XXIII

RAVENHOLD'S LAKE BASE

Behind him, Aden tossed the book onto a towering pile, the cover slamming shut with a final thud. He rose from the massive desk and began to pace, muttering obscenities under his breath as his mind raced. The office was plainly furnished, but beyond the chaos of his desk, bookcases lining the walls brimmed with literature of every description. It was the antithesis of the exquisite order that defined Reya's office in Everwood. Early morning sunshine poured through the large bay windows, striking the shimmering, crystalline walls and bathing the room in a lavender hue. The windows overlooked Lake Verna, which mirrored the same infuriating color. He would have gladly accepted a post in desolate Daincrest just to escape the relentless torment of purple walls, floors, draperies, carpets, and doors.

But at the moment, the color of the walls was the least of his concerns. He had spent the entire night poring over his collection of ancient tomes, searching for any mention of the legendary Wardens or the Sacred Beasts of Mynora. Unfortunately, his resources in this remote outpost were limited. The most pertinent literature had been housed in the Sovereign Palace library, now a ruin thanks to Kael.

Since the Princess's hurried and unexpected arrival the previous evening, Aden had been frantically researching their predicament. He hoped to be of some use to the Fated when they arrived. Among Mages whose powers dwarfed his own elemental knowledge, he felt all but useless in a fight. Aden stopped pacing and reached into his pocket for his telesphere, intent on trying Reya one more time. Worry gnawed at him; he'd had no confirmation that they had survived the night. In truth, he had been worried for all of them since leaving Everwood a month ago, but his concern for Reya was a constant, aching presence. His duties as Base Commander of Ravenhold had called him away, despite his longing to stay and rekindle what they once had.

The door flew open, and a high-pitched screech shattered his reverie. Before he could fully turn, he was tackled by a small girl of about twelve, her brilliant orange hair a perfect match for his own.

"ADEN! GOOD MORNING!" the girl shrieked, bounding away from him with a broad, infectious grin.

A chuckle escaped him, but he quickly shushed her. "Anya, it's good to see you in such high spirits, but must you wake the entire base?"

Anya crossed her arms, wrinkling her nose in a huff. "So what if I do? When you're here, I can do whatever I want."

Aden ruffled her short hair, earning a playful swat and a mock frown. A loud meow drew their attention to the doorway, where a small black cat sat observing them with an air of feline dignity. Anya shrieked with delight and darted to the cat, snatching it into her arms. Aden flinched in surprise. "Look, big brother! I made a new friend while you were gone! Her name is Viola—because of her eyes, see?"

Anya giggled at his reaction as Aden walked around his desk and sat, folding his hands before him. "Anya, I don't think Viola can stay here with us, sweetie."

Anya slumped into the chair across from him, her expression turning into a scowl. "Why not?"

Aden flinched at her direct, incisive question—and for good reason. "Because... well, Sentinel bases aren't suitable homes for cats. Where did you find her, anyway?"

Deeply offended on the cat's behalf, Anya huffed and shot to her feet. "Her! Where did I find her!"

Aden sighed, a weak smile touching his lips. Amusement warred with a flicker of annoyance in his tone. "Yes, where did you find Viola?" The Base Commander of Ravenhold, the Master of the Elements, and here he was, bickering with his little sister like any other man.

Anya deftly changed the subject. "I found her by the lake, in some strange ruins I hadn't seen before. You should come see them sometime! They're really neat!"

Aden laughed at her transparent maneuver. "Of course. We'll go down there later today. We'll bring Viola along, since she's a member of the family now."

Anya squealed, ran around the desk, and unceremoniously deposited the black cat into her brother's lap before breaking into a joyful dance. Aden laughed, stroking the purring kitten. His head snapped up at the sound of a delicate throat clearing in the doorway. It was the Princess herself. Anya froze, her eyes wide. Aden gently set the cat down, rose to his feet, and offered a polite bow. The Princess acknowledged him with a nod and swept into the office. Anya managed a quick, clumsy curtsy, a grin still plastered on her face.

"Aden," she began, her voice calm and measured, "forgive the interruption. I have just had a vision of Kiro and the others. They survived last night's battle—all of them, including Kael and the Half-Elf, Haken. It appears they are making their way here. I thought you should be informed."

Aden bowed again. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will ensure we are prepared for their arrival."

The Princess's gaze lingered on Anya, who fidgeted under the scrutiny. "Also," the Princess added, her tone hardening almost imperceptibly, "Everwood has fallen. I suspect the Dragon was instrumental in its destruction. I will expect you in my chambers later today to discuss this with the advisors. Good day, Aden. Anya."

And with that, she was gone, leaving before either sibling could form a response. Anya scooped Viola back into her arms, scratching behind the cat's ears. "Wow! When did the Princess get here, Aden?"

A wave of relief that the others were alive washed over him, but it was quickly followed by a distressed expression. "Late last night," he said, his voice heavy. "The Arakians attacked Everwood. It seems they... destroyed it." A profound sadness settled over him. He lamented the fall of Everwood, the base he had commanded shortly after being named Master of the Elements. He could only imagine how Reya was taking the loss of her cherished home.

Anya studied her brother's face for a moment before a smirk played on her lips. She walked to the door, knowing he was vulnerable when lost in thought. "Worried about Reya?" she teased.

Aden nodded, sinking back into his chair and resting his chin in his hands.

"Excited that she's coming so you can win her back, marry her, and live happily ever after with me and Viola and all your babies?"

Aden jolted from his reverie, leaping to his feet. "Hey, you little menace, you better watch it!"

Anya squealed with laughter and bolted from the room, Aden's mock-angry roar echoing behind her. If her shrieks hadn't already woken the base, his certainly would.