“I’ll be back,” said Sadie as she clasped hands with Jari. She glanced toward the Conclave Spires behind her. “I’m not certain when, but…”

“You are a busy woman. I do not expect you to waste your time on a simple visit,” he stated. “Come when you can. We will be waiting. The offer will always stand.”

Sadie gave him a tight smile and a nod, but she didn’t verbalize a response. Instead, after those two gestures, she turned and headed deeper into the Conclave compound. The Spires near Svetogorsk weren’t the busiest she’d ever seen, but there were still a few people – mostly Merchants – waiting in line. As she strode across the square, she considered Jari’s – and Ivanka’s – standing offer.

At first, it had been incredibly easy to refuse leadership of Svetogorsk. Back then, she’d been fresh off a campaign in the local Primal Realm, and she’d wanted nothing more than to leave. She’d needed rest. Relaxation. She had needed Elijah.

But now, with the benefit of time on her side, she was beset by second thoughts. She told herself that it was because she wanted to keep an eye on the Eternal War – as well as the hobgoblins and ogres that spilled out of it – but she knew it was far more complicated than that.

The easiest explanation was that Svetogorsk represented one of – if not the – most powerful military power in the world. They played host to a cohesive and well-tested army whose average level was much higher than most. They could be a potent weapon against any threat, be it excisement or invasion. And they were much deadlier with Sadie at their head.

However, she was more focused on the camaraderie she’d felt in their company. She had never truly integrated into their fighting force – not like a run-of-the-mill footsoldier – but she’d still managed to cultivate some personal relationships. Like with Jari. A few of the Tacticians as well. And the people with whom she’d worked so closely in an effort to manage the army.

Once, her grandfather had told her about his past as a scout serving in the Royal Hong Kong Regiment during the Malayan Emergency. He’d revealed very few details about the things he’d done, but he had spoken fondly of the men with whom he’d served. Upon hearing those stories, Sadie had underestimated how close those bonds could be.

Now, she understood.

It was impossible to fight a war and not feel a bond with the people bleeding next to you.

But the draw was more than just the bonds developed during war. She also craved structure. Purpose. She so wanted to belong, and her last trip to Hong Kong had made it absolutely clear how much she did not. Her grandfather wanted her to come back, to rejoin Heaven’s Bastion, but she knew they’d never accept her. They certainly wouldn’t embrace her.

In Svetogorsk, that would. They had. They not only needed her, but they also wanted her. And Sadie couldn’t deny how attractive that was. If it wasn’t for Elijah, she might have already committed.

Even with him, she couldn’t help but consider it as a viable option. If not for herself, then for the good of the world. Because there were still many Primal Realms that had yet to be conquered, and an organized army like Svetogorsk’s would go a long way toward shouldering some of that responsibility – especially if it was under her control.

Those thoughts occupied her mind as she waited her turn to use the Spires, and eventually, she stepped into the circle and was whisked away to Ironshore. The change in temperature was the most immediate difference she felt, but following close on its heels was the much thicker ethera.

Sadie breathed deep, letting it envelop her before stepping free of the Spires. After exiting the compound, she made her way toward the city, noting the increased defenses along the way. Patrols were more prevalent, and the walls had been expanded. She also felt a distinct increase in the fortifications’ ethereal signature. If anyone wanted to take the city, they would need to pay a very steep price to do so.

Fortunately, Sadie was no invader, and the locals recognized her well enough. As a result, she barely had to wait for admittance into the city, and when she joined the flow of traffic, she garnered very little notice.

Sure, some people glanced at her obviously high-quality armor, but Ironshore had quickly become a city whose power was based on crafting. As such, there were many higher-leveled fighters who’d come to take advantage of the powerful Tradesmen who were based in the city. None were as well-equipped as Sadie, but most passersby failed to recognize the difference.

Not for the first time, she noted that traveling alone was much less attention-grabbing than when she was accompanied by Elijah. Wherever he went, eyes followed – and rightly so. He was a dangerous man, and to most people, an unpredictable one. Sadie knew better than to attribute his actions to mere whims, and even she found it difficult to anticipate his next move.

It was one of the most frustrating parts about being with him.

Sadie preferred order. Predictability. Structure. Elijah was a freer spirit who would just as well spend a month wandering the wilderness than working toward a verifiable goal.

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But that was also what she found so appealing – one of the things, at least.

Traversing the city went off without a hitch, and she soon found herself boarding one of the row boats tied off to Elijah’s personal dock. She didn’t hate rowing with the same vehemence Elijah did, but she certainly didn’t enjoy the necessity, either. More than once, she considered using Faith’s Reckoning, just so she could fly across the strait.

“His attitude is rubbing off on me,” she grumbled as she sent the small craft skipping across the strait.

The crossing didn’t take long – just a few minutes – but it still frustrated her. So, when she reached the docks on the island, she was not in the best of moods. That only got worse when Elijah didn’t immediately greet her. It wasn’t a reasonable attitude. He didn’t need to come running every time she was near.

But he usually did.

Her heavy boots thumped hard against the dock as she strode toward the path leading to the grove. The way was easy, and the route fairly short – only a mile or so – but by the time she reached the grove, she was irrationally angry.

And then she saw something she did not expect.

People.

Fifty at least.

Some were the children she recognized, many of whom were self-seriously lecturing other, unfamiliar juvenile elves. But there were adults, too. All with compact bodies, elegantly sharp features, and pointed ears. The adults were covered in blue markings that looked like tattoos, but shimmered with a light sheen of ethera.

And most were only half clothed, wearing tight-fitting garments that covered no more than bathing suits. Only a few were more modestly attired.

In the center of it all was Elijah, who animatedly spoke to the most beautiful creature Sadie had ever seen. She was built much like all the other elves, though her tattoos were far more elaborate. Those symmetrical slashes of blue stood in stark contrast to her perfectly tanned skin, and her flawless features were framed by a curtain of pristine white hair.

Sadie immediately hated her.

Not because of her looks, she told herself. But rather, it was the way she looked at Elijah with a mix of awe that bordered on worship, admiration, and attraction.

Sadie never thought of herself as an overtly jealous person. She considered such emotions to be signs of weak character. But in that moment, her personal opinions on them didn’t matter, and she fully surrendered to the jealousy gripping her heart.

The grove fell silent as she strode purposefully toward Elijah.

“Oh, hey Sadie. This is Nara,” he said, breaking the silence with a characteristic grin. “She’s another Druid, and she’s going to be joining the grove.”

“I see,” she stated, looking the woman up and down. Her dislike only grew hotter. “I am Sadie Song.”

The elven woman blinked, which only served to highlight the beauty of her big, blue eyes. “I have heard of you,” she said in a lilted voice that sounded almost like a song. “You are one of the most powerful people in the world.”

“According to some,” Sadie intoned.

“I welcome your guidance,” the elf said with a bow that somehow made Sadie angrier.

“Awesome. Glad you two get along. Nara – like Nerthus said, he’s been growing some new houses lately, but they’re not quite done. So, right now, there aren’t enough roofs to go around. You’re welcome to stay and camp out in the open, so long as you follow Nerthus’ rules. He’s a stickler for those. But if you’d be more comfortable in Ironshore, that’s cool too. I’ll pick up the tab until everyone gets settled in,” he said, looking around. “That’s assuming that everyone here wants to join the grove. If not, then you’ll definitely have to live in Ironshore.”

Nara glanced at a male elf who, to Sadie, had a bit of a shifty look about him – at least as far as Sadie was concerned – then said, “I will stay here, but the others cannot handle the ethereal density in the grove. Short durations are endurable, but more than a few hours will strike them with ethera poisoning.”

“Oh. I see. Probably for the best if they stay in Ironshore until they acclimate. In the meantime, I’m sure Nerthus can find a place for you here,” Elijah said. Just then, the spryggent stepped out of a nearby bush.

He said, “One of the houses is nearly complete. It lacks amenities, but it will do for a temporary residence.”

“Great,” Elijah said, clapping his hands. Some of the elves flinched. “Well – welcome to the grove. I’m sure you’re all tired, so we’ll save the orientation for tomorrow. You’re going to love it.”

She narrowed her eyes. “I…I am sure I will, Master Druid.”

“Uh…no. Just no,” Elijah said, shaking his head. His eyes flicked toward Sadie, then back at Nara. “Just Elijah. None of that ‘master’ stuff.”

“As you wish,” the elf said. Then, she added a shy smile before saying, “Elijah.”

After that, she rounded up her people and guided them toward the docks. Some of the younger elves looked pale, evidence of impending ethera poisoning. The other children – the ones who’d been working in the grove for months – went with them, many chattering about Ironshore’s virtues.

Soon enough, Sadie and Elijah were alone.

“What?” Elijah asked, looking completely innocent.

“You know what.”

“I genuinely don’t.”

“You just invited a half-naked elf to join your grove.”

“Uh…was she half-naked? I didn’t notice.”

Sadie shook her head in bemusement. “Don’t even try that,” she said. “I know you noticed. You also noticed that she’s gorgeous.”

“Nope. I only have eyes for you,” he replied with a cheeky grin. Stepping closer, he wrapped his arm around her waist. “Seriously, though – she’s another Druid. She’s been through hell. Her grove was destroyed, and a good many of her people were killed. What was I supposed to do? Ignore that? She needed help.”

Sadie frowned, leaning into him. Her armor made the closeness much more difficult. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “But I don’t like her.”

“She can help the grove.”

“I acknowledge that, but that doesn’t mean I have to like her,” she responded. Then, she sighed. “But I will try. If she steps one toe out of line, though…”

“Probably the best we can hope for. If it makes a difference, I’m glad you’re back,” Elijah said. “And…you know…the hot tub awaits.”

“Does it, now? You going to invite the elf, too?”

“Not this time,” Elijah said, waggling his eyebrows.

She fixed him with a glare.

Elijah swallowed hard. “Just a joke. Come on.”

“Don’t joke about that.”

“If it makes any difference, I think she’s terrified of me,” Elijah said, already dragging her toward the hot spring. “I’d be surprised if what you’re thinking has even crossed her mind.”

“Perhaps.”

Soon enough, they reached their destination, and after discarding her armor and clothes, Sadie sank gratefully into the Ash Lotus enhanced hot spring. Elijah joined her after only a moment, and together, they moved on from the brief bout of elf-driven unpleasantness.