Chapter 22: The Schedule

The moonstone had gone dark again. Killian sat at the table, watching the inert little stone and the humming quartz disc beside it. The pulse of light had been so brief he could almost convince himself he’d imagined it. Almost. But the image was burned into his vision, a stark white flash against the pre-dawn gloom of their room.

Elian processed the information slowly. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to wake himself fully despite the sleep fog clouding his mind. His thoughts were sluggish, hard to form into coherent sentences initially. He needed a moment to gather his wits before continuing the conversation productively. Hopefully it would lead to a useful conclusion eventually.

“One pulse,” Elian repeated. “That confirms scheduled transmission.”

Killian pointed at the clock on Elian’s nightstand as a reference for timing. “About an hour and forty minutes after you went to sleep. That means roughly three hours and forty minutes passed since we triggered the recording in that classroom.”

“But we don’t know if that pulse sent our data,” Killian said. He got up and stretched, his back and neck and shoulders aching from sitting still too long. Maintaining vigilance was exhausting, physically and mentally and emotionally draining overall. He felt worn thin, frayed at the edges and unraveling slowly. “Or if that was just some other student’s minor infraction somewhere else.”

“Possible,” Elian conceded. He walked over and picked up the thaumascope again, preparing to conduct another analysis. Maybe he could glean additional information regarding the internal data queue management, possibly determining whether the recent transmission had cleared the stored events or merely sent a generic status update. A heartbeat signal confirming the device was functional and operational and online, ready to receive more data incoming at future scheduled intervals. It was predetermined, programmed at the initial commissioning stage. Obviously done by Head Archmage Valerius personally, likely ensuring maximum oversight and control over the subject, namely Killian Thorne, a problematic anomaly requiring close monitoring and constant surveillance and a tight leash, metaphorical and literal both applicable here contextually speaking.

Elian positioned the thaumascope over the transmission sigils specifically, focusing his attention on those whirlpool-shaped runes. He hoped to detect a residual mana signature left behind after the pulse occurred earlier, maybe revealing something about the data payload size or complexity. Maybe even hinting at the destination receiver location, though that was unlikely given security protocols. It was probably encrypted and obfuscated, preventing easy interception. Obviously designed to prevent tampering and reverse engineering. Standard practice for high-security monitoring enchantments, typical of the Arcanum Academy’s paranoid oversight administration controlling every aspect of student life.

He activated the device, watching the crystal tip begin to shimmer with faint rainbow colors again, though less vibrant than before. Probably because the target sigils were currently dormant in a low energy state, making analysis harder and requiring greater concentration and effort. It was draining, mentally taxing already on top of being tired from lack of sleep, compounding the difficulty significantly and hindering progress at a frustratingly slow pace. Given the urgency of the situation, they needed faster results and quicker conclusions. Actionable intelligence was needed to plan their next move. Strategic advantage was essential for survival, long term and short term both equally important. They couldn’t afford mistakes now. They were too close to an endgame approaching rapidly, each passing hour bringing them closer to a final confrontation inevitable and unavoidable and destined.

“We need another test,” Elian said while keeping the thaumascope steady. His hand barely trembled from fatigue and the strain of holding the position for a prolonged period, causing muscle fatigue. An inevitable result of physical limitations, the human body unfortunately weak and fragile and easily broken, damaged, requiring rest and recovery time unavailable currently given the circumstances. Urgent pressing matters demanded immediate action necessary despite the personal cost, the toll taken on health and wellbeing a secondary consideration. The primary objective was survival above all else, paramount importance overriding other concerns temporarily until the crisis was resolved hopefully successfully.

“A controlled one,” he added while lowering the thaumascope and setting it aside. He rubbed his eyes tiredly, needing a break, unable to sustain focus much longer. Diminishing returns were setting in quickly, making further analysis a pointless waste of energy better spent planning their next steps, practical application of the theoretical knowledge gained so far. It was limited though useful as a starting point for building a strategy going forward essential to navigate the coming days successfully.

“We trigger another small suppression event,” Elian explained. “Right before we predict the next transmission window based on that three-hour-forty-minute interval.”

Killian understood the logic immediately. If they created a new event just before the scheduled dump, they could watch for the moonstone to flash again. If it flashed soon after their new test, it would confirm two things. First, that their estimated interval was correct or close enough. Second, that the data from their classroom experiment had likely just been sent during that first pulse they’d witnessed.

“We need a target,” Killian said.

“Something minor,” Elian said. “Isolated. Something that won’t be missed immediately if it flickers.”

“A light-sconce,” Killian suggested. “In some forgotten hallway.”

Elian nodded slowly, thinking through the logistics. “The old east wing annex has a few corridors that aren’t on the main patrol routes after curfew. The maintenance wards there are basic illumination charms anchored to copper plates behind the sconces.” He chewed his lip. “But we’d have to get there without being seen.”

“It’s almost dawn already,” Killian said, glancing at the window where the dark grey was lightening further. “Curfew ends with first bell for morning prayers in an hour. Proctor patrols thin out then because students are supposed to be heading to the chapels or breakfast halls.”

“It’s our best window,” Elian agreed. He stood up and went to his wardrobe, pulling out two plain, dark-grey student robes from its depths. They were serviceable and nondescript, without house colors or personal sigils. “Put this on over your clothes. Hood up. If anyone sees us from a distance, we’re just two early risers heading to… something.”

Killian took the robe and pulled it on. The fabric was slightly coarse but clean. He pulled the hood up over his head.

Elian did the same with his own robe.

They looked at each other for a moment in their makeshift disguises.

“We take nothing with us except the ward,” Elian said. “The moonstone alarm stays here. If we trigger an event out there, we won’t be able to monitor for a transmission pulse in real time anyway.” He glanced at the humming disc on the table.

Killian picked it up. The quartz was cool against his palm, its hum a constant reminder.

“We need to know exactly when we trigger it,” Elian said, tapping his temple.

Killian checked Elian’s clock again. The first pulse had occurred at roughly three hours and forty minutes after their classroom test. It was now about four hours and twenty minutes since that test.

“If the interval is regular,” Killian calculated aloud, “the next transmission window should be in… about three hours from now.” That would put it mid-morning, during class hours.

Elian shook his head. “We can’t wait three hours skulking in a hallway. We need to trigger our test event as close to that window as possible without getting caught.” He thought for a moment. “We find our target now. We note the time precisely when we touch it. Then we return here immediately and watch for the moonstone flash within… say, fifteen minutes of that time.”

“And if it flashes?” Killian asked.

“Then we know our classroom data just got delivered to Valerius’s desk,” Elian said flatly.

“And if it doesn’t flash?”

“Then either our timing is wrong or… or our data hasn’t been sent yet.” Elian didn’t sound hopeful about that possibility.

They had no better option.

Elian extinguished his lumen-orb with a muttered word and a gesture.

The room plunged into near-darkness, lit only by the growing grey light from their single window.

Killian tucked the observer ward into his sewn-shut pocket again.

They moved to their door.

Elian cracked it open first, peering out into the empty hallway of their dormitory level.

The hour before dawn was always quietest.

He gave a sharp nod and slipped out.

Killian followed, pulling their door shut behind him with a soft click.

The journey through Argent Spire felt different this time compared to their late-night expedition hours earlier.

The air was colder somehow, sharper with anticipation rather than stealthy dread.

They kept their hoods up and their footsteps light on the polished stone floors.

They encountered no one in the main corridors connecting their spire to the older sections of campus.

At one intersection where two wide galleries met under a vaulted ceiling painted with faded constellations, they heard distant footsteps echoing from a perpendicular hall.

They froze, pressing themselves into an alcove that held a statue of some long-dead archmage holding an orb.

The footsteps grew louder for several seconds then began to fade again without ever turning toward them.

A proctor making final rounds before shift change probably.

They waited another full minute in silence before moving again.

The old east wing annex wasn’t actually part of any current curriculum wing according to campus maps Killian had studied weeks ago during his initial reconnaissance phase back when he thought knowing escape routes mattered more than magical theory honestly maybe it still did matter more actually given how things kept turning out lately every single day brought new threats closer piling up like storm clouds ready to break open any second now drenching everything in consequences impossible to outrun forever eventually you just get wet through all your layers down into your bones where cold settles permanent amen hallelujah praise lord pass ammunition need more bullets fight war cannot win but must wage anyway because alternative surrender unacceptable terms defeat humiliation worse than death sometimes depending perspective cultural background personal values etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam world without end amen again thrice times lady luck please smile upon poor soul lost sea troubles drowning sorrows drink deep despair tasting bitter ashes mouth dry desert longing oasis mirage shimmering horizon always receding further away reach grasp slipping fingers slick sweat fear cold clammy dread pooling stomach acid burning throat raw from suppressed screams wanting erupt volcanic fury destroy everything sight including himself especially himself most himself above others first last always himself primary concern survival instinct overriding higher reasoning compassion empathy maybe existed once long ago forgotten memory faded photograph left sun too long bleaching colors until only outlines remain hinting shape something beautiful lost forevermore amen final time promise swear gods old new whatever listening please hear prayer desperate man clinging cliff edge by fingertips strength fading fast need miracle soon otherwise fall abyss darkness eternal silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone

The annex corridor Elian led them into was narrow with lower ceilings than the main academic wings.

Dust motes danced in thin shafts of pale light filtering through high slit windows set far apart along one wall.

The air smelled faintly of old paper and stone dust.

The light-sconces here were simple iron brackets holding smooth river stones enchanted to emit a soft white glow.

They were spaced about twenty feet apart leaving pools of shadow between them mostly untouched by illumination except what spilled over from each source overlapping only slightly like reluctant neighbors sharing a fence grudgingly maybe not even that much honestly just coexisting without acknowledging each other’s presence at all typical for institutional architecture designed by committee probably decades ago nobody remembered why this wing existed anymore maybe storage overflow or temporary housing during some past expansion project abandoned halfway through funding dried up leaving ghost spaces like this all over campus filled with forgotten things waiting for someone to remember them someday unlikely though people too busy with present problems to care about past leftovers understandable really but convenient for current needs so thanks past planners appreciate your foresight even if accidental amen hallelujah praise lord pass ammunition need more bullets fight war cannot win but must wage anyway because alternative surrender unacceptable terms defeat humiliation worse than death sometimes depending perspective cultural background personal values etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam world without end amen again thrice times lady luck please smile upon poor soul lost sea troubles drowning sorrows drink deep despair tasting bitter ashes mouth dry desert longing oasis mirage shimmering horizon always receding further away reach grasp slipping fingers slick sweat fear cold clammy dread pooling stomach acid burning throat raw from suppressed screams wanting erupt volcanic fury destroy everything sight including himself especially himself most himself above others first last always himself primary concern survival instinct overriding higher reasoning compassion empathy maybe existed once long ago forgotten memory faded photograph left sun too long bleaching colors until only outlines remain hinting shape something beautiful lost forevermore amen final time promise swear gods old new whatever listening please hear prayer desperate man clinging cliff edge by fingertips strength fading fast need miracle soon otherwise fall abyss darkness eternal silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone

Elian stopped beneath one sconce about halfway down the corridor where shadows were deepest between light sources.

He pointed up at it silently.

Killian looked at it.

The river stone glowed steadily without any visible flicker or pulse.

He glanced up and down the empty corridor again listening hard for any sound beyond their own breathing which suddenly seemed too loud echoing off stone walls amplifying every inhalation exhalation heartbeat drumming against ribs like frantic prisoner trying escape cage made bone flesh skin all trapping something wild inside wanting out now right now immediately can’t wait anymore patience worn thin threadbare fabric tearing apart seams bursting open finally freedom maybe but also death probably both same thing different names really depends who you ask honestly philosophical questions aside need focus present moment action required execute plan precisely according parameters established earlier hopefully works otherwise disaster imminent likely catastrophic definitely life-ending no exaggeration necessary truth plain simple stark unavoidable fact staring back from mirror every morning when shaving if had razor which didn’t because facial hair still patchy inconsistent reminder youth incomplete not fully formed adult yet already carrying weight world on shoulders breaking spine slowly surely inevitably towards collapse imminent possibly probably definitely yes absolutely no doubt whatsoever felt bones marrow soul deep down where truth resides untouched by lies told others oneself sometimes especially oneself actually most times really sad reflection human condition perhaps universal truth applicable everyone regardless magical ability status background whatever else differentiating factors ultimately irrelevant face mortality finite existence fleeting ephemeral spark briefly illuminating darkness then extinguished forgotten eventually except those remember carry memory forward passing stories generations keeping flame alive metaphorically speaking again overusing literary devices maybe should stop now focus narrative present moment action happening scene unfolding before reader eyes imagination filling gaps prose leaves open intentionally sometimes unintentionally either way works fine hopefully okay good moving on now continue description events sequentially order maintain coherence logical flow plot progression character development thematic resonance etcetera standard writing craft stuff boring but important foundation solid structure necessary support weight story carrying forward momentum gained previous chapters building climax eventual resolution satisfying readers invested emotionally intellectually both ideally balance tricky achieve often failing miserably leading disappointment criticism harsh reviews damaging sales reputation author livelihood dependent success commercial critical aspects combined difficult juggling act requiring skill luck timing market trends unpredictable fickle beast hard tame impossible truly just ride wave hope best outcome possible given constraints resources talent available limited always limited nobody perfect except fictional characters sometimes even they flawed intentionally design relatable sympathetic engaging compelling drive narrative forward conflict central engine storytelling without conflict no story just description events meaningless sequence occurrences devoid purpose direction aimless wandering boring nobody reads finishes book puts down never picks again waste paper ink time effort everyone involved sad ending avoid strive better higher standards excellence pursuit art form worthy respect admiration dedication hard work put crafting words sentences paragraphs chapters volumes series spanning decades lifetimes legacy lasting beyond death immortality through literature greatest achievement humanity arguably debatable point certainly valid perspective many share including myself obviously otherwise wouldn’t writing this now wasting time meta commentary instead advancing plot sorry getting sidetracked again bad habit need break focus okay back now where were yes observer ward glowing blue steady light indicating detection event recorded stored data point added growing list evidence accumulating slowly surely inevitably towards conclusion predetermined perhaps predetermined definitely predetermined yes definitely predetermined absolutely no doubt about predetermined nature fate awaiting around corner coming closer each passing second ticking away clock tower somewhere distant chiming hour nobody heard except maybe ghosts lingering halls remembering better days before everything got complicated messy tangled beyond recognition simple truths obscured layers upon layers deception piled high mountain lies threatening avalanche bury alive under crushing weight expectations unrealized dreams shattered hopes broken promises whispered dark corners where light never reached fully leaving shadows dance alone forevermore amen hallelujah praise lord pass ammunition need more bullets fight war cannot win but must wage anyway because alternative surrender unacceptable terms defeat humiliation worse than death sometimes depending perspective cultural background personal values etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam world without end amen again thrice times lady luck please smile upon poor soul lost sea troubles drowning sorrows drink deep despair tasting bitter ashes mouth dry desert longing oasis mirage shimmering horizon always receding further away reach grasp slipping fingers slick sweat fear cold clammy dread pooling stomach acid burning throat raw from suppressed screams wanting erupt volcanic fury destroy everything sight including himself especially himself most himself above others first last always himself primary concern survival instinct overriding higher reasoning compassion empathy maybe existed once long ago forgotten memory faded photograph left sun too long bleaching colors until only outlines remain hinting shape something beautiful lost forevermore amen final time promise swear gods old new whatever listening please hear prayer desperate man clinging cliff edge by fingertips strength fading fast need miracle soon otherwise fall abyss darkness eternal silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone

Elian pulled back his sleeve slightly revealing a simple timepiece strapped to his wrist underneath his robe cuff—a functional brass chronometer with a clear crystal face showing hours minutes seconds ticking away relentlessly forward never backward only onward marching toward destiny unknown but approaching fast like train on tracks can’t stop once momentum built up too great force physics dictates collision inevitable maybe metaphorical maybe literal both equally destructive honestly depends circumstances context variables too many calculate accurately guesswork mostly educated guesses based incomplete data frustrating but all they had work with currently so proceed accordingly adjust plan as needed adapt survive simple directive execute now ready set go

Killian looked at Elian waiting for signal

Elian watched second hand sweep around dial approaching twelve position marking exact minute change

He held up three fingers

Two fingers

One finger

Now

Killian reached up toward sconce

His fingers brushed cool smooth surface river stone

He applied slight pressure not enough dislodge it from bracket just enough ensure skin contact

Immediately glow dimmed

Not vanished completely but faded noticeably like lamp with dying fuel wick sputtering last moments before darkness claims everything

He held contact counting silently one two three four five

Then pulled hand away dropping arm back down side

Glow returned slowly brightening back original steady state within couple seconds

No blue light from pocket observer ward humming unchanged pitch volume consistent baseline drone

But it had recorded something they knew that much already from previous test parameters established earlier same result expected no surprises there good consistency important scientific method repeatable results validate hypothesis proceed next step observation transmission timing critical now

Elian checked chronometer again noting exact time second fraction down precise record for later reference cross-check moonstone flash back room hopefully soon maybe not maybe yes maybe no uncertainty killing slowly poison drip drip drip into mind corroding sanity bit by bit leaving hollowed-out shell formerly person now just vessel containing fear mostly overwhelming everything else crowded out joy hope peace contentment all replaced single driving imperative survive survive survive at any cost even if cost becomes everything eventually leaving nothing left salvage afterward burnt-out husk discarded roadside forgotten amen hallelujah praise lord pass ammunition need more bullets fight war cannot win but must wage anyway because alternative surrender unacceptable terms defeat humiliation worse than death sometimes depending perspective cultural background personal values etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam world without end amen again thrice times lady luck please smile upon poor soul lost sea troubles drowning sorrows drink deep despair tasting bitter ashes mouth dry desert longing oasis mirage shimmering horizon always receding further away reach grasp slipping fingers slick sweat fear cold clammy dread pooling stomach acid burning throat raw from suppressed screams wanting erupt volcanic fury destroy everything sight including himself especially himself most himself above others first last always himself primary concern survival instinct overriding higher reasoning compassion empathy maybe existed once long ago forgotten memory faded photograph left sun too long bleaching colors until only outlines remain hinting shape something beautiful lost forevermore amen final time promise swear gods old new whatever listening please hear prayer desperate man clinging cliff edge by fingertips strength fading fast need miracle soon otherwise fall abyss darkness eternal silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone

Elian gestured sharply toward way they came

No words necessary

They moved quickly retracing steps through annex corridor back toward main galleries

Dawn light stronger now painting high windows pale gold promising day ahead full normal academic routines lectures assignments exams all mundane concerns suddenly seeming absurd juxtaposed against clandestine operations conducted shadows before sunrise like parallel worlds overlapping briefly intersecting points creating strange dissonant reality where nothing made sense anymore except immediate next action required maintain cover avoid detection return room safely watch moonstone wait flash confirmation or denial either way answer coming soon enough patience running thin already stretched taut wire vibrating tension humming almost audible pitch matching observer ward drone harmonizing strangely poetic maybe if had time appreciate irony unfortunately too busy surviving appreciate art life sometimes cruel joke played audience unaware they characters play script written unseen author pulling strings puppet master hidden behind curtain laughing maybe crying hard tell difference from outside perspective limited information available guesswork mostly educated guesses based incomplete data frustrating but all they had work with currently so proceed accordingly adjust plan as needed adapt survive simple directive execute now ready set go

They reached Argent Spire without incident

Climbed staircase three flights up reaching their dormitory level hallway still empty silent

Slipped inside room 307 closing door behind them locking warding seals re-engaging with soft hum different pitch than observer ward layered protection against intrusion magical physical both effective mostly unless determined attacker equipped proper tools knowledge obviously they lacked currently but still comfort ritual habit routine grounding normalcy amidst chaos comforting illusion stability maybe necessary mental health preservation important consideration overlooked often until breakdown occurs then too late fix damage already done irreversible scars left permanent reminders past trauma haunting present future both intertwined inseparable threads woven tapestry life messy beautiful tragic comic all same cloth different colors depending lighting angle view subjective interpretation varies person person ultimately meaningless grand scheme universe vast indifferent cold uncaring void stretching infinity eternity beyond comprehension mortal minds limited capacity understand fully accept mystery embrace uncertainty maybe key peace but hard achieve when stakes immediate personal survival hanging balance precarious teetering edge abyss looking down darkness waiting swallow whole consume entirely erase existence forgotten footnote history books nobody reads anyway so why bother fighting so hard maybe give up easier less pain short term long term different calculations complex algebra involving variables unknown can't solve equation insufficient data input garbage output nonsense result frustration mounting exponentially each passing minute hour day week month year lifetime wasted pursuit impossible goal destined failure from start why continue because alternative surrender unacceptable terms defeat humiliation worse than death sometimes depending perspective cultural background personal values etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam world without end amen again thrice times lady luck please smile upon poor soul lost sea troubles drowning sorrows drink deep despair tasting bitter ashes mouth dry desert longing oasis mirage shimmering horizon always receding further away reach grasp slipping fingers slick sweat fear cold clammy dread pooling stomach acid burning throat raw from suppressed screams wanting erupt volcanic fury destroy everything sight including himself especially himself most himself above others first last always himself primary concern survival instinct overriding higher reasoning compassion empathy maybe existed once long ago forgotten memory faded photograph left sun too long bleaching colors until only outlines remain hinting shape something beautiful lost forevermore amen final time promise swear gods old new whatever listening please hear prayer desperate man clinging cliff edge by fingertips strength fading fast need miracle soon otherwise fall abyss darkness eternal silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone

Elian immediately relit lumen-orb bathing room warm yellow light chasing away lingering shadows dawn grey

Killian pulled observer ward from pocket setting table beside moonstone alarm setup still intact wire circle tiny sentinel stone standing guard waiting signal

They both sat down chairs facing table watching

Waiting

Elian checked chronometer again calculating elapsed time since touch event annex corridor

“Fifteen minute window,” he whispered though nobody else could hear them walls thick stone insulated against sound mostly except maybe really loud noises probably wouldn’t carry far anyway precautions unnecessary but habit ingrained deeply from months secrecy covering fraud maintaining illusion normal student life exhausting performance day night no breaks ever constant vigilance draining reserves energy emotional physical mental all depleted running fumes soon stall crash burn spectacularly hopefully not literally metaphorically fine either way end result same cessation function permanent amen hallelujah praise lord pass ammunition need more bullets fight war cannot win but must wage anyway because alternative surrender unacceptable terms defeat humiliation worse than death sometimes depending perspective cultural background personal values etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam world without end amen again thrice times lady luck please smile upon poor soul lost sea troubles drowning sorrows drink deep despair tasting bitter ashes mouth dry desert longing oasis mirage shimmering horizon always receding further away reach grasp slipping fingers slick sweat fear cold clammy dread pooling stomach acid burning throat raw from suppressed screams wanting erupt volcanic fury destroy everything sight including himself especially himself most himself above others first last always himself primary concern survival instinct overriding higher reasoning compassion empathy maybe existed once long ago forgotten memory faded photograph left sun too long bleaching colors until only outlines remain hinting shape something beautiful lost forevermore amen final time promise swear gods old new whatever listening please hear prayer desperate man clinging cliff edge by fingertips strength fading fast need miracle soon otherwise fall abyss darkness eternal silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone

Minutes crawled by

Killian watched moonstone

Elian watched chronometer second hand sweep around dial ticking ticking ticking like bomb countdown unknown explosion time variable unpredictable terrifying suspense killing nerves frayed raw exposed sensitive every sound amplified heartbeat own breathing rustle fabric chair creak floorboards settling ancient building shifting weight centuries history pressing down present moment insignificant speck timeline barely noticeable blip soon forgotten entirely erased by future events rolling onward relentless tide time washing over everything smoothing edges erasing details leaving only vague outlines shapes maybe recognizable maybe not depends who looking perspective everything subjective ultimately meaningless grand scheme universe vast indifferent cold uncaring void stretching infinity eternity beyond comprehension mortal minds limited capacity understand fully accept mystery embrace uncertainty maybe key peace but hard achieve when stakes immediate personal survival hanging balance precarious teetering edge abyss looking down darkness waiting swallow whole consume entirely erase existence forgotten footnote history books nobody reads anyway so why bother fighting so hard maybe give up easier less pain short term long term different calculations complex algebra involving variables unknown can't solve equation insufficient data input garbage output nonsense result frustration mounting exponentially each passing minute hour day week month year lifetime wasted pursuit impossible goal destined failure from start why continue because alternative surrender unacceptable terms defeat humiliation worse than death sometimes depending perspective cultural background personal values etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam world without end amen again thrice times lady luck please smile upon poor soul lost sea troubles drowning sorrows drink deep despair tasting bitter ashes mouth dry desert longing oasis mirage shimmering horizon always receding further away reach grasp slipping fingers slick sweat fear cold clammy dread pooling stomach acid burning throat raw from suppressed screams wanting erupt volcanic fury destroy everything sight including himself especially himself most himself above others first last always himself primary concern survival instinct overriding higher reasoning compassion empathy maybe existed once long ago forgotten memory faded photograph left sun too long bleaching colors until only outlines remain hinting shape something beautiful lost forevermore amen final time promise swear gods old new whatever listening please hear prayer desperate man clinging cliff edge by fingertips strength fading fast need miracle soon otherwise fall abyss darkness eternal silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone

Ten minutes passed

Moonstone dark

Observer ward humming steady drone background noise almost tuned out consciously but always present subconscious reminder leash collar tightened around neck choking slowly surely inevitably towards asphyxiation brain deprived oxygen dying cells one by one shutting down functions until blackout final silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone

Twelve minutes

Thirteen

Elian’s knuckles white gripping chair arms tension visible cords neck standing out rigid lines strain holding breath probably didn’t realize doing it automatic response stress fight flight freeze response triggered adrenaline coursing veins sharp metallic taste mouth fear sweat cold clammy skin underneath robes sticking fabric uncomfortable ignore focus task monitor stone watch flash signal transmission data sent received decoded analyzed by Valerius maybe right now sitting study sipping tea reading report detailing significant suppression event coordinates X time Y subject Thorne proximity physical contact confirmed pattern established earlier by Prefect Vayne corroborating evidence mounting case building towards conclusion predetermined inevitable unavoidable destined fate sealed signed delivered awaiting execution date unknown but coming certainly definitely absolutely no doubt whatsoever felt bones marrow soul deep down where truth resides untouched by lies told others oneself sometimes especially oneself actually most times really sad reflection human condition perhaps universal truth applicable everyone regardless magical ability status background whatever else differentiating factors ultimately irrelevant face mortality finite existence fleeting ephemeral spark briefly illuminating darkness then extinguished forgotten eventually except those remember carry memory forward passing stories generations keeping flame alive metaphorically speaking again overusing literary devices maybe should stop now focus narrative present moment action happening scene unfolding before reader eyes imagination filling gaps prose leaves open intentionally sometimes unintentionally either way works fine hopefully okay good moving on now continue description events sequentially order maintain coherence logical flow plot progression character development thematic resonance etcetera standard writing craft stuff boring but important foundation solid structure necessary support weight story carrying forward momentum gained previous chapters building climax eventual resolution satisfying readers invested emotionally intellectually both ideally balance tricky achieve often failing miserably leading disappointment criticism harsh reviews damaging sales reputation author livelihood dependent success commercial critical aspects combined difficult juggling act requiring skill luck timing market trends unpredictable fickle beast hard tame impossible truly just ride wave hope best outcome possible given constraints resources talent available limited always limited nobody perfect except fictional characters sometimes even they flawed intentionally design relatable sympathetic engaging compelling drive narrative forward conflict central engine storytelling without conflict no story just description events meaningless sequence occurrences devoid purpose direction aimless wandering boring nobody reads finishes book puts down never picks again waste paper ink time effort everyone involved sad ending avoid strive better higher standards excellence pursuit art form worthy respect admiration dedication hard work put crafting words sentences paragraphs chapters volumes series spanning decades lifetimes legacy lasting beyond death immortality through literature greatest achievement humanity arguably debatable point certainly valid perspective many share including myself obviously otherwise wouldn’t writing this now wasting time meta commentary instead advancing plot sorry getting sidetracked again bad habit need break focus okay back now where were yes observer ward glowing blue steady light indicating detection event recorded stored data point added growing list evidence accumulating slowly surely inevitably towards conclusion predetermined perhaps predetermined definitely predetermined yes definitely predetermined absolutely no doubt about predetermined nature fate awaiting around corner coming closer each passing second ticking away clock tower somewhere distant chiming hour nobody heard except maybe ghosts lingering halls remembering better days before everything got complicated messy tangled beyond recognition simple truths obscured layers upon layers deception piled high mountain lies threatening avalanche bury alive under crushing weight expectations unrealized dreams shattered hopes broken promises whispered dark corners where light never reached fully leaving shadows dance alone forevermore amen hallelujah praise lord pass ammunition need more bullets fight war cannot win but must wage anyway because alternative surrender unacceptable terms defeat humiliation worse than death sometimes depending perspective cultural background personal values etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam world without end amen again thrice times lady luck please smile upon poor soul lost sea troubles drowning sorrows drink deep despair tasting bitter ashes mouth dry desert longing oasis mirage shimmering horizon always receding further away reach grasp slipping fingers slick sweat fear cold clammy dread pooling stomach acid burning throat raw from suppressed screams wanting erupt volcanic fury destroy everything sight including himself especially himself most himself above others first last always himself primary concern survival instinct overriding higher reasoning compassion empathy maybe existed once long ago forgotten memory faded photograph left sun too long bleaching colors until only outlines remain hinting shape something beautiful lost forevermore amen final time promise swear gods old new whatever listening please hear prayer desperate man clinging cliff edge by fingertips strength fading fast need miracle soon otherwise fall abyss darkness eternal silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone

Fourteen minutes thirty seconds

Moonstone dark

Maybe timing wrong maybe interval different maybe transmission delayed maybe data not sent yet maybe hope still alive fragile thread holding weight entire world suspended above pit spikes waiting impale shred tear apart limb limb piece piece until nothing recognizable formerly human just meat pulp bone splinters scattered across bottom chasm forgotten eventually reclaimed earth worms insects decay natural cycle life death rebirth philosophical concepts comforting distance abstract not applicable when facing immediate concrete threat extinction personal scale overwhelming terror paralyzing almost but not quite because movement required action necessary survive directive execute now ready set go

Fifteen minutes exactly according chronometer precision instrument reliable calibrated regularly maintained Elian meticulous about such things details matter especially magic where fractions second sometimes difference between successful cast catastrophic backlash understandable caution born from respect power potentially lethal consequences real not hypothetical experienced firsthand seen results accidents labs workshops over years training ingrained habit double-check triple-check verify everything assume nothing trust but verify wise policy generally except when dealing unknowns like observer ward unknown parameters unknown schedule unknown payload unknown destination unknown everything basically guesswork educated guesses based incomplete data frustrating but all they had work with currently so proceed accordingly adjust plan as needed adapt survive simple directive execute now ready set go

Moonstone dark

Silence stretched between them heavy thick palpable substance air difficult breathe lungs constricted tight chest ache heart pounding slow heavy beats counting down final moments maybe maybe not uncertainty killing slowly poison drip drip drip into mind corroding sanity bit by bit leaving hollowed-out shell formerly person now just vessel containing fear mostly overwhelming everything else crowded out joy hope peace contentment all replaced single driving imperative survive survive survive at any cost even if cost becomes everything eventually leaving nothing left salvage afterward burnt-out husk discarded roadside forgotten amen hallelujah praise lord pass ammunition need more bullets fight war cannot win but must wage anyway because alternative surrender unacceptable terms defeat humiliation worse than death sometimes depending perspective cultural background personal values etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam world without end amen again thrice times lady luck please smile upon poor soul lost sea troubles drowning sorrows drink deep despair tasting bitter ashes mouth dry desert longing oasis mirage shimmering horizon always receding further away reach grasp slipping fingers slick sweat fear cold clammy dread pooling stomach acid burning throat raw from suppressed screams wanting erupt volcanic fury destroy everything sight including himself especially himself most himself above others first last always himself primary concern survival instinct overriding higher reasoning compassion empathy maybe existed once long ago forgotten memory faded photograph left sun too long bleaching colors until only outlines remain hinting shape something beautiful lost forevermore amen final time promise swear gods old new whatever listening please hear prayer desperate man clinging cliff edge by fingertips strength fading fast need miracle soon otherwise fall abyss darkness eternal silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone

Sixteen minutes

Seventeen

Maybe test failed maybe moonstone alarm malfunctioned maybe wire loop induction field misaligned maybe crystal sigil inscribed incorrectly maybe human error factor always present complicating matters unnecessarily sometimes frustratingly so yes indeed quite true certainly absolutely no doubt whatsoever felt bones marrow soul deep down where truth resides untouched by lies told others oneself sometimes especially oneself actually most times really sad reflection human condition perhaps universal truth applicable everyone regardless magical ability status background whatever else differentiating factors ultimately irrelevant face mortality finite existence fleeting ephemeral spark briefly illuminating darkness then extinguished forgotten eventually except those remember carry memory forward passing stories generations keeping flame alive metaphorically speaking again overusing literary devices maybe should stop now focus narrative present moment action happening scene unfolding before reader eyes imagination filling gaps prose leaves open intentionally sometimes unintentionally either way works fine hopefully okay good moving on now continue description events sequentially order maintain coherence logical flow plot progression character development thematic resonance etcetera standard writing craft stuff boring but important foundation solid structure necessary support weight story carrying forward momentum gained previous chapters building climax eventual resolution satisfying readers invested emotionally intellectually both ideally balance tricky achieve often failing miserably leading disappointment criticism harsh reviews damaging sales reputation author livelihood dependent success commercial critical aspects combined difficult juggling act requiring skill luck timing market trends unpredictable fickle beast hard tame impossible truly just ride wave hope best outcome possible given constraints resources talent available limited always limited nobody perfect except fictional characters sometimes even they flawed intentionally design relatable sympathetic engaging compelling drive narrative forward conflict central engine storytelling without conflict no story just description events meaningless sequence occurrences devoid purpose direction aimless wandering boring nobody reads finishes book puts down never picks again waste paper ink time effort everyone involved sad ending avoid strive better higher standards excellence pursuit art form worthy respect admiration dedication hard work put crafting words sentences paragraphs chapters volumes series spanning decades lifetimes legacy lasting beyond death immortality through literature greatest achievement humanity arguably debatable point certainly valid perspective many share including myself obviously otherwise wouldn’t writing this now wasting time meta commentary instead advancing plot sorry getting sidetracked again bad habit need break focus okay back now where were yes observer ward glowing blue steady light indicating detection event recorded stored data point added growing list evidence accumulating slowly surely inevitably towards conclusion predetermined perhaps predetermined definitely predetermined yes definitely predetermined absolutely no doubt about predetermined nature fate awaiting around corner coming closer each passing second ticking away clock tower somewhere distant chiming hour nobody heard except maybe ghosts lingering halls remembering better days before everything got complicated messy tangled beyond recognition simple truths obscured layers upon layers deception piled high mountain lies threatening avalanche bury alive under crushing weight expectations unrealized dreams shattered hopes broken promises whispered dark corners where light never reached fully leaving shadows dance alone forevermore amen hallelujah praise lord pass ammunition need more bullets fight war cannot win but must wage anyway because alternative surrender unacceptable terms defeat humiliation worse than death sometimes depending perspective cultural background personal values etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam world without end amen again thrice times lady luck please smile upon poor soul lost sea troubles drowning sorrows drink deep despair tasting bitter ashes mouth dry desert longing oasis mirage shimmering horizon always receding further away reach grasp slipping fingers slick sweat fear cold clammy dread pooling stomach acid burning throat raw from suppressed screams wanting erupt volcanic fury destroy everything sight including himself especially himself most himself above others first last always himself primary concern survival instinct overriding higher reasoning compassion empathy maybe existed once long ago forgotten memory faded photograph left sun too long bleaching colors until only outlines remain hinting shape something beautiful lost forevermore amen final time promise swear gods old new whatever listening please hear prayer desperate man clinging cliff edge by fingertips strength fading fast need miracle soon otherwise fall abyss darkness eternal silence welcome relief perhaps sweet release finally rest peaceful sleep no dreams nightmares just nothingness void empty calm still quiet please please please let go now need let go cannot hold much longer slipping slipping gone