The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 37 The Cataclysm

My third evaluation came and went with minimal fuss and before I knew it we were in the home stretch of the Magna Season. King Valdimar had made a national display of hanging Aubrey Audentum, and had then begun writing new legislation that would have staggering effects for the Itovian people.

Ranen and I had spent a great deal of time together, often discussing what a reformed Itova under his rule might look like. Hope blossomed inside my heart and I found myself thinking that perhaps I wasn't so useless after all, despite all odds I had a chance at bettering the future.

Glass and I still found time to spar, pushing each other to the next level in our training. Kyle had been working me like a dog, both in combat and in my language study for which I was surprisingly grateful. I'd be good, lethal, when the time came for it and I'd be ready for my life as a Keeper, whatever that might look like.

I had barely seen Vienna and Jasper lately which was disappointing, especially as Vienna seemed to have replaced me with Legato and Kairos.

Solomon and I hadn't spoken since our argument, something that grieved me. I knew I had overreacted and taken my anger at Jasmine out on my brother. I couldn't expect him to take the word of his crazy volatile sister over someone as sweet and pleasant as Jasmine Hayes. I was my own worst enemy I decided, and I hated myself for so carelessly treating my relationship with my brother.

It was the evening before the Autumn Gala, three consecutive days of dancing and partying hosted at the palace before the Magna Games. I'd had dress fittings all that week and Wade Denton was promising three delightful gowns I wouldn't be able to resist. After my first experience with the tailor, I was more than willing to leave the job in his capable hands.

Having some spare time and wishing to have a discussion with Vienna before we rolled into the glamor of the gala, I stepped next door to her apartment. The door was already open to my surprise and I found Kairos sprawled on the couch with the television on, a scowl on her features.

"Um, hello?"
I asked, the other girl clearly not having heard me enter.

"Malted milk!"
Kairos exclaimed, startled.

"I didn't see you come in!"

Evidently.

"Where's Vienna?"
I questioned in a cool tone, not particularly interested in having a conversation with the Shadow Wielder.

"I'm not exactly sure, we were supposed to meet up for lunch an hour ago. I came up here and found the door unlocked but no sign of her. I've been waiting for her to show back up and hassle her for just up and disappearing."

"That doesn't sound like Vienna, to just not show."
I muttered, glancing around the apartment.

"No it's not, I would have thought she would have at least left me note on the door or something."
Kairos replied with obvious concern.

My eyes roved over the apartment, but I couldn't find anything out of the ordinary that would explain my friend's disappearance. I was about to ask where else the other girl had looked for our mutual friend when there was a knock on the door frame.

"Oh hey, here you are!"
Glass exclaimed with a friendly smile when she saw me.

"What's the matter? You look concerned."
She added a moment later.

"Vienna isn't around and Kairos says they were supposed to meet for lunch and she never showed."
I explained.

"Well, it's probably nothing, don't stress yourselves out. What's the worst that could really happen to her?"
Glass encouraged.