SWNOVELS Chapter 95
As Lyra and Fenris descended the palace steps, the gravity of their new responsibility settled upon them. The bustling capital, usually a beacon of order and progress, now simmered with an undercurrent of tension. Citizens huddled in small groups, their conversations a mix of excitement and fear. Guards patrolled the streets in increased numbers, their wary eyes scanning for any signs of trouble.
“We need to act quickly,” Lyra murmured, her mind already racing with plans. “The longer we wait, the more fear will take root.”
Fenris nodded, his amber eyes surveying the scene. “Agreed. But where do we start? This isn’t like facing a tangible enemy – we’re battling ideas, misconceptions.”
“We start with the truth,” Aelindra interjected, her calm voice a balm to their concerns. “Knowledge is our most powerful weapon against fear.”
As they made their way back to their temporary quarters, Lyra began outlining their immediate priorities. “First, we need a centralized location for our commission – somewhere visible and accessible to the public. It needs to be a place of learning and support, not a fortress of secrets.”
“The old Grand Library,” Fenris suggested. “It’s been underutilized for years, and its central location would be perfect.”
Lyra’s eyes lit up. “Brilliant. We’ll approach the Librarian’s Guild immediately.”
Over the next few days, their plans took shape with dizzying speed. The Grand Library was transformed into the headquarters of the Royal Commission on Evolutionary Harmony – a name chosen carefully to emphasize unity and progress rather than division.
Teams of researchers, both human and Convergence, worked tirelessly to set up information centers, magical scanning stations, and counseling areas. Lyra insisted on transparency, with daily public demonstrations of their findings and open forums for citizens to ask questions and voice concerns.
However, not everyone welcomed their efforts. On the third day, as Lyra was
overseeing the installation of a new magical resonance detector, a commotion erupted outside the library.
“Monsters! Abominations!” The shouts grew louder as Lyra rushed to the entrance. A crowd had gathered, led by a charismatic figure in robes emblazoned with the symbol of the old gods.
“Repent, for the end times are upon us!” the leader cried, his voice carrying across the square. “These changes are a punishment for our arrogance, for meddling with forces beyond our understanding!”
Fenris appeared at Lyra’s side, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “Religious zealots. They’ve been gaining traction in the outer districts.”
Lyra took a deep breath, steeling herself. She stepped forward, her voice clear and unwavering. “Citizens of the capital, hear me! What you’re witnessing is not a punishment, but an opportunity. An evolution born of the very magic that saved our world.”
The crowd’s shouting died down, curiosity momentarily overriding fear. Lyra pressed on, her words carrying the weight of conviction. “I understand your fear. Change is never easy. But I stand before you as living proof that those who have transformed are still your friends, your family, your fellow citizens.”
She gestured to Fenris, whose lupine features were now unmistakable. “This man has saved countless lives, including my own. His loyalty to the kingdom has never wavered, even as his body changed. Judge us by our actions, not our appearances.”
The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd processed her words. Suddenly, a young girl pushed forward, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and hope. “Lady Lyra, is it true? Can you help people like my brother who are changing?”
Lyra knelt down, meeting the child’s gaze. “What’s your name, little one?”
“Mira,” the girl replied softly.
“Mira, we’re doing everything in our power to understand these changes and help those experiencing them. Will you bring your brother to us? We promise to do all we
can.”
Mira nodded, a small smile breaking through her worry. As she retreated into the crowd, Lyra stood, addressing the gathering once more. “This is what we offer – not fear, not condemnation, but understanding and support. Come to us with your questions, your concerns. Let us face this new chapter of our history together.”
The mood shifted perceptibly. While some still grumbled and cast suspicious glances, others began to disperse, their curiosity piqued. The robed leader, seeing his audience dwindling, spat a final curse before retreating.
As the square cleared, Fenris placed a hand on Lyra’s shoulder. “Well handled. But this is just the beginning.”
Lyra nodded, the weight of their task settling on her once more. “We need to reach beyond the capital. Set up similar centers in other major cities, train teams to travel to the smaller towns and villages.”
“Already on it,” Aelindra said, approaching with a stack of documents. “I’ve been in contact with the regional governors. Most are cautiously supportive, though a few are… resistant to the idea.”
“We’ll win them over,” Lyra said firmly. “We have to.”
As the days turned to weeks, their efforts began to bear fruit. The Commission became a hub of activity, with a steady stream of citizens seeking information and assistance. Lyra and Fenris worked tirelessly, their days filled with research, public addresses, and countless meetings with officials from every corner of the kingdom.
The transformations continued to spread, but with each passing day, the panic lessened. Stories of successful transitions, of transformed individuals contributing positively to their communities, began to circulate. It wasn’t all smooth sailing – there were still pockets of resistance, isolated incidents of violence against the changed – but the tide of public opinion was slowly turning.
One evening, as Lyra pored over the latest reports, Fenris entered their study, his face etched with concern. “We’ve received word from the northern provinces. The transformations have reached the Frost Clans.”
Lyra’s head snapped up, her eyes widening. The Frost Clans were notoriously isolationist, clinging fiercely to their ancient traditions. If the changes took hold there…
“We need to go,” she said, already rising from her desk. “The Clans won’t trust envoys or messengers. It has to be us.”
Fenris nodded, a grim smile playing at his lips. “Into the frozen north, then. Just like old times.”