Hera's Council

As soon as Fionella arrived at the residence, she noticed chaos. Disciples were rushing from all directions, clutching reports, and she spotted various badges indicating council members were present.

Intrigued, she followed the disciples' path toward a massive door, likely the residence's meeting room. Curious about the conversation inside, she used a bit of magic to eavesdrop.

"Zenthera's security is one of the best barriers the House of Lionel has ever cast. I refuse to believe this was an accident," one elder exclaimed.

"This has to be intentional! Especially now that the Keeper is here. Someone must be behind it."At the center of the room, Fionella's mother sat with her hands intertwined, supporting her head. "Council members, we must calm down and ascertain what happened in Zenthera. Making assumptions could lead us to create enemies."

"I agree with our head. We're in the Capital; one wrong move could lead to accusations of high treason."

"We cannot risk the Arrow of Life—"

The voice was abruptly cut off, stunning Fionella. She then heard footsteps approaching her. "I suggest, my lady, that you refrain from eavesdropping," a familiar voice said.

Fionella turned and saw Leon Hera, her uncle and her mother's younger brother, the Vice Member of the Council, and the first person to suggest sending Fionella to the West.

"Uncle Leon."

"I understand your curiosity, but it's not proper to eavesdrop on important meetings, my lady."Fionella hung her head. "I apologize, Uncle."

Leon smiled and patted her head. "I just returned from a mission, but I'm glad you're back, Fion. I heard you were in the streets of the Capital when the rampage happened. Are you okay?"

"Yes, Uncle."

"Very well. I'll overlook what happened today. You look tired; I suggest you rest."

Fionella could only nod and walked away from the meeting room. Despite her curiosity, her uncle was right; she needed rest. She made her way back to her chambers.

Meanwhile, inside the meeting room, Leon took a seat and was warmly welcomed by the other council members. "I heard Fionella was at the scene earlier," he said.

Germaine clenched her fists. "She never listens! I told her to stay within the residence's vicinity. If it weren't for the Haris soldiers, she could have been in danger!"

"My, my, sister, go easy on her. She's been away from the Empire for a long time. I understand her curiosity about these matters. Besides, she's a second-rank disciple; we all know Master Greg's capabilities," Leon replied.

The other elders nodded in agreement, while some understood the sentiments of their head. "But still, she needs to act with caution. Now that she's back, evildoers are already plotting what to do with her and the Arrow of Life," the Head Council Member of Operations, Miranda Fritz, added.

"For now, I believe we need to heighten her security. She has concealed her golden energy, which is an advantage. Unless in a dire situation, she should not use her golden energy," Germaine suggested.

"Alright. As the Head Council for Security, I will assign disciples to guard her secretly. For now, it might be best for you to head to the castle and gather information, my liege," the Head Council for Security, Rachel Dorez, suggested.

The meeting concluded, leaving Leon and Germaine alone in the room. "Go easy on Fionella, sister. You know how much she has suffered," Leon said softly.

Germaine looked away. "She is no longer a child; she already knows what's right and wrong. As a Hera disciple, she needs to understand her duty."

"That girl's heart isn't made of stone, sister. She's been far away, unable to receive the motherly love you've given to the other two. At least, go easy on her," Leon implored gently.

--*--

It was dinner time when Thealaine and Rozel returned from the Haris residence, where they had been sent to inquire about the earlier incident. The first to welcome them at the dinner table was their Uncle Leon.

"Uncle, when did you arrive?" Thea asked.

"Just a while ago," Leon replied. "I was supposed to stay at the Fortress for a while, but when I heard about what happened, I rushed here through the magic portal."

Both Thealaine and Rozel took their seats.

"Haris is still investigating what transpired, but the presence of the Keeper of the Sword of Truth should expedite the process," Rozel shared.

"Kairon is already here?" Leon inquired, taking a sip of the tea prepared for him as they waited for Germaine and Fionella to arrive before starting dinner.

"He arrived the same day as Fion. Thankfully, he was present at the scene, which made defeating the Dark Bear easier," Thea added.

A few seconds later, Fionella arrived. Her siblings noticed that they couldn't sense her golden energy, which they assumed she had intentionally concealed. Leon watched as Fionella found her seat beside Thea and across from Rozel.

"Are you concealing your golden energy?" Rozel asked with concern. They knew how difficult and taxing it was to hide one's golden energy, requiring both concentration and a refined technique.

Fionella nodded. "I am used to it, older brother."

"B-But—" Rozel began, but he stopped when their mother entered the room.

"That's better," Germaine said as she took her seat at the head of the table. "Concealing your golden energy will eventually prevent the Specters from sensing you."

With her arrival, the maids began serving dinner. The meal passed mostly in silence, with everyone exhausted from the day's events. While waiting for dessert, Germaine announced the arrival of their clothes and suits for the Grand Festival, which was set to take place the day after tomorrow.

"And Fionella, no going out tomorrow. I want to make myself clear: your ladies-in-waiting and Cassandra will be punished if you disobey me," Germaine added sternly.

Fionella was about to protest, but her mother's sharp gaze silenced her. She knew her mother was serious and decided not to argue. 

'I guess I'll be stuck here until the Grand Festival,' she thought.

Thealaine and Rozel looked at her with worry, but Fionella smiled back at them, trying to reassure them. She planned to spend the next day training in the grounds to keep herself busy.

After dinner, Fionella returned to her chambers, wishing she could have spent more time with her siblings. She went back early to hear Cassandra's report, as she had sent Cassandra to investigate the day's events. Unlike Fionella, Cassandra was free to move around the city.

"Report to me what happened," Fionella said as soon as she saw Cassandra seated on the couch in her room.

"The Haris army is currently investigating the situation," Cassandra began. "From what I've heard, one of the prison doors in Zenthera malfunctioned earlier this morning, which allowed the Dark Bear to escape."

Fionella furrowed her eyebrows. "So the Dark Bear wreaked havoc starting from the Zenthera prison on its way to Dragon Alley?" Dragon Alley was the location where they were attacked earlier.

Cassandra shook her head. "No other alleys or streets show signs of destruction. It seems as though the Dark Bear was transported directly from Zenthera to Dragon Alley."

"So, this wasn't an accident," Fionella concluded, sitting on her bed. "Someone freed the Dark Bear and brought it to Dragon Alley." She caressed her ring, lost in thought. "Keep track of any updates on the investigation tomorrow and report back to me immediately."

"Yes, my lady," Cassandra responded.

To be continued