open room, heading straight to Jay who stood in the centre. Ava and Theo were already by his side, standing silently and giving him space as our leader remained in deep thought, though Aurelia's presence immediately brought him out of the daze. 

His eyes widened slightly and Aurelia's smile remained, still firm, though it faltered for a moment and Jay gave a strong nod.

I saw Galen walk towards us from another area of the library, looking fairly fresh and healthy. I stuck my right thumb in the air and raised my eyebrows, asking him, "All well?" He responded with a confident nod, wearing his usual calm expression.

Trina brought in Elek and Jack while Evelyn came with Conrad. We all gathered around our leader and her broke the silence, his deep timbre mollifying. He faced Aurelia with a small smile and Aurelia's hand shook ever-so-slightly for a moment.

"It's good to meet you again, Aurelia, although I wish it was under different circumstances." He turned towards the rest of us and continued, his aura maintaining its firm presence in the room, as if waving off anyone's fears.

 "I hope most of you know who she is. She is the daughter of Aelfric and Anthea, the king and queen of the Phoenexias. She is here for a very specific reason... which Audrey will explain. She understands the situation better than me."

Galen or Jack must've told him about Aurelia then, I thought.

Everyone's eyes immediately fell on me. I swallowed, feeling a bit anxious. Evelyn patted my hand lightly in an attempt to comfort me, and I took a deep breath before speaking.

"We know that the stone is the easiest and the most probable means to completely awaken the Demon Lord," I said, gradually raising my tone, "but I'm guessing that there are other... darker methods to do the same.