Chapter 3: One Chance at a Poor Impression

Luthera Revena

Day 1…

I don't say a word during the entire journey to Kamrion, too absorbed in my own thoughts. Mother and father fill what would have been deafening silence with idle chatter. Tomorrow is to be my wedding day, a thought that I keep rolling around in my mind, trying to make sense of it. I can feel they're worried gazes on me from time to time but I can't bring myself to acknowledge them.

I was so lost in my own thoughts that when the high black towers of Kamrion finally come into view I almost don't notice. We are here already? Did the day really pass me by so easily? I try to swallow the lump that suddenly forms in my throat, feeling my heart clench in my chest.

Our carriage passes through the bustling market place. I'm almost mesmerised by how lively everyone is, Illis has always been quite subdued even in times of celebration. But this, merchants jovially shouting at the tops of their voices, children play games and chasing each other around with reckless abandon.

This whole place to is so contagiously optimistic that I can't help but smile. My eyes scan over all of the people, some even stop to point and marvel at our carriages. Without really thinking, I raise my hand and wave, a genuine smile still plastered on my face. With just as much enthusiasm as I would have expected, they wave back, huge grins on their faces, especially the children.

My eyes settle on what appears to be a young married couple. Their hands interlocked as the whisper to each other while marvelling at the carriages. They look like they couldn't be any more than 20 or so summers old, around the same age as me. The sight of them causes my smile to instantly drop, my thoughts sobering as I remember the reason we are here.

As we approach the gates to the main castle, my heart clenches even harder in my chest and I feel my breathing begin to falter. No, no, don't let them see you like this, never let anyone see you like this. As the Kamrion knights open up the gates I take the time to calm myself, taking deep, deliberate breaths as we enter.

We come to a stop and for the first time since we left Illis, I speak.

"Quite the welcome they have arranged for us."

It catches mother and father so off guard they actually flinch upon hearing my voice. They recover quickly though.

"King Reginald was always one for spectacle." Father says with a chuckle as a servant opens the carriage door.

I see two rows of knights in brilliant black and gold armour forming an enclosed path that leads to the front of the palace where it appears the Northguards are waiting to receive us. Father is the first one to exit, followed by mother and then me.

We walk down the path the Kamrion knights have formed, making sure each step I take is one with purpose like how mother taught me. As we finally approach the Northguards, the announcer begins.

"Presenting the first family of Illis." He says, voice loud and filled with practiced poise.

"Lord Tristen Luther Orvis Revena II, the King of Illis."

Father offers a small but respectful bow.

"Lady Portia Miranda Revena II, the Queen of Illis."

Mother offers a small and dignified curtsey.

"Princess Luthera Adelaide Berenice Revena XII, Firstborn and Heiress to the throne of Illis."

With a shuddering breath, I offer a curtsey of my own.

"Welcoming them, the first family of Kamrion." He continues after a beat.

"Lord Reginald Bastian Ulric Arno Langris Northguard V, the King of Kamrion."

The king offers a small bow similar to the one my father gave. He has deep blue eyes and golden hair that stretches all the way down to his shoulders.

"Lady Samantha Lillian Eudora Northguard I, the Queen of Kamrion."

The Queen offers each of us a nod and a small, welcoming smile. Her eyes are the deep grey of a gathering storm and her hair has a dark brown quality similar to ebony wood.

"Prince Kaius Leoric Arno Langris Northguard III, wielder of Langris, Firstborn and Heir to the throne of Kamrion."

Kai offers a deeper bow than either of the kings, his smile actually seems genuine, his expression is pleasantly soft and welcoming. He obviously inherited more from his father with the only difference being his eyes are a paler shade blue while his hair is significantly shorter, barely brushing his temples

"Prince Finnian Kenric Arno Langris Northguard I, wielder of Arno and second in line to the throne of Kamrion."

For a moment if feels like my heart stops as our eyes meet. Stormy grey eyes much like his mother, but with a hint of green that is absent in hers. His hair is the same length as his brother but it's dark brown, again like his mother, though a few shades darker, almost black, he clearly takes after her. For a long moment he doesn't make any move, simply staring at me with so many conflicting emotions flashing across his face I dare not try to determine what they are lest I risk giving myself a headache.

He does look like he intends to do something but his body jolts back, like it can't quite catch up with his mind. The queen clears her throat, which seems to snap him back to reality. His cheeks and ears turn a very interesting shade of red before he offers a deep bow, deeper than any of the others, probably to hide the red on his face.

"Greetings." He says simply.

"Princess Gertrude Leona Royce Winfred Arno Langris Northguard I, the Veiled, third in line to the throne of Kamrion."

My eyes widen slightly at her title; she is a Veiled One? Her eyes pass over each of us appraisingly before landing on me and I almost recoil. They are a darker shade of grey than either her brother and her mother, almost appearing black. She eyes us for just under half a beat before nodding her head politely.

"A pleasure, to be sure."

With the formalities seemingly out of the way father and King Reginald pull each other into a brief hug, catching up as old friends do. Mother and Queen Samantha also appear to be engaging in easy conversation, leaving the four of us in notable silence.

"You travelled well, I hope." Kaius is the first to break the silence, a friendly expression still firmly planted on his face.

"We did." I nod politely. "We arrived before I realized if I am to be honest, my thoughts escaped from me for quite some time."

"Given the circumstances of your visit, I think that is understandable." Gertrude chimes in with a short chuckle, one I can't help but return.

"Now, that is true." I relent.

"All the same, we are happy to have you." Kaius says.

"Thank you, Prince Kaius."

He winces slightly at the title, offering an abashed smile.

"And I also think given the circumstances you may just call me Kai." He offers.

I battle with all the lessons that have been drummed into my head for as long as I can remember. The smile I return feels strained on my face but I try my best to not think about it too much.

"Luthera then." I return the offer.

"Gertrude." The princess says, smirk growing on her face. "It's just my name but I'd rather you call me that than princess. What do you want her to call you, brother?"

Prince Finnian jumps slightly, obviously caught off-guard at being addressed. Our eyes meet again and I am once again hit by a tempest of conflicting emotions. I can't help the concerned expression I end up sending his way.

"I…" He trails off.

"Let us go inside then!" King Reginald announces loudly. "We have prepared a feast to welcome you."

Prince Finnian's mouth snaps closed, a contrite look in his eyes before he turns along with the rest of us to follow our parents. I fall silent as I follow along close to the back. Kaius is the most openly friendly of the three, Gertrude seems considerably more aloof but still willing to offer conversation. Finnian on the other hand… I understand that he is uncomfortable with our predicament, but surely, he must have considered that I may be equally as uncomfortable, even if I am better at hiding it.

I will ignore it for now, there will come a time to address it. Upon entering the vast dining room, I am reminded of Kamrion's signature colours, black and gold. The chairs, cloth on the tables, tapestry on the wall and even the tint of the windows, all varying patterns of black and gold.

We take out seats at the straight table. King Reginald in the middle between my father, on his right and Queen Samantha, on his left. My mother sits next to Queen Samantha with Gertrude on the furthest seat next to her on the right. Kaius sits next to my father leaving two places to his left.

Prince Finnian and I share an uncertain look. I open my mouth to tell him that he can sit next to his brother and I can sit at the end but to my surprise he speaks first.

"Which seat would you like?" He asks hesitantly but politely. I'm so surprised by the question I forget all my mother's lessons on etiquette for a brief moment.

"What?" I blurt out perhaps a little louder than I should have.

He gives me a look similar to a fish that has just been pulled out of the water, looking around I see everyone's eyes on us containing a mixture of surprise, intrigue and amusement… though amusement is mostly just from Gertrude. I clear my throat, composing myself once again.

"I beg your pardon?" I try again which seems to snap him out of his lost look.

"I was merely asking the lady which of the available seats she would like to take." He states, the eloquent phrasing not suiting him in the slightest but I can appreciate the effort, this clearly doesn't come naturally to him.

"I would like the seat at the very end, please." I finally answer.

He nods, pulling out the said chair for me. I offer him a polite 'thank you' before taking my seat. He takes the seat between me and his brother before the conversation around the table picks up again. Prince Finnian doesn't join in, appearing to be thinking something over, it's a deep thought it seems, causing his gaze to become distant and unfocused.

 After a moment of leaving him to his own thoughts, he suddenly clears his throat and turns to me, eyes nervous but somehow also determined.

"Strange how we've never met, considering how close our fathers are." He points out.

Ah, so he has finally decided to attempt conversation.

"Well, being the only heir, my duties always kept me close to home, even when I was young." I explain, if we are going to be married, we could at the very least get along. "I'm surprised you haven't ever journeyed to Illis though, from what I hear of you, you seem to be fond of adventure."

His brows furrow, a look of contemplation on his face.

"I suppose Illis was never particularly high on my list of places to venture." He replies while pondering.

"Yes, I imagine it would be quite boring to you." I nod slowly. "A city of scholars and philosophers arguing on the issues of morality as it concerns magic and sovereignty. Clearly not up to your standards."

The red suddenly returns to his ears as panic fills his storm covered eyes.

"That's not… I didn't…" He sputters as I try to hold back a grin. "I didn't mean…"

"Oh, please, do calm yourself, Prince Finnian." I can't contain it any longer, the poor boy looked ready to collapse. "I was having fun, regrettably at your expense, forgive me."

It takes a moment for him to recover and an even longer minute for him to visibly relax again.

"That wasn't very nice, princess." He says, but I can see the small smile forming on his face.

"Once again, I must ask you to forgive me." I bow my head slightly. "But in all seriousness, I don't blame you for not taking your explorations to Illis. No legendary beasts to slay or tyrannical kings to dethrone."

He breathes out an amused scoff at my last comment.

"I'm afraid you greatly overestimate the exploits I often find myself in, my princess." He says, voice turning slightly distant. "None such adventures have found me as of late… nor do I think they ever will now."

I pause, smile dropping from my face. What is he…

"Pardon the intrusion." Kaius cuts in, eyeing the lost look on Prince Finnian's face wearily. "But perhaps you would like my brother to give you a tour of the castle."

"I think that is a fine suggestion." Father chimes in, sounding very pleased with the idea. "If that is of course alright with you, Reginald."

"It sounds like a splendid idea." He smiles and nods. I can't help but notice his eyes harden when they meet Prince Finnian's. "It should give them some time to get to know each other."

I can't help but frown, sensing a subtle tension between the two before Prince Finnian let's out a long sigh as he stands up.

"Shall we." He offers me his hand.

I accept it slowly, sensing his need to be away from everyone else. Truth be told, I want to find out exactly why. He leads me down a series of twisting and turning corridors, somehow knowing exactly which turns to take and where they lead. He distractedly motions to anything notable, portraits, rooms, along with a detail or two about them.

We eventually end up at the stables and suddenly his expression becomes a little more animated. I begin to wonder why when a brilliant black stallion with an almost silver mane brays in excitement upon seeing us. He walks up to the horse, stoking his mane gently before feeding it an apple. He raises a hand when I try to step towards them, a concerned look on his face.

"Juno doesn't take kindly to strangers." He explains. "He only recently allowed my sister and brother to come close to him."

Despite myself, I feel a small grin growing on my face. I quickly cover it up, feigning innocence as I take a step back.

"Juno is his name then." I ponder before directing my gaze towards the horse whose eyes instantly find mine. "Come here and say hello, Juno."

I make sure my words are gentle, feeling the animals wary and untrusting nature. Without hesitation, Juno moves away from Finnian and toward me, much to Finnian's shock. He walks over to me and brushes his head against my shoulder. I chuckle, nestling his fur and running my other hand down his face.

I spare a glance at the prince who has yet to recover from the spectacle. Perhaps it is cruel to keep him like this for too long.

"My family's magic ties us to creatures both mundane and magical." I explain. "They understand me and I can understand them. I can convince them to do as I wish, though some are more resistant than others."

"That's quite a gift." He mummers, still looking fascinated.

"Thank you." I nod softly, offering a smile before turning back to Juno. "You're a beautiful creature. You can return to your rider."

Juno gives me one last gentle nudge before returning to the prince who feeds him one last apple.

"We are to be married tomorrow." He suddenly says, sounding the furthest thing from happy about it. I fight back the temptation to frown at the tone.

"Indeed, we are." I nod. "I know it's not an ideal arrangement…"

"A gross understatement." He mummers almost bitterly and supressing a frown becomes that much harder.

"…For either of us." I finish, keeping my tone even. "But given the circumstances things could be…"

"Worse?" He cuts in again, looking irked. "How exactly could it have been worse…"

"Is the thought of marrying me that repulsive to you?" I cut him off this time, unable to keep the bite out of my voice but I refuse to allow my face to scrunch into a scowl, I'm better than that.

He winces, his words seemingly registering in his mind.

"No, that is not what I meant." He says, letting out a deep sigh, storm-coloured eyes looking lost. "But this wasn't my choice."

"I know." I reply without hesitation.

He frowns at me, taking a few steps forward. For a moment I feel tempted to step backwards, he towers over me and his approach is more intimidating than I care to admit even though I sense he has no intention to do me harm.

"You seem quite content to just sit back and accept our fates." He points out, now the bitterness in his voice is clear as day. I feel myself now supressing my anger, does he truly think that I am here by choice? I'm just as much a slave to this as him, the only difference is…

"I know my duty." I say simply.

He recoils as if he's been struck and this time I take a step backwards, a brief flash of something dangerous danced in his eyes before he quickly buries it. He closes his eyes and breathes deeply before his face adopts a bitter smile.

"Duty, you say?" He questions without really asking. "Is that all?"

"What else is there?" I ask, genuinely curious, feeling my eyes furrow in confusion. He lets out a harsh laugh, startling me and causing the anger in the pit of my stomach to surge even more.

"Oh, I don't know…" He pretends to ponder over it for a moment. "How about what do you want?"

My words stall as the tip of my tongue. What do I want? I really can't…

He eyes me for a long moment before something like realization finally dawns on his face. He takes a step back, letting out a disappointed sigh.

"You don't even know what you want, do you?" He asks, causing all of the anger that was building to plummet, replaced by a distressing feeling I can't quite place. "I never would have imagined they had such a tight leash around your neck."

All of a sudden, the distressing feeling vanishes and is instantly covered by anger again. No, not anger, fury. An unbridled and cold fury erupts from the pit of my stomach and I can feel it explode. All the horses in the stable are suddenly spooked, bucking and thrashing around in a blind panic, sensing my rage.

The prince's eyes widen in slight panic as he takes a worried look around the stables, seeing all the chaos the spooked horses are causing. This time he is the one to take a step back, but I take a step forward this time as well.

"You want to know what I want?" I ask, keeping my voice low to keep myself from shouting, but I know he can hear every word. He eyes me warily, not afraid necessarily but certainly cautious. "I certainly didn't want this."

He doesn't interrupt so I keep going.

"You were so willing to express to me how you didn't want this, how this wasn't your choice." I begin, still feeling my ire bubbling under the surface of my skin. "This wasn't my choice either, I was forced into this just as much as you were. But unlike you, I can look past my childish petulance and bitterness enough to try and make the best of it. Unlike you, I understand my duty to my people. I do this for them, for their safety. This is my path, and I have accepted it and I'm willing to make the most of it… I suggest you do the same."

I finally let the fury settle, releasing it in the form of long and calm breaths. The horses also settle, calming themselves down, leaving the stables completely silent. I am staring down at the floor. What was that? I've never lost my temper like that before… never. What have I just…

No, now is not the time and here is not the place. I need to collect my thoughts. Without a word I turn on my heel and make my way to the exit.

"You know you never told me what you actually want." His voice, soft and calm, makes me stop, I turn to face him again. "You only told me what you didn't want."

I feel my brows scrunch up once again, confused.

"What?" I reply, my mind to muddled to make any more sense of this interaction.

He opens his mouth to say something else but almost instantly shuts it again. He looks so… conflicted.

"The shortest way back to the dining room is through that door, take your second right and then the first door after the statue of the golden phoenix." He explains, sounding drained. "I'll join you soon, I just need to make sure Juno is settled."

I nod numbly, no energy left to question him or argue. With one last curt nod I step out of the stables and begin following his directions back to the dining room.

Day 2…

"Poise, dignity and composure." Mother repeats to me as she fastens the laces on the back of my dress. "Remember, even if you forget everything else, remember these three things."

"I will mother." I assure her with a small smile. I can feel that it doesn't reach my eyes but it's all I find that I can muster. She pauses, meeting my eyes for a beat before bringing my head down to plant a gentle kiss on my forehead.

There is a sad smile on her face when she pulls back. She fidgets with one of her many rings, looking like she's contemplating taking it off.

"Know that you are not forsaken." She states. On the surface it sounds like she is saying this with practised precision and purpose but the expression she is giving me is soft and filled with so much gentleness I feel an ache in my chest. "Know that you are loved. No matter how many lands stretch between us, across mountains, oceans and valleys, know that you are my daughter and I am with you... always."

I keep myself from blinking to keep the tears from falling. Mother's face is now resolute as she removes the ring she was fiddling with. She takes my left hand and slips it on to my pointing finger.

"Something to remind you of home." She whispers, pulling me into a hug which I return immediately.

We stay like that for a few moments before there is a small knock at the door.

"Yes." Mother calls out gently as we pull away.

Queen Samantha enters the room, followed closely by a set of ladies in waiting and Princess Gertrude. the queen pauses, looking over me with a bright smile.

"You look divine." She compliments genuinely, which actually manages to draw another small smile from me.

"Aye, the envy of every woman in the Northern Kingdoms." Gertrude adds on with a smirk. "The abject majesty of thine beauty would draw the eye of the very Sentinels of the Celestial Order themselves, for only magic that defies all our known laws of nature could produce something so mesmerizing."

"Gertrude!" Queen Samantha yells, equal parts exasperated and entertained.

I can't help it; I bark out a laugh that is anything but ladylike. Mother probably would have scolded me if she weren't desperately trying to supress her cackles… and failing gloriously. After a beat even Queen Samantha begins to chuckle a little bit and Gertrude's smirk grows even wider.

"It's time." Queen Samantha informs us.

I take in a deep breath. My heart hammers away in my chest but I keep my breathing stable. With a sad smile, Queen Samantha reaches out and places a comforting hand on my shoulder. The combination of this and my mother's comforting presence beside me and Gertrude's silent support helps me steel my nerves.

"I'm ready." I declare with a level of certainty I didn't know I had.

 Without another word, they escort me out of the room and down the hall. I feel each step I take send shockwaves up my body to my head and back down to my feet. We walk quietly until we reach the doors to the ceremony room.

"Poise, dignity and composure." I repeat to myself before one of the two guards at the door slowly pushes the doors open and I am assaulted by a cacophony of different colours and smells. Dozens upon dozens of people, a mixture of noble families from all across Illis and Kamrion and even a few from the other kingdoms sit in attendance.

At the very end, on the raised platform is the second in line to the throne himself, wielder of his family's ancestral sword, Arno, and my soon-to-be husband, Prince Finnian Northguard.

As the soft sound of harps and lutes begin to play I begin walking forwards, eyes straight ahead, not looking at anything or anyone in particular. But as I get closer, I can't help but clash eyes with the prince whose dark grey eyes look even darker today, like thunderclouds just before a storm breaks.

He looks rather dashing in his attire, formal robes with the characteristic gold and black of the Northguards, Arno hanging dutifully at his side. I step onto the platform, standing just opposite him as the music comes to a gentle halt. The officiator clears his throat before addressing the room.

"Let it be known that on this day not just the families of Northguard and Revena were joined, but also the kingdoms of Kamrion and Illis." He begins, standing between us. "By bounds of love and duty, may this union be strong."

Love… it seems like such an abstract concept at this particular point in time.

"By bounds of loyalty and fidelity, may this union be lasting." The dark clouds in the prince's eyes are dark but oddly calm. "And now I ask the prince and princess to join their hands, for the bounds of magic to be sealed."

With only a little hesitation I bring my hand up, palm facing forward as he does the same. Our hands meet in the centre, palms and fingers pressing against each other. He is still eerily calm about the whole affair considering how livid he was about it yesterday.

"And now, before themselves and before all those gathered here today, the prince and princess will speak the oaths to bind their houses and their magic." He announces and I let out a shallow breath, going through the oath in my head before we begin reciting them. I give Prince Finnian a small nod, it's customary for the husband to go first.

He releases a sigh and for the briefest of moments I can see the genuine anxiety in his eyes. He's hiding it quite well, but in that moment, I can see that it is taking everything he has to keep himself together.

"I, by my blood and my magic promise myself this day to this woman." He begins reciting the oaths. "I pledge my strength and my sword to protect you. I pledge my heart and soul to care for and cherish you.

I feel it, the subtle warmth of his magic radiating from his hand and wrapping around mine, the sensation sends a chill down my spine. It's an odd sensation but not altogether unpleasant.

"I will stand by you through the crumbling of mountains and drying of the seas." He continues after recovering from the magic of the oath beginning to take. "Through the falling of the skies and through the slow decay of time. Now and always."

His magic is now fully exposed to me and I know it is time for me to reciprocate to finish the union. I look up to him, hopefully matching his determined gaze.

"I, by my blood and my magic promise myself this day to this man." His eyes once again give away his apprehension but I press on. "I pledge my hands to be your support, my voice to be your guide. I pledge my heart and soul to care for and cherish you."

As the words leave my mouth, I feel my own magic spreading up from my core, down my arm to our joined hands. I sense him shiver as my magic latches onto his.

"Where your strength fails, I will add my own." I continue after taking my own second to recover. "Where your knowledge is lacking, I will add my own. I will stand by you through the collapsing of mountains and drying of the seas. Through the falling of the skies and through the slow decay of time. Now and always."

As I finish the oath our two magics start glowing between our hands. The lime green of my own magic spreads down his arm as his white magic spreads down mine. I try to pull away as I feel a burning sensation on my wrist but the bond keeps my hand firmly in place. From the wince on his face, it looks like he is going through something similar.

The burning goes on for another few moments before it subsides, leaving a soothing cool hum behind. At long last our magics release each other and I pull my hand back. Inspecting my hand, I see the source of the burn. Sealed into my own skin, the words 'By Blood and Magic' glow on my wrist in pure Eldian.

"And I present to you on this day Prince Finnian Kenric Arno Langris Northguard I and his wife Princess Luthera Adelaide Berenice Revena XII. Bound on this day by blood and magic."

I raise my marked arm to the crowd as Finnian does the same. A deafening cheer booms throughout the large room and I almost wince at the noise. The rest of the ceremony from the ceremony hall to the ballroom is a blur, nothing really of note happening until the time for the dance comes around. As is customary, the bride and husband perform the opening dance.

"May I have this dance, my lady?" Finnian offers me his hand with a small bow, all eyes in the ballroom on us.

"Of course, my prince." I reply, taking the offered hand and allowing him to guide me to the dance floor.

He bows to me as we reach the centre and I respond with a curtsey. He rests his hand on my waist while I rest mine on his shoulders, our other hands join and we fall into step as the music begins to play. He keeps step with me surprisingly well, gliding along the floor with just as much practiced ease as me.

"I didn't take you for much of a dancer, Prince Finnian." I comment as nonchalantly as I can. This is the first time we've truly spoken to each other since yesterday in the stables, I don't think exchanging our vows and the dance offer really count.

"Mother made sure I was educated in at least a few aspects of the court and etiquette." He replies smoothly. "I'm glad to see it wasn't for nothing."

"As am I."

We dance along in a few more beats of silence before he speaks up again.

"You know… since we are married now, I think it would make more sense if you just called me Finn." He points out, with just a hint of hesitation. To my annoyance, I still can't make out what he could possibly be thinking behind those grey eyes.

I raise a critical eyebrow, an olive branch? Well, I don't think I will allow myself to be so easily swayed… not this time. Staring at our joint hands and the glowing mark of union on our wrists, I make a decision then and there.

"You once asked me what I want, my prince." I finally say, putting extra emphasis on 'my prince, making him frown, the desired effect. "I admittedly don't know what I want in the long term but for now I want to know what you are thinking… at this very moment."

His eyes soften and for a brief moment I can see the surprise and intrigue behind them. To my surprise he actually smiles, an easy and polite smile.

"What I'm thinking at this very moment." He muses mostly to himself as he looks down at me, eyes still not revealing anything. He seems to consider it for a moment before his eyes widen slightly.

I am about to ask what the problem is before I feel it. There is a surge of panic that runs up my spine with so much force that Finnian has to steady me when my legs almost give out. Under my feet I feel the ground below me shaking. He opens his mouth to say something but my senses are suddenly assaulted by a huge wave of magic. Except this magic feels… wrong, unnatural.

Another wave of the unnatural magic hits my sense, this time closer, much too close for comfort. I feel it closing in as a sinister chill runs all the way down to my bones. Reacting on pure terror before the third and most likely final wave can hit, I grab Finnian's wrist and tug him towards me with all my strength.

"Down!" I yell as loud as I can just as the third wave of magic hits. I tugged Finnian with so much strength it sends us to the ground just as one of the walls explodes inwards, launching rubble across the entire ballroom.

It doesn't take long for the entire hall to descend into unrestrained panic as rubble continues flying, sending a few stragglers soaring. I look up just in time to see a sinister pain of yellow eyes belonging to what must be a truly massive creature hidden behind a thick mist.

Then came the roar that shook the entire castle. I clutch my ears which feels like it's the only thing keeping my head from exploding. The effect of the roar did more than just shake the castle though; the ceiling begins caving in as massive chunks of rubble begin falling towards us.

My breath catches in my throat as my body freezes. What do I do? My mind is completely frozen as I watch impending death about to descend upon everyone in the hall. That is until I feel a surge of magic next to me just before a barrier seemingly made of crystal forms above us, covering a considerable area.

Finnian…

He is reaching up, white magic dancing around his fingers, powering the crystal barrier. It's enough to protect us and about two dozen other guests. I dare a glance around the hall and see Kaius, Gertrude and King Reginald along with a select few other guests and knights projecting similar barriers. But I can still see bodies amongst the rubble, unmoving…

I don't have time to dwell on it as another roar shakes the hall once again, bringing down even more rubble. I hear Finnian strain next to me as the crystal barrier shakes but stays strong.

I throw my eyes back towards where I first saw the yellow eyes, finding them still here, just as menacing as the first time. It's surrounded by a thick unnatural fog making it impossible to actually see its body. I have to hold back a gag as my magic picks up the creature once again, that sick unnatural and wrong smell and taste assaulting my senses.

I straighten myself out, stretching out my magic fully towards the creature despite my innate reaction to retch. Normally, when I feel out a creature's magic it has a specific feel, sometimes smooth, sometimes rough but this… it doesn't have one. It's so many conflicting things at once and I can't make sense of it. Finally getting tired I put everything into one command.

"Show yourself." I shout.

The rumbling stops and the creature turns toward me. I feel it pushing relentlessly against my will but I grit my teeth and take a step forwards.

"I gave you a command!" I shout again, voice already feeling hoarse. "Show yourself."

It attempts to resist again but this time it ultimately loses the contest of wills and the eyes get closer through the hole in the structure. It is only when it pops its huge head in that I see that it is not mist surrounding the creature, it is steam. The steam settles after a few moments revealing the creature underneath.

If it can even be called that.

On its back are dozens of long spines with sharp tips, its sides and underbelly are lined a with yellow scales and frequently flicks out a forked tongue, tasting the air. If I am not mistaken, I believe I see gills along the side of its neck. It's taste in the air is now overpowering with repulsive magic and once again find myself struggling to find my footing. Fortunately, Finnian is there to help me stay on my feet with one hand, his other hand still holding up the debris above us.

The creature eyes me with slit yellow eyes. Whatever this… thing is, it's not normal… it's not right. There is only one word I can use to describe it, a word that escapes threw my lips in a hushed but sharp whisper.

"Abomination."