Chapter 17. Traitor in Their Midst

“Curse An—heh for this stupid foolish gift, and curse the moon goddess for messing everything up instead of coming to the rescue of this wretched world.”

Lady Lucia pulled back the hood from her head and shook out her hair. She tried greatly in her role as head mage. She had been at it for more than a decade, but what was worse was the need that kept eating at her. The only thing that kept it at bay was the magic that thrummed through her veins, overpowering it. It began slow, but within seconds, it grew, spreading from her feet and surging to her knees. She almost buckled but held on to the wall as the feeling swept throughout the rest of her body.

With great effort, she walked to one of the shelves that lined her inner chamber. A variety of colored bottles sat atop them. She picked out one whose liquid was jet black and removed its cork. It released a tangy smell that carried a hint of aether. She took the first gulp and felt the liquid travel into her system.