Cradling the small, limp form of Aera, Envy ran, the other two in tow, through the shadow. He could feel it, ahead, the shadow into his chamber in the tunnels. He ushered the two to move as they clung to his armor. When suddenly he felt a shift and, in a blink, they were out of the shadows, standing in another large chamber, the dark black rock walls of the cavern absorbing sound. Envy frowned, confused. “What?” he muttered. With Aera in his arms, he wasn't sure how to open the shadows again, so that wasn't an option. But, if he remembered right, up the incline on the other side of the cavern was the exit, into the daylight. But … Taris... He couldn't go out in the daylight. 
Shaking his head, he barked at the others to start running. The Shadow Elf could find them, and all he had to do was open the shadow again and they'd be back out of the sunlight. He didn't make it five paces and he shouted and fell to his knees, Aera crashing to the floor as he went down. “Envy!” The boys shouted, spinning around. Still cradling her head, Envy turned and pulled the small blade from his calf, glaring at Vier'na, who stood some few feet behind him, a venomous glare in her dark red eyes. 
“[b]You came earlier than I thought you would, brother.[/b]” She said icily. “[b]Did you enjoy the show?[/b]”
Envy snarled at his sister in response, trying to pull himself to his feet. He left Aera staring absently up at his feet, unable to defend himself while holding her. Hadhen stepped forward and covered her with a blanket. The female Kartaian leered. “[b]Do you like our work?[/b]” She glared down at the lifeless form of Aera. “[b]She really did put up a good fight. You should be proud.[/b]”
Before Envy could launch at her, there was a strange sound and Taris appeared. Or, mostly Taris, The Wolf's head still flickered over his face, his exposed black skin rippling. He appeared just behind Vier'na and quickly shot out an arm, his hidden blade catching her in the back. She gasped and collapsed. Uncertain about his control, Envy moved between the assassin and Aera. Taris stopped and waited, glaring, as he slowly reigned the Wolf. 
“Is she....” He asked weakly, his eyes on the pale woman.
“She's holding on. But we need to get her-” Envy paused and turned, noticing Vier'na get back to her feet. He bared his teeth. Taris, bleeding from multiple wounds and still fighting for control, didn't look like he was up for taking down this stubborn bitch. Envy moved, putting himself between Aera and his bloodkin, glaring back at the face that glared at him. Taris made a noise.

Behind Envy, Aera's head rolled and, almost mechanically, she sat up, slowly and awkwardly, with her hands bound before her, and stood, unstable and naked, but oddly controlled. “Aera?” Russel asked, and Envy turned. Aera's purple eyes were almost black as she focused on Vier'na and she inhaled, taking a few steps toward the Kartaian woman. Taris made to stop her, but Envy held up his hand.
Viern'a grinned. “[b]Our little project comes up to fight back, huh?[/b]”
The look in Aera's face made Envy step back. He'd known Aera for years, seen the look when she got when she was after killing someone, most recently against Taris, but this.... this was different. She moved forward, every movement different than normal, and Vier'na drew her blade and held it out calmly. Aera stopped when her face was a few inches from the point. Vier'na looked the Raielwen up and down. Her hands were covered, she was chained, and her wrist was swollen in her break. There wasn't a danger here. Aera stood, staring like poison, waiting. Vier'na pressed the blade forward and set it in the hallow of her neck. “[b]Down[/b].” she commanded. 
But the moment Aera felt the pressure of the blade, her hands shot up, grasping the blade and yanking it up, the point slicing up her throat. Her hands squeezed and, with a look that frightened Envy more than the new wound on her neck, Aera growled. The blade seemed to quiver in both of their hands, Aera's hands beginning to bleed. Vier'na screamed as the whole blade grew white hot and sparked. In a flash, the Kartaian went down, parts of her blue flesh steaming.

Envy gaped, petrified. Aera had killed, without direct contact. Through the cloth on her hands and through a blade. They'd done it. They'd broken her. She was now what they'd wanted her to be. He took another step back as she turned to glare at him, absolutely no recognition in her eyes. All she saw was a Kartaian. All she wanted was to kill it.
She started to walk toward Envy and, as much as he didn't want to, he backed away in fear. Taris moved in between them. “Aera!”
Her venom black eyes lowered to him and, after a second, something flashed across her face. Her expression grew soft and her eyes lightened slightly. Then she closed her eyes, grabbed her head and, gasping in pain, before her body relaxed again and she collapsed, Taris shooting forward to catch her.