The Angels and their massive army pushed on ahead, though it was at a slower pace. Ira’s attack worked as intended and while it couldn’t be said that morale completely dropped, their approach became filled with caution. The idea of a formidable enemy appearing at any time filled the air with tension but no matter how prepared they were Ira wouldn’t be appearing until the first battle.

Behind the legions of attackers, a sinister plot was carried out by the Angels. Hidden away from prying eyes, the corpses of men and women alike were piled up. They weren’t Ira’s victims, no, they were killed by the ones who were sent by the Gods to lead them. Without Juliana, the Angels were unable to contact the Gods as easily as they previously were. Each sacrifice had the possibility of opening a line of communication with the Gods. Some were pointless, but eventually it worked and were able to receive their next orders. In their eyes their own actions were righteous but they were no better than Ira.

“Lord Harith.” Randolph knelt in front of the high-ranked Angel. He voice was listless and his eyes were clouded with doubt. It was a dangerous mental state to have before a decisive battle and Harith was aware of it.

“Rise. Those humans gave their lives so that we could receive the guidance of the Gods. There is no nobler sacrifice to be had. But if something troubles you let it be known.” It was unknown of Harith’s words had any effect but Randolph stood up as instructed.

He couldn’t help but wonder if Ira was right when he said that everyone should have ignored him. How many lives would be lost because of their prodding? Ira had shown that he was willing to fight with despicable means time and time again. And who could blame him? The Dark Elves were vastly outnumbered.

“I wasn’t even able to hurt Ira last time we fought. So how can I expect to defeat him?” Randolph asked bitterly.

Harith’s eyes flashed with contempt, Randolph was nothing more than an instrument of the Gods so his thoughts were as good as blasphemy when spoke to the Angels.

“Do you not know of the incomprehensible amount of grace the Gods have shown you? You are the champion of the Gods so I urge you to act as such. You need not worry about Ira, he may have been able to ambush Gavreel but we’re prepared to handle him.”

“Yes...You’re right.” Randolph forced a smile.

Harith wasn’t convinced but he continued to speak. “Remember the plan. You’ll hold off on direct contact with Ira until the very end.”

“What about Juliana? Shouldn’t we confirm that she’s alive first?” Randolph showed where his priorities were to the disgust of Harith.

“Fear not, the Gods have confirmed that she is still alive.” Harith didn’t go into details about Ira using Juliana to speak with the Gods since it would only raise more concern. In fact, if Randolph was to spread news of Ira’s deeds around it may even raise questions about the Angels and lower morale.

At Harith’s confirmation, Randolph brightened up considerably. “Thank you, Lord Harith.”

He bowed deeply before leaving with lightened footsteps.

“Mortals.” Harith spat with contempt as soon as Randolph vanished.

…

“So, the first attack isn’t too far off?” Ira asked. He surveyed the room to see the important figures of the Underground City nodding in unison.

“We have yet to receive word from my Mother or Grandmother, but I believe they will arrive with reinforcements. Until then we can make do with the Valkyries we have here.” Avery who sat at his side spoke up.

Rhys was also present but she had nothing to contribute as far as planning went. She simply observed the proceedings while wondering if she would even be involved in a fight as someone had to keep an eye on the children.

“So how are we are going to approach this?” Ira left the battle plan to Avery as his immediate solution would be simple.

“We’ll let the soldiers fight the first battle. They’ll likely want to test us and we want the same. If we keep our losses to a minimum we won’t have to interfere.”

Avery wanted to see the strength of the Dark Elf Empire when compared to the rest of the continent. Once she knew of their effectiveness in a large-scale battle she would be able to plan accordingly.

“We will follow your words, Keepress.” Sylun nodded.

More details were ironed out and everyone was dismissed. Avery went off to speak with the Valkyries while Ira and Rhys searched for Harper who found herself with the duties of a nanny, not that she minded it much.

“You know…” Ira began to speak his mind while Rhys listened. “These next few days are going to be a little crazy.”

Rhys silently nodded in agreement, there was some apprehension in her heart but worrying of Ira wouldn’t prevent him from acting recklessly. He was the one who proved that time and time again.

“Those Angels are going to try to capture me and it could work. So, what I guess I’m saying is be prepared for anything.” Ira shrugged. His casual attitude contrasted his words but Rhys knew he was speaking sincerely.

What he left unsaid was his plans to confront the Gods. It was better to bring it up at later date, that was Ira’s line of thought.

“Dad!” Raveria’s shout pulled Ira’s attention. He reached his arms out and grabbed his young daughter who ran toward him.

“I swear that every time I see you, you're a little bigger than last time.” Ira lifted her into the air.

“Me next, Dad!” Zephyr was the next to approach and following him was Valeryn.

“Father.” Valeryn smiled.

“Ira.” Harper was the last to approach with an enthusiastic giggle.

“I don’t have enough arms to hold all of you,” Ira lamented sorrowfully.

“I’m too old anyway, Ira,” Harper replied. Though there was a bit of disappointment within her eyes.

“Yeah, I know,” Ira said as he messed up her hair. She swatted his hand away which allowed him to remember his original purpose.

“Oh, will you be fighting in the first battle, Harper?”

“Yup, Wilma wants to help out too but I think it’s best if she joins in later.”

“Who?”

“Ah, the Will of Purgatory. She needed a name so we came up with one. Do you like it?”

While it wasn’t very imaginative, Ira found that it was simple so he nodded.

“Anyway, you should go get ready for that. Everyone else is busy preparing and you’re still here.”

“But I was looking after them.” Harper pointed to the three siblings who hovered around Ira’s side.

“Yeah, because you volunteered. Any of the Valkyries would’ve been okay too.”

Harper narrowed her eyes at Ira but decided to give up on arguing.

“I’ll be back in a few hours.” Harper bid farewell to her niece and nephews before hurrying away.

“And the rest of you should be getting ready for dinner, right?” Ira asked his children before turning to Rhys. “Could you take them there? I have to check on something.”

Rhys nodded and gestured for Zephyr to grab her hand which he did eagerly. Then, she led them away while Ira watched with a smile on his face.

Once they were gone he vanished from sight.

…

“Charles.” Ira reappeared in the middle of an incredibly messy room.

Mumbling in a dark corner while scribbling unintelligible observations, Charles didn’t seem to even notice Ira’s arrival.

“Hey, Charles!” Ira grabbed the shriveled man by his collar and lifted him into the air before shaking him.

“Agh! What?! When did you get here? Or were you standing there the entire time?” Charles started with a yell but began whispering to himself by the end of his sentence.

“Where’s Zella?” Ira asked.

Charles pointed to a wooden door and then went back to mumbling to himself. Just as Ira was about to step away, Charles grabbed his arm.

“Wait! The eyes changed her! I haven’t been able to get her to cooperate but I know that something incredible has happened. If she tells you anything could you let me know, it’ll do wonders for my notes.”

“Sure,” Ira agreed half-heartedly before pulling his arm back. He approached the room and opened the door without hesitation. Indistinct but familiar whispers were carried to his ears before they went silent. His eyes peered through the darkness and he could see Zella standing with her back turned to him.

“Ira,” Zella called out his name before turning to face him. A black veil covered her eyes but it didn’t hide the two black tear trails that trailed over her cheeks.

“What’s with the veil?” He asked.

“People find my eyes unsightly. No, I should say that they ‘will’ find my eyes unsightly.”

“You have the abilities of the Lares?”

“No...I can see those little lines that carve out the fates of others. I can see the darkest thoughts of those who would wish to hide them. I can see what is true and what is not. But I cannot see your truth, Ira. No, that isn’t quite right...I see parts of it. Your fate and your truth are blindingly radiant, so much that I fear my sight would be burned away if I were to look too deeply or for too long. Though I wouldn’t do so without your permission.”

“Fate, huh?” Ira rubbed his chin. “So what is the fate of everyone here? Do we win? Or does everyone die?”

“I cannot say,” Zella answered.

“What? Why would you tell me you can see it if you weren’t going to talk about it?” Ira brought his brows together as he looked at Zella.

“It isn’t my choice. If I were to speak of it too soon the fates of others may shift drastically.”

“Oh good, another person who can see the future but can’t provide any help.” Ira sighed.

“Forgive me. I am thankful for the gift you’ve granted me but I am truly unable to provide any assistance.”

“It’s fine.” Ira waved his hand. “I’m sure there’ll be a use for your...abilities at some point down the line.”

After he finished speaking they became silent. Zella stood unmovingly while Ira continued to look at her with curious eyes.

“You...want to ask me a question?”

“Yeah.” Ira didn’t deny it.

“About the tear trails under my eyes?”

“Right again.”

“The darkness has marked me. As I gain even more clarity I will be left with even more stains on my flesh. A small price to pay for such a wonderful gift.”

“...Are you really okay?” Ira couldn’t help but ask. It was clear that the Zella in front of him wasn’t the same one he spoke to before she received the eyes.

“I understand your doubt but I assure you I am fine. It wasn’t possible for me to remain as the same person after witnessing so much.” Zella gave a faint smile.

“Then I’ll take your word for it...By the way, how long do you plan to stand here in the dark?”

“I’ll be moving to the area you assigned for me shortly but the darkness is quite comforting isn’t it? It allows me to hear those whispers and while I can’t understand them, they erased any fear that I might’ve felt. You’ve heard them too haven’t you?”

Ira gave a short laugh before speaking. “Don’t stay here for too long, Charles is going to end up cutting you open and seeing what is inside if you do.”

“I don’t worry about the alchemist. His obsessive nature is a result of his desire to learn the truth.”

“Yeah, and if he found out that you know all about the 'truth' he would drown you in questions that would make you want to pull your eyes out.”

The room went silent again but for a different reason entirely.

Without anything left to say, he said a short goodbye before leaving, ignoring Charles who tried to ask him dozens of questions about Zella on his way out.