BEYOND THE STARS [2]

MERCURY POISONING

QUEST OBJECTIVE: Defeat the following - 

- Hidden Demons

- Bedroom Shadows (Prone to cast [Chloroform] ability)

- Guilty Conscience

— S T O R M W I N D —

Eona didn't have much time. Khadgar had sentenced her to house arrest at Karazhan, but she needed to make one more stop in the Eastern Kingdoms first.

Argus' appearance in the sky had doubled the gryphon rider rotations over Stormwind Keep, altering Eona usual break-in routes. All the guards lingered near the windows as they guffawed at the new astral object in the sky. She stalked silently behind them, steps muffled by a strip of gold-trimmed carpet.

Eona turned down the hall to Anduin's quarters —

A strangled cry left her lips. She stopped in the middle of the deserted hallway.

It was Eona's worst nightmare. The demon's corpse oozed black ichor. Parts of the body were singed, blackened from flame. The soft drip of its blood on marble was the only sound, save for a new ringing that hurt Eona's ears.

The corpse lay before the doors to Anduin's quarters.

Despite each breath Eona took, air couldn't seem to enter her lungs. Her pulse throbbed down to the tips of her fingers.

It's dead. How did it get in? Who killed it? Where is —?

"Eona! I'm right here. I'm fine — see? I'm fine." Anduin's boots slapped against the tile as he ran to her. Demon blood was splattered across his face. Glossy, black droplets stained his blue tunic.

Anduin clutched his father's sword in one hand. He reached out to Eona with the other as he crossed the hall and pulled her close.

Relief washed over her so strong she could've burst into tears. Eona's fingers greedily traced his cheekbones — beautiful arcs that artists could only dream of replicating — as she searched for wounds.

"You're all right," she croaked.

"I was so worried."

Eona threw her arms around his neck. Demon blood probably smeared onto her, too, complimenting her own tattered mess. She didn't care. All she thought of was Anduin in her arms. Safe. His warmth against her body. The whisper of his breath fanning her hair.

Anduin awkwardly embraced her as he held his father's longsword, slick with black ichor.

"The tomb," Anduin's grip tightened around her waist. "Kil'jaeden. You look exhausted. What of the others?"

Eona's hands fisted into the blue fabric he wore as her pounding heart started to slow. She inhaled deeply, savoring his scent. "I —"

"My king!"

Footsteps thundered down the corridor. Eona and Anduin looked at each other. It was hard to tell who led the other — both stepped over the demon's body to the double doors of Anduin's quarters.

"Wait for me. I'll be quick, I promise," Anduin whispered.

Eona nodded. She slipped through the oak doors and gently eased them shut. A chorus of voices erupted on the other side. Eona leaned against the door, the back of her head hitting the surface with a soft thud.

Demons had infiltrated Stormwind. Argus hovered above Azeroth for a mere hour, and demons were inside the keep.

Anduin's face flashed before Eona's eyes, splattered with demon blood. Her fingers rested against the cool brass of the doorknob, itching to peek through the door and glimpse more of him. It didn't feel real compared to the countless memories Eona had Anduin; clean, groomed, and regal. The blood had coated his sword as well.