Fracture
It's been a few days. That's all it took.
The Veil answered me now.
I still came out with shaky legs and strain, but it was not like before. It was not as tearing as it used to be.
Doya had told me it would stop. And it actually did.
I began practicing taking others with me. I started with Kumbuye, then tried taking both him and Doya. The Veil fought back harder when I carried them. Alone was easy. With them, it felt like I was tearing myself open again.
I had also tried longer distances. The more I asked of the Veil, the harder it pushed back, but I didn't stop. Doya had told me it had taken him months to reach this level of control, but I had done it in days. That alone should have scared me more than it did.
Ever since I bonded with the Cranium, something had changed. My power responded faster. I was elated at the idea that I no longer had to beg for my power to be released.
Now, we were ready to move to Thyr Vael. Doya gathered his things, and Kumbuye prepared for the crossing as well.
I steadied my mind and thought of the calm of the Temple and the order of the Sanctum. The memory guided me as I prepared to step through.
Doya and Kumbuye connected their hands with mine. A very painful tug ran through me as I summoned the Veil.
The distance was way longer than I had ever pushed the Veil before. My body screamed against the strain, every muscle was aching, but I held on. I moved, dragging them through with me, keeping my focus solely on arriving at the Temple.
When we landed, I dropped on my knees, Doya and Kumbuye remained standing. The chill of the north was gone. I hadn't even looked up but the warmness I felt on my skin told me we made it.
"You did it!" Kumbuye shouted, lifting me up and pulling me into a tight hug.
I was too tired to return it.
Doya's expression was different. He was proud of me, yes, but there was something else there — fear, worry — I couldn't place it.
My eyes finally looked around the place and we were at the Sanctum Grounds.
Thank the heavens.
From the far side of the grounds, a few Novitiates who had seen our arrival hurried toward us.
"Sacuum Rael," one of them greeted, bowing low.
"Sacuum Nolar," Doya and I replied together.
"Please... take us to Ascend Kaelric," I said.
We were led to a waiting chamber.
We stayed there only a short while before the doors opened.
Ascend Kaelric entered.
All three of us rose immediately.
"Welcome, Great Guardian. Kumbuye. Doya." His voice carried that familiar weight of authority.
His gaze rested on me first, then it shifted to Doya, staring at him like he was disappointed, then his eyes returned to me, replacing that disappointed look with a smile.
"Thank you," I said. "I have acquired the Cranium." I reached into my bag and drew it out. "Malvorin instructed me to return here."
"This is... remarkable news, Dana," he said as he stepped closer. "The Cranium must remain within the Sanctum," he continued. "It will be placed under reinforced warding until we determine the next course of action."
"Next course of action?" Doya asked carefully.
Kaelric's eyes moved between us.
"There are... complications."
"Complications?" I asked.
Kaelric clasped his hands behind his back. "Since the attack, we have gone over the Temple's defences in full."
"Okay..." I said impatiently.
"The outer barriers were not shattered," he went on. "They were altered."
"Altered?" I repeated.
"From within. The Temple gates were unlocked through authorised channels. Patrol routes were tampered with hours before the attack. Internal sigils were weakened to grant them access."
"Wh—I don't understand." I muttered.
"That is not the work of the Forsaken forcing entry," Kaelric said quietly. "It is the work of someone who understands our structure."
"What does that mean?" Doya asked.
"We believe," Kaelric continued, "that the corruption lies within our own ranks."
"Among the Bound?" I asked.
"Yes."
"No... that can't be." Doya whispered.
"We do not yet know who. But the pattern is clear. The Ascend have been informed," Kaelric added. "Suspicion is being handled quietly. We will not allow panic to fracture the Temple further."
My gaze dropped briefly to the Cranium in my hands.
"And now," Kaelric continued, "with this returned... " he sighed heavily, "trust no one."
---
I was directed to the room prepared for me, to freshen up and rest. The weight of everything Ascend Kaelric had shared pressed at my thoughts. The Cranium sat in its place under lock and key, with guards stationed on all corners.
Kaelric had not officially informed the other Bound of my arrival. Some may have heard from the Novitiates who saw us, but there had been no formal announcement. He told me there would be a gathering tomorrow, though he withheld the reason for the gathering.
After coming out of the bath chamber, I wrapped a linen around myself to dry off. A soft knock came at the door.
"Come in," I called.
An attendant entered with a tray of food and placed it on the table close to the bed.
"Thank you," I said. She bowed and stepped out, locking the door behind her.
My gaze turned to the mirror. The woman staring back at me looked different. I had grown so much since first entering the Labyrinth. My hand reached for the emerald necklace resting on my chest, and a small smile crossed my lips. The necklace was a reminder of the life I had left behind.
My stomach growled. I reached for the food, lifting the stainless lid to reveal a carefully arranged meal: roasted venison with buttered roots and manchet bread. Beside the tray, a slender silverware held a dark, rich wine and a cup was placed next to it.
I poured a small amount of wine into the cup, then took a slow sip. The grape fruit taste slid down my tongue, drawing a quiet "mmh" from my lips. Then I followed with water.
I sat on the chair and ate in silence. For the first time in so long, I felt relaxed and warm.
By the time I set the tray aside, my eyelids were heavy. It wasn't night yet, but the soft bedding before me, and the knowledge that I was finally somewhere secure pulled me under.
I reached for the long, silk, white gown that had been laid out on the bed for me. The fabric was soft and cool against my skin. I lay back, sinking into the mattress. Thoughts of the Cranium, the Forsaken, Balshak, everything... drifted like fog. Sleep claimed me fully, deeper than I had known in months. When I woke up, it was already the next day. The sunlight seeping through the window woke me.
A knock echoed through the room, followed by the soft click of the door.
"Dana? Are you awake?" a gentle voice called.
I turned toward it and she stepped inside, carrying a small tray of tea and fresh bread, with a smile on her face.
"Good morning," she said, walking toward the table.
"Lysara," I murmured, rubbing the last traces of sleep from my eyes.
She kept the smile on her face, tilting her head as she looked at me. "You've slept well, I hope?"
"It's been so long," I whispered, my eyes dancing with joy. "Oh, how I've missed you."
She placed the tray carefully on the table, the aroma of bread and herbal tea filled the room. "I missed you too." She walked closer and sat on the edge of my bed. "You look... different."
"Different?" I laughed.
"Indeed, but in a good way," she replied.
I sat up and gave her a hug. She hugged me back tightly. I needed that hug more than I realized.
After we pulled away, she stood, smoothing her gown and gently brought the tea before me. "Here, drink this first."
I took a sip, and leaned back slightly, comforted. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," she said, walking to the window to raise the blinds. "There's a gathering today. You'll need to prepare."
"Will you be attending?" I asked, glancing at her.
"No," she replied. "Novitiates aren't allowed in many of these meetings, remember? They're reserved for the higher ranks."
I noticed the way her eyes held a hint of sadness, as if she wished things were different.
"I'll fetch your dress and help you look presentable," she chirped. "I'll be back shortly."
Before she left, "please call an attendant to draw me a bath." I said.
"Will do."
After a while, the attendants brought steaming water and filled the tub. Then they left.
I bathed, and came out wrapped in linen.
I ate a slice of bread while waiting.
Then Lysara returned, carrying a folded gown in one arm and a pair of black, short heeled shoes to match.
"Here we go," she said with a soft smile. "Let's get you ready."
I slipped out of my linen and took the gown from her. It was a thick, flowing green dress, the fabric was heavy and flowers were embroidered along the hem. The sleeves puffed at the shoulders and the bodice was pressed at my bosom, making it pop out.
"This... doesn't look decent." I mumbled laughing.
"No it doesn't." Lysara joined in the laughter.
I reached for my breasts and pressed them up. "I like it though." I smiled.
"Suits you," she said, smoothing the fabric along my shoulders. "Now your hair."
She brushed, and braided, then used an ornate hairpin to hold my hair up.
She applied a light dusting of pale powder to my face, then brushed a faint rose tint across my cheeks, blending it softly into my skin.
When she finally stepped back, I looked at myself in the mirror. The dress framed me perfectly, complementing my emerald eyes and necklace, my hair was neat and elegant.
"We're ready," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips.
Before leaving, I dabbed a trace of floral perfume at my wrists and throat.
She led me through the corridors toward the Great Hall where the gathering was to be held. As I stepped inside, the conversation died down almost immediately. All eyes fell on me.
The High Bound were already present. The Bound stood along the sides of the hall. The Ascend had not yet arrived.
The hall looked different from what I remembered. Time away from a place really changes how you see it. A dock stood at the centre of the hall, positioned directly before the Ascend thrones.
I scanned the room in search of Doya, but he was nowhere in sight.
A Bound approached with a respectful nod. Without a word, he gestured for me to follow and led me to a seat reserved at the front, very close to the Ascend thrones but not among them. Close enough to be seen though.
I walked there carefully, aware of all the eyes trailing my every step, and took my seat.
The side doors beside the thrones opened, and the Ascend entered orderly. One by one, they took their seats on the elevated chairs.
Then Ascend Seraphine spoke:
"Sacuum Rael, Bound of this Sanctum."
The hall responded, "Sacuum Nolar."
"We are gathered today to address a matter of importance," she began, speaking with authority. "A certain High Bound has neglected the sacred order of the Sanctum."
A ripple moved through the hall.
"Leaving his duties behind," she continued evenly, "and pursuing a quest not intended for him."
The muttering increased, filled with disbelief and accusation.
Ascend Seraphine's palm struck the table before her, ordering silence among the Bound.
The hall went still instantly.
"This High Bound shall stand trial before this assembly," she proclaimed, her eyes moving across the ranks, "and should he be found guilty, the price of his defiance shall be exacted in full."
A chill crept up my spine. The dock at the centre of the hall was actually for judgement. And just before I could think any further—
"High Bound Doya!"
My heart skipped.
The great doors at the entrance of the hall groaned as they opened. Every head turned.
Doya stepped inside.
My pulse thundered in my ears. My eyes were wide in shock.
When he reached the centre, he lifted his head, and his eyes found mine.
For a brief moment, everything else disappeared, there was only that look. Then he swept his gaze away and stepped onto the dock.
My breath caught.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
The sight shattered me.
My fingers curled into the fabric of my dress. This was wrong. It had to be wrong. He had left his duties, yes. But I knew him. Doya did nothing without reason. He didn't look afraid or defiant. He looked like he expected this to happen.
---
Author's note:
*A visual reference for Dana, now grown (below)*