Unedited

It was overwhelming, yet not, but it didn't feel like a dream. It was all her senses except sight, but Sophie didn't need sight.

A scent hit Sophie first, the smell of fresh rain and gentle pine filled her head and made her smile. Then it was the feeling of calloused hands against her cheeks, the feeling of someone's soft lips against her forehead. His voice was deep but gentle, matching the faint scent of rain and pine. He muttered sweet nothings into her flushed skin, chuckling as Sophie took a deep breath in.

"Open your eyes," Ruy whispered, his breath hot and fluttering her eyelashes.

Sophie's eyes fluttered open, staring blankly at the stone ceiling above her. She was wrapped in blankets, laid out in a cot.

Where... where was she?

The last thing she remembered... she was falling through the clouds, Maha and Ricin a hair widths away from her.

Maha. Ricin.

Sophie struggled to form Maha's name on her tongue as she tried to turn to look for her friend, tried to listen for the gentle twinkling of her golden tipped braids. Sophie fought against the sheets, her weak body unable onto form any strength. There was a thick feeling of blood, and Sophie's body ached in pain. She couldn't move her fingers, she realized, she couldn't feel her ears or her nose or her toes, a slow panic rising in her heart. A gentle cool mist settled next to her bed and a soft hand pressed to her forehead.

"Rest," a woman's voice whispered.

"Ricin... Maha..." Sophie insisted, struggling against her sheets.

"Rest, my heiress." The woman insisted, and Sophie's blood chilled. She turned her head, gaping at the woman.

Kynareth looked nothing like when Sophie first met her, instead her skin charcoal gray with white speckled freckles, two small horns sprouting from her eyebrows and soft ivory hair that was cropped at her waist. Her face seemed so... strangely comforting, even though Sophie's blood boiled at the sight of her. Around her, she emitted a gentle fog, her eyes milky white as she looked over Sophie.

"Rest." She repeated, pressing her hand into Sophie's cheek, the soft feeling of mist and gentle midnight breezes lulling her to close her eyes.

One blink, Kynareth was there; the next, she was gone.

Ruy's knuckles were bruised, his rightmost wing was tilted at an ungodly angle, and his head ringing like temple bells. Keefe sat at the other side of the cell, switching between muttering about coming up with a plan and glaring at Ruy.

"Can you at least try to help?" Keefe hissed. He clearly still didn't trust Ruy. Makes sense, they didn't get much time in the Dunmer kingdom, and Ruy did try to kill them on multiple occasions when he was still a part of the Neverseen. Ruy blandly hummed, staring at the wall.

Keefe cursed, going back to his planning.

"How did they find Egypitnat?! And even then, how did they even get in?! The security was insane!" Keefe questioned, pacing in their cell. Ruy groaned as he laid back down on his cot, putting his forearm over his eyes to block the already limited light.

"Either it was our traitor, or they managed to get in contact with their small Neverseen group in Egypitnat. My guess is on the latter." Ruy stated dully.

"Really? You really doubt that your traitor wouldn't do this?"

"Oh no, the traitor would do this alright, but they wouldn't be able to. You said it yourself, even if they gave the Neverseen the location, how would they have been to get passed the security? The Medjays are legendary. The Neverseen never would've been able to get passed them unless they had time and resources to carry it out." Ruy removed his arm and stared at Keefe.

"When Cynna killed everyone in the Egypitnat cave, they most likely sent off an emergency signal to the other Neverseen branches, at least as much of a signal that they could before Cynna ripped out their throats." Ruy reasoned. He tried to stand, blood rushing to his head.

"They got enough time to pinpoint the location and get to the cave, but not before Cynna was killed, and Egypitnat officials crawling everywhere. But they got into the city, and they knew the Conference plans. With the Egypitnat officials spread so thin, they probably could've set up their plan and infiltrate the palace, waiting for the Conference. The things set up along the side of the palace, the little nets things? I'm guessing they were decoys to make us think they rigged the place to blow up. But it wouldn't make sense for the place to be rigged, one, because they wouldn't have had enough time to set them up, and two, a blown-up palace just wouldn't be useful to them anymore. And my mother is never wasteful of things usefulness." Ruy explained.

Keefe blinked at him.

"I used to be one of these dogs, remember? I know how they think." Ruy reminded. Keefe sighed, stretching us out.

"Why do they want us?"

"I know why they want me." Ruy shrugged. Keefe froze, staring at him.

"What do you mean?"

"Something my mom said when I was captured, it seemed like she believed I was under Sophie's control. I think she can cleanse Sophie's control over me."

"Why is she doing that? Does she miss you-"

"She needs what I can do." Ruy spat, cutting Keefe's thought. Keefe started, struggling to form words.

"She needs my skill set, my information, she wants my loyalty again." Ruy spat.

Keefe was silent, but his back was pressed against the wall, "Are you going to give it to her?"

Ruy clenched his jaw, his lopsided wings bristling behind him.

"I was only in the Neverseen before because I was scared and only had my mother left, I didn't know what was out there. I was never allowed beyond the Neverseen, not once. But now that I've learned, now that I've found a place in this world and found a place in a true family?"

Ruy looked at his hands, the same hands that once fought and bled for the Neverseen, "They will never, ever, get me back."

The sound of an opening door and echoing footsteps quieted them both. Ruy threw Keefe a blanket, quickly limping to his cot.

"Pretend to be asleep; don't let them know you are awake." Ruy hissed at Keefe, laying on his cot and turning away from the door. They both were deadly quiet as their cell door opened, and two men stood over Ruy. Ruy had his back to them, trying to recognize who they were. Low-level recruits, it seems. Ruy didn't recognize their voices, and they didn't have any of the bluster of a high ranking officer.

"Is this really her son?" One of them asked.

"I don't know, the demon wings really put you off." The other replied.

"They say the guy is a beast, a killing machine. Was awesome when he was on our side, always reclusive, though." One whispered to the other.

"Just wake him up, gently." The other said, fear in his voice. One of them nudged his shoulder, but because he was feeling petty, Ruy didn't move. They nervously glanced at each other, trying him again, but Ruy didn't move.

"Maybe we should-"

"OH COME ON YOU WEAKLINGS! He is already awake probably, aren't you traitor?!" A familiar voice called into the cell. That voice, Ruy did recognize. Ruy didn't say anything as he lifted up his middle finger, still not moving from his cot. The two newbies gaped as Trix stomped in, pulling Ruy by his wings. Ruy barked in pain, yanking his wings back and getting into Trix's hooded face. He always was a coward.

"Do that again, and I rip off every single one of your fingers, you stupid prick." Ruy hissed. Trix just scoffed, though fear could be heard underneath it.

"Just restrain him already." Trix snapped at the two newbies. The two new soldiers gulped at the towering winged prince, who just snarled at him. His natural fangs, his Dunmer pointed ears, his torn clothing only added to their terror as they grabbed their restraints. Ruy let them pull his arms behind his back, his eyes set solely on Trix waiting in the door frame. Ruy didn't dare let his eyes drift to Keefe, who was wide awake and listening to every word spoken.

"And where are you taking me?"

"None of your damn business." Trix snapped at him.

"I thought you looked up to me? At least you did before I left."

"I never looked up to you." Trix snarled, grabbing Ruy by the shoulder and leading him out the cells. Ruy followed, stiff and militant, observing everything around him. He watched out of the corner of his eye as one of the newbies slid the keys into their cell door, a copper one, slightly bent to the right.

Interesting.

Ruy was lead up a series of stairs, trying to recognize where the hell he was. It wasn't like any of their previous bases, it was only slightly chilly and weirdly familiar atmosphere. But Ruy couldn't quite put his finger on it. He passed a lot of cells, more cells than anything they ever had before. He was eventually thrown into a dining hall, the chairs and long stone table overthrown and covered in cobwebs, sheets, and crusted blood. Trix kept a tight hold on Ruy's restraints and straightened at the sight of Vespera. Ruy's blood went cold, memories of his mother's brutal abuse causing his hands to shake. Trix noticed Ruy's shaking hands and merely made the restraints tighter.

"Lady Vespera, I have brought the prisoner-"

"Why is he restrained?" Vespera asked plainly.

Trix paused for a moment, "Because he is a prisoner and a traitor?"

"No," Vespera glared at Trix, "He is my son, my own flesh and blood. I want those restraints off him now." Vespera snarled.

Trix hesitated, his voice uneven as he muttered, "Lady Vespera, I don't think-"

"Who are you to tell me what is or isn't a good idea? Hm? Take the damn restraints off and get your greasy ass out of here before I throw your corpse out myself."

Clearly, Ruy's mother hasn't lost her charm.

Trix's hands were pale and slick as he undid Ruy's restraints, placing them on the table and quickly walking out the room, quietly closing the door behind him. Ruy massaged his wrists, his eyes never drifting for a moment.

"Hello, my boy," Vespera said softly, almost like she was trying to be comforting. Ruy glanced around, gathering the worn stone, his surroundings. The tall ceilings, the architecture, again it seemed so familiar to Ruy.

"We are in a castle..." Ruy stated.

"As perceptive as ever." Vespera nodded.

Ruy was quiet, struggling to think of what to say, "Why did you want me back?"

Vespera smiled, an oily, greasy smile, almost like she was trying to be sincere, "I missed you."

"If we are just going to be lying, I would like to go back to my cell, please."

Vespera clicked her tongue, rolling her eyes, "I felt like after three years, I let you run around free long enough. It's time to come home-"

"I'm not coming back, Vespera. Not ever am I coming back." Ruy spat. Vespera blinked before sighing and looking out one of the windows.

"Inalia did this to you, the land of the free-thinking and diverse," Vespera smirked, "But also the land of social standings, unfair nobility, and high taxings."

Vespera sneered at the window, "There is a reason I left."

Only then did Ruy figure out why the place felt so familiar

Ruy pushed open the shutters of the very window Vespera was looking out, stuttering as the smell of lemon verbena and rosemary filled his head. In the distance from the mountainside, the outline of Renisanca and Grecian villages dotted around could barely be seen. They were in Inalia.

"We are in the Castello Del Valentino. It is the same castle I used when I gathered slaves years ago." Vespera shrugged, boringly checking her nails, "It is the same castle Amalia, Mansi, and Nour was in when they were taken as children. Gods, what a disaster that was."

Ruy felt sick. Here his mother gathered slaves, children even, to complete her failed Nightfall project.

"Why did you bring me here? To make a statement?" Ruy asked, his jaw clenched.

"Oh, Ruy, everything I do is a statement. You see, Gisela tried to overthrow me in the Neverseen; now she rots in Exile, all thanks to her own son. The Neverseen were angry after our failed attack on Foxfire, which actually turned out quite well for me. It was perfect for me to just step in and remind the men why exactly I was their leader, and how I excelled where Gisela fails."

"And where exactly do you excel, Vespera?"

Vespera ran her hand over the overturned table, rubbing off the bits of dust settled on the edge.

"At first, I thought it was making people trust me," Vespera looked up at Ruy, her eyes sharp, "Until my own flesh and blood betrayed me." Her eyes settled on the massive wings branching from his back, to the slight point in his ears, her eyes observing the small sliver of his Dunmer markings that showed through his jacket. Her eyes flashed in displeasure, but she merely clicked her tongue.

"But I knew I was good at something; otherwise, I would've been thrown out of the Neverseen years ago. Then I realized the true power I have." She continued

Ruy tried to not show his fear as he swallowed down the growing bile in his throat.

Vespera merely smiled, "Fear."

"Fear?" Ruy repeated.

Vespera's heels clicked against the musty tile floor, "Fear. Because I may not be a legendary warrior or a beloved hero, but I am smart. Always have been."

Vespera checked her nails, "And I learned through my years that emotions control the mortal creature in so many ways. Allow it to cloud their judgment, deny the power, even cause them to decide who to pledge their loyalty to. I trusted loyalty once, but now," She sighed, looking Ruy up and down almost in disappointment, "I realized that loyalty is only given to those who have a stronger voice and know what to say, just like how Amalia warped your mind into believing you needed to leave-"

"I did need to leave, I was dying here," Ruy argued.

Vespera scoffed, "Of course you were. So I learned to bend loyalty into my favor even more than Amalia ever could. Because I would refuse to be quiet, I would let my enemies and even my allies know exactly who I was. What I could do." Vespera looked at her hands as if admiring blood staining her fingertips, almost like she imagined the dirt under her fingernails from burying everyone beneath her.

"People flocked to me. Realized who I was," Vespera looked over the Castello, "And what my wrath truly is capable of."

"And that is where Gisela failed." She chuckled, "Because she wasn't able to do what it takes. She doesn't have the decisiveness that I do. She doesn't have the capability to carry out what I can."

Ruy struggled for words. His mother spoke almost... sincerely, but he still faked a calm facade as he chuckled, "I never saw you as the arrogant type."

"There is a difference between arrogance and the honest truth." Vespera seethed.

Ruy swallowed, "So, you regained hold of Neverseen. It doesn't explain why you needed me back."

Vespera glanced at Ruy, stepping in front of her son. She slightly raised her hand, and Ruy stepped back, wondering where she was going to hit him.

She only plucked a piece of lint off Ruy's jacket. Even then, it took all of Ruy's power not to bleat in panic.

She put her hands behind her back, pacing the long dining room. Her outfit looked traditional, a little bit old, but traditional Inalian clothing. A long midnight blue palla with copper adornings, a charcoal grey chiton underneath. She wore large copper earrings and had her raven hair held back by a traditional braided Inalian headband. Usually, she never wore Inalian clothing, but something has changed. She seemed less temperamental since the Battle of Foxfire, less explosive by the small little things. And she has such a love-hate relationship with Inalia. She swore she would never be seen wearing their clothing again.

"I needed my best soldier back, not to mention that you have spent three years in the ranks of that damn guild. You have information." Vespera smiled, "And you are going to give it to me."

Ruy crossed his arms, "And why would I do that?"

"Because I am going to remove the tainting Amalia put on your mind. I hear she has a Mesmer, Maha Abara, within her Inner Circle. Apparently, Maha used to be one of our servants," Vespera rolled her eyes, "The irony is palpable,"

"Vatarians powers are strong, and Maha may have a clutch on your mind to make sure you remain in their ranks and keep their secrets." She finished.

"And how do you know I didn't leave you of my own whim, and I remain loyal to them and them only?" Ruy spat.

Vespera's eyes cut through him, "Because you know what I am capable of, and the smart boy I know wouldn't be so dumb to risk their lives."

Ruy didn't know what to say.

"Are you... threatening me?"

"Just so I know you will remain where you are while we figure out how to remove this Mesmer's curse on you."

Vespers started towards the door, "I know you aren't all that close to the elves, but I did snatch Gisela's boy, what's his name? Keith? Karter?" Vespera snapped her fingers, a smirk pulling at her lips, "Keefe."

Ruy froze, his jaw clenched.

"You two may not be close. But you realize the past he has with Amalia, and how it would ruin her if he came to any harm." Vespera smiled, "Would she blame you if the boy came to any harm? You care for the guild, for Amalia." Vespera scoffed, "I cared for a Morretti once too, son." She gestured to herself, to her ruined mind, "Look where it brought me."

Gods, did she know about Sophie and Him? She was vague; maybe she didn't know the whole thing?

Ruy clenched his fingers, his bruised bloody knuckles aching.

"Your room is up the center threshold, go up the stairs, and take a left. The key is already in the door."

"You aren't throwing me back in the cells?"

"Why would I do that? I already told you what the repercussions are if you do betray me." Vespera opened the doors, patting down her outfit.

"Oh, and, son?" Vespera looked over her shoulder, her hand resting on the large door handles.

"Welcome back to the Neverseen." She grinned, a fake smile meant only to remind Ruy precisely what his place was. She gently closed the doors behind her, leaving Ruy.

Ruy looked out the window at his home that was so close but unreachable. Untouchable. He would never make it out of here.