Now was the perfect opportunity to find out if his father-in-law was using his spirits to monitor them. He couldn’t ask the first time because he had been too shaken by Raine’s ’death’, and the other day, Ethea hadn’t been with him.
"Hmm..."
Director Elenaria paused for a moment, her eyes shimmering with a subtle silver glow as she observed their surroundings. She reexamined Soren with increased scrutiny before turning her attention to Ethea, studying her intently for several seconds. When she finally shifted her gaze back to him, her face had grown more solemn.
"...There is a faint trace. A spirit of darkness has been near your wife, probably a few times. And... It’s probably a darkness spirit."
"I see..." Soren muttered. ’So I was right...’
"Then, is there a way to ward them off? Something that can prevent spirits from approaching us or protect against them? Or a method to sense or see them?"
Elenaria fell silent, her brow furrowing as she considered the question.
"Unless one has an affinity for spirits, it is usually impossible to see them," she said at last. "But there are some artifacts that allow one to sense spirits, interact with them, or even protect against them. But they are really rare and hard to find even for me."
She tapped her chin lightly with her finger. "There is another way. High-ranking spirits can reveal themselves willingly if they choose to. But that requires the spirit to recognize you, and most spirits are not interested in the affairs of mortals."
"...I see," Soren whispered. "Thank you, Director. This has been more helpful than you know."
Elenaria studied him for a moment, as if sensing there was more he wasn’t saying. But she didn’t press. "If you wish to learn more or find such artifacts, you could visit the Elven Dominion. There are many scholars and powerful spirit mages there that might be able to help you."
Soren nodded. "I’ll remember that."
"Hmm... Actually, Malakor might be useful for your situation. He’s a magic beast of darkness and an S-rank one at that. And magic beasts tend to have senses far sharper than humans, especially when it comes to their own element. A darkness spirit would be hard for him to miss."
"Oh, I didn’t know that."
"It’s natural. And... you are making the right choice by taking him with you. Although your first encounter with him was nothing short of terrible, I’m sure he will be a great help to you in your future endeavors. After all, his life is in your hands."
"...Right."
"One more thing..." Elenaria’s voice grew solemn. "I advise you to never reveal he is your slave. Treat him as your bond partner instead, both in public and even in private. You may hold the seal, but that does not mean you have to act like a master. Show him the same respect you would give a true bond, and in time, he may return it. A relationship built on trust will always be stronger than one built on fear, and it will make working together far easier for both of you."
She paused, letting the words settle before continuing.
"Beyond that, a magic beast of his rank is rare enough to draw attention on its own. If word spreads that you hold an S-rank creature under a slave seal, it will attract the kind of people you do not want to meet. But if the world believes he is your bond, they will see a talented hunter and his loyal partner. The difference could save your life one day."
Soren nodded slowly. "I will heed your advice, Director. Thank you."
Elenaria offered a faint smile. "Though I am sure you already knew most of this. I simply wanted to remind you before you left."
She gestured ahead, where the familiar doors of Malakor’s chamber had come into view. "Now then, he is waiting for you inside."
"..." Soren wheeled Ethea inside and saw Malakor sitting not far from the door, the chains from the previous time completely gone.
"This lowly slave greets his master." He bowed his head respectfully.
"..." Soren squinted at him. "...We are leaving. I am taking you with me. But first, I need to know. Can you enter my soul space? Or become smaller? It would be troublesome to walk around with a massive panther following me everywhere."
"I will simply stay in your shadow, Master. It will be far easier to protect you that way."
Soren nodded. "Do it."
"As you wish."
Malakor’s form began to dissolve, his massive body unraveling into streams of darkness that flowed across the floor like spilled ink. The shadows pooled at Soren’s feet, then sank into his own, merging seamlessly until nothing remained but a faint shimmer along the edges of his silhouette.
Soren watched the process with a calm expression, then turned to Elenaria. "We will take our leave now, Director."
Elenaria nodded and walked them to the exit of the sanctuary. At the door, she paused and turned to face them one last time.
"I wish you both safe travels, Mr. Soren, Mrs. Everly. If fate allows, we will meet again."
"Thank you for all your help as well, Director." Soren placed a hand over his chest and gave a small bow. "Nae g’onen."
Elenaria’s eyes widened slightly, genuine surprise flickering across her usually composed features. Then her expression softened into a warm smile.
"You know our tongue..." She returned the gesture, her voice carrying a note of respect. "Nae vue g’onen, Soren. May the stars guide your path."
Soren smiled and turned, pushing Ethea toward the exit. As the doors closed behind them, her voice echoed in his mind.
’You know the elven language?’
Soren chuckled inwardly. ’Only the basics. An elf coworker taught me a few things back when I worked at the restaurant. I was just curious at the time. Didn’t expect it to actually come in handy like this.’
’...You worked in a restaurant?’
’Ah, yes, though only for a few months.’
’...Can you tell me more about it on the way?’
’Sure, but you will tell me about your past too. Deal?’
’...Deal.’