Felix cracked his eyes open, finding himself in his room. How he got here or when, he didn't know. He remembered everything up to Yarnel healing his hand. After that though? It was fuzzy.

"What exactly happened?" a rather serious sounding Eri asked out loud, causing him to turn his head to face her. She, along with Aluin, Oralyn, and Yarnel, were standing a few feet away.

"That is what I am trying to investigate. I had not thought it possible for the soul to cast a spell from within the crystal," Yarnel answered defensively.

"And yet you reacted rather quickly, according to yourself. It was almost as if you were prepared just for this," Oralyn countered, calling out the dragon's bluff.

"Those were enchantments, and yes they were prepared but not for this project specifically. They were there for any experiment. When you do the work I do, things can go wrong quickly. Case in point–"

The dragon pointed to Felix and stopped, realizing he was awake.

"Felix!" Eri suddenly rushed over to him. He managed to sit up in time for her to wrap him into a tight hug.

"I'm–" he let out a gasp "–alive…"

She immediately relaxed her hold on him but did not dare let him go. "Sorry!"

Now able to breathe, he chuckled. "How long was I out for?"

"Not long," Aluin responded, coming to stand next to Eri.

"Only a few minutes," Eri added. "We had only just started questioning Yarnel."

"Ah, that's not so bad–"

Her expression twisted into a frown as she let go of him. "Not so bad? Felix–" She cut herself off and threw a quick glance over to where Oralyn stood. The entire clearing felt the mana release! If Yarnel and his enchantments hadn't reacted when they did, I… I don't want to think about it.

He felt her mind shiver, which reminded him… Zira? Are you okay? His partner was suspiciously quiet.

"Felix, I'm just glad you are alright," Eri said out loud before sitting down in a chair next to the bed, the very same one that he had been sitting in from when he showed her her pregnancy.

Aluin gave him a stern look. "I did double check your injuries, you were lucky."

"I see…" Felix muttered, still distracted by Zira's unusual silence. Finally, he decided to peer into her mind. What he felt made him wince. His partner was furious, but surprisingly not all of it was directed at Yarnel.

No, in fact, she directed most of her ire to herself…

Zira! He wasted no time and entered her mind. Zira… What's wrong?

Her consciousness reacted, grasping him and pulling him close. I'm sorry…

Surprised, it took him a moment to respond. Sorry? For–

For encouraging you…

Encouraging? What– Oh. Her memories of last night and their discussion flooded his mind. She regretted encouraging him and telling him all his plans would end up working out…

My words have come back to bite me in the ass, she added with a pitiful scoff.

But Felix didn't see it that way. There is only one problem, Zira–

And just what is that? she snapped unintentionally.

This wasn't my plan. If it had been, I would have been successful. And maybe I would have lost more than just a hand… He gave a mental shrug at that last part. Though, this does mean I'll have to do it again– And do it my way. That means I'll probably end up hurt again too.

His humor was having the desired effect as Zira relaxed ever so slightly, enough that she dared to crack a smile.

That's better. I hate seeing my Princess so upset, especially when she cries into her pillow… Her tears threaten to drown me!

Now she let out a hiss, but it was in jest. I will cry into my pillow whenever I feel like it! And if it gets drenched? Then I shall dispose of it and get a new one!

He gasped. You wouldn't dare! I work hard on being your pillow! To… To throw me out, just like that! How disrespectful, even for a lowly servant–

"Felix?"

His by-play with Zira was interrupted by Yarnel of all people. "Huh?"

"I asked if you could describe what you felt," the dragon said with a hint of annoyance. "I am trying to understand how a soul, trapped within a crystal, could possibly cast a spell."

"Oh, sure–" Felix froze, only now remembering something very important. His eyes went wide and the others took notice.

"What is it?" Eri asked, seeing his expression.

He blinked before working his jaw once again. "When I activated my mana sight, I noticed something strange. The crystal seemed to glow with two separate sources of mana and–"

"What?" Yarnel asked, suddenly appearing before him. "Two sources of mana? Explain."

Felix took a moment to think. Everything had happened so fast and only now was he able to really think. He went through his old memories and thought about how the mana crystal had felt when he had put half his soul into it.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Compared to then, there definitely were some differences. The mana was far more unstable, like a wild animal trapped in a cage and trying to escape. Only, I don't think it's just one animal…

"There are two souls in there. With my memories back, I remember when I had split my soul and–"

"You what?" Oralyn interjected, her expression was of pure confusion. It only deepened as everyone else seemed unconcerned.

Right… She doesn't know. "It's a long story," he decided to answer, however, he wasn't the only one.

"And one you don't need to concern yourself with," Eri added defensively. "In fact, anything you hear is strictly need-to-know only."

Wow, I didn't expect her to be so defensive…

Eri was quick to respond, despite Felix mostly talking to himself. That's because I'm still mad at her from when Kyrith and Zira bonded! She doesn't need to know everything about us, we deserve some privacy!

He gave her a grin before continuing on. "As I was saying, I remember when I split my soul and how the crystal felt with it. I even have Fea's mem– notes in her journal… What it feels like now is like two souls, connected yet disjointed at the same time. At least, that's my best guess."

Yarnel brought a taloned hand up to his snout in thought. "Fascinating… I will have to perform my own observations on this– And quickly, the mana emanating out from the crystal is far less than it once was. We may have only a day left."

"Will you need my help with these observations?"

"No. But I will ask you to be prepared to try again–"

"Try again? You're going to put him through that again?" Oralyn demanded, sounding offended. Felix couldn't help but feel surprised by that.

But… "It'll be alright. We know now the flame shade or whatever else that's in there, is capable of casting magic. If anyone can figure out a way to negate that, it's Yarnel." Felix faced the dragon. "Let me know as soon as you are ready."

"Certainly! Now, if you'll excuse me…" The dragon disappeared.

"Anyway…" Seeing that this conversation was over, Felix began to throw his blankets off and get out of bed. However, a hand swiftly stopped him.

"You, uh, might want to wait a moment…" Eri said awkwardly.

"Why– Oh." He looked down and realized he was without a shirt and, presumably, without pants. Glancing up, he saw Oralyn's expression flash with embarrassment before she quickly brought it under control.

"I think I shall take my leave now," the elf in question stated. "Please do be careful, Champion Felix."

As she made her exit, Felix caught Aluin's eye twitch but the Sage remained silent. I can understand why… No wonder he had such a reaction when he first heard it back when we met Calsen's replacement.

He felt Eri give a mental nod. He told me to never use that word. And was quite furious with Ithea…

That made Felix raise an eyebrow, but he set it aside for now. There were still several things he wanted to get done today, and with his healed injury, he saw a perfect excuse to get one of them done.

"Anyway, thank you for checking on my hand," he said to Aluin. Already, the needling sensation was going away.

"You are welcome, but it was all Yarnel who healed your hand."

"I'm aware…mostly. But, still, thank you."

The Sage gave him a nod before looking towards the door himself. "I shall excuse myself as well. And as Oralyn said, please be careful with your hand. It'll be sensitive for a while."

"I will," Felix answered while holding up his right hand and testing it. The needles came back, but definitely less so than earlier.

"Good, then I will see you two later…"

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Solanna paced back and forth in a mixture of nervousness and frustration. She was waiting on Oralyn, hoping to catch the woman leaving the manor. However, after a furious roar from the now sulking dragon, her chances were starting to look slim.

Is she okay? Falzan asked. The emerald-colored dragon was sitting a comfortable distance away from Zira. Not that Solanna blamed him, her poor partner had practically run into her arms, shivering, when it all happened.

I don't know… But I think we best leave her alone. Besides, look, Kyrith is coming to check on her. She mentally pointed out the ember dragon as he came around the opposite side of the manor. What he was doing there she did not know, nor did she question it.

That seemed to cheer Falzan up. He liked Zira, but he loved Kyrith. All the little jewels did, the older dragon had a way with everyone and not just with the young dragons. No, even the elves treated him like some old friend.

You don't have to stay here with me, she added after a moment. The other dragons were out frolicking in the fields with some of the dire wolf pups.

B-but… But I want to! I no want to be away from you!

Solanna masked her wince with a smile. You were fine staying here yesterday. In fact, I distinctly remember seeing you curled up in–

Her partner froze, before he started whimpering…

What's– Oh… Her eyes widened in realization. Falzan had had another nightmare. And to top it all off, he was awoken by Zira's roar!

Feeling like a complete asshole, Solanna rushed over to him and dropped to her knees. Oh, Falzan… Why didn't you tell me? she asked, pulling him into a hug. I thought it was just Zira…

I… I… I want be brave. I want be fearless, like Azelea or Zarrina! I want be strong like Tzarin and Kyrith. I want to not be scared.

It wasn't just hearing those words that tugged at her heartstrings, it was his emotions tied with them. There was pity, there was doubt, and there was loathing. But, despite them, there was also hope.

Gods, he's trying so hard… She pulled Falzan tighter, closer, to her. Oh, Falzan… My beautiful little jewel. You don't have to be brave, or strong, or fearless! You only have to be you!

She felt him shift awkwardly. But… But what about Yedril? He want be strong–

Do not concern yourself with them or their wants and desires. What only matters is your wants and desires. I can tell, you think yourself inadequate. You feel guilty that some died, while you hid.

But, Falzan? You are my partner and we share our deepest secrets. I know you and you are no coward. Hiding was the right move, otherwise you would have died.

She pulled away from him to peer into his eyes. Falzan. You are perfect the way you are. I wouldn't want any other partner.

Solanna took a deep breath. There was still one matter she should get out of the way…

Actually, I have a question for you. I want– Need your permission for something.

He cocked his head. W-what is it?

She suddenly felt her own nervousness return and took a long pause before she finally spoke. Would it be okay if I started courting someone?

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