Chapter 26:
The sound of cracking stone drew Elena from her lounger with ephemeral grace, that of one in complete control of their body. Her steps took her from her living quarters through to her office and a bookshelf facing away from the windows. A press on a hidden button opened the false panelling below.
Three statues of five were a crumbled ruin on their shelves. She took out the brass plates that had adhered to each, reading out their numbers.
She studied them, her mind working.
Did Lyra turn on us? The woman was worried about her own mercenary company, as if they were anything of note. That would not be the route.
The reports on Cinderstein and its destruction were fresh and still flipping through her mind. It was not the kind of actions she would expect from the magical academy. Nor was the meeting. Though her scorpions had looked to take advantage of it…
There has to be something else at play. The Infernal Marauders weren’t going to just join with Ilus. It pointed to some other force out there. One backing Ilus.
Another group like us?
She kept from voicing her thoughts, it was the safest place for information and thoughts. To give them breath was to give them life. Sometimes one couldn’t draw them back no matter what they did.
She made sure none of the dust was on her and closed the hidden cabinet and took out a book. She stood and moved through her office to the large window behind her desk, reading the book.
She hid her smirk, not looking at the different nearby buildings that allowed one a perfect view into her office.
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The envoy to the Geraxi Empire had appearances to maintain, a dance to be weaved between her and her host. The Regnum Kingdom was young, but they were already strong and eager to expand further. With the Empire’s weapons and gear they had made great progress against their enemies and secured great swathes of land. Making them staunch—buyers.
Allies was a misnomer in the abyss for the next to be killed. It was refreshing to know where one stood.
I wonder if the Empire would have done better here in the abyssal plane instead of the material?
Elena pushed such thoughts to the side, focusing back on her current issues. A group had infiltrated Cinderstein, the Molten Fist and with how quick the Emberclaw clan fell, they had infiltrated them possibly the worst.
There were few in the abyssal plane that had spies with that kind of ability. Lyra reported they had been two of the—. Her head snapped up before her careful inbuilt reactions could stop her.
Desari she’d said she’d heard one name. Desari. From Ikor .
A shudder ran through her, the kind that stole all the heat from the sun she’d been enjoying just moments before.
“The Traitor.” Her words came out breathless, seemingly pulling her gut with them. If she reported this to higher, if she reported this to him .
She was going to need to get someone else to send the information to shield herself from retribution. If it was wrong, and especially if it was right .