Ch 33 part 1– 

Hera was like me. She had a Class that was not from the Architect. What the fuck is a Herald? And no wonder the girl was so damned strong! 

Where had I heard that before…?

Hehe. Hera. Herald. 

Ugh. Focus, Eir. 

Violette let out a barking laugh. “Hera is a herald. There’s a joke there. Hang on. I’ll find it.” She screwed up her nose in deep consideration.

I snagged her hand in mine, fondly. She squeezed me, absentmindedly, as her tufty fox ears twitched.

I worked to form my confetti cannon of emotions into a reasonable response. 

“Which I see you did not know.” Hera continued, tilting her head. “Your patron really didn't tell you about me?” 

I shook my head, “Your patron talks to you?!” 

“Yeah, dude.” 

“Like Death talks to you?!” 

“Yeah, dude, she's chill.” 

“Like you hang OUT?!” I couldn't believe my ears. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. I had never so much as laid eyes on Chaos. 

“Nah, she's busy.” Hera said. “But we talked when I made my pact. …Didn't you?” 

I shook my head angrily. 

“Then how'd you get your Class before the Architect got to you?” She asked, nonplussed. 

The Dungeon rumbled beneath us like a distant earthquake. Or like something was trying to get in. 

“The important thing is, we know that you're a Herald too.” Ravale said, casting a wary look at the walls. 

“Herald??” I asked. 

“Stop.” Lorna said. “It’s too soon. For both of you.” 

The Dungeon rumbled again, ever so slightly harder than before? I couldn't be sure. 

I turned to Lorna. “What’s a Herald?” 

Lorna turned a mournful gaze on me. “Do you trust me?” 

I felt a sharp pang in my chest, like a sewing needle had passed straight through. 

“Have you been keeping something important from me?” 

“I have.” Lorna said, holding my eyes steadily. 

I blinked back the bitter twist of betrayal that stung my eyes. 

“Then should I?” I asked. 

“I am asking you to.” She said. 

“Kind of hard when you just told me you've been lying to me.” 

“Yes.” She looked miserable, but held my gaze. 

Hera snuck forward, “I actually don't know what it is either. Death just called me it when she gave me the Skybreaker Class.” 

“We've been attempting to find its meaning, but as you can imagine, there is little that can be found,” Ravale said, “especially without drawing unwelcome scrutiny.” 

“And you knew I was one.” I said. I was still locked on Lorna, who was floating with her arms clasped tightly to her sides, like a soldier awaiting disciplinary action. 

“Death told me that the Herald of Chaos was close at hand, when I got to school.” Hera nodded. “Then you show up being all… you!” 

“What's that supposed to mean?” I snapped. I felt totally caught off guard. I needed space and time to clear my head and digest. 

“You know…!” Hera shuffled. “All… look at how unrealistically hot and strong I am, look at my unrealistically hot and strong Familiars. We knew for sure when you almost beat us three on one, that day in Valant’s.”

“You aren't exactly being subtle.” Nyke added, with a snort. 

“I did not almost beat you, you guys kicked my ass.” I said. 

“Yeah, after you got TIRED.” Hera laughed. “We were holding on for dear life for a minute there. Lucy is stronger than half the Wayfinders in our year are, on her own. That’s not how Familiars are supposed to work.” 

“STAHP, you're so dumb!” Lucy said, twisting her long rabbit ears and blushing. 

“And Lorna is a literal nightmare!” Hera continued. 

“Why thank you, dear.” Lorna blushed, but remained tense. 

“It really lit a fire under our asses to train, let me tell you!” Hera laughed ruefully. 

I nodded. “Us too.” 

There was an awkward pause. 

“Sooooo, are you two gonna…? Fight or?” Hera asked, squirming and looking between Lorna and I. 

“Hera.” Ravale scolded. 

“What?!” She whined, “they're just...?"

I sighed.

“Ok.” I said. “I trust you. Keep your secret.” 

Lorna blinked rapidly. 

“Great!” Hera clapped. “So this Catalyst.” 

“HERA.” Ravale looked like she might spank her. 

“But–!” 

“Shh.” Nyke wrapped a powerful arm over Hera's chest and Hera went quiet. 

Lorna shook. “You aren't dismissing me?” 

I scowled. “Of course not.” 

“I was contracted before your Vow. You can break our bond and–” she started. 

“I love you.” I barked. 

Lorna floated back, and snapped her mouth closed.  

“And I am pissed off at you. I don't understand how you could keep something like this a secret, when you know….!” I waved my hands helplessly. 

Lorna nodded. 

She could feel exactly how anxious I was not knowing what it meant to have this strange Class, and what that would mean for our futures.

When she knew all it had already cost. And how terrified I was what might be taken next. 

I had lost everything. But. 

Somehow, I had more to lose than I ever had before. 

“But if you won't tell me, it's obviously for a reason.” I said. “But I don't approve of you making decisions for all of us.” 

“I also know.” Serenity announced. 

She dropped to the ground, next to Lorna and spread her great wings in the dust. 

“If my Lady orders, I will tell you. But I beg you not. Lorna is right that it is too soon. For you and your friend who is so beautiful, the heavens part before her.” 

“Hey!” Nyke growled, possessively.

“Easy, big dog." Hera patted her arm, as she secured it snugly around herself. 

“Well, I want to fucking know.” Violette grumbled.

I turned. “Lucy?” 

“I trust Lorna.” She said softly. 

I held her gaze for another moment. 

“Sorry Violette.” 

“Nooooo tell meeeee!” She leapt to paw at Serenity, who lifted off the ground to avoid her reach. 

“I thank you, my Lady.” Serenity made an aerial bow. 

“I love you.” Lorna whispered, feather soft at my side. 

I nodded. Still grumpy. But I activated [spectral waltz] so that I could kiss her cheek, swiftly. 

“I love you too.” I mumbled. 

“So this Caaaaaatalyst.” Hera prodded. 

Ah yes.