Chapter 11

KATHYLN GLAYDER

I woke up to knocking on my door. I opened the door–still in my nightgown– to see Curtis on the other side, he had dark rings around his eyes. He had those ever since Arthur left. "Tessia wants to talk to us," Curtis said with a tired smile.

My eyes lit up in excitement, no one had talked or even seen Tessia since that day. She would only talk to her close family, not even Lilia could get her to open up. "How is she doing?" I asked, my voice emotionless.

"I don't know, it was Elder Virion who told me. Virion told me Tessia is in her training room. We also found traces of Arthur," said Curtis.

I felt my chest become heavy, "He's not lying right? Have they really found traces? But if it's only traces…" anxiety grasped my lungs and I started to hyperventilate. Curtis's eyes went wide in concern so he pulled me into a hug. "Calm down, it's going to be ok. We'll find him," Curtis comforted me. I calmed down and pushed him out of my doorway. "I'll be there in a minute, let me get changed first."

Curtis nodded and left, his previous charismatic and energetic self was nowhere to be found. He now was always tired, he did still try to keep everyone happy though. Had he not, I might've gone crazy.

***

Everyone was sitting in Tessia's training room. I looked at Claire and Elijah, they haven't changed much on the outside but if you talked to them you'd hear the sadness and regret in their voices. They had put all of their time into training, probably to escape from the reality of what they had done.

Feyrith's normal cheerful expression was now one of anger. I wouldn't say he hated us but he also didn't like us. If anything, I'd say tolerance is what he has. I didn't blame him.

But, if Feyrith is this bad, how angry is Eleanor? From what I knew she was Arthur's sister and she absolutely despises us. I hadn't spoken to her, and frankly, I'm afraid to. I'm also trying to run away.

"Thank you all for coming," we all turned to see Tessia who had just entered. I looked at her horrified. Her voice was cold and devoid of any sense of self. She was normally the girl next door, the friendly face that everyone knows and loves. A good friend, a true friend. Her once happy eyes held no life and her face had a permanent thousand yard stare. The girl I once knew was now just a shadow of her old self.

"Tessia, what happened to you?" Claire asked, her voice laced with concern and fear. "Nothing happened to me, I'm perfectly fine," Tessia replied.

"You're obviously not fine!" I yelled, hoping my friend was still in there.

"No, Kathyln, I'm fine. I'm just still coping with everything," Tessia replied, her voice not changing.

Lilia ran up to Tessia and hugged her. "Don't you dare keep your emotions locked away! You heard what Arthur told us about his past life and how much it hurt him! P-Please don't become like that!" Lilia cried into Tessia's chest.

"I won't, don't worry. This is just a very efficient way to train," Tessia responded. None of us took that as an answer, but we couldn't do anything. I then looked at Sylvie, Arthur and Tessia's adopted daughter. She was looking up at Tessia with pity. The little thing must be so hurt after Arthur left her. He probably doesn't want to remember us at all.

"Elder Virion told me they found a lead on Arthur," said Feyrith, his face was angry but his tone and eyes betrayed him, showing his concern for Tessia.

"Yes, I have good news and bad news. The good news is the fact we found a trace of him, the bad news is that the trace is as old as his disappearance," said Tessia. I shrunk at the news, if it's that old we'll never find him.

"So, spit it out then," said Elijah, we only knew Elijah from his connection to Arthur so none of us were really close.

"We found an adventurer who saw Arthur run into the beast glades. We followed the direction he pointed in to find a broken teleport gate," finished Tessia.

We all quickly understood what that meant. "S-So it could be months, possibly years before we see him again?" stuttered Feyrith.

Tessia just nodded her head, "it's even possible he even got sent to the other continent."

We all shuddered at the idea. If he got sent to the other continent it would be impossible to find him if he tried to hide. The only way to find him is either pure coincidence or he finds us.

"I was thinking once we're all done school we look for Arthur on our own," suggested Tessia.

We all nodded in agreement. "Let's make a plan then," said Curtis as he went off to get paper and pen.

CAERA DENOIR

Grey and I were in a carriage returning to the Denoir estate. I wasn't exactly happy to see my adoptive family again but we were getting two weeks off school. Once we came back from the relictombs everyone started to question us on our trip. The school decided we would get a break so Grey and I went home. Strangely Noah was coming with us, although he was in another carriage.

We were lucky in the fact we only had that one zone to go through. I saw that skeleton put something in Grey's hand. When I asked him he said he didn't know anything either. He did say it was starting to drain his mana, which was strange.

Honestly, the relictomb dive was a great experience for us. Weirdly enough, most of the stuff we learned was from Grey's training. I'm starting to think he's either a sadist or masochist, I'm leaning towards the latter.

Right now, I sat across from Grey as he stared out the window. I was covering my face with my hair. I didn't show it in the relictombs I was super embarrassed by my actions. From cuddling up to Grey while he was asleep to even going to sleep in his lap.

"You ok Caera?" Grey asked.

"Yeah I'm fine, just tired." I replied, yawning.

"Yeah, after what happened this morning I can see how," commented Grey.

My eyes started to feel droopy, the sun was about to set and we had about two hours until we got home. That thought probed a question, "Hey Grey, what do you consider your home?" I asked. It wasn't until after I asked until I realized how inconsiderate I was.

Grey however, didn't seem to see it that way. "I don't know, the places I used to consider home are now just a distant memory. If I had to say something, I guess it would be the Denoir estate." Grey replied.

"While your parents don't exactly seem to be the most welcoming people I can tell your dad is a cheerful guy. I still don't have a read on your mom though." Grey continued.

"Should I tell him? I trust him and he trusts me. I should probably tell him somewhere more private, the driver might hear us." I pondered. "Yes, I should tell him. He won't do anything."

My brows furrowed in concentration. "You okay Caera?" asked Grey once he noticed my expression. "Oh yeah, just deep in thought," I replied.

"A penny for your thoughts?" asked Grey, earning a look of confusion from me. "It's just a saying," he brushed off.

"Is a penny a type of currency in Dicathen?" I questioned. From what Grey explained the money worked the same on both continents. "N-No, it's like a collectible, it used to be currency though. We stopped using it after it was useless." Grey replied.

My fatigue was growing the longer we rode. I had to keep my head up just in case I fell asleep. I felt the cushion next to me compress. I looked over to see Grey had sat down next to me. "You sure you're just 'tired'?" he asked. "If you ask me I'd say you're lethargic."

I couldn't reply. I felt myself succumb to the dark comfort of sleep.

GREY

Caera's head fell over onto my shoulder. Her breathing turned rhythmic almost instantly. Suddenly we hit a bump and her head fell on my lap. I could swear something poked my leg as it started to bleed. I checked though and I couldn't find anything, Caera didn't have any earrings or head decorations.

"Maybe I hurt myself somewhere else," I reasoned, but I couldn't shake the feeling it was something else.

I didn't feel too tired because of my assimilated body. I spent the rest of the ride looking out the window.

***

We arrived at the Denoir estate. The moon was now almost above our heads. Now I had two options, 1. Carry Caera to her bed or 2. Wake her up and get her to go herself. Unfortunately I couldn't carry her because Nessa or Sevren would see me, and I didn't want to get on either of their bad sides.

I shook her awake. "Good morning Caera, time for school."

Caera shot up at the mention of school. She was still half asleep and had drool coming from her mouth.

Cute.

Once Caera realized what was actually going on she gave me an angry stare. "That was mean," she pouted.

"How else was I supposed to wake you up?" I teased as I hopped out of the carriage. There at the entrance was Sevren with a huge smile on his face. "Caera! Grey! I'm so glad you're okay!" Sevren shouted as he ran up to us and pulled us into a bearhug.

"How rude, your best friend visits you and you don't even greet him?" questioned Noah.

Sevren turned his head to the direction of the voice and a huge smile came across his face. "Noah! It's been so long!"

"Yes it has, now let me go you mad scientist. I'm here to say hi, not become your guinea pig," said Noah as Sevren lifted him off the ground with his hug. "I'm glad your sister didn't take after your recklessness."

"Is that why you didn't seem to like me?" asked Caera, baffled they they knew each other.

"Yeah, I was worried you'd be like your brother and not thinking about the aftermath of your actions." replied Noah. His face no longer held the annoyance he usually had and was now happy.

"Look, Noah, I'm sorry about what happened with the goat. At least the reinforced titanium was able to slow it down for a while." said Sevren, sounding guilty.

Noah stared at him deadpan, "I'm more angry about the graduation prank. You had me take the downfall. They made 5 rules because of what you did, they still enforce them. The students still complain about how they're not allowed to bring playing cards to school."

Caera and I looked at each other wide eyed.

"Goat?"

"Graduation prank?"

We looked at Noah and Sevren for an explanation. "Sorry, we're under a non disclosure agreement for the next 63 years," said Noah.

Caera and I stood in stunned silence while they went inside. "Let's go to bed. It's getting late," I said as I slowly recomposed myself.

"Y-Yeah," agreed Caera as she followed me inside.

***

I woke up the next morning to find my room empty. Looks like I woke up before Caera, if I got up later she would've splashed water on my face or something.

I got ready for the morning. I started to wonder what we could do to pass the time. Since the break was a surprise we didn't have anything planned. I walked down stairs to raid the kitchen since breakfast wasn't for an hour or so. On my way to the kitchen I saw Corbett sitting in his study and he saw me too.

"Why don't you come on in Grey?" Corbett suggested. I complied, not having much to do. I sat across from Corbett on a fancy chair that makes the stuff in the elven castle look like something you'd find in a dump.

"Grey, have you ever played Sovereign's quarrel?" asked Corbett as he pulled out what looked to be a chess board from his ring. I shook my head.

"Very well then, let me teach you," Corbett said with a smile. I knew that smile, it was not a pure smile, but a smile that showed this wasn't a game. It was a test. I gave my own smile, letting him know I was ready for this game.

***

"Well I must say Grey. You hold a lot of promise," said Corbett as he took my caster.

"Your praise honors me," I replied as I took his striker, leaving his sentry wide open for an attack. This was my third game with Corbett. Since it was based on war I had a huge advantage from my past life. It was fun, much funner than chess. In my opinion at least.

Then the maid came in and let us know breakfast was ready. "Well, as much as I would love to continue playing, I assume you're hungry?" Corbett asked.

I nodded and we went downstairs to see everyone expect Caera, Noah and Sevren at the table. "Where is Caera?" asked Corbett as he sat down.

"She is still asleep, Lord Denoir. I believed it best to leave her be, considering her recent ascent." said Nessa, Caera's personal maid.

"Very well, let her be then." answered Corbett.

Then Noah and Sevren entered. Noah's hair looked… different. "What happened?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Sevren happened," answered Noah, anger evident in his voice.

"In my defense, shampoo isn't normally flammable," defended Sevren. I was about to question when I noticed everyone continued like normal.

Breakfast consisted of bacon and eggs. How cliche. It was really good though, it was better than the high quality stuff from my old world. Which was saying a lot.

"Caera must be exhausted," noted Sevren as he cleaned up his plate. We were finishing up and Caera still hadn't shown herself.

"I'll go and see what's up," I said as I politely excused myself.

I walked up to Caera's room and knocked on the door. "Caera? It's me, Grey."

When she didn't answer I knocked again. No answer. I knocked again. Silence. Worrying Caera might have sustained an injury we hadn't noticed, I opened the door to see Caera asleep. She still had on the clothes from yesterday, "She must've been really tired."

I stood at the side of her bed to see she was drooling again. "Mmm… Grey you can't kill that… it's too cute…" mumbled Caera in her sleep. I chuckled at what she said. She really is just an innocent girl. Well, innocent by some terms. I wished she didn't keep waking me up in weird ways.

Deciding to wake her up in a similar way she does I created a cold ball of water and splashed it against her face. I was expecting her to shoot up and looked around confused. Instead what I received was a punch to the face. It was so sudden I didn't have time to augment myself.

I flew backwards. "Grey!?!?" Caera yelled, surprised.

"Good morning," I said, rubbing my nose. Luckily it wasn't bleeding.

"Why were you in my room?!" Caera yelled, covering herself with a blanket before realizing she was clothed.

"I came to wake you up once I realized you weren't going to wake up yourself. I didn't expect you to send me flying." I replied, getting back on my feet.

"What if I wasn't wearing anything? You can't just barge into someone's room while they're sleeping!" Caera yelled.

I just deadpanned her, "You say that as if you don't do that to me."

Caera chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry about that."

"It's ok, I grew used to that back in Dicathen. Anyway, what do you want to do today?" I asked.

"I don't know. We could either go shopping or-" Caera was suddenly interrupted.

"Lady Caera, a letter has arrived for you," said Nessa as she entered.

"Nessa you don't have to put up the act around Grey, he's cool," Caera said.

"That's good, I don't know if I could handle having to talk to you so formally all the time," said Nessa. The feeling she gave off completely changed. She went from formal and compliant to casual and aloof.

"So, what is this letter you speak of?" questioned Caera.

"It is a marriage offer between-" Nessa suddenly stopped. She looked like she was struggling to breathe. "G-Grey, c-calm down," Caera studded.

"Why did I let my blood lust lose?" I questioned internally as I retracted my bloodlust. Nessa looked at me wide eyed, "looks like I know who the next highlord will be," said Nessa in a voice so low I wouldn't have heard it if my body wasn't assimilated.

I blushed at her words. "Please continue Nessa," said Caera as she composed herself.

"It is a marriage offer between Caera of highblood Denoir and Eujean of Highblood Stronghead." finished Nessa.

I could see Caera visibly gag in disgust. I almost did myself. "That self absorbed fool?" I questioned.

"Yes, it reads, 'My love, my beloved, let me hold your hand in marriage, I have longed for you since the day we met. Allow me the pleasure of this marriage and I'll make you the happiest woman in the world. When I see you your navy blue hair memorizes me, your ruby red eyes pierce into my heart and make me long for you even more. So please, give me your hand in marriage and unite our blood.'"

We all stood in disgust. We all had one thought, "Really?"

"What do my parents think?" Caera asked, clearly annoyed.

"They plan to deny him, unless you have different plans?" Nessa raised an eyebrow.

"NO!! Why would you think that?!" Caera yelled.

"Relax, I'm just teasing," chuckled Nessa. "On another note, your mentor Scythe Seris Vritra is downstairs waiting for you both."