ULTRAMagic Interlude

Chapter 7

"I hate being right..."

"What's the matter, Blood?" Valentina asked as they made their way through a lobby that branched off into multiple hallways.

"I think Sister and Desislav had a spat. I sensed it... but they seem to be better now." This was followed by a frustrated sigh.

"Well don't worry, sweetie. I doubt those two would get angry at each other. It was probably just some pent up frustrations from Desislav's past..."

"What makes you say that?"

Valentina chuckled and tapped her temple. "I could sense it all those years ago."

The Magician's Labyrinth was incredibly beautiful, despite the unease it created. It was clear that Deimos had taken great care in designing the many halls, chambers, libraries, and observatories that lay throughout the structure. Every aspect of the interior design looked as if it were hand crafted. Classical architecture seemed to be favored with an emphasis on columns, archways, balconies, carvings, statues, and paintings. Some areas of the labyrinth differentiated in style, leaning into gothic and romanesque architecture, but retained the overall feel that had been established by Deimos' tastes. All of it reminded Valentina of Heaven and made her wonder if the architect angels had taken some design cues from Deimos and his work.

The group entered a gigantic chamber that looked like it had been cut from the stone and crystal around them. Auda then noticed something and went over to a spring surrounded by several trees. "Hmm... I think grandma was here."

"What makes you say that?" Brenna questioned.

"This... give me a second... flower. I remember the scent. Grandma had similar smelling flowers growing from her arms. I can't remember if this is the exact flower though."

Valentina took the flower to inspect it. "How pretty..." The scent was hard to describe, but it invoked the idea of one who was at relative peace. "This has to be recent. It's still fresh and I can sense someone else, the influence of another."

Blood-Wraith tried to look at it, but had to avert his eyes as a flash of light overwhelmed him. "Argh, red?! What was that?"

"Careful when using your third... er, seventh eye, sweetie."

"Red, huh?" Brenna thought for a second, then had an epiphany. "Red... that sounds like it could be her grace. Although I'm not sure if I'm at liberty to elaborate further..."

"Oh, is it a secret?" Blood-Wraith was intrigued, but also a little concerned as he rubbed his eyes.

"No, not really. It's one of those things where you know about it, but you don't really discuss it. You could say it's an open secret... It is important for the mission though... You know what? Screw it. Blood, the red you saw might be the essence of the scarlet flame."

Now Blood-Wraith was confused. "Scarlet Flame? What's that?"

"Her Grace's side of the family kept it under wraps, but this is what my dad told me: Duchess Rose has an entity connected to her... or maybe it's inside of her. It's hard to tell. Either way. It's called the Scarlet Flame. Apparently it's not a primordial, but was around during their time. The flame gives Rose all of these cool sword techniques and abilities, but makes her a little chaotic at times. It's very possible that that essence has rubbed off on Thora. It makes me think that if we find one, we will find the other."

Auda took the flower back and studied it before returning it to the water. She seemed worried. "Her Grace wouldn't hurt grandma, would she?"

"Oh no, of course not. Rose was always a dignified, courteous, and kind woman. Plus she had a massive green thumb. It's why the backyard of the Raynot mansion is a mini forest."