Untethered

The Martial Sage simply stared at Rui silently, earning a frown from him.

"With all due respect, Your Sagehood, I am extremely busy."

Sage Sayfeel closed his eyes. "…I have one last thing to inform you."

His tone grew graver.

"I didn't think it was appropriate for me to be the one to inform you, but…"

A severity accompanied his gaze.

"…it's more important than all the aforementioned matters."

Rui raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "…and just what might it be—"

"—Your mother."

Sage Sayfeel cut into his question.

Rui's eyes sharpened. 

"Which one?"

"…Your adoptive mother, Lashara."

"…I find it concerning that you felt the need to bring her up at all." 

The endless darkness within Rui's eyes stirred. 

"What about my mother?"

Sage Sayfeel's eyes closed. 

"She passed awa—"

—A horrifying tsunami of bloodlust and peril flooded the Martial Sage, stunning him silent.