Return of the Demon Sovereign (Book 2) [MxM]

25. Returning to New Azor

A melodious voice sliced through the air, declaring, "A rat is spying in my city." Her words rang out so clearly that it felt like she was beside him.

Erebus jolted out of the vision and found himself back in the cavern. He clenched his jaw, recognizing that voice. Why would Kore's voice echo in his mind? Ayla said he should have only gotten a general sense of the location, not a vivid encounter. It was as if he had been inside the city itself.

"Erebus?" Ayla called out, her concern evident. "Did it not work?"

Erebus ran a hand over his face, trying to steady himself. "I'm not sure... What do you usually see when you use that rune?"

"I'm not sure," Ayla replied. "Some people get a sense of direction. Others see a marker on a map. Those with a strong connection to the object might even see the location as if it were a painted picture."

Erebus shook his head. "I wasn't just sensing it. I was there. I felt the city moving around me until I was standing right in front of the Themis tombs."

Ayla looked puzzled. "That's unusual. Not many have such a strong affinity with the runes or the objects they seek. But Gramr was a spirit weapon, so your connection might be deeper than most."

"Could someone detect me?" Erebus asked quietly.

Ayla laughed softly and shook her head. "That's impossible. Only a powerful Stargazer or...," her smile faded, "a Titan specializing in mental control might sense something."

Erebus nodded. "Kore sensed my presence."

"Do you think she knows it was you?" Leo's voice came from behind him. Erebus turned to see that everyone had returned from the armory carrying new weapons.

Erebus felt his unease diminish with Leo nearby. "No, I hid myself before she could figure it out, I think."

"But you were brought to New Azor?" Leo asked.

Erebus nodded. "I believe that's where Gramr is located, but I can't be certain."

Leo nodded in agreement. "We'll find it. We'll search until we do."

Erebus smiled. "We will. However, we must avoid scrying in New Azor for now. We can't risk Kore detecting us. We'll sever all connections the moment we realize the runes are leading us to that city."

Everyone acknowledged Erebus' order with a nod.

Leo glanced around the cavern with a hint of nostalgia. "Unfortunately, our time here is running out. We need to return to New Azor for the banquet."

"Damn Themises," Erebus muttered. "It's best if we leave in the morning. That way, we'll arrive a couple of days before the banquet."

"Provided we don't run into trouble," Nash grumbled, eliciting a chorus of complaints from the group.

Erebus chuckled warmly as he retrieved ale from his spatial ring, passing around the jars to his companions. They drank deeply into the night, exchanging stories and songs, reveling in the camaraderie that bound them together. Despite the looming trials and responsibilities awaiting them upon their return, they found comfort in each other's company. Amidst the storm clouds of war, their greatest challenge lay ahead: the hunt for the Titans.

In the morning, they set out with a promise to return. Erebus and Leo fully intended to relocate the Halrland sect branch to New Azor. As they journeyed back, the captains, who had held their questions in the cavern to focus on learning from the Udae, finally had the opportunity to let loose.