Blood and Loyalty

Chapter 2 : Shadow and Deception

The night was unnervingly quiet, the kind of silence that came before a storm. Devorah stood in her private quarters, fastening the last strap on her armor, preparing to leave behind everything she knew. This was no ordinary mission. This was stepping into the lion’s den—alone.

She ran her fingers along Lithor’s hilt, the sword humming with an energy only she could feel. It had been with her through countless battles, but this was different. This was not war. This was deception.

A knock at the door. She already knew who it was.

Victor stood in the doorway, arms crossed, his face unreadable. But Devorah had known him long enough to catch the flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

"You sure you're ready for this?" His voice was calm, but there was something behind it—something unspoken.

Devorah smirked. "You say that like I have a choice."

Victor stepped forward, his expression darkening. "There's always a choice, Devorah."

She held his gaze, letting the weight of his words settle between them. Not for me. Not for this mission.

Instead of answering, she fastened the last piece of her armor. Victor sighed and reached into his coat, pulling out a small object—a crest of the Valyrian Empire, small enough to be hidden.

"Just in case you need to remember who you are."

For the first time that night, Devorah faltered. She took the crest, fingers tightening around it before she forced her usual smirk. "Please. As if I’d ever forget."

Victor didn’t respond. He only nodded before turning away, leaving her alone in the dim candlelight.

Hours passed. Devorah was almost ready to leave when Jennifer arrived, stepping into the room like a shadow slipping through the cracks.

She didn’t speak—she just hugged Devorah, holding on tightly.

"I don’t need a vision to know this mission is dangerous," Jennifer murmured. "But I do have one thing to say—be careful of the shadows that whisper."

Devorah stiffened. "That a metaphor or a warning?"

Jennifer pulled back, her violet eyes unreadable. "Both."

That was the thing with Jennifer—her words always meant more than they seemed.

"I’ll be fine," Devorah said, offering a smirk that felt hollow for the first time.

Jennifer didn’t look convinced, but she nodded anyway. "Come back, Devorah."

And then she was gone, leaving nothing behind but a lingering unease.

The final farewell came at dawn. Empress Tamara and Lady Precious stood in the courtyard, waiting. The morning light painted the sky in soft hues, but the air felt heavy, as if the world itself understood the gravity of the moment.

Devorah approached, her boots clicking softly against the stone. She dropped to one knee in respect.

"Rise, Commander," Empress Tamara said, her voice smooth and steady. She didn’t need to command—it was understood—but the weight of the words lingered in the air.

Devorah stood and met Tamara’s gaze. There was an unspoken understanding between them. For a fleeting moment, Tamara’s eyes softened, just a little—too quick to be noticed by anyone except Devorah. It was a rare sight: the woman who ruled the empire, always composed, letting a flicker of concern show.

Tamara quickly masked it, her expression hardening once more, but Devorah saw it—felt it. Tamara was worried.

"You will face this alone," Tamara said, her tone as firm as ever. "But you are no stranger to the weight of duty. Do not fail."

Devorah met her gaze and nodded. Her voice, when she spoke, was unwavering. "I won’t, Empress."

Lady Precious stepped forward, her expression softening in contrast to the Empress' cold command. She placed a hand gently on Devorah’s arm. There was no need for words—Lady Precious had always known how to speak with her heart.

"Be safe, Commander. Return to us when it’s done," she said with quiet sincerity.

Devorah clenched her fist, her emotions swirling in her chest. She wasn’t sure if it was for the mission, or because of what she was leaving behind.

With one last glance at the two women who had been her pillars, Devorah mounted her horse. She could feel Tamara’s eyes on her, though the Empress masked her concern, keeping it hidden beneath layers of authority.

Devorah spurred the horse into motion. Her heart was heavy, but her resolve was solid. There was no turning back now—she had a role to play. The Luminarian Dominion awaited, and she had to walk its dark path, alone.