Elvanis Koniero Alusis, fourth of that name, one hundred and nineteenth in line for the Alusis Crown, was sitting in his meditation chamber awaiting the results of the new initiates’ trial when time unraveled itself around him. The feeling of the air inverted, the progress he’d made erased.

He opened his eyes slowly. He could think of a hundred reasons the flow of time would have reversed, but only a very few of them would be good news for him. Most likely it was one of his older siblings practicing some deadly technique in his tower without permission, daring him to call them out on something they could claim had never happened.

But something felt different this time. The feeling of reversal was sharper, more abrupt. Less ‘something changed’ and more ‘something has moved me’. His siblings’ power lasted moments and reversed only an area within their immediate influence. This… this felt bigger. Deeper.

He settled deeper into meditation, only to be torn from his concentration by a timid knock at his door.

“Come in,” Elvanis said, his voice as light and airy as any child’s at play, belying the power concealed within his young frame and the ire in his heart. His mood was anything but light.

---

Menya Valen Alusis, Eighth-shard acolyte of the Green Flame, overmistress of Master Elvanis's search and collection group, entered the room on her knees, bowing her face to the floor the moment she was clear of it. “Master Elvanis, the new acolytes await your assessment.”

Master Elvanis made no sound for a long moment, but she dared not look up.

“Kill them,” he said. “You may go.”

Menya looked up sharply, then remembered herself and slammed her forehead back to the floor in penance. “M-master Elvanis?” she asked, not daring to directly question his orders, but wanting to verify that she’d heard correctly. “You wish them all dead?”

“Yes. Kill them, then return to your duties.”

Menya would ordinarily have been granted a three days’ reprieve, while the new acolytes went through their early testing. To be sent out again so soon… but there was no arguing with Master Elvanis.

She sagged in acquiescence. “As you command, Master.” She backed out of his chamber, drawing the door closed behind her. Nira waited for her, hands clasped in uncertainty.

“We are to execute all the prisoners,” Menya said, getting to her feet and brushing imaginary dust from the front of her green robes.

“All of them?” Nira asked. "After..."

“That is what Master Elvanis has commanded,” Menya said, some of her frustration spilling into her voice. “They are to be killed.”

Nira swallowed. “Did you tell him—“

“No! No.” Menya took a deep breath to calm herself. “I saw no need to trouble Master Elvanis with one escapee,” she said, her voice lowering almost to a whisper. “We will find him personally and see that the problem is dealt with. Master Elvanis will never need to know.”

Nira gulped, but nodded. “As you say, sister Menya.”

“Now, we will do as commanded and execute the new prisoners. After that… we’ll find our runaway.”