Lucielle stepped into the war camp, breathing in the familiar scent of steel and aether. The air buzzed with movement—warriors rushing past her, captains barking orders, and the occasional flicker of Aetherforged weapons being summoned and tested before battle. The ground trembled beneath the weight of countless boots, the energy of anticipation thrumming in the air. As chaotic as it was, this place felt more like home than anywhere else.

  She moved through the crowds with purpose, scanning the area until she spotted a familiar face. Darren, one of her squadmates, leaned against a stack of crates with a satisfied smirk.

  "Well, well, look who finally decided to show up," Darren said, arms crossed. "Got what you deserved, huh?"

  Lucielle met his gaze but said nothing.

  Darren chuckled, shaking his head. "I hope you've learned something from that suspension. Maybe you’ll stop running off on your own now."

  Lucielle remained silent, adjusting the gauntlet on her wrist. Darren’s smirk faded slightly as he studied her.

  "Oh, come on," he groaned. "You’re gonna run off again, aren’t you? We need you out there, Lucielle."

  She finally spoke, her voice calm. "Well, you’ve survived these past seven days without me."

  Darren scoffed, but before he could retort, another voice cut in. "Darren, stop pestering her already."

  Stelle, another squadmate, approached with a composed smile. She placed a hand on Darren’s shoulder, effectively pulling him away from Lucielle. "You have to understand where he's coming from, Captain," she said formally, addressing Lucielle by her rank.

  Lucielle simply sighed. "Just hold onto Darren for me, Stelle. My work will be finished soon."

  Stelle frowned slightly. "What work?"

  Lucielle didn’t answer.

  Stelle studied her before exhaling. "Is it a captain’s order?"

  Lucielle’s response was brief. "A friend’s request."

  Stelle shook her head as if already regretting her involvement. "Fine. Just… don’t do anything reckless."

  Lucielle gave a small nod and walked past them, her mind already focused on the task ahead. As she navigated the camp, she took in the faces of soldiers preparing for battle. Some tightened their armor, others checked their Aetherforged blades, ensuring their weapons were in peak condition. A few engaged in last-minute duels to sharpen their reflexes.

  Then, she spotted him—Kevin.

  Surrounded by his squad, he stood with his arms crossed, laughing at something one of his female squadmates had said. The women around him practically fawned over him, their admiration clear. Lucielle narrowed her eyes, unimpressed.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  What does that man even have that makes them flock to him like that? she wondered.

  As if sensing her gaze, Kevin turned his head, and their eyes met. A slow, knowing smile spread across his face before he casually winked at her.

  Lucielle’s expression twisted in immediate disgust, and she turned away without hesitation. The last thing she needed was to deal with him.

  Finally, she found the person she had been searching for.

  Karen stood at the edge of her squad, yawning while leaning against a stack of supply crates. Her teammates were engaged in a strategic discussion, but she seemed uninterested.

  "Karen," Lucielle called.

  Karen’s eyes snapped open, widening in surprise. Without hesitation, she grabbed Lucielle’s wrist and pulled her to a quieter spot, away from prying ears. Her gaze was sharp with suspicion.

  "Please tell me you’re just here for a casual visit and not because of… that," Karen said, her voice filled with a mix of hope and wariness.

  Lucielle’s silence was answer enough.

  Karen groaned, slapping her hand against her forehead. "Oh for Vaelis sake, You got suspended for a week, and you’re already inviting more trouble? Who are you so persistently tracking all these times? Some Nyxaran captain? A big shot?"

  Lucielle crossed her arms. "Our deal is simple—you give me what I want, and I give you five Lux gold coins. Easy."

  Karen eyed her warily. "I don’t know about this, Lucielle. You’re onto something dangerous, and you’re dragging me into it."

  Lucielle shrugged. "I’m not forcing you. It’s a mutual deal. If you refuse, I’ll just find another Celestemancer."

  Karen was silent, thinking over her options. Then, with a deep sigh, she muttered, "Fuck."

  She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them with renewed focus. "Alright, fine. But if this gets me into trouble, I’m blaming you."

  Lucielle simply extended her hand. "Let’s begin."

  Karen hesitated before placing her fingers on Lucielle’s forehead. A chill spread through Lucielle as a thin, glowing rope of light extended from Karen’s palm.

  "Found the target," Karen murmured.

  Lucielle lifted her hand, as if she had done this many times before. Karen, though reluctant, guided the rope of light and tied a knot around Lucielle’s finger.

  The connection was established.

  Karen immediately pulled away, looking drained. "That’s it. I’m out of here."

  She turned and disappeared into the camp, leaving Lucielle alone with the thin, near-invisible thread of light wrapped around her finger. Only she could see it, thanks to Karen’s channeling of Celestemancy—Vaelis’ gift, the power of the Guiding Star. The ability to manipulate light for various purposes, from ranged attacks to illusions, was rare in Luminara. But now, Lucielle only wanted this for tracking.

  This rope was now connected to her target.

  She had tied the other end of the thread to them during their third encounter. Now, all she needed was a Celestemancer to establish the link, and she had it. The only risk was if her target was a Celestemancer themselves—they could sense and sever the connection. But she had already confirmed they weren’t.

  Lucielle followed the glowing thread with her eyes. It extended far beyond the camp, stretching toward the battlefield.

  Then, the first war horn sounded.

  She exhaled and tightened her grip on her Aetherforged blade.

  Time to move.

  *******

  Varithra stood on the battlefield, her violet eyes scanning the chaos before her. The first war horn had sounded, and battle had begun, yet she lingered at the edge, waiting.

  A Luminaran warrior charged at her, blade gleaming with summoned light. With a flick of her wrist, black flames erupted from her palm, swallowing the man whole. He screamed, then fell silent as the Entropic Flame reduced him to ash.

  Another came. Another fell.

  But Varithra wasn’t here for them.

  Her gaze darted through the battlefield, searching, waiting. And then, she saw her.

  Lucielle.

  A smirk played on Varithra’s lips as she moved forward, keeping a careful distance. She didn’t know how, but this woman always managed to find that cursed child.

  Varithra had only found him on her own twice. But with Lucielle? It was almost guaranteed.

  Slowly, she began to follow.