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December 21, Year 707
Morning sunlight streamed through the high arched windows of Grace's room, spilling across the pale lavender silks of her bedding. Outside, birds called to one another in the frosted garden. Small icicles clung to silverwood branches, glittering like strings of jewels. Inside, warmth from the enchanted hearth pooled gently around Grace, but it did little to soothe the restless knot in her chest.
For two days now, the question of Haze's future had weighed on her like a hidden stone. Whether to give him the precious Beast Path elixir her mother had gifted her, with the potential to elevate him on the path of Transcendent, or destroy him entirely if his spirit could not withstand it. It haunted her waking thoughts and danced through every dream.
She sat now at her small writing desk, absently tracing the delicate carvings of vines and blossoms worked into the wood. Her silver hair was tied loosely back today, falling in gentle waves down her back. Haze lay coiled atop her wrist, his little head resting on the thin bones of her hand, eyes closed in quiet contentment.
The door burst open without ceremony, admitting a swirl of soft blue skirts and a familiar bright voice. Emily swept in, her cheeks flushed from the cold outside, golden hair tangled slightly from running.
"Gracie!" she called, ignoring all decorum to flop into a nearby chair. "Honestly, are you still brooding over that decision? We're leaving for the academy in just a handful of days. If you're going to risk that potion on your darling little snake, shouldn't you do it soon?"
Grace stiffened. Her heart gave a painful lurch. "Emily… I told you, I just.. need a little more time."
Emily huffed, throwing her hands up. "You've been saying that for two days! A little more time and I need to think. Well, we're almost out of time."
Grace bit her lip. Her eyes dropped to Haze. As if sensing the weight of her stare, he cracked open one pale eye, blinking at her with an innocent curiosity that only made her chest ache more.
She let out a shuddering breath and forced a weak smile. "Please, Emily. Just a little longer. I promise I'll decide before we depart."
Emily studied her for a long moment, then sighed and reached across to squeeze Grace's hand. "All right. But truly, Gracie, don't torture yourself too long. Whatever you choose, I'll stand by you. And if… if it goes wrong, I'll pray for Mother nature to let him rest in peace."
Grace's throat tightened painfully. She squeezed back, whispering, "Thank you."
Emily offered a wry grin, then stood. "Very well, since I can't pester you into action today, I'll go bother your maids. Selina was hiding a tray of almond cakes from me. I intend to make her confess." With a teasing wink, she swept back out of the room.
The silence that followed seemed almost heavy. Grace sat for a long while, her fingers idly stroking Haze's smooth white scales. Inside, her heart waged a quiet war with itself.
At last, she rose and moved to sit by the wide window seat that overlooked the garden. Sunlight poured over her, catching in her hair like molten silver. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and allowed her thoughts to drift, toward the strange new presence that had entered her life only days ago.
Snake.
The first companion in that eerie Circus group. A person shrouded in gentle secrecy, who seemed knowledgeable, calm, even faintly amused by her nervous fumbling. And who had chosen, of all creatures, the very image of the one coiled around her wrist.
Grace opened her eyes, resolve tightening inside her. If anyone might understand what was best for Haze, perhaps it would be Snake.
She focused, drawing on the odd mental thread she had begun to grow strangely used to. At once, the world seemed to hush. A faint cool ripple passed through her mind, and in the polished glass of a nearby cabinet, she glimpsed the delicate phantoms of swans unfurl in her eyes.
A pane of soft white light appeared before her, words forming in that same curling script.
[Swan] Good morning Snake… may I speak with you? I wish to ask your guidance, if you would spare me a little of your time.
The pause that followed seemed to stretch endlessly. Grace's breath quickened. What if he ignored her? What if he laughed, or refused outright?
Then, at last, a warm line of script unfurled.
[Snake] Ah, Good morning Swan. Of course, I would be glad to help, if it lies within my power.
Grace exhaled shakily. Her fingers curled tighter in her lap.
[Swan] You see, some days ago I… encountered a rare opportunity of getting a Beast Path elixir. It could grant my companion here, Haze, a little white snake, a chance to walk the Path of Beast.
She paused, her pulse fluttering. Then went on, words pouring out in a quiet rush.
But if his spirit is not strong enough, it may destroy him instead. I've been tormented by indecision. I thought… since you chose to call yourself Snake, you might have some deeper knowledge. Could you tell me anything that might help ensure his safety?
The reply came after a thoughtful delay.
[Snake] Swan, you have asked precisely the right person. I chose my name not merely by whim, but because I have always held a deep fascination for snakes, I've studied them, admired their nature. I may indeed have some insights that could aid you.
Grace's heart leapt. Her eyes burned with sudden tears of relief.
[Swan] Please, Snake… if you would share this wisdom, I would be in your debt. I would pay any price you ask.
The reply appeared swiftly, almost playfully chiding.
[Snake] No, no. Think nothing of price. Let us call this a small welcome gift, from me to you. Remember it, perhaps, if ever I am the one in need.
Grace's chest swelled with a tender gratitude.
[Swan] Thank you. Truly. I will remember this favor all my life.
Then Snake's next message was longer, carrying a careful, measured gravity.
[Snake] White snakes, Swan, are often regarded as blessed by the forces of nature itself. They frequently go along the Path of Beast, and many records suggest they have favorable chances to break through to the Transcendent.
But such advancement is never passive. Even the most promising spirit must be tested and honed. The surest way to strengthen the chances of a beast path elixir is to first engage the creature in battles against other formidable foes. It must face true danger, spill blood, and conquer. The instincts that awaken in such moments will help guide the elixir's power along stable channels.
Ideally, these would be strong beasts of Rank one. And why these beasts, because I've seen that those white snakes that step into Transcendant mainly evolve based on the compatibile foes they have devoured such that it will not corrupt their spirit but will nourish it and their species evolution is also influenced by it and from my study these inlude, Giant lizard, Panther, Swift Eagle, Salamander, Crab, Armored Pangolin, Chameleon, Three-eye Tuatara. Let Haze battle them directly, without interference. If he triumphs, devouring their essence will knit his own strength preparing him for the Transcendant.
Grace read it once, twice, then closed her eyes, letting out a long trembling sigh.
[Swan] Snake… Thank you very much. I will hold this wisdom as sacred.
[Snake] Then go with courage, Swan. I look forward to hearing of your companion's rise. Farewell, for now.
[Swan] Farewell, Snake.
The pane of light faded. The ghostly swans in her eyes dissolved. For a long while, Grace sat perfectly still, hands clasped over her heart.
But after a time, she drew a breath and stood. Her decision was made. She would give Haze this chance. And she would do all she could short of breaking the rules of such a trial to give him the best chance to live and flourish.
Still, she needed a reason her parents would accept. Asking for a collection of living creatures was a small thing for her but it will draw attention. So she sought out her mother.
Lady Seraphiel was seated in her solar, surrounded by soft drifts of embroidery silks. Light fell across her face, illuminating eyes the same deep lake green as Grace's own.
"Mother" Grace began quietly. "I have come to a decision."
Seraphiel set aside her work at once. "About Haze?"
Grace nodded. "I… I wish to prepare him first. Before risking the elixir. I want to test his strength against lesser creatures, to train his instincts. Perhaps it will harden his spirit or whatever fragile chances he has, give him some edge that will let him survive."
Seraphiel's gaze softened unbearably. She reached out, cupping Grace's cheek. "My sweet girl. This has weighed so heavily on you. If this will ease your heart, then so it shall be. I will not question your judgement."
Grace pressed her face into her mother's palm, whispering, "Thank you, Mother."
Seraphiel straightened, graceful as ever. "I shall have Lyria and Selina see to it. They will gather these beasts you name and within a day's time you will find them locked in cages of the Warehouse number 9."
Meanwhile, coiled lazily on Grace's wrist, Aurelian's mind stirred with deep satisfaction.
Half my plan already bears fruit, he mused. She will arrange the perfect banquet for me, the specialized unique creatures i choose which might not just give me Exp to level to 10 but also some special abilities, or genuine talents.
His cold serpent eyes glittered. And once I reach level ten… I will finally see what mysteries my Devour talent holds. Will it something different from normal Transcendants power system?
He felt a rare excitement coil through him.