Cast Into Shadow

by Angela Colsin

  Adding an ethereal touch to the cityscape were distant waterfalls cascading down the surrounding cavern walls, eventually flowing into aqueducts built to channel water through the city.

  But Satorala's main attraction lay at the center of the metropolis—a large structure resembling a vast basilica, or a palace. With tall arches and numerous buttresses, on the highest level stood a statue of a woman with a kind face and an aeonite crystal glowing brightly at the center of her forehead.

  Must be a depiction of the Goddess of Wisdom, Kivsey thought, taking in the scenery while uttering aloud, “It's beautiful.”

  She could barely tear her gaze away to see if Mikail was even still standing there, but finally did to realize he'd been watching her, as if waiting to see her reaction.

  So she asked, “Is that a palace at the center of the city?”

  “That's the Council Chamber, and it's where we're going first,” he explained.

  Nodding, she started following him down the winding stairs nearby, asking on the way, “Then Satorala isn't governed by royalty?”

  “No, we have a Chancellor guided by a Council. The Warlords answer directly to them.”

  With that said, he grew silent until they reached the landing far below where a street paved with mosaic tiling stretched out before them. Furthermore, in drawing closer to the surrounding walls, she realized some of the carvings weren't just random patterns, but instead, pictures depicting some unknown story.

  Such flourishes proved there wasn't an inch of Satorala that hadn't been given meticulous attention, and Kivsey wanted to ask so many questions she didn't know where to start.

  But Mikail interrupted her thoughts in mentioning, “Whatever you do, stay close. I don't feel entirely comfortable leading you into the city without binding you as it is, so don't wander away.”

  “Binding me? Why? So everyone will think I'm your prisoner?”

  “Not exactly, but it would give off the appearance that you're under my control, and waylay concern.”

  He made a good point. No one was expecting Mikail to show up with a human—particularly one with an elven ancestor—and even if she proved she'd earned his trust by freely marching into the city by his side, some may question Mikail's motives, and cause him trouble.

  So she grabbed his hand to stop him, then placed her wrists together and held them up as he looked back, asking, “Have anything to bind me with?”

  He remained silent at first, but a smile soon lifted the corners of his mouth as if he appreciated her consideration.

  Still, Mikail shook his head. “It's not necessary. No one will bother you as long as I'm around.”

  “I kind of figured, but I don't wanna worry anyone, or get you in trouble.”

  “There won't be any, not after I explain what's happened to the Council.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He nodded confidently, then took her hand and gave it a tug to urge her to move further into the city—and he didn't let go once they were walking.

  Kivsey stared down at their clasped palms, taking note of the size differences, which drew to mind their kiss in the cavern. It was a brief, meaningless embrace that she'd casually joked about, but in truth, her jesting was a cover up for the fact that his simple kiss left her reeling.

  It was the strangest thing, and she was fully aware of what Mikail was up to the entire time. The Warlord was a dominant male who only wanted to one-up her unexpected peck on the lips by giving her a full kiss that was ultimately empty.

  But it sure as hell hadn't felt empty.

  In fact, she'd never experienced a kiss quite like it. Full on make out sessions had caused heart palpitations that paled in comparison to the way her heart lurched when Mikail captured her mouth with his, and somehow, the incident altered her attraction to him in a way she couldn't explain.

  There was something seductive about it in an instinctual way, as if she should've done a lot more than tease the Warlord with a flick of her tongue. But he'd broken contact before she could make up her mind on whether boldness was a good idea, or if he would've appreciated her taking advantage of their baiting game.

  Sadly, the Warlord probably wouldn't relish knowing how much she'd actually enjoyed it. Being part elven isn't very likely to be attractive in his book.

  Of course, he'd warmed up to her a little more during their journey, and apparently felt comfortable holding her hand now. But that certainly wasn't a sign that he'd welcome flirtatious advances, specifically from a half elf, and she doubted they'd know one another long enough to make him change his mind.

  So she regrettably pushed the thoughts aside in favor of focusing on their walk into the city.

  As it turned out, Satorala was even more beautiful up close, the blue glow of the street lamps offering a mystical feel to the roadways. Surprisingly, a number of large, long haired cats rushed by, and at least one wore a collar, suggesting it was a pet.

  But for as wondrous as the environment was, it didn't take long before Kivsey encountered the skepticism Mikail said she'd receive.

  While crossing a bridge built over an aqueduct channeling water between two roads, a fisherman sitting on a small boat below had basically ignored them until he noticed her.

  Then he stared as if he'd just seen a ghost.

  Such looks multiplied the further into the city they got. There wasn't a single person who didn't stop in passing to gawk at the strange human being led down the streets—or scowl as if the mere sight of her was offensive.

  Eventually, she and Mikail reached a vast square in front of the Council Chamber where numerous citizens were making their way, both on foot, and in horse-drawn carriages. Most were bartering with merchants while a group of musicians performed at one corner, sending a fun melody across the square for passersby to enjoy.

  The scene was lively, giving the distinct impression that the Dok'aal were tightly knit in a warm, inviting sense—until they noticed the elephant in the room.

  Soon, the chattering slowed to a stop, the music ceasing with numerous, glowing eyes all focused in a single direction.

  Hers.

  In that moment, Kivsey wished she was capable of darkwalking, ready to slink back into the shadows and pretend she wasn't there. But no matter how nervewracking such attention was, she reminded herself that the Dok'aal wouldn't be staring from the start if their own discomfort wasn't ten times worse.

  So she could endure this temporary situation, and glanced up to see how Mikail was handling it only to find that he seemed completely unaffected. In fact, his facade was just as harsh now as it'd been when they'd first met, making her wonder if he was silently communicating to everyone that he had the situation under control.

  Whatever the case, she was glad for his presence, and also thankful the entryway to the Council Chamber was just up ahead, staying as close to Mikail as possible until they arrived.

  She just hoped along the way that the Council would have a better reaction to her presence than their people, otherwise she might never get home.

  Mikail's homecoming was going exactly as expected, with only one variation—he actually felt sorry for Kivsey.

  The further into the city they got, the closer she drew to him, evoking the strongest urge to put an arm over her shoulders in an attempt to offer comfort. Still, bringing her into the city unbound was one thing, but showing possessiveness by clutching her body to his? Scandalous.

  Even holding her hand was likely to start rumors—not that anyone would complain if Kivsey turned out to be his mate considering such a fated connection was out of his hands. But Mikail wanted to show that he had an interest in this human without saying what kind, feeling it would make things at least marginally easier in the long run if people were questioning their involvement.

  So he didn't release her hand, continuing through the square as if nothing was out of the ordinary until they arrived at the entryway to the Council Chamber.

  There, two guards stood sentry outside the massive doors, but n
either stopped him or asked his business. Warlords frequented the Council Chamber without notice constantly, so even with Kivsey at his side, they allowed him to pass.

  Like the rest of the Council Chamber, the entry hall was elegantly designed to reflect the Dok'aal's values and respect for the goddess, Satora. Inside were several vaulted columns supporting a catwalk on the second level with a few statues of notable Dok'aal standing by the walls.

  From the ceiling hung aeonite light fixtures that cast the room in a warm hue, and Kivsey seemed rather taken by it all, gazing around the Chamber Hall with immense intrigue in her ginger eyes.

  She also parted her lips as if to ask a question, or maybe pass out a compliment, but was interrupted by a familiar voice coming from above.

  “Mikail! It's about time you returned!”

  He looked up to spy Chancellor Gallos, leader of the Council, on the catwalk. Flanked by two aides, he moved toward the stairs at the far end of the hall in an excited manner—strangely enough. Gallos was usually somber and practical, and rarely ever showed much enthusiasm, even when he had good news.

  But now, the Chancellor was almost running down the steps, making Mikail extremely curious to know what he had to say.

  Still, it seemed an explanation would have to wait because the moment Gallos reached the ground floor and noticed Kivsey, he came to an abrupt stop.

  Realizing the Chancellor was confused over what he perceived to be a half elf standing in the Chamber Hall, Mikail decided to start explaining the situation before he could ask.

  “Chancellor Gallos, this is Jennifer Kivsey, a human who was stranded in The Nexus when the ogres I hunted destroyed the Terran portal sphere.”

  Gallos stared at Mikail incredulously. “Destroyed it?”

  “Yes. They'd been dwelling near the castle for a while, and took up the habit of triggering the portals at random.” Mikail went on to describe the events of his meeting with Kivsey in detail, summarizing the story with, “Now, the sphere to Terra is damaged, and we'll need to send a group to The Nexus to keep watch for anyone coming to look for their missing people.”

  Scowling over the news, Gallos sighed low—which was much more in character—and Mikail remained silent while he thought things over.

  In the process, the Chancellor took a few more steps toward them—his aides making certain to keep up—and mentioned, “I'll have a group organized to travel there and intercept search parties tonight. But … you didn't show this human the way here, did you?”

  “No, I blindfolded her, at her insistence.”

  It was a partial lie, but one Mikail thought might help Gallos to trust Kivsey just a little more quickly. In turn, the Chancellor quirked a single, white brow, then turned his blue eyes in her direction to ask, “I know you're part elven, so why would you insist on being blindfolded?”

  “Because I'm human,” she countered, going on to explain her single elven ancestor before she shrugged and stated, “No one's perfect.”

  Mikail nearly smirked, but Gallos didn't seem so amused in pointing out, “That may be, but we couldn't trust that you have no interest in gaining favor with Onoria by exposing us.”

  “I know, Mikail explained that already,” Kivsey started. “But to be blunt, I've never been to Onoria, and I don't plan on ever visiting. I grew up in Terra, I work in Terra, and my family is in Terra. That's my home, and I'd like to get back as soon as possible, Chancellor, if only to inform Tyrone's family of his death. They deserve to know what happened to their son.”

  Initially, Gallos looked as if he couldn't figure out how to respond. But Mikail knew his confusion would be short lived, and in only moments, he'd tell her that those were just pretty words.

  Yet Kivsey's mention of work reminded him of an important fact he pointed out before his superior could reply.

  “You should also know that she works for an agency of The Crucible, Gallos, and so did Tyrone.”

  Unsurprisingly, that captured the Chancellor's complete attention, and he looked between them cautiously. “The Crucible?”

  “Yes, and after spending the last day and a half traveling with her, I can personally vouch for her sincerity. She's not going to pass anything onto Onoria, or any other place. She only wishes to return home.”

  Hearing this, Gallos sighed. But though he turned his uncertain expression down in thought, he was quick to nod as if coming to terms with what Mikail was telling him.

  “I trust your judgment, Mikail. But I want you to keep an eye on her personally while she's here. We don't want The Crucible getting upset if something happens to one of its people, and I don't want any incidents occurring with ours.”

  “Don't worry, I'll make sure things stay quiet, and I'd like to vouch for her safety. You should let the Council know that.”

  “Very well,” he agreed, “and I suppose it's for the best. In the meantime, I'll pass your patrols over to another Warlord to free your time.”

  Mikail nodded, briefly wondering who might be tasked with his duties. But now that matters regarding Kivsey's temporary stay were settled, his thoughts returned to the way Gallos had initially greeted him, far too curious not to ask over it.

  “By the way, you seemed pleased when I came in. Did something happen during my absence?”

  Blinking as if he'd just remembered, Gallos finally smiled and related some shocking news.

  “It did. Asasha returned with her sister, and they've found the usurper.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  ♦

  Kivsey had no idea what Gallos was talking about, or who, but for some reason, his news put a look of shock on Mikail's face.

  “Truly? Then she's … ?”

  “On her Calling,” Gallos confirmed. “Asasha says she's a human, and they were all taken captive by rogue minotaurs.”

  “Minotaurs?”

  Nodding, the Chancellor further qualified, “They escaped before any harm was done, and even managed to bring one of the offenders here for judgment.”

  “And how does Asasha know this mage is the usurper?”

  “Because the prince came to their aid. Asasha recognized him from her childhood in the Imperial Palace of Perosia, so Lia took a group to find them and offer assistance.”

  The only part of his statement Kivsey recognized was the word Perosia, but she didn't know much outside of the fact that it was a realm of darkness and the home of Perosian demons with which Dok'aal shared a kinship.

  So she was still lost when Mikail requested to be kept apprised on the situation before qualifying his intentions of taking her home.

  Gallos agreed, giving Kivsey one last, skeptical look as she followed Mikail to the exit, and she ignored it. The Chancellor had a city to protect, so his dubiety wasn't surprising, or offensive.

  But she was curious about their conversation, asking Mikail once they were outside, “What were you two talking about?”

  “I'll tell you later,” he returned, perhaps because he didn't wish to explain in front of everyone in the square, or it simply wasn't worth qualifying in that moment.

  So Kivsey let it go, and focused on their trip to his home, glad that no one in the square seemed quite as distracted by her presence as before. Some still watched in uncertainty, but the music didn't stop playing this time, and the merchants performed their transactions without falter.

  Mikail didn't live far from the Council Chamber, either—his home was located on a dead end street branching directly off of the square. An aqueduct channeled water on one side of the roadway, and several residences stood upon a short wall on the other. Most were connected, reminiscent of terrace houses, each with two stories and front doors that were accessed by stairs leading up from the street.

  Several alleyways had been built beneath the buildings for access to other areas of the city as well, but Mikail's home was a little different. Instead of a dwelling interconnected with other residences, his stood in a single building at the very end of the road—and the top of the stairs leading to the f
ront doors offered a wonderful view of the Council Chamber.

  But Kivsey found herself more eager to know what this Warlord's home looked like inside, and found it was slightly spartan, but more inviting than she would've guessed. A divan stood at the far right of the entryway with a coffee table and a chaise sofa adjacent to it. The walls sported a number of weapons, including swords, daggers, and axes, while a shelf next to the door contained books labeled in a script she couldn't read.

  Yet there was a small mess on the coffee table where a vase had been overturned, and a lamp lay on the floor nearby.

  As soon as Mikail spied it, he muttered, “Either Nevan's here with Vita, or the cat knocked this over.”

  Kivsey looked up in surprise. “You have a cat?”

  Removing his sword belt to place on the table before he set the toppled items upright, the Warlord shrugged. “More like he has me. He started hanging around one day and decided not to leave, so I named him Claws, and Nevan's a friend who checks on him when I'm away. Vita is her three-year-old sister.”

  During his description, Kivsey noticed movement on the floor, and looked down to spy the biggest domestic feline she'd ever seen. Claws reminded her of a Norwegian Forest Cat with stunning golden eyes and long, smokey black and silver fur.

  He also seemed extremely interested in her because he wasted no time walking over to sniff at her boots.

  In the process, a woman's voice asked Mikail's name from the top of a flight of stairs standing over the kitchen area. Simultaneously, a little girl came hurrying down them, yelling, “Mikky!”

  Mikky? A grin split her lips over the nickname that grew wider when Mikail leaned to scoop the small girl up the moment she was in arm's reach—and compared to his size, she almost looked like a doll.

  “Vita!” Nevan chided. “What did I tell you about running downstairs!”