Chapter 7: The Vengeful Heart
1083 Words
The great hall of Stormfang was shrouded in darkness, flickering torchlight casting restless shadows across the walls. The figures of Dorian and Alaric stood silently behind Selene, waiting for her command. Dorian, once the deputy commander of the Northern Legion, had been exiled for refusing to partake in Selene’s persecution. Fate reunited them during exile, and he swore unwavering loyalty. Alaric, formerly a royal advisor, had defected after uncovering a conspiracy between the crown and Vivienne, choosing instead to protect Selene at all costs.
At the center of the hall, several leaders from various factions knelt in terror, their faces pale and eyes wide. Selene took a few steps forward, her gaze icy as it swept over their fearful expressions.
“Listen carefully,” her voice low but resolute, carrying an unyielding authority. “From this day on, you swear allegiance to me. Should any harbor treachery—” Her lips curved into a cold smile. “—their fate will be no different from his.”
With that, she raised her hand in signal. Dorian stepped forward roughly, seizing the man kneeling at the front. Bloodied and barely alive, the traitor had clearly endured brutal interrogation—he was the one who betrayed her. Betrayal, Selene knew, was punishable only by death. Her eyes lowered, voice dark as the abyss: “Do it.”
A flash of steel, a pitiful groan, and the man collapsed in a pool of his own blood. The remaining leaders trembled in fear, heads bowed so low they dared not meet her gaze.
Selene cast a cold glance at the lifeless body, as if it were no more than a crushed insect. She gestured for Alaric to sheathe his sword, then looked down at the others, voice dropping to a whisper. “I’m giving you a chance to serve me. If you don’t want to die, obey. Otherwise… join him.”
Several leaders bowed repeatedly. “By the will of the Dark Queen, we swear eternal loyalty to Her Majesty!”
Selene nodded and motioned for Dorian to escort them out. Once they had departed, the hall fell silent once more. Dorian approached and reported in a hushed tone, “Your Majesty, most factions have pledged loyalty. The remaining stubborn ones will be dealt with swiftly—either subdued or eliminated.”
A faint smile touched Selene’s lips. “Good work. Keep a close watch on all movements. Remove any threats before I make my next move.”
“As you command, Your Majesty.” Dorian bowed and stepped aside, leaving Selene standing alone in the center of the vast chamber.
Suddenly, an eerie chill spread through the hall, silent and unseen. Selene’s eyes snapped open, sharp and commanding. “Who’s there?” she demanded. Before she finished, Alaric drew his sword and stepped protectively in front of her.
A low, amused chuckle echoed from the shadows. “Impressive—The Dark Queen’s senses truly are sharp.”
From the gloom, a tall figure emerged, as if woven from the very shadows themselves, stepping slowly into the torchlight.
Dressed entirely in black, his silver hair gleamed like cold stars in the night. His pale, handsome face wore a faint, teasing smile. But his eyes—deep and unfathomable as an ancient well—sent a shiver down the spine.
Alaric snarled, “Identify yourself! How dare you trespass on Her Majesty’s grounds!” His sword pointed steady and unyielding.
The man’s expression remained calm, his gaze drifting from the blade to Selene. He bowed slightly, voice low and even. “No offense intended. I merely wish to speak with the Queen.”
“To speak?” Selene narrowed her eyes, studying the unexpected guest. He radiated a silent, oppressive force. More unnerving still was his ability to infiltrate unnoticed. Selene signaled to Dorian and Alaric to hold their ground.
“Anyone who dares invade my domain should understand the consequences,” Selene said coldly. “State your purpose—fail, and I won’t hesitate to display your head on the city walls.”
He chuckled softly, spreading his hands to show he carried no weapons. “If I bore ill will, do you think I’d be standing here, talking to you instead of attacking?”
Selene said nothing, weighing her options. This was no ordinary intruder—he was confident, unafraid, and clearly well-equipped.
“I bring a gift, Your Majesty,” the man said quietly. “A token of respect… and a gesture of cooperation.”
“A gift?” Selene’s tone was skeptical. “What kind of gift?”
Without another word, he produced something from beneath his cloak and tossed it toward Selene. Alaric instinctively stepped forward to intercept, but Selene raised a hand to halt him. She caught the object steadily in her palm.
It was unexpectedly heavy. Looking down, Selene saw a bloodstained badge—an intricately carved golden double-headed lion, the emblem of the family she hated most. Her pupils constricted sharply as her fingers clenched involuntarily. She forced down the rage roiling inside, voice icy and hard. “What does this mean?”
He smirked, voice tinged with mockery. “It means your enemies aren’t invincible gods. They bleed. They fear. And they die.”
Selene stared at the fresh blood on the badge. Memories flooded back—the desperate eyes of her dying father, the blood oath she swore as she fled… The fire of vengeance roared within her chest. She inhaled deeply, crushing the emotion down.
She raised her head sharply, eyes locked onto the man. “Who are you? Why help me?”
His smile was faint, inscrutable. “My identity is irrelevant… for now. When you’re ready to trust, you’ll understand. I act simply because your enemy is mine.”
Selene studied his flawless, mask-like expression, unable to tell truth from lie. But one thing was certain—this man was no ordinary figure. His arrival might be a boon—or a threat.
Selene snorted softly. “So, you want to ally with me? I don’t trust anyone who won’t even show their face.” She folded the bloodied badge in her palm, voice cold as steel. “I’ll keep this gift. Next time you want my trust, bring something more convincing.”
He laughed lightly, then melted back into the shadows, leaving only his deep voice lingering in the hall.
“May you remain as clear-headed and strong the next time we meet…”
- Writer
