Lady Marcelline drifted through the vibrant streets of Valarian on the first day of the Festival of Breath with an air of quiet authority that commanded attention. Her icy blue eyes swept across the bustling crowd, lingering on the high-spirited merchants, the extravagant pavilions lined with colorful wares, and the nobles deep in quiet conversation as they subtly flaunted their wealth and status. Valarian was alive, pulsing with energy and excitement, the very air heavy with the scent of exotic spices and the distant hum of music.
Marcelline moved with purpose, her elaborate silk robes gliding along the cobblestones. The fabric shimmered in the sunlight, a shade so deep blue it bordered on black, woven with intricate silver patterns of waves and spirals that represented the Leviathan’s endless depth. Her fingers, adorned with rings of rare gems, toyed absentmindedly with the edge of her cloak as she nodded to familiar faces, each acknowledgment practiced but fleeting. She’d spent years shaping the social landscape of Valarian, cultivating respect and, more importantly, loyalty from those in power. This festival, however, was her stage.
Near a pavilion boasting polished crystal trinkets and ornate vials of imported perfumes, she turned and met the gaze of her handmaid, Gwenore. The woman was slight but sharp-eyed, her movements graceful yet unobtrusive. Gwenore inclined her head, signaling it was time for her next engagement. Marcelline nodded, her expression serene.
In a modest, unmarked building tucked away from the festivities, Marcelline met with her inner council. The room was dimly lit, the only light source a chandelier that cast flickering shadows across the walls. Several key officials and guild leaders sat around her, each waiting with varying levels of anticipation and unease. Marcelline took her seat at the head of the table, her presence filling the room even in silence. She let her gaze drift over them, allowing the weight of her unspoken expectations to settle, before she finally placed her hands together.
“The city feels alive, as it should,” she began, her voice cool and even, carrying a faint edge that held their attention like a hook. “The Festival of Breath is a celebration, yes. But it is much more than that, as we all know.” Her eyes settled on the head of Valarian’s merchant guild, a rotund man with a twitching mustache and an air of barely concealed ambition.
“Trade agreements secured today shape the political currents of tomorrow,” she continued smoothly, her words laden with a subtle warning. “Do we have all the merchants' support?”
The man cleared his throat, nodding with a mixture of reverence and nervousness. “Most, Lady Marcelline. They’ll keep their loyalties to us for as long as we continue to support their interests.”
Marcelline tilted her head, a faint smile gracing her lips. “Good,” she replied, her gaze hardening slightly as she added, “Stability is paramount. Ensure they understand the consequences should they waver.”
She let the silence hang, watching the merchant shift uncomfortably in his seat, before moving her gaze to Roderic, her military advisor, who sat with the rigidity of a well-trained soldier. Roderic’s eyes were as steel as his armor, and he returned her stare with quiet fortitude.
“The city’s defenses?” she asked, her voice softened but no less commanding. “Should any…disruption occur during the Festival, I trust we’re well-prepared to maintain order?”
Roderic nodded, his jaw tightening. “Of course, my lady. Guards are stationed throughout the main streets and at all major entrances. I’ve also placed additional patrols around the cathedral.” His voice was calm, but Marcelline noted the slight edge of unease in his eyes.
“Excellent.” Marcelline leaned back, tapping her fingertips together in thought. She allowed a brief pause, letting the weight of her authority sink in. “And our… other arrangement? It is underway?”
Roderic’s eyes flickered, his discomfort barely masked. He cleared his throat. “Yes, Lady Marcelline. Everything is prepared as you instructed. Should it come to that, we have contingencies in place.”
Satisfied, Marcelline offered a faint nod, dismissing them. They filed out one by one, each offering her a small bow or nod, relief clear in their expressions as they exited. Gwenore approached her as the last of them left, her expression inscrutable.
“Are we ready to proceed to the next engagement, Lady Marcelline?” Gwenore inquired, her voice soft and efficient.
“Yes,” Marcelline replied, her gaze lingering on the closed door. The day’s events were proceeding seamlessly; every cog in her meticulously constructed machine was turning as it should. Soon enough, any chance for resistance or interference would be eliminated entirely. She allowed herself a small, satisfied smile, pleased with the mastery of her plans thus far.
The second day of the festival was a dazzling celebration of life and community, the streets a riot of color and sound, filled with the performances and artistry of Valarian’s finest talents. Marcelline glided through the throngs of people, her face composed, her movements deliberate and graceful. She exchanged nods with familiar figures, her polite smile masking the precise calculations running through her mind. Each encounter, each acknowledgment, each brief exchange was a move on the grand chessboard of Valarian’s power structure.
As she strolled past an exhibit of intricately carved sculptures, her gaze fell on Guildmaster Erynn, a prominent figure among Valarian's artisans and one of her most crucial allies. She approached him with an effortless grace, her icy gaze softened by a practiced warmth.
“Guildmaster Erynn,” she greeted, inclining her head with subtle elegance. “It is a pleasure to see you here. Your support has breathed life into Valarian’s culture in ways few others could.”
Erynn turned to her, his gaze reflecting a mixture of admiration and ambition. He inclined his head, a faint sheen of sweat dotting his brow. “Lady Marcelline, it is our honor to uphold the legacy of the Leviathan. This year’s festival has a… profound significance.”
“Indeed it does,” she replied smoothly, her voice laced with a hint of promise. “And as with every grand moment, there lies opportunity. I trust that you and your guild will continue to support the growth and prosperity of our city?”
Erynn’s gaze brightened with excitement. He nodded fervently. “Without question, my lady. I believe our visions align quite well.”
Marcelline’s smile deepened as she placed a gloved hand gently on his shoulder, the gesture both intimate and commanding. “Then you and your guild shall have my continued support. Together, we will build a future worthy of the Leviathan’s legacy.”
They exchanged a knowing look, the silent understanding clear between them. With that, Marcelline moved on, her graceful form blending back into the crowd. She spent the remainder of the day weaving her way through the festivities, each interaction an opportunity to reinforce alliances, secure loyalties, and plant seeds of influence.
As dusk settled over Valarian, Marcelline returned to her private chambers. In the dim glow of the lamplight, she reviewed the final arrangements for the coming events, her gaze sharp and focused. The riot was little more than a pawn in her intricate scheme—a distraction, a calculated moment of chaos that would serve her purposes. Whether she controlled it directly or merely let it unfold was irrelevant; she knew how to steer the tides of Valarian’s unrest to her advantage.
Gwenore entered quietly, bearing a small scroll sealed with the mark of one of her trusted informants. “The preparations are complete, Lady Marcelline,” she said, her voice low.
Marcelline broke the seal, her eyes scanning the contents with sharp focus. She nodded. “Good. Tomorrow’s ceremony must proceed without a hitch. Ensure the necessary parties are in place.”
Gwenore dipped her head, her movements precise. “Of course, my lady. The guards are briefed, and we’ve placed agents within the crowds to monitor any… unusual behavior.”
A rare hint of warmth touched Marcelline’s lips. “Excellent work, Gwenore. Your attentiveness never fails me.”
Gwenore’s eyes flickered with gratitude before she stepped back, blending seamlessly into the shadows. Marcelline took a long, measured breath, her gaze shifting to the sealed glass jar on her desk. Within it, suspended in liquid starlight, rested a shard of an ancient relic—a fragment of the Leviathan’s essence. She ran a finger over the glass, her touch reverent.
Tomorrow, her plans would culminate. With the right sequence of events, Valarian would witness not only the honor of the Leviathan’s memory but the beginning of its resurgence. She had no doubt of the Leviathan’s power. It would bend to her will, just as she had molded every facet of Valarian’s nobility, merchant class, and military to align with her ambitions.
Lady Marcelline moved through the dawn-lit streets of Valarian on the final day of the Festival of Breath, her presence commanding even in the quiet shadows of the early morning. The air held a reverent stillness, a sense of collective anticipation that reverberated through every narrow street and grand avenue. This was the day of sacrifice and remembrance, the festival's culmination—a day that would mark the beginning of a new chapter for Valarian. And Marcelline had long decided that she would be the one to turn that page.
This city and its people had been her world for as long as she could remember. Centuries, by the reckoning of Earth—a place now so distant in memory that it felt more myth than reality. Yet, the customs and practices of that old world had shaped her, grounding her in an unshakable determination to bring about change. Earth was left behind in her death over two centuries ago, but the ambitious spirit of Victorian England had followed her here. She had watched empires rise and crumble, seen the cycles of power turn, but it was never enough. Every cycle only repeated the same patterns, the same failures. It was time for something different, something lasting.
Today, as she moved through the city's heart, her thoughts turned to her final plans, each thread of influence carefully woven into a tapestry that would reshape Valarian’s future. She would dismantle the old structures, overthrow the stagnant nobility, and assume the role she had been cultivating for centuries—the role of Duchess, a title she would wield with true authority, unchained by old traditions.
The people, she told herself, deserved a ruler who would be willing to sacrifice for them. Who understood the complexity of power, the balance between strength and compassion. She’d kept herself from truly seizing this role earlier, hesitating to disrupt Valarian’s foundation so profoundly. But with the arrival of the Fallen Stars—and most crucially, Paola—Marcelline knew the time had come. The Tree of Life, the invisible force guiding Udanara’s destiny, had brought forth new players in this game, heralds of change that only affirmed her resolve.
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As she continued along her path, her mind drifted to Rohez and Alric, people who had once been allies, and who, in a different time, had been her dear friends. Marcelline felt a pang of sorrow at what was to come, an unfamiliar sensation that she quickly buried. The Duke and Duchess were a part of Valarian’s old guard, embodiments of the very hierarchy she sought to undo. To ascend, sacrifices had to be made; she would honor them with the gravity they deserved. She had always known that one day, she would be the one to bear that burden, but that knowledge did little to soothe the ache.
She paused to take in the cathedral’s spires against the early morning light, their silhouettes piercing the sky. Her fingers toyed with a ring on her hand, a simple silver band she rarely took off. It was one of the few remnants of Earth she’d kept, a reminder of the life she had left behind. Earth was a distant, blurry memory, yet here she was, more alive than she had ever been back there.
Reflecting on her time here in Udanara, Marcelline considered how the years seemed to flow differently in this world. Each day and night stretched longer, weeks passed slowly, yet entire years seemed to vanish with startling speed. Nearly two hundred years had slipped by since her death, each one of those Udanaran years feeling like a brief chapter in a much larger book. It made her feel young and old at once—a paradox that was as much a part of Udanara as the gods and titans themselves. Paola, a woman who had died so recently on Earth, was now here, summoned to play her part. What would she, a young Fallen Star, make of this? Marcelline felt a sense of intrigue tinged with nostalgia for the unfamiliar confusion Paola must be feeling. It almost reminded her of herself, long ago, navigating the strangeness of a new life.
Her thoughts darkened as she recalled her recent conversation with Ayla. She had noticed her dragon guard speaking to Paola on the festival’s first day, and while she had tolerated the initial exchange, Marcelline had called Ayla to her afterward, reprimanding her for the lapse. Marcelline had warned Ayla again, this time with a severity that cut through her usual composed tone.
“You cannot afford distractions,” Marcelline had told her, her voice sharp. “If you continue ignoring my orders, the choice will be taken from you, Ayla. You know as well as I do that if I seize your will, it will not be returned until your contract is complete.”
Ayla had listened, her face drawn, her mismatched eyes avoiding Marcelline’s gaze. “I understand, Lady Marcelline,” she had replied, her tone stiff.
“Good. Because once it’s gone, Ayla,” Marcelline added, her voice softening but with an undertone of chilling finality, “it is gone forever. Even death will not release you from it.”
As Ayla had left, Marcelline felt the faintest twinge of regret. Ayla’s loyalty had always been unwavering, and Marcelline knew the contract bound her to an existence beyond her own desires. Yet, there was no room for sentimentality. Ayla was a valuable asset, and in the end, an asset she would use as ruthlessly as any other.
These thoughts lingered with her as she made her way to the cathedral for the day’s procession. It was the Day of Breath—a time when the people of Valarian came together to honor the Leviathan’s memory, celebrating the magical lifeblood that sustained them. Her robes flowed like liquid shadow as she walked, her icy blue eyes surveying the assembled crowd with an unreadable expression. The ritual would soon begin, a ceremony steeped in tradition and symbolic of Valarian’s enduring spirit.
She took her place among the dignitaries, her posture immaculate as she waited for the Duke to address the crowd. Alric spoke with the confidence of a seasoned general, his deep voice carrying over the crowd. His words painted a vivid picture of Valarian’s resilience, recounting tales of bravery, honor, and sacrifice. He spoke of the brave airship captains, their journeys over treacherous landscapes, risking their lives to connect distant lands and ensure Valarian’s prosperity.
Marcelline listened, her face calm, yet her mind remained focused on the unseen forces she had set into motion. She had instructed certain members of the guard, men whose loyalty was secured through binding contracts, to keep a keen eye on the ceremony’s proceedings. Though she had no plans to disturb the ceremony itself, she wanted to ensure that her influence was subtly reinforced among those watching. It was crucial to her plans that the people understood she was their true protector, the one who would elevate Valarian beyond its current limits.
As Alric concluded his speech, the crowd erupted into applause, a clear wave of admiration and pride. Marcelline joined in the applause, her smile as controlled and measured as ever. She watched as Alric stepped down, his gaze briefly meeting hers. There was respect in his eyes, a warmth that she knew would soon be extinguished. It was almost enough to stir her heart. Almost.
The final portion of the ceremony drew to a close, and the people began to disperse, many heading toward the grand masquerade that would serve as the festival’s concluding celebration. Marcelline followed at a measured pace, allowing her gaze to drift over the throngs of revelers making their way toward the ballroom. She allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Everything was as it should be. The last pieces were falling into place, each step bringing her closer to the world she envisioned.
Upon entering the ballroom, she took a moment to take in the opulence of the hall, her eyes tracing the elaborate decorations and the noble faces obscured by extravagant masks. She was adorned in a gown of deep sapphire, lined with silver threads that mimicked the rippling waves of the sea, and a mask in the shape of the Leviathan’s visage—a creature whose power and sacrifice she had revered all her life. She commanded respect as she walked, her movements controlled, each step a statement of authority.
As she scanned the crowd, she caught sight of Ayla, her trusted guard, standing by her side in resplendent armor. The dragon-scale pauldrons gleamed under the ballroom lights, and the mithralite chains connecting her chest plate to her leggings lent her an air of deadly grace. Ayla was ever the protector, a testament to Marcelline’s strength.
It was then that Marcelline noticed Yasmin, standing animatedly near her sister, Yucca, who wore a stunning white fox mask that contrasted elegantly with her shimmering robes. The sisters shared an easy camaraderie, and Marcelline watched as Yasmin laughed, her energy vibrant, almost infectious. But it wasn’t Yasmin or Yucca that Marcelline found her gaze lingering on.
Next to them stood Paola, her dress a black, slitted gown that seemed to shift with every move. Her mask—a delicate black cat’s mask—added a touch of mystery to her already captivating presence. Marcelline noted the way Paola’s eyes darted around the room, alert and sharp, taking in the grandeur with equal parts wonder and wariness. There was a natural strength in her, a quiet resilience that intrigued Marcelline.
Yucca turned to Paola with a smile that held a hint of playful challenge. “Well, harem queen, you certainly have quite the entourage, don’t you?”
Paola blinked, clearly caught off guard, and Marcelline felt a smirk tug at her lips. The younger woman seemed flustered, but there was a quick wit behind her response. “Is that what they call me now?” she shot back, a playful glint in her eye.
The exchange between them continued, casual and lively, until Marcelline saw Yucca lean in, her smile widening as she asked a question, her tone almost conspiratorial. “And what’s your name, harem queen?”
Paola hesitated, then finally replied, “It’s Paola. Paola Juderías.”
Marcelline’s smile faltered, her gaze sharpening as she saw the flicker of something unreadable pass over Yucca’s expression. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but Marcelline recognized the calculated mask slipping, even if only for a heartbeat. And in that instant, a silent connection sparked between her and Yucca—a recognition that set the stage for what was to come.
***
In the fleeting seconds that followed her introduction, Paola saw Yucca’s smile falter—just for an instant. The shift was almost imperceptible, but there was a tension behind her mask that didn’t match the warmth she’d shown only a moment before. What had been a stream of polite interest now felt like an icy wave rolling back from Paola’s presence. Paola’s ears twitched, instinctively picking up on the change, and she found herself studying Yucca’s expression, noting the minute stiffening of her posture.
A laugh rang out to her side, shattering the quiet undertone of unease.
"Well, look at that,” Yasmin chimed in, nudging her sister playfully. “Clearly, Yucca’s heard all about you already, Paola,” she teased, with a sly grin that seemed meant to break the tension. But Paola could tell even Yasmin had picked up on the shift in her sister’s mood.
Yucca’s smile returned for a heartbeat, softer and more genuine, as she gave a small laugh in return. But when her eyes returned to Paola, the flicker of coolness was still there, a hint of something restrained beneath her cordiality.
"Actually, Yasmin,” Yucca murmured, her voice honeyed but firm, “mind if we chat for a moment? Just… sister to sister?”
Paola watched as Yasmin’s face flickered in curiosity and confusion. She caught Paola’s gaze, shrugged slightly, and stepped to the side with her sister. Paola tried to shake off the tingling feeling at the back of her mind, but her eyes trailed after them as they moved.
In the dim glow of the ballroom, surrounded by chattering guests and swirling lights, Paola’s gaze drifted over the crowd, and a strange sense of stillness settled over her. The sounds of laughter and conversation faded into the background. She blinked, refocusing her attention on the vast, ornately decorated hall, and noticed something strange.
Shadows.
In the recesses of the room, in the creases between beams of light, dark shapes lingered where none had been before. At first, she thought it was a trick of the lighting, perhaps an illusion cast by the chandeliers or the movement of guests milling around. But as she watched, the shadows seemed to pool, shifting with a life of their own, pressing against the corners as if they were deliberately inching forward.
Paola glanced around at the crowd, her pulse racing. No one else seemed to notice, not even Yasmin and Poca, who were animatedly chatting away near their table. Yasmin’s head tipped back in laughter, oblivious to Paola’s growing unease.
She willed herself to focus, to brush it off as paranoia, and glanced up to the stage as another member of royalty began to speak, his voice resonating in the grand ballroom. His words were warm and hopeful, extolling the unity of Valarian and the sacrifices that had been made to bring peace to their lands, but Paola’s ears barely registered the sound.
Her eyes drifted back to where the Duke and Duchess stood off to the side of the stage, speaking quietly with the nobility around them. As the speaker drew the crowd’s attention, the Duke was animatedly conversing, gesturing with one hand and nodding as he engaged in a polite conversation with another noble. The Duchess, poised and graceful, inclined her head, listening intently. And beside them, in her elegant robes, Lady Marcelline stood, her face a serene mask of attentiveness.
Paola watched them, the shadows thickening around her peripheral vision. Her heart beat faster, a low hum of dread building in her chest, and for a moment, it felt as though the very air around her grew heavier, darker. She forced herself to blink, hoping the shadows would disappear, but they only seemed to press closer, more defined with each heartbeat.
Then, in one horrific instant, the shadows pooled beneath the feet of the Duke and Duchess, stretching and forming into the unmistakable shape of a figure.
A man—no, a silhouette of a man, his form made entirely of darkness, his shape shifting like smoke held together by will alone. He stood tall, his wings spread wide and sickly against the backdrop of opulent lights, an unsettling blend of majesty and malevolence. His features were indistinct, but his eyes… his eyes were unmistakable. Deep, dark crimson, swirling with the same shadowed energy that made up his form, and they were fixed unerringly on Paola.
She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, but no sound escaped her. The shadowy figure raised his arms, which morphed seamlessly into long, sharpened spikes. He pulled them back, poised directly behind the Duke and Duchess. The edges of his wings spread wider, and the crimson eyes narrowed, glinting with cruel purpose.
Paola’s heart thundered in her chest, her mouth dry as the realization hit her. No one else could see him. The nobles continued their polite chatter, the crowd focused on the speaker, even Marcelline beside them—none of them reacted. She was the only one who could see this nightmare unfolding, and if she didn’t act…
The shadow raised his spiked arms higher, and her entire body went rigid.
“Move, Paola,” she whispered to herself, but her legs felt heavy, frozen with a fear she hadn’t felt in ages. This wasn’t some ordinary magic, wasn’t just another threat she could easily handle. She could feel the menace radiating from him, a primal darkness that sent chills down her spine.
The figure’s crimson gaze bore into her, and in his stare, she felt an unspoken challenge—a silent warning that she was stepping into a realm of power and malice far beyond her understanding. His eyes locked onto hers, daring her, knowing full well she was the only one who could stop him.
Her tail flicked anxiously, her ears pinned back as the weight of the decision pressed down on her.
"Move," she whispered again, but the words felt hollow, her body still locked in place, every muscle tense as her mind raced with the implications of what she was seeing.
She took a shaky breath, her fingers twitching, and felt the eyes of the shadow figure bore even deeper into her, holding her still as if by sheer force of will. Then, at the same time, the Duke and Duchess turned to face each other, a tender look passing between them, and the shadows behind them coiled and surged, their spiked arms raised high, ready to strike.
The crowd began to cheer, drowning out her ragged breathing.
In the next heartbeat, the two spiked arms descended, and Paola was moving, her body reacting on instinct, her mind consumed with a single goal: to stop the shadows before it was too late. Yet, something deep within her, a primal sense of caution, told her it was already too late.