ShadowBound: The Need For Power

"Princess Sheila," Mystica answered.

"Sheila?" Lucy echoed, her eyes narrowing slightly in surprise.

"Yes. According to Liam, she plays a key role in Sylvathar's plan. It seems they need her in his hands for whatever he's plotting to fully come to fruition."

"How incredibly convenient," Lucy muttered, setting the cup down with a soft clink. "King Valemir's only condition was that we protect his children… and now his daughter is the lynchpin in a Demon Lord's scheme. What a delightful mess."

She folded her hands neatly in her lap. "Did Liam identify who's working against us?"

"Yes," Mystica replied calmly. "The first hybrid he uncovered—Gordon Rvack. And the second is Ember Everest."

"Rvack? Gordon?" Lucy's tone lifted with a trace of amusement.

"Yes. That Gordon," Mystica confirmed, her voice level.

A rare, cold smile touched Lucy's lips. "At last. A legitimate reason to kill that insufferable bastard. He's been a thorn in my side for years—always slipping through my grasp thanks to that sentimental fool I call my king. But now?" She chuckled quietly. "Now he's branded himself as a threat to the entire kingdom. A threat to Amthar itself. His life is forfeit."

"Well damn," Dove said, smirking. "I think I just fell in love with you, Your Majesty."

Lucy didn't even glance at her. "Please. I've never been drawn to women, and I don't plan to start. Save your affections for someone more available."

"Ouch," Dove said with mock hurt. "That one stung—but somehow, still charming."

Ignoring her entirely, Lucy turned her gaze back to Mystica. "I have no objections to eliminating Gordon. But Ember Everest… that one disappoints me. One of the finest ice-users to ever leave the Crescent Kingdom. After her parents died, she found sanctuary here. I had a genuine fondness for her."

"She made her choice," Mystica replied softly.

"That she did," Lucy said with a sigh. "Still, we can't allow them to roam freely through an academy full of children. Why haven't we moved in yet?"

"We're being cautious," Mystica explained. "We don't fully understand how their communication with Sylvathar works. If they're captured too early, they might alert him. And if that—"

"—happens, Sylvathar might vanish completely," Lucy finished, nodding. "I see. That's a risk we can't afford."

"Exactly. That's why I've assigned Magnus to quietly watch over Sheila. He's keeping a low profile but staying close. And I've placed two array spells—one over her room, and another across the entire dormitory."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Magnus, playing the watcher? That's not something you hear every day. Let's hope he doesn't get bored and leave his task behind."

"He's been surprisingly cooperative," Mystica said with a faint smile. "And with the arrays in place, only those we trust can use magic inside Sheila's room. Plus, the dorm-wide array will alert me if anyone suspicious enters."

"Good," Lucy said, rising from her chair with regal fluidity. "With that handled, let's be off. We've got a summit to attend, and I'd rather not give the other two kingdoms a reason to start snooping around."

"Lead the way, Your Majesty," Dove said, standing with an eager grin.

"Try not to flirt with the Crescent Queen or anything other person," Lucy warned over her shoulder. "I might leave you to them to deal with you if it happens."

"No promises," Dove replied with a wink.

The trio, flanked by four Tempest knights, moved through the eastern wing of the palace toward the Summit Hall. The massive doors ahead bore the sigils of the three great kingdoms: the roaring Tempest Lion, the gleaming Crescent Moon, and the blazing Solar Sun.

Summit Halls like this existed in all three kingdoms, meant for matters of high diplomacy and urgent alliance. By longstanding agreement, the kingdom that requested the summit would host it. And this time, Queen Lucy had summoned them.

As they approached, two royal guards stepped forward and pulled the doors open in perfect sync.

"Let's get this over with," Lucy murmured.

Inside, the Summit Hall unfolded in quiet grandeur. A massive circular chamber stretched around them, sunlight pouring through a crystalline skylight high above. At the center stood a triangular stone table—each of its three corners engraved with the emblem of a kingdom.

King Valemir of the Crescent Kingdom was already seated. His face was calm, but the stillness of it felt more like a mask than ease. His queen, Elanora Granger, sat beside him, draped in a flowing light-blue gown, her expression unreadable.

To Valemir's left sat Eliv Borges, the Crescent Kingdom's royal mage. He stroked his long white beard with slow, thoughtful motions as he scanned the room. Beside him was Berg Thuden, the royal advisor—his bulk resting comfortably in his chair, one hand on his round belly, the other twisting his thick mustache.

Opposite them sat the Solara delegation. King Tharion Magna watched everything with cold, calculating eyes. On his right was Queen Seralyne, regal and composed. To his left, the royal mage Mois Ashton sat upright, his blond hair slicked back, golden beard trimmed to precision, and red eyes sharp with interest. Next to him was the youngest of the royal advisors, Donella Largh, her dark hair streaked with red and her deep hazel eyes quietly observant.

Lucy entered without pause, her presence as commanding as ever. She didn't bow, didn't offer pleasantries. She simply strode to her seat and took it. Mystica and Dove followed, settling at her sides—Mystica on her right, Dove on her left.

"I welcome you all to my humble kingdom and palace," Lucy said, placing both hands on the table. "And I thank you for accepting this invitation."

Valemir gave a respectful nod. "The honor is ours. Now, let's move to the reason we're here."

"Of course," Lucy began, her tone smooth, her gaze settling on Tharion with the faintest trace of amusement. "But before we proceed, it's only fair we bring the Solara Kingdom fully into the light about what exactly our realm is facing." Her smile tugged at the corner of her lips, knowing full well the headache Galen must've caused during his visit to Solara.

King Tharion met her gaze with a practiced calm, but a flicker of irritation passed through his eyes. When Galen had come bearing warnings of Sylvathar's presence in Amthar, Tharion had known immediately—it wasn't a threat Solara could face alone. He had no choice but to attend this summit, despite not knowing the full extent of the crisis.

Lucy gave a subtle nod toward Mystica.

Mystica stood gracefully, her violet eyes locking onto Tharion's. "King Tharion, esteemed members of the Solara delegation, and our allies of the Crescent Kingdom," she said, her voice firm and clear, "allow me to introduce the one who has been instrumental in uncovering what we're dealing with."

She gestured toward Dove, who lounged back casually in her seat.

"This is Dove Velhare, an alchemical genius—without her, none of this would've been possible."

Mystica turned slightly toward Dove. "Care to explain your process, or shall I?"

Dove waved her hand lazily. "No thanks. Detecting Sylvathar's blood isn't exactly something I want to brag about."

"Very well," Mystica said with a small sigh, then faced the Solara table fully.

"Please listen and watch closely."

Glowing blue sigils bloomed in her hands, swirling gently like spinning galaxies. As she raised them, the room dimmed slightly, and illusions began to form.

Much like she had done for the Crescent Kingdom, Mystica projected the story of the Gaia–human hybrids, their unnatural creation, the threat Sylvathar posed, and how Dove's detection method had confirmed his presence. She moved through the key points smoothly, methodically bringing the Solara Kingdom up to speed.