As soon as they crossed the border, they switched vehicles, and the stolen one was sent to be turned to scrap to avoid any trace. The sun was already rising by the time they made it back because of the many detours they had to take for safety sake.

"Make sure the team monitors all communication between the buyer and the runners of the operation we just busted. I'm sure their client will be furious, and though they can't report their illegal activity, they will still try to find us. If they even get a whiff, we should be informed, so we can plan for any attack." Alrik ordered as they drove through the gates.

"Yes, boss. I doubt they'll find us for now, but eventually, the knowledge that you have the Zerdon sword will spread. Then they'll know we took it back." Ansa said.

"That's true. Maybe we should just announce it soon, and get that out of the way. We really have no reason to hide after all, because the sword belongs here originally. If they try to argue that we stole it, then they'd have to admit that they stole it first, That would deal a blow to that Valderran pride their royal family is known for."

"I'll think about that. But we'll keep it under wraps for now, at least till I've mastered my abilities to an extent."

Eliza ran outside as soon as she received the message that Alrik was back. She had instructed the team at the gate to notify her as soon as Alrik returned no matter the time. Alrik had just stepped out of the car when he was nearly tackled to the ground. He laughed as he found his footing, and leaned back against the car so he could hold her well.

"You're back. I was so scared."

He stroked her hair, and she squeezed him tight.

"I told you I'd be fine. Don't you trust your husband?" He asked with a chuckle, then she smacked his arm as she pulled back.

"Don't laugh. There's no way I wouldn't worry. You were in enemy territory, and because of the mission, there was no way to keep in contact. I'm glad you're back. Are you hurt anywhere?"

She turned him around and began checking him over for injuries. They had already changed out of their tactical gear, and sent it off for disposal, so he was just dressed casually.

"I'm fine. Really. Let's go in." He leaned down to retrieve the sword from the car, and they all walked inside the house.

"Welcome back. I heard from the team that there was a bit of an issue because of the sudden change of plans from the other end." Gaya said.

"Yes. They completed the sale earlier than expected and were moving it last night. Luckily, we were able to intercept and retrieve Zee." Alrik responded.

"Go on then. Take the sword out. None of us have really seen it up close. It was always either locked up in your family vault or displayed away from the public. We're all curious." Mira said and Alrik carefully opened the case and pulled out the Zerdon sword.

From the hilt to the tip of the blade, it was as long as his whole arm length. For several seconds, nothing happened. They all just admired the detailing on the sword, and the fact that despite how old the sword was, it still gleamed like new. Suddenly, the blade of the sword burst into flames.

"What the…" "Whoa!" "Fire!" "How!"

Alrik was so startled that he dropped it immediately.

"Rude. You didn't have to drop me. It won't hurt since I'm technically not alive, but it's undignifying."

"What did you expect me to do when you suddenly burst into flames without any warning?" Alrik snapped, and they all turned to face him.

"The flames are gone now, stop whining."

Alrik scoffed. "Whining? Seriously? You weren't this sassy all the other times we spoke."

"Because communicating was very draining. I only had time for serious conversations."

"It speaks to you even in reality?" Ren asked with an incredulous expression.

"None of you heard that?" Alrik asked with an arched brow.

"Of course they can't hear me. Only you can communicate with me. As for the flames, I was a bit drained from helping with the truck. That happened because we weren't bonded. Being close to you filled up my energy so fast that I lost control for a second. Now pick me up."

Alrik sighed, and leaned down to pick up the sword.

"To answer your question, yes he speaks to me. And apparently, it's undignified to be left on the floor."

"I'm now a he, I'm a she. But I guess you wouldn't know that since we're not bonded yet, and I haven't told you my history. Do you have the time to listen? It's a long story."

"She speaks to me here too, not just in the soul plane. The sword is a she. Don't ask why, or how. I'll explain when I get the full story. But we don't have time for that now. Eliza, your court case was moved up, right? The first hearing for both cases is today."

"Yes, but we shouldn't discuss that now. You've been up all night. Go to bed. I'll head to work. You can come in later. Both cases were rescheduled for three and four pm respectively. That's more than enough time for you to rest. I know telling you not to come is useless." She replied.

"Where do we keep the sword though? Our bedroom? Or should we make space in storage?"

"I'd prefer to be as close to you as possible, Alrik. Unfortunately, we can't bond today, but being close helps."

"Zee says bedroom. Close to me is better." Alrik replied and Eliza scoffed, though she had a smile on her face.

"Should I be jealous? The sword is a she, and she wants to be as close to you as possible. Will she turn into a woman when I'm not looking?" Eliza asked.

"She has a sense of humour. I like her. And she's pretty. Tell your wife not to worry. I had a body once, but I can never be a woman again. I will remain as I am as long as time exists."

"You had a body?" Alrik asked.

"Wait. I was just joking. Don't tell me the sword will actually turn to a woman."

"She says she once had a body, but is in this form now for as long as time exists." He responded.

"That sounds sad, even if it should be reassuring. Anyway, I need to prepare for work. Your new girlfriend can come with us. We'll take a bath together, and have a meal in our room before I leave, then you can sleep."

Alrik chuckled. "Girlfriend? You sure you won't be jealous if I start calling Zee that? Also Zee might not think it's dignified."

"It is undignified. I refuse to be a mistress, not even for you, my chosen."

Eliza and Alrik walked towards their room while they laughed as he told her what the sword said to him.

Despite trying to pretend, Eliza could see how exhausted Alrik was. He was dozing off while they had a meal, and barely made it to bed before he slept off. She tucked him in, and leaned the sword on the drawer beside him before leaving.

As soon as she got to work, the legal team called for a meeting.

"They're trying to blindside us by moving the hearing to today without much warning. We still haven't confirmed if we're handling both cases." Mr Devon asked.

"The…" Eliza was interrupted by her phone ringing. It was Gaya.

"I totally forgot to pass this message along. I apologize. Three lawyers from Crestview are headed to your office at the moment. They'll take charge of both cases, but some from your team can assist. They have all the relevant files, and the evidence gathered by the investigative team. The trial is a sure win. No need to worry."

Eliza sighed. "Thanks Gaya. I was wondering what the delay on the evidence was about. We'll be ready for them when they arrive."

She faced her legal team when she finished with the call, and she smiled. "Like I said, ladies and gentlemen, I trust my husband a hundred percent. That was his COO. Their legal team will be in charge of the cases, and you'll assist. They have the evidence we will need."

"Okay Ma'am. We'll review it all when they get here, and hope it's enough. We also need to make plans for our appearance in court. We might need to take extra security with us to keep away the crowd that will surely gather in front of the court house. We tried to request permission to use a more private entrance, but were denied."

"That confirms it then. Someone is definitely pulling strings for my family behind the scenes. They want to make sure we go through the crowd and be humiliated. Whoever is backing them is definitely not as influential as my husband. Time for me to pull some strings."

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