Chapter Fifteen.

"When I found Zev, I was coming from Sirion. I was summoned by the Founding Elements to take my dad's place as an elder and historian," Koa explained, adjusting on his glasses. Zev straightened up, concern in his eyes. "But you refused, right?" 

 Koa nodded, his expression serious. "Yes."

"Why? Wouldn't it be an honour to continue from where you father left off?" Sira asked, her face displaying worry.

Twila, who had been absorbed in her journal, closed it and sighed. "It would've been an honour, but also a grave insult to our parents."

Sira furrowed her brows, "A grave insult? How?"

Twila sighed and shared their painful truth. "Our parents didn't die mysteriously; they were murdered."

Koa raised three fingers, one by one, explaining the grim facts. "We don't know exactly how or who did it, but we know three facts. One, my father was the council's historian and had unlimited access to Elamenta's history." He put one finger down. "Two, he was among the elders who supported Queen Leysa's plea for peaceful coexistence between Rieti, humans and Elamenta."

Another finger went down. "And three, they were murdered the night before Rieti was annihilated." Koa dropped his hand.

Sira's eyes widened in shock. "They.....were murdered before my people were....."

"Yes," Twila added softly, "Back then, we were very young and Auntie Noemi had to raise us. But she fell sick and passed away years after." 

"When we found out that dad and mum were murdered. Everyone, especially Koa went ballistic. It hurt so much knowing we couldn't do anything about it " 

Sira empathised with them, "You can't blame yourselves. I'm sure you did everything you could."

Koa looked away, his guilt evident.

"She's right," Zev insisted. "You followed uncle Juan's footsteps and became a historian, Twila took over Auntie Selma's work too. You both protected and looked after the city. You can't beat yourself up over that. There was nothing else you could've done."

Koa's frustration boiled over as he slammed the table, making everyone jump. "That's a load of crap!"

The three stared at him with wide eyes.

Koa continued, his voice heavy. "There's always something I could've done! I could've avenged them, but I didn't, I was scared of what i would've found out."

He took a deep breath and sat down, his anger subsiding. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get angry. I just....they didn't deserve to die." 

Twila spoke, tears welling in her eyes. "None of them did. But we're not scared anymore," 

She turned to Sira. "We don't want their spirits to bear hatred too. We want them to rest in peace."

Sira nodded, understandingly.

Koa wiped his eyes and cleared his throat, "Anyway, I don't trust the council. They have deep, dark secrets, and I want to uncover every single one of them."

 "But since I declined their proposal, I won't be able to find them out. That's okay, though. I want to find out on my own terms." Koa said, clenching his fists. "Even if I accepted their proposal, they definitely would've hidden the secrets dad found out."

Twila said to Sira, "Your vow showed us that we can't just sit and watch while the Founding Elements' toy with our lives. Together, we can certainly challenge the council."

Sira expressed her concern, "But, you'll be playing with fire, and one day, someone will get burned. I don't want it to be any of you." 

"I represent the excruciatingly raging souls of the spirits of my people. My vow might cost me my life, but It's a price I'm willing to pay." she continued, her brows furrowed.

"It's a dangerous path, I don't think you can-" 

Koa raised his hand to silence her. "Sira, I understand your concern, and I'm really thankful, but I have made up my mind." 

Sira stood up, her voice rising, "No, I dont think you understand, I have lost.... everything. My people, Neith. I never even got to experience Rieti, my own homeland." 

She dug her nails into her palm, imploring. "You guys are my first real friends. I can't lose anyone else. Please, just listen." 

Twila stood up and held Sira's hand. "Sira, I-"

"Please, I don't want to see anyone get hurt." Sira said 

Koa sighed and exchanged a nod with Zev. "I appreciate you looking out for us, but Sira, we're elementals. Twila and I spent most of our lives learning under accomplished knights." 

Zev added, "I have raw strength and I'm a strong elemental too. Don't underestimate us because of our status."

Koa continued reassuringly, "I can tell you're strong too, not just because you were raised by Neith, but because of the determination in your eyes." 

 Zev chimed in, "We might not hurt the same way but we want the same thing, and the same people planted this hurt inside us. It'll be fine. You won't be alone. We'll look out for each other." 

Sira sank to her seat.

Twila gently rubbed her back, "Look, I get why you're hesitant. But we need you, and deep down, you need us too. You know it's true, which is why you're scared to admit it. It's scary, huh? Facing your fears." 

Sira remained silent, struggling with her emotions. 

"We can't change the past, Sira." Twila continued, "The truth is, the more we run from it, the more it haunts us. We have to confront it."

Koa stood up and spoke with conviction, "Sira, don't you wanna see the Founding Elements' fall?

Sira blurted out, her eyes clouded with painful memories. "I do. It's just.....it's hard. I don't want to ever feel that agony i felt when Neith died. Ever."

Koa leaned in, determined. "Then help us. We'll uncover the truth and destroy the council."

Sira pondered this, wrestling with her fears.

Zev, with a reassuring smile, said. "We also want justice for Neith and for Rieti." 

Twila added, "Remember what Koa said at dinner? If you ever need a friend, the Alvarez's will be there for you." 

Sira nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "Okay, okay. Okay"

Twila's face lit up with a smile. "That's the spirit!"

"But if any of you die, I'll bring you back and kill you." Sira warned, brows furrowed.

The siblings laughed, "Noted."

Twila hugged Sira, tightly. "I'm so glad."

As the group shared a warm moment, Koa checked the time, it was 10:36 pm. 

"Do you guys wanna spend the night here or in your rooms?" he asked. 

Zev and Sira answered in unison. "Here!" 

Twila, picking up her journal, chimed in, "Here it is, then."

"Twi, do you plan to fill that journal of yours with everything about Sira?" Zev asked with a grin.

"Of course, are you kidding? She's an enigma," Twila said, her eyes shining.

"Speaking of enigmas, Sira, have you ever tired to heal someone other than yourself before?" Koa asked, sitting beside Zev.

Sira frowned. "Yeah, I've practiced with Neith. Why?"

Koa sat upright, "It takes a lot of your energy and concentration. Explain how it works?" 

Sira started pacing, explaining, "When healing, minor wounds don't drain me at all and they heal instantly. Moderate injuries, like deeper cuts and broken bones, take more energy and time. "

"Severe wounds like gashes or shattered bones, require even more time and effort. It can be so exhausting that I could even faint." 

The siblings listened intently, and Twila kept jotting down notes while Zev watched her write. 

Koa continued probing, "How many people can you heal?

Sira replied. "At my current level, I can heal three people, including myself, with moderate injuries without feeling drained. Minor wounds are easier to handle, so I can heal many of them."

"But when I heal others, they often experience more pain during the process because their bodies aren't used to healing themselves."

Twila kept giggling, gasping and chuckling as she kept on writing. Koa clearly impressed, asked. "So, what about blood manipulation, like siphoning off someone's energy or life force?" 

Sira's face grew serious, "Yes, I can do that. But it's a delicate process. If I'm not careful, it can have severe negative effects on me." 

Zev, with eagerness, asked, "Wait, since you can sense emotions, does that mean you can manipulate them?" 

Sira explained, "Yeah, I can sense other's fear, sadness, or anger. And I can influence people's emotions too, calming them down or intensifying their feelings. Like i did with the landstrider at the market."

Twila squealed as she scribbled furiously. 

Koa pondered, "I see why the Founding Elements consider blood elementals a threat. They're incredibly powerful." 

Sira nodded, "It's true. Neith once told me, our magic is both a gift and a curse." 

Zev whispered to Twila, then they shared a nod, before turning to Sira.

"Could you heal the scars on my back, please?" Zev asked. 

"Yeah, could you?" Twila asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Sira teased, shielding her eyes from Twila's gaze. "Not those eyes again, Twila."

Twila playfully pouted.

Sira rolled her eyes with a chuckle. " Fine, come here, let's see what I can do." Twila squealed and Zev removed his shirt, revealing the gruesome scars crisscrossing his back. Koa cleared the table and Zev lay down. 

Sira gently placed her hand on Zev's back, tracing the scars. "These must've been really painful." she observed.

Zev flinched a bit, his voice low. "It was."

Sira took a deep breath, her hand radiating a soft red glow. She gently touched Zev's back, her fingers following the path of his first scar. Zev couldn't help but shiver as her touch sent a wave of pain through him, making him wince. 

"It's gonna burn a bit," Sira apologized.

"It's okay," he replied..

Sira's magic flowed from her hand into Zev's injured skin, creating a sensation of heat and pressure enveloped the scars. Zev winced once more, the pain evident on his face, but he didn't object.

Sira concentrated, her brows furrowing, as her other hand guided the magic with precision. Slowly, the scars began to transform. The damaged tissue started regenerating, and the skin began to heal, but Zev's skin was sensitive. 

Zev tensed and let out a groan. "Aargh!" 

Sira immediately stopped. "I'm sorry, are you okay?"

Zev took a deep breath. "I'm fine. Just keep going."

"It's okay, if it's too much, you can stop," Twila reassured, patting his head.

"Yeah, suck it up, man." Koa added, by Twila.

Zev grinned, "Shut up."

Sira continued her work. Beads of sweat formed on Zev's forehead, and he gripped the edge of the table tightly. 

After some time, the scars gradually faded away, replaced by smooth, unblemished skin. Zev slowly stood up and took a seat, catching his breath.

"Whoa, that was intense," Koa exclaimed, amazed.

"How do you feel, Zev?" Twila asked, adjusting her glasses as she closely examined his back.

"I feel good, really good. I mean, it was painful, but I'm good."

Koa turned to Sira. "How about you?" 

"I'm perfectly fine, this was nothing." Sira replied with a smile. "Zev's gonna need to rest for a while, though." 

******

In Elamenta, Sirion stretched as the farthest region, painting the sky with mesmerizing swirls of oranges and deep purples. The sun's warm, golden glow created an otherworldly atmosphere. Bell Lake split Sirion, adorned with vibrant red bells that hung from slender stems, creating a gentle symphony in the breeze.

Surrounding Bell Lake, lush trees donned fiery red and orange leaves, embracing the city and the grand capital known as the Phoenix Citadel. This towering castle was home to charming fairy dragons, their cheerful chattering filling the air as they danced. Nearby woods held mushroom folks and fairies in red-dotted attire, adding enchantment to the surroundings.

Oasis sanctuaries teemed with koi of various hues and tranquil blue and red half-moons. Majestic white peacocks flaunted their crimson tails with pride, while in the woods, foxes with two tails and dotted deer moved with grace, adorned with delicate flowers on their large horns.

High above the Citadel's towering spires, a colossal and ancient phoenix with its magnificent golden and fiery red feathers, and immense black talons, reigned supreme. Its powerful screech echoed through the air as it spread its enormous wings, creating a breathtaking gust of wind that swayed the trees and ruffled the lake's waters.

Princess Arane leaned out of her tower window, shouting at the majestic bird, "Illume, stop flapping and come in. You're going to upset daddy!" She shielded her ears from the deafening sound of Illume's wings. His amber eyes, tinged with red, narrowed as he gazed down at her. Slowly, he ceased his flapping and transformed into a smaller phoenix, about the size of a parrot, before entering Arane's room. He perched on her shoulder, a fierce glare fixed on her. 

Arane, with an eye roll, walked over to her bed and gently placed Illume in his cage beside it. She then settled before her mirror, brushing her long copper hair, which had striking bangs that covered an eye and fiery red streaks. Arane was the youngest daughter of Emperor Bayle and Empress Margaux, with pale skin, tired amber eyes, and a slightly curvy 5 feet 8-inch frame. She was adorned in a royal golden silk gown with delicate straps. 

She scolded Illume, "I don't know what possessed you to do that. Are you trying to get me into trouble with daddy? He forbade me from letting you out, remember? Do you want us to get grounded?"

Illume replied with a caw. 

Arane continued, "Yeah, can't say much now that you're small, can you?" She dropped her comb. 

"Arane, It's time for dinner. Come down and eat, child," a voice called from outside her door.

"Yes, mummy," Arane replied, sighing and grumbling. "Time to interact with the family, yay," she added sarcastically as she opened her door. 

Empress Margaux inquired, "Did you say something, Arane?" leaning forward with a raised brow.

Arane responded, "It's nothing, mummy. "

"Well, alright then." Empress Margaux said. 

As Arane descended the winding tower stairs, flanked by two royal guards, she forced a small, shy smile, avoiding eye contact with her mother. Passing by several servants who bowed and greeted her, Empress Margaux paid them no attention. 

Margaux's flat tone cut through the silence, "Your father's displeased with you, Arane. You let Illume out again." 

Arane tried to explain, her voice quivering, "I know, but it was just for a little bit. Will you explain to him? I'll try not to let him out again." 

Empress Margaux sighed, "I've tried, child. I'm afraid this time, your father will not let it slide. You've disobeyed his orders."

"Yes, mummy."

Arane let out a heavy sigh, her gaze fixed on her own feet. The relationship with her family, especially her father, was strained. Her father's obsession with power overshadowed his love for his family. He imposed strict rules on Arane, who was born with the remarkable gift of the Flaming Phoenix. However, ever since her bond with the creature, she couldn't tap into Illume's inner magic; she could only command him to transform or communicate. 

Oddly, this limitation was a blessing. The emperor aimed to use her gift for his own gain, and Arane vehemently opposed this idea. She refused to be turned into a weapon, and she was determined to protect Illume from the same fate. Due to her gift, her father restricted her freedom, allowing her leave the citadel only on rare family occasions. Arane had made two escape attempts, but both had ended in failure. To prevent any further attempts, her father had her confined in a tower, watched over by guards. It was difficult not to hate a man like him. 

"I will not bear the consequences for your silly choices," the empress declared, walking away without a backward glance. Her focus remained on the path ahead, leaving Arane sighing heavily.

As they reached the dining room, Arane's twin sisters, Isla and Arla, came into view. The two were identical, save for Isla's twin tails and Arla's long ponytail. Their synchronized fire elemental magic had earned them the nickname "Gemini twins." All three sisters wore matching attire. 

"Oh, look who decided to finally join us," Isla and Arla chimed in unison as they noticed Arane's arrival.

"Why are you late, huh?" Isla questioned, her tone sharp.

"Were you busy playing with your little birdie again?," Arla teased.

Arane defended, "He's not a little birdie. He's more powerful than you think. Illume just needs to unlock his inner magic." 

"Aw, is that what you tell yourself to ease your aching conscience? So you can sleep at night?" Isla mocked.

Empress Margaux intervened, raising her voice. "That's enough! Take your seats and get ready to eat." 

In unison, the three sisters responded, "Yes, mummy."

The servants pulled out their chairs, and Arane quietly took her place beside her father, who was adorned in his majestic crimson robe. His stern countenance, his lips pressed together in a thin line, revealed his disapproval. As the food arrived, his penetrating gaze bore into Arane, and she dared not meet his eyes. 

"I see you let Illume out again," her father remarked in a frustrated tone.

"Y-yes, daddy," Arane stammered, her words trembling. 

His eyes never left her, as he questioned, "Why do you persist in disobeying me, even after all the things I've forbidden you from?" 

"I-I'm sorry, daddy." Arane mumbled, her head bowed, painfully aware of the twins stifling giggles, adding to her humiliation. 

"Apologizing is pathetic. I do not wish to hear your pet's voice again. Do you understand?" His voice remained firm, his disappointment palpable. 

"Yes, daddy. It won't happen again," Arane whispered. 

"See that it doesn't. Now eat." Emperor Bayle ordered. 

"Yes, daddy." she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. 

With a nod from the emperor, they began their meal. The only sounds that filled the room were the clinking of cutlery and the soft sounds of chewing. The tension in the air made the silence even more unbearable. 

Abruptly, the chamberlain entered the room and respectfully interrupted, "Your Imperial Majesty, I beg your pardon for this intrusion. The members of the Founding Elements urgently request an audience with you. Should I ask them to wait, or would you prefer to receive them at your earliest convenience?"

Bayle's perplexed response was laced with irritation, "The members of the Founding Elements? Now?" 

The chamberlain confirmed, "Yes, your Imperial Majesty," 

The emperor sighed and reluctantly declared, "Very well, I'll be with them shortly," 

The chamberlain left, leaving the children with questions. Isla's curiosity got the better of her as she inquired.

"Why are they here, daddy?" 

Emperor Bayle response hinted at the impending tension. "Those pests are probably here to discuss the appointments of new Silver Wolves." 

Encouraged by this revelation, Arla seized the opportunity, "Daddy, can Isla and I be appointed? We are stronger than those assassins, after all," 

Bayle's pause was pregnant with possibilities. His eyes lingered on the twins, and he remarked, "Actually, that is an interesting idea."

Arane couldn't hold back her disbelief, "You have got to be kidding," she blurted.

Her father's stern gaze turned towards her, and he hissed, "Silence, Arane." 

"Sorry, daddy." she muttered a quick apology. 

As her father left the dining room, he assured, "You'll get good news soon, my darlings," 

With gratitude, the twins chimed in, "Thank you, daddy," They exchanged triumphant looks, then gave Arane smug grins. Arane rolled her eyes before returning to her meal, her mind a whirlwind of questions and concerns.