Chapter 12. The Dominus

In a secluded chamber in Caelora, the air hung heavy, stifling every sound. Light from high-hanging crystal chandeliers cast dim shadows across the faces of those present. The faint clink of jewelry echoed as Praen set her teacup down, the small sound sharp, like cracking thin ice.

“Three months have passed… any news?” Her voice was steady, cold, each word slicing through the silence like a blade.

Cuth sat upright, eyes unwavering.

“No changes, Lady Praen,” he replied, voice flat.

Merqen leaned forward, her eyes glinting like sharpened steel.

“After three uses of the divine gift?”

She enunciated each word, voice low but cutting, her gaze sweeping over Cuth as if to pry out the truth.

The air grew denser, as if Merqen’s question had drained the room’s breath.

Curis offered a faint smile, her voice soft as a breeze.

“A gem needs polishing, silk needs weaving, Lady Merqen.” But her smile didn’t mask the cautious glint in her eyes, flickering toward Merqen.

Alves spoke softly, a worried edge to her voice, her lips curling into a wry smile.

“Hmm… if we rushed like you, I fear the celestial realm would be empty.”

Merqen snorted, her scornful gaze raking over Curis and Alves.

“Don’t lecture me while lounging on the foundation I built,” she said, voice low, each word a lash, making Curis frown slightly and Alves hide half her face behind a fan.

“Don’t drag rank disputes into this, Lady Merqen,” Curis replied, her voice still soft but edged with sharpness, like a needle hidden in silk.

The meeting room tensed like a taut string, one more word away from snapping.

Praen raised a hand, her movement slow but commanding, silencing the room. The chamber fell still, only faint breaths audible, as if everyone held back to preserve the fragile atmosphere.

“The upcoming Assembly will lack the Emperor but include one High Dominus and three Middle Domini. Will you bicker like this in their presence?” Praen’s voice dropped, her piercing gaze pinning each person, as if boring into their souls.

Curis, Alves, and Merqen bowed their heads in unison, voices earnest. “We sincerely apologize, Lady Praen.”

Praen shifted her gaze to her right, maintaining her icy composure.

“Legar, is everything arranged?”

Legar smiled, her voice clear as a silver bell.

“All as you desire, my lady.”

She bowed slightly, her smile unwavering, though her eyes gleamed with a sharp edge. “If I may, I’d like to add two points, my lady.”

“Speak,” Praen said, voice curt, unyielding.

Legar straightened, her tone deliberate, each word carefully measured.

“To Lady Curis and Lady Alves, it’s hard to fault Lady Merqen. The third time Ami used her divine gift, she nearly touched the threshold of the mystic seal. To purify the divine gift of a Dominus as talented as Lady Arkhel here, you must understand the weight.”

She paused, her gaze sweeping the room, gauging reactions.

Arkhel dipped her head slightly, voice steady. “My honor, Lady Legar.” But her hand on the table trembled faintly.

Merqen glared at Legar, voice sharp as a blade.

“Spare me your clever words. I don’t need your defense.”

Legar only smiled faintly, shrugging, as if the jab slid off her.

Merqen turned to Arkhel, her tone hardening.

“A Dominus’s divine gift, erased so easily by two ex-celestials? I wonder, is your gift fading, or did you let it slip?”

She paused, eyes narrowing, as if digging for truth.

“You, of all people, should know public duty from private gain, Arkhel.”

Arkhel maintained her calm, though her eyes flickered, like a lake stirred by wind.

“Lady Merqen, I understand your doubts. But I assure you, I’ve done nothing to breach that line,” she said firmly.

“Oh, so I’m overthinking, Arkhel?” Merqen drawled, lips curling, eyes locked on her, pressing for a crack in her composure.

Curis interjected, voice soft but sharp. “You’re too harsh, Merqen. Handing treasures to the celestial gates, yet suspicion lingers like mist on the peaks.”

She sighed, feigning sympathy, but her eyes glinted with a smile. “I feel for Lady Arkhel.”

“Hmph!” Merqen glared, about to retort when—

Tap. Praen lightly struck the table, the small sound jolting the room.

“Continue, Legar,” she commanded, voice heavy as stone.

Legar smiled faintly, bowing slightly.

“Yes, my lady.” She glanced at Merqen, eyes briefly mocking, then spoke slowly, like dropping a pebble into a still pond.

“The second matter concerns… former Middle Dominus Lord Khrynn, my lady.” Her lips twitched, eyes flashing with intent.

The room’s air thickened instantly, as if every breath was compressed. Startled, wary, and sharp gazes turned to Legar.

She maintained her serene smile, voice calm. “No need for concern, I know mentioning him is distasteful. But sometimes, fresh tea is bitter at first, sweet at the end.” Legar’s gaze swept over each person, as if memorizing their reactions.

Merqen gritted her teeth, visibly irritated. “Stop calling him ‘lord’ with that roundabout nonsense.”

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Legar replied, voice steady but her smile fading.

“I’m merely showing respect, Lady Merqen. Whatever Lord Khrynn did, the Middle Dominus rank he held is beyond our reach.”

“My apologies, Lady Praen, all of you,” Legar said, bowing humbly.

Praen nodded, her gaze hardening as she looked at Merqen. “Silence from now on, Merqen.”

Merqen clenched her fists, seething but swallowing her anger, obeying.

Legar continued, her voice light but striking like a hammer.

“He broke his oath after over two centuries.”

As her words fell, a ripple of shock broke through the calm facades of all present. Alves drew a sharp breath, Curis clutched her sleeve tightly, and Cuth’s brow furrowed deeper.

“You all must understand what that means. Lord Khrynn was always held in higher regard—forgive my bluntness—than anyone here. With his stature, surely the Emperor will permit his return soon enough.”

Legar paused, her smile serene yet piercing. “I’ll elaborate at the upcoming Assembly. For now, I hope you all remain steady… until the winds settle.”

She rose gracefully, gliding out.

Her silhouette vanished through the door’s slit, leaving behind rigid, pale faces, as if trapped in an unseen storm.

——

Finally done, I slipped into a lighter outfit.

But gods, Leovara’s heat was like a furnace! Everything felt sluggish, and there wasn’t a single cooling device.

In Caelora, the climate was tempered by divine gifts. Sometimes they’d tweak it hotter or colder, but there were always heating or cooling tools. I used to drag Wei around as my “portable fan”—super handy, no hassle.

I turned to Mira, who’d been quietly reading, dressed in thick clothes yet looking unfazed.

“Aren’t you hot, Mira?” I asked.

She jumped, startling me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to spook you!”

“It’s fine, I was just lost in my book,” Mira said, face as calm as ever.

“Yes, I’m really hot.” Then I noticed—her forehead was dripping sweat, face red like she’d been sunburned, yet her voice stayed so chill!

“A-Are you… okay?” I asked, worried as she swayed.

“I’m… fine,” Mira said, but her swaying got worse.

I panicked, thinking I was seeing things from the heat.

“L-Let me fan you!” I grabbed a nearby fan, waving it frantically.

How didn’t I notice sooner? Bear beastfolk don’t handle heat well—this could knock her out. Mira just got here from Caelan; she must be frying.

“Oh, thanks for looking after Yaorin,” I said, smiling, still fanning.

Mira closed her eyes, soaking in the breeze, then shook her head.

“I didn’t do much.”

I thought she was being humble, about to tease, but she went on.

“When Yaorin heard you left, she was totally shocked. I explained why, and she went quiet for a bit, then forced a smile, thanked me for telling her, and went inside. She didn’t eat or drink all day. I tried to comfort her, but she didn’t respond, so I gave her space.”

I froze, guilt twisting my gut.

“But the next day, she was back to normal. She apologized for being off, then asked me to bake with her. Yaorin’s super skilled—her cakes were amazing, but she made too many to finish. She told me to share them, keeping just a few for Blanchi. Everyone raved about them. Serpion especially—he wanted more.

I told him Yaorin made them, and he gave up, saying she’d never bake for him. I thought so too, but when I asked her, she agreed to make more next time.

I told Serpion, and he was thrilled, howling, but Zorion smacked him for it.

Oh, and Aethel came back the other day, reported something, then met with everyone. They searched your room, even asked me to find Blanchi. I didn’t need to—it was with Yaorin; she adores that pigeon. Aethel left without staying for dinner. The next day, he brought all those clothes here. Don’t worry, he turned into a giant eagle and hauled everything in one trip. And about Yaorin’s cakes…”

I listened quietly, starting worried about Yaorin but ending up… dazed.

I thought Mira was shy and quiet, but she unleashed a chaotic stream of chatter, jumping from Yaorin to Snake, Fox, Blanchi, and back to cakes, like she’d been holding it in forever. I was thrilled she opened up but dizzy from her tangled tale, haha.

After her long, wild ramble, Mira was visibly wiped, panting. She sat up straight, face back to its usual calm.

“I… I’m sorry.”

I blinked, then burst out laughing at her cuteness.

“Haha, your stories are a riot! Kept me entertained, forgot the heat entirely,” I encouraged.

Mira seemed to realize her “gushing like a fountain” habit.

“Huh?” Her ears reddened—she was embarrassed! I grinned slyly.

“I-I’m stepping out,” Mira shot up, turning stiffly, arms and legs swinging in sync, making me laugh till I nearly passed out.

“Phew!” I leaned back in the chair, fanning myself. Time to… sort this mess.

Staring at the ceiling, since arriving in the beast realm, I’d tried to stay chill, avoiding heavy thoughts despite the crazy circumstances. I simplified everything, focusing on what’s in front of me to keep my head clear, not weighed down.

But now… relaxing’s out the window.

“Ugh,” I sighed, slumping, moping. Sweltering like I’m melting, and still stuck thinking about this crap.

Way to torture yourself, Ami, I mocked myself.

Whoosh! Swoosh! Splash!

Before I could blink, something zoomed into the room, shoving me straight into the bathwater, soaking me head to toe.

“Pfft!” I surfaced, hair plastered to my face, coughing.

“Amiiiiii!” Wei hoisted me up, shouting excitedly.

“Cough! You maniac!” I clung to him, gasping, then glared, punching him hard.

“Ow! You’ve got no mercy for this gem!” Wei whined.

I scoffed, “You’re not embarrassed saying that?”

“Don’t you see? I am a gem,” Wei said, winking, framing his face like a flower.

Speechless! I smirked, dripping disdain.

“Tch! I told you not to pop up and crash into me!” I stormed out of the water, fuming.

“I just missed you so much…” Wei pressed his fingertips together, playing innocent.

Annoying! Talking to this guy’s like pouring water on a duck’s back.

“Dry my clothes, now!” I snapped, spinning around.

“Yes, ma’am!” Wei pouted, sulking, but used his wind gift to dry me.

“So, why’re you here?” I crossed my arms, legs crossed, face icy.

Wei sat across, back straight, hands on knees, smiling harmlessly.

“Obviously, I missed—” I raised a cup, signaling one more word means a beating.

“Haha, okay, okay, I’ll talk,” Wei laughed, hands up in surrender.

“Ugh…” He sighed, “You know… since we got exiled, we’ve been split up—”

“Get to the point,” I cut in, glaring.

Wei cleared his throat, eyes darting, fingers fidgeting, struggling.

I frowned, impatient. “No reason? Then leave. You’ll get us caught!”

Wei switched to whining mode, eyes teary, lunging to hug my waist, fake-crying. “I’ve always been good to you, right? You wouldn’t ditch me, right?”

Don’t fall for that face! He’s definitely in trouble again.

“What do you want? Spit it out,” I said coldly.

Wei froze, fake-wiping tears, rubbing his hands, grinning sheepishly. “I… lost all my sol…”

Whack! I smacked his head.

Wei yelped, clutching it. “Tch!” I sneered, “Finally got what you deserve.”

“Nooo, I had a reason, I swear!” Wei pleaded.

I gave him a side-eye, stepping back.

He grinned, thinking I’d grab money, but…

“Ow!” I took a running kick at his butt.

“Serves you right,” I smirked, triumphant.

Then, an idea sparked. I grinned slyly, sauntering over to Wei as he groaned, lifting his chin.

“You want money, right?” He nodded eagerly.

I leaned in, whispering, “You’re so pretty… you won’t lack for sources.”

Wei’s jaw dropped, frozen in shock. I doubled over, laughing till tears streamed.

Still giggling, a figure flashed by, making me jump.

“Wei! Wei! Snap out of it!” I shook him, urgent.

He was still stunned from my “find a source” jab.

Slap! I smacked his cheek to wake him.

“Sorry, but we’re in a rush. Someone’s coming, hide!”

Wei rubbed his face, sulking, but crawled to hide.

Why am I sneaking around like this? I wondered.

“Miss, I brought lunch,” the maid from earlier called.

“Oh, thanks!” I smiled, rushing to take the tray.

“I got it, thank you so much.” She looked surprised but nodded.

I turned away, thinking I was in the clear, but that leopard lunatic wouldn’t let it slide.

“Eek!” The maid gasped, startled.

“M-Miss, I-I think I saw something zoom by.” I trembled with rage but stayed calm.

“Probably just the heat messing with you. Nothing’s there.” I forced a smile, setting the tray down.

“Right! I’ll go then,” the maid said, bowing and leaving.

But then…

“You idiot!” I hissed, stiffening.

Thud! The maid turned back, bumping into something, slowly looking up, terrified.

Seeing Wei’s face, she screamed, running to me.

I clutched my head, helpless, glaring at Wei, mouthing, “We’re screwed. Get out!”

Wei shook his head, wagging a finger, smirking, “Too late.”

He looked smug. At the same time, the maid tugged my sleeve.

“Uh… that’s…” I thought fast, then grinned triumphantly at Wei.

“Don’t be scared. This is a surprise to thank you all.”

Wei’s ears perked, spine chilling.

“Ugh, I wanted it to be a surprise, but you saw him. Oh well, call it fate,” I chuckled, slyly.

“S-Sorry, Ami,” Wei whispered, stammering.

I ignored him, pulling Wei out, who smiled awkwardly, shrinking back.

I echoed, “Too late.”

“Here, meet Lior, a snowy egret beastfolk.”

Snowy egret? Beastfolk? Lior? Wei looked baffled but forced a smile. “H-Hi…”

I covered my mouth, turning away to snicker.

The maid blushed, fidgeting, too shy to look at Wei, mumbling something before bolting.

Wei and I watched, blinking, speechless. Wei snorted, doubling over with laughter.

I glared, shoving him out. Probably scared I’d drag him to “meet” more beastfolk, Wei hightailed it out.

“Wait, how’d Wei know I was here?” I pondered, but had no clues.

“Whatever, thinking’s exhausting.” I shrugged, heading to the table to eat.