Aaron had seen many horrors in his lifetime. As a soldier stationed at the border, he had fought against creatures that defied nature itself, monstrosities born from the abyss beyond human comprehension. But this—this was different.
It was something far more insidious, far more unnatural.
The accomplices of the former Archmage, now unrestrained without Dimitri’s presence, were no longer content with lurking in the shadows.
They had accelerated their twisted experiments, abducting the poor refugees who had no protection and no means to fight back. These people were being forcefully fused with the very monsters that lurked beyond the Empire’s borders, turned into grotesque abominations against their will.
Aaron had followed the trail of destruction for weeks.
These abominations were released into the forest, and they eventually find the border, they start attacking his fellow soldiers. Aaron needed to do something about it.
The trail led him away from the battlefield, he did not intend to leave so soon but he needed to get to the bottom of this.
His mission led him to the Eastern Duchy.
The discovery left a bitter taste in his mouth. The Eastern Duchy was supposed to be stable, its power unwavering under the rule of the Duchess. But now, beneath that veneer of prosperity, something rotten festered.
Aaron’s instincts told him he was getting close.
The disappearances had been subtle at first. A missing beggar here, a lost child there—people who wouldn’t be noticed. But then, entire families began to vanish.
The rumors he had gathered spoke of a hidden network, something deeply embedded in the Duchy’s underbelly. He had seen enough of these experiments to know what was happening: the mages were refining their process, perfecting the fusion between human and beast.
The urgency clawed at his chest.
His soldiers were at risk. The people were at risk.
Aaron wasn’t the kind of man to hesitate.
He had already sent word to his subordinates to be on high alert. But even with his men ready for battle, he knew he couldn’t do this alone. He needed help, someone who knew the lay of the land better than he did.
And that was when Layla’s name came to mind.
Layla had been sending him letters frequently, ever since their last meeting. She had always been the persistent type, never letting go of something once she had set her mind on it.
He had never been good at responding. Well, not to a beautiful woman at least.
It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate the letters—he did. But words had never been his strong suit. And Layla...
Layla had always been good with words, she was raised like a free bird, she did not hide her emotions that well, she had always been an open slate... And even so she did not outright say it, she tried her best to convey it indirectly.
When she learned that he was in the Eastern Duchy, it hadn’t taken her long to track him down.
Aaron wasn’t surprised when she barged into his temporary headquarters, her golden hair catching the light, her expression set in determination.
"You’re here on business," she stated, her arms crossed over her chest. "And you didn’t think to tell me?"
Aaron barely had time to react before she threw a bundle of letters at him.
"Oh- I- I just... Did not want to bother you." He replied nervously. She seemed angry.
Layla was indeed angry, but it did not last too long. She hated to admit that she could not get mad at that face.
She stepped closer, her playful demeanor shifting into something more serious. "Tell me what’s going on," she demanded. "I heard rumours about missing people. Dark magic. You wouldn’t be here unless it was serious."
She once again proved why the Eastern Duchess chose her as her successor.
Aaron met her gaze. "It is."
She exhaled sharply. "How bad?"
"Bad," he said simply. "The mages who once followed the former Archmage are running rampant. I could figure this much out. Dimitri... He came back to the capital because of some important reason. I needed to leave for the border so I did not pry, so what changed?"
Many things had changed... But Aaron did not know.
Layla’s expression hardened. "And you think they’re here? In the Duchy?"
Aaron nodded. "All signs point to it."
She didn’t hesitate. "Then I’ll help you."
Aaron raised a brow. "Layla—"
"Don’t ’Layla’ me," she cut him off. "I have resources, soldiers, and influence here. If something this horrific is happening in my land, I won’t stand by and do nothing. And most importantly, this is my territory. Don’t make me kick you out."
Aaron knew there was no point in arguing. Layla was just as stubborn as he was—if not more.
"Fine," he said. "But this won’t be easy."
"I figured as much."
The search began immediately.
Layla mobilised her forces, sending out trusted scouts to gather more information. She used her connections to press noble families for any rumors they might have heard, and with Aaron’s own intelligence, they were able to narrow down their search.
It didn’t take long before they found something.
A noble estate—one that had been abandoned for years—was still being used. The estate itself was rumored to be haunted, keeping commoners away, but Layla’s sources revealed that supplies were being delivered there in secret. Strange shipments. Large crates that no one dared to investigate.
Aaron didn’t believe in ghosts.
But he did believe in the cruelty of power-hungry mages.
"Why did you leave that estate like that?" Aaron asked out of curiosity.
Layla scoffed, "The Eastern Duchy is known for its artisans, history, artifacts, why would anyone authorise the tearing down of a historical building?"
Aaron could not argue with that, he knew of the Eastern Duchy and their patronage for artisans. It made sense. Layla frowned. Was this man doubting her? If so she would not mind shooting at him with her powers. How dare he?
Aaron was not doubting her... He was simply feeling awkward and tried his best to make conversation. And it was not going too well for him, clearly.