Imprisoned in the Orinovan priori labs, Ainreth undergoes torturous treatments daily in an attempt to crack the code to lightweaver creation. Things seem hopeless, until unlikely allies join his side to help him.
Meanwhile back home in Lys-Akkaria...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Fennrin wasn't certain why Daryan had summoned him back to Kyr-Toryl, he only hoped it wasn't to punish him again. Though he could feel something had changed, even from rushing down dark alleyways to get to the palace, staying as a shadow as much as he could.
Something about the atmosphere in the city was different. He couldn't put his finger on it because the people seemed angry like before, but in a different way. Perhaps their anger was aimed elsewhere.
But Fennrin didn't waste time thinking about this. He was here to see Daryan.
"Sir," he said to announce himself as he materialized in front of Daryan in his chambers, keeping his head down, just in case he was in a bad mood.
"Fennrin." Daryan hummed. "Good. I have an announcement to make to the people. And I want you by my side."
Fennrin nodded, risking eye contact since Daryan sounded pleased and pleasant. Good, as long as Daryan was happy, Fennrin was happy. Though there were dark circles under his eyes, despite his good mood. Had he not been sleeping properly?
"Of course, sir," Fennrin replied, smiling a little, relaxing. He'd been so tense coming here. "I have made a discovery with my shadows. If I may before we go."
Daryan raised an eyebrow, but he nodded silently. Fennrin was slightly worried that he might get angry with him for not saying anything earlier, but he went on anyway.
"It seems they respond to my commands. If I intend for them to do something, they will do it," Fennrin explained.
Daryan rubbed his bearded chin thoughtfully. "I see. So they slip from your direct control to complete a task. And I assume they disappear afterward?"
Fennrin nodded. "Yes. And they cannot exist on their own in sunlight. I've tried. This power seems to only be useful at night."
Daryan nodded along, his eyes narrowed in concentration. Then he patted Fennrin's shoulder, reaching for his cloak to pull it away from his throat. Fennrin held his breath in as Daryan inspected the collar, brushing his fingers over it.
"Good boy," Daryan said after a moment, clasping his hands together behind his back as he stepped away. "We will make use of this. Continue pleasing me and I may remove the collar."
"Yes, sir," Fennrin nodded eagerly. He'd almost assumed that Daryan would keep it on him forever. But if removal was on the table, he was very happy about it. "I will continue to study this."
"Good. Now follow me. We have somewhere to be," Daryan said, walking out of the room, Fennrin going after him without hesitation. He asked nothing, staying good and silent as Daryan led him outside.
There was a crowd gathered in front of the palace. Fennrin found that a little unusual since usually speeches were given at the main square. But as ever he questioned nothing since Daryan wasn't surprised by this.
