Part 3

After Syndra finished the story, she was surprised to see Vordea smiling. She had expected her to be angry, or even annoyed, but she was happy?

"You're happy?" Syndra asked.

"Of course it was him. It's always Lazarus." Vordea said, laughing. "No, I understand now. Separating your soul from your body in order to evade detection by the demons was quite brilliant, you know. Oh Lazarus, if only you hadn't discovered soul magic."

"Soul magic?" Syndra asked.

"No." Vordea replied, shaking her head. "Know only that the soul snare Lazarus mentioned is why he was entombed in his crumbling city, and why his soul is not in Hell."

"Understood." Syndra replied, nodding.

"There's... something else." Vordea said, looking sad for a moment. "I'm sorry."

"What?"

"For overreacting back then. Eigengrau was right, I always punch first and ask questions never."

"Apology accepted. For what it's worth, I did steal from you." Syndra said, patting Vordea on the shoulder.

"All's well that ends well, eh?" Ryul said, chuckling.

"Not quite." Vordea answered, an evil look on her face. "I still need to properly punish Syndra for the theft."

Syndra looked nervous for a moment as Vordea cracked her knuckles so loudly it sounded like thunder.

"But that will be at the end of your life, Snow Thief." Vordea continued. "For now, you will take me to this ruin that you found that book in."

"When I'm like this?" Syndra asked. "I can barely make it across the palace on a good day."

"I will eliminate your morning sickness." Vordea said, smiling.

"Deal." Syndra said before Vordea even finished speaking. "Let's not waste any time."

"Syndra please!" Ryul begged. "Have some consideration for my heart!"

"Relax, Ryul. I'm going to be accompanied by Lady Vordea. I don't think there's anybody in the universe capable of harming me when I'm with her."

"Just one, but she's not interested in you." Vordea said with a chuckle.