Lilith reached out with her mind and touched the nearest Innari. The connection was rough, but she broke through and found a world of anger and hatred surrounding a smouldering ember of foresight. She could see that the transformation was recent, likely induced when she, her sister, and Philomel had carved out the heart of the Innari god. A pang of guilt threatened to drag her in too deep, so she bit her lip to remind herself that she was outside the soul, not within.

Arden watched, fascinated with the process and regretting his decision to walk a different path. Still, he could test the creature’s emotions by stealing strength from the oni that smothered his own heart, draining the fire from within to his fingertips and sending it out in lashing waves. Behind them, the crew got their orders and cast their votes on who should stay behind to keep the Liliana ready to depart, and whom should join the Knights of Brae in their skirmish.

“They’re not beyond saving,” Arden said with a grimace as the creature’s aggression snared his lashes and started to pull on them. The pit of his stomach churned, and his body temperature began to rose as he drew on more and more of the dragon’s power to keep himself rooted.

“It’s beyond us,” she whimpered. She cut the connection and rocked on her heels. Arden felt her leave and did the same. “Starr, perhaps, could guide them bac to his people.”

“It’s his mess, so he’d better had.”

“You know that’s not true Arden.” Lilith pouted. She considered the eyes of each of the captives then turned away. “He was only trying to do the best for his people. It was leave, or be hunted down and killed.”

“Power corrupts all.” The swordsman sighed. “Let’s hope whatever magic that imp still possesses can help.”

“Imp?” Lilith smirked. She yawned too, the swirl of emotions they had been through on their journey finally wearing her thin. “A fox, an imp a hound, and a clapped-out horse. We make quite the party.”

“Don’t let Killian hear you call him that.”

“A loyal horse, then, you can’t fault his dedicated to the city but it’s going to get him killed.” She reflected on his unease, his physical health, and the constant need to prove himself. All the signs of an ageing hero who had somehow come through the worst and best of times and survived.

“You’re beginning to sound like Duffy.”

“Piety gets to us all,” she sheathed her tanto.

“We can only do our best to keep him out of harm’s way, though I’ve seen what he’s like with that bastard axe he lugs around like it’s a toy.” He had seen him fight atop the flaming tower and again in the civil war. He was as much a legend amongst his own comrades as he had become to the citizens of Scara Brae since.

“Maybe he can teach you a thing or two about fighting like a real man.”

Arden raised an eyebrow but when he turned to retort, the assassin was already on her way to join the crew and weigh in on the decisions they’d all have to make, difficult or not before the sun set.