Chapter Sixteen.

Emperor Bayle strode purposefully into the council room, a commanding figure at seven feet tall, his copper hair neatly stayed and his cold, amber eyes in stark contrast to his fair complexion. He donned a regal red robe adorned with intricate gold patterns, and a fiery red crown. levitated above his head as he moved. 

The council room, a vast space with a circular table at its center, was flanked by four chairs. Emperor Luke, Empress Lorelai and Avena occupied three of them, each dressed in their distinctive attire, displaying their respective affinities. Emperor Bayle sighed as he made his way to his seat, gesturing to the guards to close the imposing double doors behind him. 

"Let's begin," Emperor Bayle declared, resting his chin on his hand. However, his fellow rulers didn't hide their displeasure. 

Emperor Luke wasted no time in voicing his irritation, "Shouldn't you apologize for keeping us waiting? We are not your subordinate." 

Empress Lorelai added, "We have critical matters to address, and your tardiness is a blatant disregard of our time." 

Emperor Bayle responded with a smug grin, "It appears you've been using your precious time to complain instead of focusing on the issues at hand. Perhaps you owe us an apology?" he countered.

Empress Avena interjected, "Enough, all of you. Let's get to the matter at hand. This room is beginning to reek of ego." 

Bayle conceded with a chuckle. "Very well, let's move on. I'll start." 

Clearing his throat, he continued, "I had a meeting with Elder Juan's son, Koa Alvarez, regarding his father's replacement as the council's historian, but he declined." 

Emperor Luke, showing little surprise, commented, "Given the circumstances surrounding his family, it's not shocking that he declined. We should consider other historians for the role." 

Bayle pondered Luke's words, tapping his cheek, "Hmmm.....You assume that with Juan gone, the threat has disappeared entirely?" 

Luke crossed his arms, asserting, "I'm suggesting that we have more pressing matters. If Koa is unwilling to serve, we shouldn't force the issue." 

Bayle countered, "Oh, but he is a pressing issue himself. His father knew too much, which led to his demise. Koa is following in his father's footsteps and is the sole custodian of their family's historical secrets." 

"Our attempts to destroy lingering threats remain futile. Having Koa serve us, increases our chances of eliminating these threats." he finished.

Empress Avena inquired, "By 'lingering threats,' you mean any information about Vek'ran and The Ancients?"

Bayle retorted with a smirk, "I believe I've made myself clear." Avena raised her hand to halt Emperor Luke's rising objection. 

"Very well," Avena concluded, "Just remember that our inability to handle a mere historian could endanger us all." 

Bayle then turned his attention to Empress Lorelai, asking, "And what matters do you wish to discuss, Lorelai?"

Emperor Luke couldn't hold back his anger any longer. "How can you stay so calm when there's a Rieti girl still alive in Elamenta? She and that barbaric Neith cost us our finest Silver Wolves. Our top priority should be getting rid or them."

Emperor Bayle let out a weary sigh. "I know it's 

difficult for you to comprehend, but you should remember the saying 'ladies first' "

Luke shit back, "Coming from you, that's rich."

 Bayle's eyes narrowed, and his crown's tips flared as he snarled. Empress Lorelai sighed, chiming in, "If the guild can't kill one girl, we might as well disband them. They're a disgrace to us." 

Empress Avena nodded in agreement, "A shameful blemish. We should either disband the guild or appoint more capable assassins."

Bayle presented a proposal. "Hold that thought ladies. How about disbanding the guild and replacing them with our own children as the new Silver Wolves? Together, they're more powerful than the entire guild, hm?" 

The other rulers pondered this idea. Avena was the first to speak, "It sounds like a solid plan," 

Luke begrudgingly admitted, "That's fair, even though I hate to admit it." 

Lorelai concurred, "I have no objections." 

Bayle was pleased. "Excellent, it's settled." But Luke had a concern, "What if our children don't agree?" 

Lorelai looked at him, "They are our successors; they need to start leading from somewhere." 

Bayle agreed, "Besides, they can handle the Rieti situation that worries Luke." 

Emperor Luke glared at him. "If you're not going to take this seriously, we'll be ending the meeting here,"

"You're in my fortress, I'd like to see you end this meeting yourself," Bayle declared with a stern expression and a defiant smirk.

Annoyed, Luke glanced away. 

Empress Avena changed the subject, "The appointment ceremony will be at night on Flagus Island's White Shore." 

Lorelai took charge, "I'll send invites to important guests," 

Luke had an idea for the disbanded guild, "I'd like to propose something. After disbanding them, you should let me have them." 

 Bayle raised an eyebrow. "And why would I do that?"

Luke explained, "I'd like to experiment on their powers and abilities to strengthen Tirion's armies." 

Bayle snorted, leaning back, "Oh? Why can't you strengthen your armies with those golems you earth people create?" 

Luke clarified, "Golems are useful in the long term, but we need quick results for our current situation." 

Bayle conceded, "Hmph, do as you like," 

The Founding Elements continued their discussions on other, less important matters.

****

After the meeting, the other rulers left for their homes, leaving Emperor Bayle to head to the grand throne room located in the Phoenix Citadel. In the center of the room were five magnificent thrones. The biggest one sat in the middle, flanked by a medium sized throne on one side and three smaller ones on the other. Above then all, a stunning mural depicted a flaming phoenix with a crown hovering above its head. 

The throne room was a dazzling display of wealth, with golden accents, intricate frescoes, and a lavish rug adorned with detailed golden leading up to the thrones. Elaborate chandeliers, glowing lava lamps, and heraldic banners bathed the in a tight regal light. 

Emperor Bayle sank into his throne with an exhausted sigh. "Dealing with those pests really tires me the fuck out," he grumbled, resting his cheek on his hand. The cupbearer standing nearby held her tray higher for the emperor. He accepted a goblet of wine and took a sip. "They can't see the bigger picture," he added, gazing into the distance. He glanced at the cupbearer and asked, "You agree with me, yes?"

"Of course, your highness," the woman replied, keeping her eyes on the floor.

Suddenly, Emperor Bayle noticed Princess Arane in the distance, carrying a bowl of fruits with Illume perched on her shoulder. 

He frowned.

 "Arane," he called out, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. Arane sighed and halted. "Yes, daddy?" she replied, making her way to him.

"Where are you taking those?" he inquired, staring down at her.

Arane lowered her head, saying, "They're fruits for mummy. She wanted some, so I picked them from the garden." 

Emperor Bayle shifted his gaze to Illume, whose orange eyes were fixed on him. The emperor's frown deepened.

"Are you a princess or a servant, Arane?" he asked. 

"A princess, daddy." Arane answered, still with her head down. 

"Do princesses pluck fruits when there are servants to do it?"

"No, daddy. But this is for mummy." Arane protested, raising her head. 

Her father growled, and she lowered her head once more. "I'll send the servants," she conceded, turning to leave.

 "Good girl," Emperor Bayle replied.

Arane continued on her way, her father's call echoing behind her. 

"Wait," her father's voice rang out. "Call your elder sisters to come see me. I have good news for them," he said with a sly grin. 

Arana grumbled and shot back, "You do not want me to deliver these fruits to mummy, yet you want me to fetch Isla and Arla? What about the servants?" Her irritation was evident.

"Did you say something, Arane?" her father responded, his eyes narrowing in her direction.

Arane let out an exasperated grian before reluctantly retracting her steps to the hallway. "You will not keep me here forever." she muttered under her breath.

 Emperor Bayle, smirking, shifted his attention to the cupbearer. "Fetch me more wine immediately." The woman hurried away and returned with a tray laden with goblets. She handed it to the emperor before quickly departing.

Emperor Bayle lamented, "That damn bird, what a nuisance," as he swiftly downed two glasses of wine.

******

Arane delivered the bowl of fruits to a servant, and then, with a resigned sigh, made her way to the twins' room. She stopped halted in front of the imposing door, uncertainty washing over her.

"I do not understand why he punishes me by making me talk to them," she grumbled while lightly knocking. There was no response. 

Arane turned to Illume. "I could just go back and inform daddy they are occupied, right?" Illume cawed in response. 

"Yeah, you are right," Arane mused, considering the consequences. "He would scorch me alive if i did that," She knocked the door again but there was still no answer.

 Arane grumbled and pushed open the door to find Isla and Arla having fun with one of their personal maids. They were all naked, lying on the large bed, with the twins sucking on the maid's nipples. Isla gently licked the maid's rosy cheeks, then subtly sucked her fingers, while Arla fondled her breasts and passionately kissed her The trio giggled as they moaned in pleasure. 

Arane rolled her eyes and smacked her forehead in disbelief. "Seriously, right now? You are doing this right now?"

The twins shit annoyed glances at her, "Araaaane, get the fuck outta here. Leave us alone!" Arla snapped in anger.

"You think I want to be here? I am not here to ruin your fun," Arane responded, arms crossed. "But daddy wants to have a word with you two."

Isla and Arla groaned together, rolling their eyes. "Can't it wait?" Isla whined. "We're busy."

Arane raised an eyebrow. "With what, sex with the maid?"

Arla scoffed. "She likes it, don't be a buzzkill," 

"So disgusting," Arane replied firmly. "Daddy wants to share some news, most likely," she added, absentmindedly petting Illume.

Isla and Arla exchanged glances. "You think he's going to appoint us as Silver wolves members?" Isla pondered.

Arla didn't waste time. "Well, let's find out," she decided, getting to her feet. Isla whined, "But we're having so much fun," then nibbled on the maid's neck. 

"Come on," Arla repeated, pulling her sister away from the maid. "We can play with her later. Plus, I'd like to not be scorched alive by daddy."

Isla pouted but reluctantly stood up.

"You! Fuck off," Arla ordered the maid, who scrambled to gather her clothes and exited the room. 

Isla grumbled in annoyance, but Arane was unfazed. 

"Ugh," Isla huffed, "Daddy better have good news for us."

Arane frowned and said, "Whatever, and for Elios' sake, lay off the maid."

With that, she turned and left the room, Illume flying behind. She could hear the twins continue to hurl insults and cursed her way, but she paid no mind. Her job was done. 

The twins emerged from their room, and made their way the throne room where Bayle and Arane awaited them. "Took you long enough," Emperor Bayle remarked, gesturing for then to sit. They nodded and took their seats. 

"So, what's the news daddy?" Arla inquired, casually twirling her hair. The emperor smirked and cleared his throat.

 "The rulers and I have decided to dissolve the guild and appoint you children as the new Silver Wolves." 

Isla couldn't contain her excitement, and she squealed while shaking Arla. "With Theodore, Fae and even Tiago?"

 Arla pushed her annoying sister away, saying, "Stop that," 

 "Yes, them too. I know you've been yearning for this position," Emperor Bayle chuckled, leaning back in his throne.

Isla squealed once more, pledging, "We won't let you down, daddy," 

"Thank you so much, daddy," Arla added.

Emperor Bayle gave them a smug grin, downing a goblet of wine and taking another from the tray. He waved his hand dismissively. "Yes, yes. Now leave. There'll be an appointment ceremony; prepare for that," he ordered, giving them a stern look. 

Isla and Arla giggled and exited the throne room, leaving the emperor and Arane alone. 

"Time to go, Illume," Arane said as she rose to depart. 

Emperor Bayle took a sip from his goblet, watching as his daughter walked away.

"How long are you going to take before you completely bond with Illume?" he questioned.

"I don't know," Arane responded. "Soon, I guess." she continued walking away.

"Your weakness is unbecoming of my offspring, Arane. Maybe if you treated it like a powerful being and not a silly pet, you'd be done by now," her father chided.

Arane paused and turned around. Emperor Bayle smirked and took another sip from his goblet. Arane stood there, staring at her father. Did he know not 

realize how disgusting he sounded? Illume wasn't just a pet; he was her friend. She couldn't bond completely with Illume because she was so restricted and isolated. Daddy never try to help her, and her sisters sure as hell wouldn't either. 

Arane knew her shortcomings, understood why she and Illume hadn't bonded completely. That's why she had attempted to escape in the past. She clenched her fists tightly. On closer inspection, it was clear that her father had was drunk after drinking too much wine. Arane took a deep breath and lowered her head. 

"I will take my leave now, daddy" she said.

The emperor waved her away, and she left.

Arane stormed out of the throne room, heading up to her bedroom in the tower. She needed to take action fast, and the appointment ceremony presented the perfect opportunity. 

*******

Three days later, in the grand Alvarez chateau, Sira strode with purpose, her boots echoing on the marble floor, guiding her straight to Koa's treasure trove. Trailing beside her was Blu, and in her hand, a freshly sprouted weedroot plant enclosed in a glass cloche. Twila has sent her on this errand. 

Sira carefully slipped through the hidden stairs behind the bookshelves and into the treasure trove. Twila couldn't contain her delight when she saw the plant. Her azure eyes sparkled as she gasped , eagerly reaching for the cloche. "Oh, it's simply beautiful," she cooed.

"Absolute," Sira responded with a warm smile, handling the plant to Twila. Carefully, Twila set it on a table and removed the cloche, while Sira gently placed Blu on the floor. 

Zev, curious, approached to inspect the plant. "Woah, that green is so vibrant," he marveled, turning it in his hands. "It looks incredibly fresh." 

Twila giggled and nodded, and Zev couldn't resist running his fingers along the plants delicate petals. Twila reached for a handful of leaves plucking then from the base of the stem. 

Meanwhile, Sira approached Koa, who was engrossed in reading a letter. "Is that a letter?" she inquired. 

Koa, still engrossed in the letter, replied, "Uh, yeah. A spirit fox delivered it." 

Sira raised an eyebrow, "What's a spirit fox?" 

The Alvarez siblings turned to her, astonishment arched across their faces. Sira, somewhat exasperated, rolled her eyes, and walked away, dismissing their incredulous expressions. "Hey, I'm not a ghost!" she retorted with a wave of her hand. 

After a moment of stunned silence, they burst into laughter. "You've got to be joking!" Koa chuckled.

Sira blinked, her arms crossed. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize i was wearing a clown mask," she quipped.

Zara raised an eyebrow and said, "But you don't know what a spirit fox is though," 

 "Of course I do," Sira responded, attempting to save face. "They're foxes that are spirits, duh." she laughed nervously. Twila chuckled, "How unfortunate. You're so unfamiliar with the world you were born into." Sira groaned in response. 

Koa intervened, saying, "Let it be, Twila. Spirit foxes are messengers capable of delivering letters anywhere in Elamenta." He explained. 

 "Ooooh," Sira breathed. "Thanks," she said. Koa smiled, giving her a pat on her head.

Twila and Zev chuckled, engrossed in their own conversation. Sira approached them, observing Twila grinding weedroot seeds with a mortar and pestle while Zev meticulously arranged the leaves into rolls. 

"Can I join in?" Sira offered. Twila beamed and handed her the pestle. "Of course! We're almost done; just a little more grinding." Sira took the pestle and started working on the seeds. 

Twila received the letter from Koa, adjusted her glasses, and read it. "An invitation to the New Silver Wolves appointment ceremony?!?" She exclaimed with frustration. Her hands found their way to her hips, her expression growing dark. 

Sira turned slowly to Twila, her face a mix of anger and bewilderment, her eyes practically glowing red with annoyance. "What?!" 

"Uh-oh," Zev muttered, taking a cautious step back.