The walk back to the bifurcated staircase is solemn. Markus says nothing as they move together, instead focusing his thoughts on their predicament. The passages of the estate are dark and quiet now. Large windows showcase a cloudy sky turning black, with orange streaks of color outside. Nighttime is fast approaching. Flashes of lightning can be seen in the distance.
When both men reach the bottom of the staircase, Oscar says “That’s everything. You can make it back to the suite alone. I need to make my rounds and check on some things.” When he finishes talking, the old butler starts walking by himself down the west wing alone.
Markus watches Oscar for a while, then starts walking up the stairs. The trip back to his suite is uncomfortable. No one can be seen, and nothing can be heard. Lights are not yet turned on, so darkness is slowly overtaking the rooms.
The lonely walk finally ends at the borrowed suite. As he enters, Markus notices the ceiling lights already turned on. Versa is still sitting beside the writing table and Aurora is hovering in the air near her. When they both notice Markus, they start performing beckoning hand signals.
Their actions are a surprise. Markus curiously walks up to the ladies to see what they want. It’s quickly apparent what the excitement is for. Eclair is sitting upright in her makeshift bed on the desk.
Eclair notices Markus walking up to everyone. She gives a weak smile, then says “Thank you for saving me… I’m sorry… for what happened.” There’s a pause. She rubs her side as a hint of pain shows on her face. “They’ve told me what’s going on… I’ll help when I can.”
“Don’t be sorry for anything.” Markus replies as he kneels down beside the desk. “I’ll figure things out. I told you before, you’re one of my only friends in this world. I’ll keep you safe. Everyone else too.” Markus is genuinely happy to talk to her, but is also worried. Eclair looks like a small, bandaged up doll now.
Eclair smiles again, then moves around in her bed in an attempt to stand up. Versa immediately places her long fingers on her head. She sternly says “No, I told you before. You need a full nights rest at a minimum. As a flyer, even a mild concussion can throw off flying abilities. Plus you’ll be sore from the bruises for a while.”
Markus smiles as he watches Eclair moan at her situation. She slowly settles back into the makeshift bed. “It’s alright Eclair. Just rest up.” Markus says to her, then turns to Aurora to say “Come with me, I need you to do something.”
Standing up again, Markus walks over to the corner of the suite. Aurora soon follows closely behind. He starts closing the window curtains, but leaves a tiny gap on the south window for peeking.
“So what did you need?” Aurora asks curiously. “Did you figure something out?”
A deep sigh comes from Markus. He says “Not really… instead I’ve realized more and more that there isn’t a peaceful way out of this. I want to help everyone, but deep down, I think terrible things are going to happen. I’m scared of the things I’m about to do.”
Aurora says nothing as she listens. She flies closer to Markus, and then sits on his shoulder. A hand reaches out from her as she starts rubbing Markus’ head. “You know, as a scout, I had a mission that took a nasty turn. I had to kill a fellow fae once. Things like that happen. Nothing prepared me for it. So what did you want me to do?”
Markus is quiet at first, then says “I want you to scout around the estate and Montillo. See if you can find the Crimson leader, the man in the black suit from today. Also see if you can find out where the woman Monica is.”
“That’s it?” Aurora asks in surprise. “Sure. I can do that.”
“Don’t take any unnecessary risk. Find out where they’re at, then come back. Any extra information you find is just a bonus.” Markus replies.
“Alright, I’ll grab my spear.” Aurora says as she lifts off from Markus’ shoulder.
“No fighting.” Markus says back. He then turns to walk outside the suite. “I’ll let you out from a window in the next room.”
Auora flies back to the writing desk to grab her spear. Versa watches as she comes and goes. The fae quickly follows Markus to the next room. The main estate chandeliers and lights have been turned on now.
In the neighboring bedroom, Markus moves to the window right away. No lights are on, with the only illumination from the suite next door and lights from the halls. He undoes the locks and opens the window for Aurora. A gust of cold wind blows inside.
“I’ll leave this window open for you. Be careful, and thank you for doing this.” Markus says to Aurora. She smiles, then taps the ring on her finger. The magical tether appears.
“I’ll be careful, thankfully you’ll know where I am.” Aurora responds. She then flies off into the night sky. The lightning is getting closer, and wind is getting stronger. Markus closes the window slightly, but leaves enough of a gap for Aurora. He then heads back to his suite.
With renewed energy, Markus starts organizing his equipment. Soon, ammo and magazines are spread out all over the bed. The empty magazines are refilled, along with rounds as needed in others. The small ammo container is open, with several empty boxes beside it already.
Time passes quickly. Sarah brings dinner for everyone in the suite. Oscar joins Markus in conversation, watching him work on his weapons and magazines with great interest. The maids come and go several times, sometimes chatting with Versa or with Markus. Talking makes everyone ignore the intense fears they have.
Hours have passed since Aurora left the estate. Markus periodically taps his ring to check on her location. The weather has gotten worse. Lightning flashes are closer now, and a light rain has appeared. Suddenly, thunder can be heard in the distance.
“Markus! Markus!” Aurora’s voice yells out. She’s returned, and flies at high speed directly to Markus in the suite. “I know where the leader and Monica are, but there’s some bad news!They’re going to attack late tonight!”
“I can’t believe it…” Markus says softly. “I’ve got no choice now…” He then stands up, and begins re-equipping his gear back into the combat vest. The assault rifle and pistol are quickly reloaded in preparation of a fight.