The Northern Mansion was unusually quiet that morning. Birds chirped outside, but inside, the air was tense — a storm brewing before it even arrived. I was reviewing maps of the refugee lands, plotting potential defensive wards and golem patrols, when the messenger arrived.
> "Kael Eldrath," he announced, bowing, "the Spyro family requests an audience. They insist it must include Luminor and his sister Sequoia."
I exchanged a look with Brown, who hovered silently beside me. His aura pulsed faintly, warning of potential danger.
> "They're trying to pressure Luminor," I said, my voice low. "We can't let them influence the king or our decisions about REF."
---
The Spyro Family's Arrival
Not long after, the Spyro family arrived at the mansion — sleek, polished, and brimming with arrogance. A group of guards flanked them, though I could feel their confidence waver slightly under Brown's watchful undead.
Luminor stepped forward, his posture calm but rigid. Sequoia, his sister, walked beside him, eyes wary. She had always been strong-willed, but even she seemed unsettled by the Spyros' presence.
> "Luminor," the head of the Spyro family sneered, "you know the king will listen to you. Convince him, and the refugee lands — REF — can be ours. Your friends… your precious guildmates… all can benefit from cooperation."
Sequoia's eyes widened slightly, and I noticed the subtle tremor in her hand. The Spyro family had hoped to manipulate Luminor through her — a tactic cruel and calculated.
---
Keeper's Authority Activated
For a moment, Luminor said nothing, and the room seemed to hold its breath. Then his eyes flared with an intensity I had never seen before. His calm demeanor shattered, replaced by a terrifying aura of authority and power.
> "Do not… ever… try that again," he growled, his voice low, reverberating like the tolling of a bell.
A sudden, invisible force seemed to ripple outward, surrounding him, Sequoia, and all of us in the room. My hairs stood on end as I felt the activation of his skill: Keeper's Authority.
> Brown's voice resonated beside me, calm but urgent:
"Kael, step back. This is Luminor's full defensive domain. Any threat entering this area risks instant death."
I could feel the aura extending, deadly and precise, targeting any malicious intent. The Spyro family's guards faltered, their confidence cracking under the oppressive power that now filled the mansion's halls.
> Luminor's voice rang out, commanding and unwavering:
"If anyone comes close to me, my sister, or my friends with the intent to manipulate or harm… you will not leave this place alive. REF is not for your family. Leave, now."
---
Kael and Brown's Response
I stepped closer to Luminor, careful to remain inside the aura but at a safe distance. "Luminor… you don't have to kill them. We can make them leave without unnecessary bloodshed."
Brown hovered beside me, his undead aura pulsing in sync with Luminor's.
> "Kael is correct. Keeper's Authority is lethal but controllable. Let it serve as a deterrent, not a weapon."
Luminor's eyes softened slightly at our words, though his protective stance remained. The aura around him still thrummed with danger, but he was now in control, ready to release it if the Spyros retreated.
---
The Spyro Family Retreats
The head of the Spyro family, pale and shaken, finally bowed with forced respect. "Very well… we will leave… for now."
Sequoia exhaled, and I could see the relief flooding her features. Luminor's aura slowly receded, leaving only his calm, calculated gaze.
> Brown spoke softly, his voice carrying both pride and caution:
"Kael, this is the power of true authority — not mere strength, but the ability to protect those under your care. Luminor has demonstrated this fully today."
I nodded, still slightly shaken by the intensity of the display. "He's incredible. And terrifying if crossed."
Luminor turned to Sequoia and me, his demeanor now protective but composed. "REF will remain under the refugees' care. No one — not even my own family — will dictate their future. You have my word."
---
Slice-of-Life Amidst Tension
Later, the eleven of us gathered in the main hall of the mansion. The tension had dissipated slightly, replaced with a quiet camaraderie.
Elian and Amara exchanged small smiles, their bond strengthening after weeks of shared training and coordination.
Vex and Arra returned from improving defenses around REF, showing off new magical irrigation devices and small mechanical wards.
Zephyr, now living with my parents, occasionally poked his head in, transforming playfully into a young teenager boy to lighten the mood.
I leaned against the balcony, looking out over the Northern Lands, the mansion's protective wards shimmering faintly in the twilight.
> Brown's voice echoed softly in my mind, calm and resolute:
"Kael, today demonstrates that true protection requires vigilance, authority, and restraint. Luminor wielded his power wisely. Remember, every challenge tests not just your strength, but your judgment."
I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. "I understand, Brown. I'll make sure we're ready for whatever comes next."
---
End-of-Day Reflection
The Spyro family's threat had been neutralized for now, but I knew they would not give up easily. REF was a symbol of hope, and some would always try to exploit what was valuable.
Yet today had reinforced something crucial: the unity of our team, the strength of our friends, and the resolve of those we protect could withstand even the most relentless attempts at domination.
Luminor stood beside Sequoia, calm once more, his protective aura fading but his determination stronger than ever. And somewhere deep inside, I knew that with the eleven of us together — friends, family, and allies — REF would thrive, no matter who tried to challenge it.
> Brown's final words echoed in my mind as I prepared for the days ahead:
"Authority is not taken. It is wielded responsibly. Protect those under your care, Kael. Inspire loyalty. Enforce boundaries. And never hesitate when the safety of those you lead is at stake."
---
End of Chapter 60 — Highlights
The Spyro family attempts to pressure Luminor using his sister, Sequoia, to gain control over REF.
Luminor's anger triggers a temporary personality change, activating Keeper's Authority — a lethal defensive aura.
Kael, Brown, and the friends witness and manage the situation.
The Spyro family retreats, realizing the danger.
Slice-of-life moments with mansion life, golems, and Zephyr lighten the tension.
Luminor's resolve and protectiveness are solidified, emphasizing authority, responsibility, and protection.
Brown provides motivational insight on leadership, restraint, and defense.