Rae van Daleon – The Roots of the Storm

by Lea von Löwenstein

Chapter 25: The Weight of Secrets

The chamber fell into silence after Celestine’s words. Rae glanced at her, studying the sharp determination in her teammate’s eyes. She knew Celestine was right—they needed help. But seeking it without revealing what they’d seen or done in the forbidden depths was a dangerous game.

“We can’t let anyone know we’ve been down there,” Rae said firmly, her voice low but steady. “If the instructors find out, it’s over. And the cultists… they’ll know we’re a threat.”

Celestine crossed her arms, her expression resolute. “There has to be someone we can trust. Someone who can give us an edge without asking too many questions.”

“Who?” Tyren interjected, his tone skeptical. “The Scola isn’t exactly full of friendly faces. And let’s not forget, people love to tattle here.”

Marcus leaned against the wall, his massive arms folded across his chest. “It’s a risk, but Celestine’s right. We’re not equipped to deal with that thing on our own. If we don’t find help, we’re walking into a death trap.”

Soren, who had been quiet, finally spoke, his voice trembling. “What about Alric? He’s always poking around, and he… he likes us. Sort of.”

Rae frowned, her mind turning over the idea. Alric was clever, resourceful, and nosy. He might have information—or access to things—that could be useful. But trusting him meant adding another variable to an already fragile situation.

“It’s an option,” Rae admitted. “But if we bring him in, we have to be sure. If he betrays us, it’s not just our lives at risk—it’s Talia’s.”

A Plan in the Making

The group huddled closer, their whispered voices barely audible over the faint hum of the Scola’s ancient systems.

“We don’t have to tell him everything,” Celestine suggested. “Just enough to make him curious. If he thinks it’s his idea to help, he’ll be less likely to ask questions.”

Tyren smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “You mean play him? I like it. He’s arrogant enough to think he’s the mastermind, even when he’s not.”

Marcus nodded. “And he’s resourceful. If anyone can dig up something useful without drawing attention, it’s him.”

Rae tapped her blade against the stone floor, her mind racing. Alric was a risk, but they didn’t have many options. The creature, the cultists, the pit—it was too much for them to face alone. If they were going to save Talia, they needed every advantage they could get.

“Fine,” Rae said finally. “We’ll approach Alric tomorrow. But we’re keeping it vague—no details about the pit, the cultists, or the creature. Just enough to make him curious.”

“And if he asks too many questions?” Soren asked, his voice tinged with fear.

Rae’s eyes hardened. “Then we shut him out. No second chances.”

The Morning Approach

The next day, the group moved through their morning routines with a tense, silent determination. The weight of their decision hung over them, but none of them voiced their doubts. They couldn’t afford to.

After the morning lecture, they found Alric lounging near the mess hall, his usual cocky grin firmly in place. He looked up as they approached, his expression shifting to curiosity when he noticed their serious faces.

“Well, well,” he said, leaning back against the wall. “What’s this? The infamous Rae and her merry band of misfits. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Celestine stepped forward, her tone casual but calculated. “We need a favor.”

Alric raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “A favor? From me? I’m flattered.”

“Don’t be,” Tyren muttered, earning a sharp elbow from Celestine.

Rae crossed her arms, her gaze steady. “We need information. About the lower levels.”

The grin faded from Alric’s face, replaced by a flicker of suspicion. “The lower levels? Why? What are you—”

“Don’t ask questions,” Rae interrupted, her tone firm. “Just tell us what you know. Or if you don’t know, how to find out.”

Alric studied her for a moment, his eyes narrowing. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Rae. The instructors don’t like people poking around where they shouldn’t.”

“We’ll take that risk,” Rae replied. “The question is, will you help us?”

Alric hesitated, his gaze flicking between them. Finally, he shrugged, his trademark smirk returning. “Fine. I’ll see what I can dig up. But this better be worth it.”

“It is,” Rae said, her voice quiet but resolute.

Waiting for Answers

As the day wore on, the group waited anxiously for Alric to return with information. Every passing moment felt like an eternity, the weight of the unknown pressing heavily on their minds.

When Alric finally found them in the training yard that evening, his expression was uncharacteristically serious. He motioned for them to follow him to a quiet corner, away from prying eyes and ears.

“You owe me for this,” he said, his voice low. “The lower levels aren’t just maintenance tunnels. They’re… something else. Old records mention experiments, containment zones, and—”

He hesitated, glancing around before continuing. “And sacrifices. Whatever’s down there, it’s dangerous. And it’s been hidden for a reason.”

Rae felt a chill run down her spine. She had expected danger, but hearing it confirmed made it all the more real.

“What else?” Celestine pressed.

Alric shook his head. “That’s all I could find without raising alarms. But if you’re smart, you’ll stay away. Whatever you’re planning, it’s not worth it.”

Rae’s jaw tightened. “That’s for us to decide. Thanks, Alric.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Just don’t get yourselves killed. I’d hate to lose my favorite misfits.”

Alric looked Rae right in her eyes. „If there really is a monster down there… we can’t solve that by ourselves. We need serious help. And I have an idea.“

After a second of thinking… „My father has an old friend at the Ordo Heretikus.“

Disbelief and half panic rushed over the face of his roommates.

“The holy imperial Inquisition?”