Augustus was engaged in conversation with Phaedra Rainecourt-Marx and Tybalt Zane when the blood around them started to stir. Though only a quarter of an hour had elapsed since the Eldouir swept up his niece—maybe more, but not much—it seemed it had been an eternity. Instinctively Augustus put himself between him and his wife.

“Go,” He’d hiss, “Go, warn the others.” Augustus would urge her with a nudge if needed, but he would not flee himself. His niece—thank all above them—was nowhere to be seen. So in her absence…

“Stand down, Commander,” Augustus said, speaking to Tybalt and stepping forward, “There’s no reason we cannot settle this peaceably.” For one man—enchanted armor or no—would not be able to defeat the Eldouir alone. And in the queen’s absence, Augustus was the figure of greatest authority.

Honora understood her cue. Hiram’s mind was starting to become a familiar fixture, so it didn’t take much (gift or no gift) to know what she was being asked and when. Her mind reached out like a spreading fog, fingers reaching and tugging on whoever it could find. And Augustus Rainecourt was first.

Do not resist.

And Honora, resistance or no, would delve into his mind, seeking generalities rather than plunging in for details that would have had the prince on his knees.

“The queen arranged for Elena to be held in prison,” Honora said, walking closely to Hiram Eldouir and speaking with only as much volume as was necessary to be heard by him alone, “but whatever the Arynnite king did to her, it was not at Iliana’s bidding. It was her expectation Elena would yet stand trial.”

Let us have no more bloodshed this day, Commander, Honora thrust the words into Tybalt Zane’s mind as an urgent whisper, I can help you. So long as you do not act rashly. She’d lace her words with calm, trying to reassure Tybalt (rightly or wrongly) with the sense they were on the same side.

Hiram grit his teeth at Honora’s words, looking at Elena in his arms. This wasn’t her. It was her, but empty. He had seen this look before. It was the way the Dresmondi whose dyrs had been killed became. He had killed enough of them to know. They lost themselves, somewhere, and roamed the earth aimlessly from that moment on. It could not be so for Elena. Hiram didn’t realize he was shaking her, as if trying to wake someone.

“Find her. Find her mind. Fix her.” He demanded these things of Honora, pushing Elena’s body up against the gifted, knowing proximity made her more powerful. In this moment he didn’t care about Tybalt or Augustus. He wanted Elena.

Phaedra was all too happy to leave at Augustus’ bidding. Running out abruptly, however, would be akin to inviting a dog to the chase. She inched, slowly, not wanting to draw attention to herself, and would gracefully and gradually slip out of the room if left alone to go and warn those she could.

Honora's voice was quiet, but Avalon was close enough to hear her speak to Hiram. Her eyes lingered on the blond. She was being such an obedient puppy. Apart from Myla and Hiram, she didn't even talk to any other Eldouir. Ava kept wondering what Honora was up to. Allemeades weren't to be trusted.

But her words made her even more glad that she had killed Akagi. If the queen hadn't ordered whatever had happened to Elena, then why had he done it?

Avalon kept an eye on Hiram and Augustus, but also saw Phaedra. Did she need to be stopped? She glanced at Hiram, but decided not to stop the woman. She was tired of doing all the work. She had just killed a man, and she hadn't heard any praise yet!

"Care to share with the class?" she shouted at Tybalt Zane when she saw him whispering to Augustus Rainecourt.

Augustus would not respond to Tybalt Zane with words. He’d put a hand on the man’s shoulder in response before stepping forward toward the Eldouir. He’d come to have affection for the commander. He was a patriot, a true son of Lorendale, the kind they just didn’t make anymore. Unfortunately, Augustus was also cut from the same cloth. And so, the prince stayed.

“The commander is only concerned for my safety. For all of our safety,” Augustus addressed Avalon Eldouir politely as if she were an ordinary noble who’d sought an ordinary audience, “But I believe there is no need for such concerns. I believe that we can reach an understanding in a civilized manner.” The word civilized tasted like vinegar. There was nothing civilized about the Eldouir.

But, his manner remained calm. Authoritative, but not threatening.

Could I? Honora responded to Tybalt Zane , flinging the words into his mind with frustration, You overestimate my power and underestimate theirs. Don’t be a fool. The last sentence was gentle. Pleading, even.

When Hiram shoved Elena toward her Honora, hands moved to catch her, as he wasn’t sure whether he would let her go entirely. But he didn’t. Elena was cradled between them, the only sign of life the rise and fall of her chest. Honora reached for the side of her face, brow furrowing as she searched for her. Searched, but did not find. Honora’s eyes didn’t glaze, her expression growing more confused with every moment. There was nothing. It was as if Elena were an object. Unliving, unfeeling. Her mind not just wiped but the vessel that holds one being taken away entirely. Instead, she felt another presence. An energy coming from elsewhere. From Avalon Eldouir .

“The diamond…” Honora said calmly, holding out her hand in Avalon’s direction with her eyes still on Elena, “If you please.”

For Hiram, the world had gone dark except for Elena and what Honora would do to help her. To fix this. When Honora asked for the diamond Hiram looked up frantically at Avalon. If she didn’t move quickly enough he would move her himself.

Avalon Eldouir

She heard Augustus Rainecourt' response, but didn't look at him. She was too busy with Honora Allemeade and Elena right now. She watched the blonde as she looked for her sister's soul, eventually asking for the diamond. Hesitantly, she took it out from between her breasts. She really didn't want to give Honora the stone, but she obeyed and placed it in her hand.

"I hope you know what you're doing", she said, mostly directed at Hiram Eldouir, for trusting Honora, but also at Honora. If she did anything stupid with the diamond, Avalon wouldn't hesitate to kill again.