Chapter 25: Containment and Confrontation

The aftermath of the battle settled like a heavy fog over the forest. The Aberration had been subdued, and the cursed artifact it left behind pulsed faintly on the forest floor, its dark energy warping the air around it. The rogues lingered at the edges of the clearing, their unease evident as tension crackled between them and the two Sanctified Lanterns.

The sound of marching broke through the oppressive silence. From the treeline emerged the disciplined ranks of the Lantern Guard, their armor gleaming faintly in the dim light. Their precise movements spoke of years of rigorous training. At the forefront was their commander, Lieutenant Calder—a broad-shouldered man with a stern, no-nonsense demeanor.

Trailing behind them was Captain Lirian, his presence less commanding but equally resolute. Lirian had guided the Guard through the perilous forest, ensuring their safe arrival at the clearing.

"Thorne. Aric. Report," Lirian ordered, his sharp tone cutting through the oppressive atmosphere.

Aric stepped forward, brushing dirt from his cloak. "We neutralized the Aberration with the help of Kael's group," he said. His tone carried a mixture of begrudging respect and lingering frustration.

Lieutenant Calder's gaze swept over the scene, taking in the Veil artifact and the rogues. "Neutralized, perhaps," he said, his deep voice heavy with caution. "But this artifact is far from safe. Secure the perimeter and deploy the wards immediately."

The Guard sprang into action, efficiently drawing Veil-infused containment circles and planting enchanted stakes. Their chants in Arcaenic filled the air, weaving layers of protection around the artifact.

As the Guard worked, Kael's rogues bristled. Whispers of distrust rippled through their ranks, their gazes darting toward Aric and the Covenant representatives.

"So, this is where they swoop in and take everything," one of the rogues muttered under his breath.

Kael silenced him with a sharp glance but didn't mask her disdain. "Let me guess," she said, addressing Lirian. "You'll lock it away, study it, and pretend it's for the greater good while we're left with nothing but ash."

Lieutenant Calder turned to her, his expression impassive. "Our concern is containment, not your grievances. This artifact poses a threat, and it will be dealt with accordingly."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "And by 'accordingly,' you mean you'll hoard it for yourselves."

Aric stepped forward, his voice sharp. "What would you do with it? Sell it? Use it to fuel more reckless rituals? Don't act like you're above blame here."

Kael's fists clenched at her sides, her expression a volatile mix of anger and pain. "You have no idea what we've sacrificed to get this far."

Before the argument could escalate, Elias interjected, his tone calm but firm. "Enough. We all want the same thing—to prevent further harm. Let's focus on that."

A sudden pulse of energy from the artifact silenced the group. Shadows around the clearing writhed unnaturally, and the artifact's faint keening sound grew louder, resonating in the bones of everyone present.

"It's destabilizing," one of the Guard called out, panic edging his voice.

"Double the wards!" Calder barked, his command galvanizing his team into action.

The chants intensified as the Guard poured their focus into stabilizing the artifact. Lirian stood near Elias and Aric, his eyes fixed on the cursed blade.

"This artifact…" Elias murmured, adjusting his monocle. Through the lens, he could see the intricate Veilmarks etched into the blade, symbols that told a story of despair and fractured ambitions. "It's tied to the practitioner who became the Aberration. Their pain, their loss—it's all imprinted here."

Kael's jaw tightened, her silence speaking volumes.

As the containment wards solidified, Kael's gaze lingered on the artifact. Finally, she broke her silence, her voice quiet but laden with bitterness. "The Aberration wasn't just some random monster. It was someone who trusted me. Someone I couldn't save."

The weight of her confession hung in the air, and even Aric seemed momentarily taken aback.

Lirian stepped forward, his tone surprisingly gentle. "I understand your loss, but this artifact cannot remain in rogue hands. Its power is unstable, and the risk of further corruption is too great."

Kael laughed bitterly. "You don't understand. You're just here to clean up the mess and move on. But some of us have to live with what's left behind."

Elias stepped closer, his voice steady. "Kael, I get it. You've lost someone, and now it feels like you're losing what's left of them. But this artifact is too dangerous. If we don't secure it, more people will suffer."

Kael's shoulders slumped, the fight draining from her posture. "And what happens to us? To the rest of my people?"

Elias hesitated, then said, "We'll make sure the Covenant knows the full story. No one's sweeping this under the rug."

Kael studied him for a long moment before nodding reluctantly. "You're soft, Thorne. Too soft for this world. But maybe that's not such a bad thing."

With the artifact secured and the Guard taking over, Calder turned to Elias and Aric. "Your part in this is done for now. Captain Lirian has requested that you return to Arkwright, rest, and report to him tomorrow. Depending on the situation, you may need to monitor the forest disturbances intermittently."

Aric raised an eyebrow. "And Kael's group?"

"They'll leave with us," Calder said. "Under our watch."

Kael smirked faintly but didn't argue.

As the Guard prepared to depart, Elias and Aric began their trek back toward the village. The weight of the day's events hung heavy between them.

"You're too soft," Aric said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Elias frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what I said," Aric replied. "Given your background, you should know better than to trust people like Kael. Other Veilborn, other practitioners—they'll see that softness as a weakness. And maybe it is."

Elias stopped walking, turning to face him. "You don't think people deserve a second chance?"

Aric sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't say that. I'm just saying that this world doesn't reward kindness. It chews you up and spits you out. But…"

"But what?" Elias pressed.

Aric met his gaze, his expression uncharacteristically earnest. "But if you can hold onto that softness—if you can stay human despite all of this—it might be the one thing that keeps you grounded. And it might save more lives than you realize."

Elias nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Thanks, Aric. I think."

"Don't get used to it," Aric said with a faint smirk.