6 Chapter 5: Infiltration

"Stealth is the mightiest weapon of them all."

~Tasmiya Shaik

Saturday

19:18

Galrik headquarters

Archid infiltrated the evidence archives with no hindrances to obstruct his path. Despite the fortified and impregnable defenses of the Galrik headquarters, there were far too many blind spots, such were the flaws and weaknesses of the humes. In the Ethuarian realm, they were advanced with superior military technology, but they lacked information on the skills and abilities of the warriors who originated from the realm of Alvgard.

Archid's presence in the building went unnoticed; few would have paid attention to the likes of a man that often abstained from the conversation and socializing with his comrades. He was the kind to brood, and none cared to approach him. What gained him an advantage was that the investigation of Avery's parents was entirely handed over to his commanding officer; none would have questioned his visit to the evidence archives.

He calculated the consequences of his advantage, and he was not willing to take the risk. If he entered, no doubt his arrival would be recorded, and exiting unnoticed with the evidence, in the same manner, would be nearly impossible. Being the trump card of his commanding officer, he infiltrated the security's most vulnerable defense—the medical supply storage.

Archid observed his surroundings outside and docked his key card pass into the system panel beside the door and was granted access. He proceeded his way inside and locked the door behind him. He maneuvered his way around the shelves lined with first aid kits and other medical supplies and made his way out into the barren hallway. He scrutinized the area and moved within the surveillance cameras' blindspots further down the hall until he arrived before the evidence archives.

He approached the system panel and entered a code that temporarily disabled it functions for at least ten minutes until the system would automatically be online again. There would be no record of his key card docked into the system. He entered the archives; however, to make sure he would not be compromised, the lights remained off, and instead, he relied on the superior night vision of the beast within him to guide his way around. Fortunately, he was successful and located the safe that possessed what he required.

He discovered three vials that contained magical properties; two were a combination of different colors of magical strands that entwined with each other. The third vial contained strands of crimson energy that wildly moved around in its containment.

Archid secured them within a case and replaced the safe space with three similar vials of magical energy. He took possession of the blood samples preserved in plastic bags and inserted faux samples in place before he sealed it once more. The maegi unit was as efficient as always; of course, they were Alvgardian humanoids after all.

His exit was swift and unnoticeable as planned through the underground emergency base. The humes indeed weren't all that bright, for one such location was to be under heavy guard, but the focus of security was directed to the bureau's surface. It didn't matter to Archid, for his mission progressed without complications.

20:08

Reinhardt Villa

Avery rose from her slumber to the comforting accommodation of a bed. When had she fallen asleep? The room was indeed beautiful; however, it lacked the warmth of her mother's lullabies that sang the praises of their ancestral warriors and the comforting smile of her father.

'Young Miss, have you awoken?'She was addressed by a young woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, who appeared quite petite. 'Pardon me; I am Lorraine.'

Avery moved off the bed and curtsied in greeting. 'Miss Lorraine, may I know where I am?'

'This is Master Sebastian's Villa. I am certain you will begin to like it. Shall I help you out of that black dress and slip on something more comfortable?'

Avery managed a nod of approval. Miss Lorraine pressed her hand to her lips with an expression of worry.

'Heavens!' She exclaimed, 'I'd nearly forgotten that I had a bath drawn for you. Would that be alright, Miss Avery?'

'Just Avery, and yes, Miss Lorraine.' Avery did indeed miss her mother dearly, and her mind was clouded continuously by the loss of her parents, but she hadn't forgotten her manners.

She wept for the duration of her bath, but she had not dared to show weakness before the attendants. She withdrew her grief and merely composed herself as Miss Lorraine fashioned her hair into an upstyle. A wavy fringe of curled strands descended over her left eye that was newly bandaged.

'Does it hurt?' Miss Lorraine inquired with concern.

'I do not feel anything...'Avery answered softly and roused from the dressing table. Miss Lorraine looked over her ankle-length, red and black tartan skirt and a white blouse that was complemented by an earsaid of the tartan skirt color. Lastly, she fastened the laces on Avery's black soft leather boots.

'You're looking quite lovely, Avery. I arranged for an attire that was more suited to tastes of the Reinhardt clan's women.'

Avery forced a smile and clutched onto the amulet gifted to her by her uncle.'Thank you, Miss Lorraine,' but her gratitude was sincere.

'It is so sporadic that I am privileged to meet a female Asharra child; this is my very first time! You're just as beautiful as Lady Yvainne was,' Miss Lorraine exclaimed in excitement.

Lady Yvainne? Avery's mother had once related the tale of the beautiful Asharren woman by one such name, and no matter how many times she had attentively listened to the story, it always managed to elicit sorrow and tears.

'If I may know, what was Lady Yvainne like?'

'Ah yes, she was quite the darling. Very much supportive and sharp-minded. She disliked the cause of injustice, and her kindness knew no bounds. She often called me a friend and never once treated me as a servant. I daresay she was the joy of this very Villa,' Lorraine clasped her hands with a smile.

'I see...' Avery trailed off into silence.

'Shall we greet Master Sebastian for dinner?' Miss Lorraine had taken Avery's hand in her own. She escorted her across the hallway, and on the right staircase, they were greeted by Andreas.

'Cara Mia, a delight to have such young beauty amongst us,' He bowed with a polite smile, 'Andreas at your service.'

Izavian? Avery thought, but by his tanned skin and accent, she could have sworn he was Espanion. His long hair was on the darker side of all things fair and was neatly tucked behind his elvish ears. Avery barely reached his waist's height, but somehow it was not an aspect of him that intimidated her. All Asharren males were reasonably tall, well above six feet; it was a rarity to meet a hume who would match their caliber.

Izavian! She recalled that one of her previous attendants had boasted about Izavian men being such 'charming devil's.' Andreas did not insinuate the qualities of a devil, but no doubt he was a charmer.

'Good Evening, I am Avery,' She replied in Izavian, and Andreas offered his arm.

'It is my pleasure, cara mia,' He winked.

'Heavens, Andreas! The Master will have you at the gallows!'Miss Lorraine swatted his shoulder.

'Bellisima Lorraine, do not worry unnecessarily,' He winked at her and led Avery down the stairs.

'By the way, cara mia, you speak Italian well,' He complimented and smiled at her.

'Italian?'

'Here in the Ethuarian realm of the humes, we Izavian are referred to as Italian. Well, that is what the Izavian humes of this realm call themselves; I've gotten rather accustomed to it. Would you like me to teach you sometime?'

Avery was intrigued by the foreign knowledge, and she no doubt wanted to learn more. The realm of Ethuaria was undoubtedly an unusual and exciting place of mysteries.

'I would like that very much. What are the Espanions called?'

'That would be the Spanish, strange world, isn't it?'

Avery liked Andreas. A gentleman and charmer, much like her father. The memories had become much too distant. Was she subconsciously shutting them out? No, she didn't want to forget, even if the grief had been unbearable.

She stilled to a halt. Anger. Unexplainable rage surged through her, but it was not her own. She was drawn to it.

'Cara mia, what is the matter?'

'It burns,' She said breathlessly and released her hold on Andreas' arm.

The anger was not hers, but she felt it's spark ignite within her. It lured her in, and she traced it's presence unconsciously. Her body traveled at its own will, and she was lead to her destination. The sound of voices that argued and a familiar face caught her attention.

The familiar figure stood with their arms folded and leaned against the closed door.

'Lady Avery,' They greeted with a smile and kneeled before her.

'Mr.Cavendish...' She managed to say as a whisper and Isaac's frown surfaced.

'Does it hurt?' He cupped her face.

'It feels like a fire, I do not understand it.'

~Lahn that fool!~ Isaac's beast growled.