Aether was really going to die

"!!!" Aether couldn't suppress the shiver that ran down his spine at the mere touch of her slender finger, a potent mixture of excitement and fear coursing through him.

"Could you show me your Arcane Card?" Her request carried a hint of pleading.

"W-Well, I did try before, but Del- I mean, Madam Delphine said I need a little more time to summon the Arcane Card," Aether replied, hoping his explanation would suffice and she would leave him be. Yet, her determination was palpable.

"It's fine, you can do it for me... I can help you," Empress Marisandra insisted, her finger pressing slightly into his chest as if coaxing the Arcane power to manifest.

Aether sighed, resigning himself to her request.... that was a lie, It was more like an Order. With a touch of reluctance, he placed his hand on his chest and uttered, "Arcane Card."