The morning sun rose lazily over Lynvale, painting the city in dull golds and grays. The air carried a lingering chill, and the muffled sounds of merchants setting up stalls echoed through the streets.
Makima stood just outside the inn, her golden eyes fixed on Kleto and Nino, who waited beside her in silence. Their demeanor seemed normal, but they were guided by her unseen strings.
Makimas faint smile appeared as she folded her hands behind her back.
“Tell me,” -she began, her tone gentle yet commanding “whats wrong with this place? Why is there so much poverty?”
Kleto spoke first, his words smooth and natural.
“Miss Makima, the problem runs deeper than Lynvale. Its the whole kingdom. King Malriks to blame.”
Makima tilted her head slightly.
“Go on.”
Kleto continued.
“The kings corrupt. He hoards the wealth of the land, takes from the people without mercy. Thats why folks here are starving.”
Nino chimed in.
“The armys the worst. Theyre not just soldiers, theyre enforcers for Malrik. They get food, money, protection, everything they want... so long as they stay loyal to him. Most of them dont care who suffers, as long as theyve got it good.”
Kleto nodded.
“And even the decent ones are trapped. They dont want their families to starve, so they follow orders.”
Makimas eyes narrowed, though her expression remained otherwise unreadable.
“I see.” -she said softly, as she turned away
“Thats all I needed to hear.” -she continued, her voice calm but firm
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“Now... keep your distance.”
The two nodded without hesitation.
“Of course, Miss Makima.” -Nino said, stepping back with Kleto
Makima began walking, her measured steps carrying her down the uneven cobblestone street. Around her, the city stirred with sluggish life, but her thoughts were elsewhere.
Her lips curved into a subtle, almost imperceptible smile.
'Ill become their queen.' -she decided, her golden eyes gleaming
'Ill take Malriks place. Make them love me for it. I wont even need to use my power to rule this kingdom...' -she tought, her resolve solidifying
She didnt care how long it took, or how much of the kings foundation shed have to shatter. By the end, theyd kneel before her willingly.
Makima suddenly came to a halt, her gaze distant.
'But first i need to learn more about this world. The kingdom. Magic.' -she mused, her thoughts sharp and deliberate, laying the groundwork for what was to come
Her reflection was interrupted by a voice calling out.
“Hey there... whats a beautiful woman like you doing out so early?” -a man swaggered toward her, a smirk plastered on his face. His eyes roved over her in a way that suggested trouble
“Whats your name, huh?”
Makima turned her head slowly, her golden eyes locking onto him. Her expression was unreadable, calm yet unsettlingly eerie.
The man hesitated, his confidence wavering under her piercing gaze. The silence stretched uncomfortably.
“So, youre not gonna tell me, huh?” -he said, forcing bravado as he grabbed her arm
In an instant, Makimas hand shot out, her fingers wrapping around his wrist. The man froze, his body stiffening. His smirk vanished.
He was under her control.
Makimas eyes lingered on him for a moment, cold and indifferent. Then, without a word, she released his wrist and walked away, her measured steps fading into the labyrinth of Lynvales streets.
The man staggered back, gasping as control returned to him. But something was wrong. His eyes bulged, his hands clawing at his mouth as he let out a choked, gurgling scream.
Blood spattered onto the cobblestones.
And then it hit the ground. A severed, fleshy lump.
His tongue.
He crumpled to his knees, clutching his mouth as panic overtook him. His muffled cries filled the empty street.