The Burning Flowers

Chapter II

Since the winter solstice was only a month away, the sun had already long since set beyond the snowy mountains far off in the horizon despite the early evening hour of seven. With the disappearance of the sun came a piercing and brisk cold known well by those who lived in the northern Ijirian territories—a harsh and unforgiving chill that could easily make one forget all memories of warmth. These miserable winters could only make one wonder what it was like across the border of Trovia, which was rumored to be even colder than anywhere within the Empire. There were plenty of nights where the people would huddle together with their families, desperate for the salvation of each other’s body heat, and wishing that they knew even a scrap of fire magic that they could use to fight back the ice.

Because of this, it wasn’t uncommon to find wandering fire mages passing through the settlements of the north, offering their services for an unreasonable amount of coin, with the few generous ones suggesting they teach some basic spells to the people. However, this practice was not well-regarded by those with influence, for if the people of the north gained the skills to help themselves then how would these traveling mages make their money? How would they squeeze the needy dry of everything they had? Few said it aloud, but there wasn’t a single intelligent soul that didn’t notice the strange coincidences of how those who learned magic always seemed to vanish or get themselves murdered. Whispers spread throughout the populace, people grew afraid of being targeted, declined the rare requests to be taught, and instead wound up relying on the fire mages who puppeted the whole situation.

Resentment surged towards the elite mages of the south, but that was not a new phenomenon. Disgust and hatred towards those who abandoned them to their fates had always permeated the northern towns, with even the people of the Great City of Harunhein on the Trovian border expressing far more dissatisfaction than most. But at the end of the day, just as it had been for all of time, they could whine and whisper and complain all they liked, but what could they actually do about it? One needed to have money and power to learn magic, so if they were born into a life of poverty, their fate was set in stone. They were powerless in the face of the magical warriors and killers of the Cities.

Or at least, they used to be.

At first, nobody could bring themselves to believe the rumors carried up from the south—talking of how the noble House Malloway had been eradicated in a single night, and how the entire nobility of Hiriech had met their brutal fates in the flames of hell. After all, ridiculous stories cropped up now and then, only to be disproven and discarded. The House of Malloway had been in control of the River City since Ijiria conquered Hiriech and installed them as the governors, and nothing was going to change that.

Nothing could change that.

Yet, to the surprise of many, not only were these rumors not disproven, but they were actually strengthened by the information that followed them. In a matter of weeks, it felt as if everybody in the north knew the name of the Kosah-Rei, the religious group that declared itself an ally of the common people—who intended to destroy the Ijirian aristocracy and bring about a true Age of Prosperity for the people rather than the empty prosperity that currently existed. They claimed that House Malloway was ripped apart because the will of their goddess demanded it, and that the other Great Cities would only last for so long.

The regions surrounding Hiriech fell into chaos and anarchy, a product of the deaths of every baron and baroness that ruled that domain under Malloway. Allied houses began to stake their own claims over the land, leading to conflict among the elites as they all sniffed out a chance to take Malloway’s place and uplift themselves to the level of the greatest houses of the empire. Skirmishes even broke out between soldiers of different alignments, forcing not only the Citadel to get involved, but the forces of Noctalus and Stellareid to step in and put a stop to the fighting. Temporary lords were installed, dissenters were put to the sword, and eventually, King Markreas Iiji declared that the House of Tirgus would take Hiriech, indicating that they pledged the most allegiance to the crown.

From the perspective of the northerners, these months of infighting were laughable and satisfying, further proving the idea that these supposed proper and respectable lords and ladies were far from what they claimed to be. It was almost disappointing that the Citadel managed to put an end to it within the year, but of course, that was just the beginning, and it proved that the Kosah-Rei could back up their claims. On top of that, they didn’t hesitate to try and personally reach out to the people they wanted to help, with pastors and preachers secretly entering towns and villages to tell the citizens all about the goddess, Rei, and her desire for a magical utopia.

The average-sized town of Piriit was no exception, and as the young woman, Mikea Tarva, continued on her way down the snow-covered street, shivering from the cold of the night, she couldn’t help smiling with intense pleasure as she recollected all that had changed in just the past two and half years. For the first time in her twenty-five years of life, she actually believed that the empire could be fixed—that she wouldn’t be condemned to a life of barely getting by and struggling for basic needs while a class of spoiled and pretentious lords enjoyed more food than they could ask for without having to lift a finger. The Kosah-Rei would make sure of that, and she wanted to do all she could to aid them in their rebellion. That was why she found herself walking towards the Stormcloud Inn in the southern part of town, alongside a young woman she hardly knew.

“It’s just right this way,” Mikea assured her companion, realizing that they had been walking in silence for a little too long. “And not to worry! I promise that you haven’t come all this way for nothing! Pastor Saechak is always open to those who seek his guidance.”

The young woman raised her head just enough for Mikea to get a glimpse of her youthful features beneath the cowl of her tattered brown cloak. She was certainly beautiful, with innocent blue eyes and long brown hair that was tied back in a braid, and when she smiled gratefully, it only made Mikea all the more pleased to be able to make herself useful. The two of them had met at a tavern a few days ago when this young woman had nervously approached her, revealing that she had been told by one of the locals that if she wanted an audience with Pastor Saechak then Mikea was the one to speak to.

“I was told that a pastor of the Kosah-Rei has been giving his sermons here in Piriit and I immediately knew I had to come,” the young woman had said. “They’re so hard to find, you know, but I need advice. The innkeeper said that you’re something of his personal aide, so I was hoping you might be able to help?”

Naturally, Mikea just couldn’t brush her request off, but at the same time, the Citadel had been increasing its efforts to find and eliminate anybody associated with the Kosah-Rei, so she first had to make sure this woman was telling the truth. First, she invited her to sit down for a drink and tell her a little about herself. From what Mikea gathered, her name was Laura and she was from the town of Uukana, a place around the size of Piriit and not far from Harunhein. She expressed how she had recently lost her mother to disease and how she was now left all alone, aimless and unable to figure out what she was supposed to be doing. She had nobody left, so when she heard from a traveling merchant that there was a respected and beloved pastor giving underground sermons in Piriit, she decided to take a chance and see if he could help her.

Almost immediately, Mikea felt a sense of camaraderie with her given that the very thing that pushed her to reach out to the Kosah-Rei was the death of her two-year-old daughter the previous year. Disease had taken her as well, so hearing about how Laura’s mother was ripped from her made Mikea want to do everything in her power to help her find the peace she needed. The following day, she invited Laura to the secret basement beneath the Stormcloud Inn where Pastor Kirkan Saechak preached about the values of Kosahanity twice a week, and was more than pleased by the awe with which Laura watched. She was so entranced that, afterwards, she asked if there was any way she could possibly talk to him in-person, and Mikea instantly reached out to Saechak to schedule a meeting—a meeting they were currently heading to.

“Are you nervous, Miss Laura?” Mikea inquired warmly, reaching out and gently taking her companion’s arm in a show of comfort. “You’re shaking a bit, but I can’t tell if it’s cause of the cold or not.”

Laura lowered her head once again before slowly shaking it. “I guess I’m a little anxious, but it’s okay. It’s just…I’ve been traveling for so long with this singular goal in mind, so it’s a little surreal that my destination is right in front of me. I hope…this goes well…”

“It will!” Mikea chirped. “This man is a miracle worker, you know? Just listening to him is enough to reassure you that all hope is not lost and that there is a better future awaiting us. Remember Hiriech, as he always says! The Kosah-Rei brought one of the Great Cities to its knees, and soon enough, I know the others will follow! Believe in the Ko-Hahn, believe in Rei, and believe in Saint Rotana Vesh, the Savior!”

“Hmm. Right…”

Laura’s response lacked enthusiasm, but Mikea just brushed it away as being due to her anxiety, so she quickened their pace as they approached the door to the three-story Stormcloud Inn. The warmth of the interior was a more-than-welcome relief from the deathly cold outside, as were the wonderful scents of stewed meat and vegetables coming from the occupied tables around the first-floor tavern.

“Ah, Mikea, My Dear!” the old innkeeper called out upon seeing her. “Should we start preparing your usual?”

But the young brunette just pulled down her cowl, grinned pleasantly, and shook her head. “No thank you, Carlo! Maybe another time. I’m here on business tonight.”

A knowing look crossed the man’s eyes as he glanced towards Laura. “Ah, I see. Then please, head right on up. Tell you what, why don’t we get you something for when you’re done, on the house.”

“Ah, Carlo…”

“No, no, it’s not much of a hassle! You’re doing us all a great service, so I insist!”

Mikea sighed, fixing the beaming innkeeper with a wry smile of her own, and since some grilled meat and potatoes really did sound good after a long day of working down at the bakery, she decided to concede, thanked him for the offer, then continued leading Laura towards the hallway in the back of the tavern, though not without whispering a soft, “Praise the Goddess” to Carlo on her way past him. Laura remained quiet as the two women made their way to the stairs and walked up to the third floor before hooking right, their destination the deluxe suite all the way down the hall.

As they approached, Mikea caught sight of the singular cloaked man standing just to the door’s left, his back leaning casually up against the wall and his arms folded across his chest. To most, he would have seemed intimidating, and there was no doubt that he was dangerous towards anybody that might be an enemy of the Kosah-Rei, but to their allies, he wouldn’t so much as twitch at their presence. Mikea didn’t know his name, nor did she know the names of any of the individuals that called themselves Rei’s Teeth. The only thing she was told about them was that they were some of the best warriors among the Kosah-Rei and that they served as Saechak’s bodyguards. The cowl of his cloak was pulled over his head, ending in a triangular point just above his forehead, and his face was covered by a porcelain mask designed to appear like the face of a young woman, with a small nose and lips and cheeks a matching soft red. The eyes were empty, allowing the man to watch through the holes and observe Mikea and Laura.

“Good evening,” she greeted pleasantly despite knowing he wouldn’t respond. “I have a scheduled meeting with the pastor.”

Nodding briskly, the Tooth raised his right hand and rapped his knuckles four times against the door. There was no call from within, but after a few seconds, he made a sweeping motion with that same hand, indicating they could enter. Mikea bowed her thanks then turned the handle and made her way into the main room of the deluxe suite where she found the pastor waiting.

Kirkan Saechak’s back was facing them as he gazed through the large window on the opposite side of the room, his hands folded behind him as he absently fidgeted with the topaz ring on his left hand. He seemed to be watching something, but given how terrible the weather was that night, Mikea couldn’t imagine there would be anybody down there to catch his attention. Aside from the pastor, there were four more of Rei’s Teeth standing as silent guardians in the four corners of the room, a threat to those who would dare try anything in his holy presence. Having taken a momentary scan of the room, Mikea bowed her head deeply and motioned for Laura to do the same. It was customary to allow the pastor to be the one to start the conversation, so the two of them merely bent their backs and waited.

After a few seconds, Saechak slowly turned around and glanced between Mikea and Laura, his narrow brown eyes fixating on the outsider with mild curiosity. The pastor wasn’t a particularly tall man, standing only around five-foot-eight, but his large shoulders and powerful build still created an air of intimidation around him. His pitch black hair was neatly braided down to just below his hips, and his mouth was small and thin. He wore long red robes with white trim that came down to his ankles, as well as an amulet around his neck the same topaz color as his ring. Normally, he would smile warmly, excited to get to know a potential new member, but at that moment, he was strangely cold.

“Rise,” he said softly, watching as Mikea and Laura did as requested. “So you, young lady, are the Miss Laura I’ve been told about?”

The woman nodded, smiling back at him with an expression almost as tense as his. “I am, yes. It’s a magnificent pleasure to meet you, Pastor Saechak. The sermon I attended the other day was wonderful—a weight lifted from my shoulders. I cannot thank you enough for the work you’re doing in this humble town.”

“Ah?” Saechak gave a soft grunt. “And remind me, where are you from again? For what reasons have you sought an audience with me?”

Laura tilted her head with apparent confusion. “Oh, I thought Mikea had already given you my story.”

“She did…but I would like to hear it from you.” Motioning brusquely with his hand, Saechak indicated for her to continue. “Please, where are you from?”

“Uukana,” she answered without hesitation. “It’s just a few hours south of Harunhein. I come to you because I am lost, for my mother was recently taken from me by an abnormally aggressive case of Calysia. She was my only family, and I now find myself without a means of support. I’ve used up most of my savings just to get here because I have been told of the Kosah-Rei’s generosity and their mission to save those of us left to starve. Tales of your speeches reached even the northernmost parts of the Empire, Pastor.”

“And she really did love the sermon we attended together,” Mikea quickly added, unsure of why Saechak was behaving the way he was. “Afterwards, we had a very long discussion about Rei’s Paradise and what we would do when it’s achieved. I fully believe she will be a valuable and loyal asset to our movement.”

“Mikea, dear…” Finally, the fatherly warmth that Saechak often displayed flashed through his eyes when he glanced her way, but she was slightly off put by the almost pitying expression in his eyes, as if he were regarding someone who lacked common sense. “You are a beautiful and intelligent person, but I do believe you’re too trusting.” Then, before she could even begin to ask why he would say such a thing, Saechak’s features turned dark. “Miss Laura, did you think me incompetent? Did you believe that because I support the well-being of the common folk that I would lack control over magic? I can sense your distorted friend behind you.”

Mikea exhaled sharply as the four Teeth all straightened up, and turned their way, as if to attack them, but Laura didn’t so much as twitch. For a second, a painfully tense silence descended over the room as Laura and the Pastor stared at one another, but the silence was soon broken by the dropping of a distortion spell and the appearance of a man just behind Mikea.

“Well, aren’t you a clever guy! Truly, I must applaud your senses, for very few can see through my distortions!”

Mikea jolted to the right, startled by the man as she frantically attempted to figure out what was going on. The newcomer was very clearly of Sukonese descent, with pitch black hair that was short and well-kept, and brown eyes that glittered with an intelligent mischief. His smile had a very clear arrogance to it as he stalked forward to stand beside Laura.

“W-what…?” Mikea stuttered, her body trembling. “Laura, what’s going on?”

“What’s going on, Dear Mikea, is that you have been taken advantage of,” Saechak stated furiously. “So the Citadel’s dogs have managed to track me down once again, eh? Tell me, were either of you informed of the fates of the last few mages that tried to apprehend me?”

The Sukonese man laughed. “Oh, we were, in fact. We’re plenty aware of your murderous streak, Pastor, but unfortunately for you, we’re not some run-of-the-mill mages! I assure you, resistance won’t go your way, so I would highly recommend you simply surrender and come with us quietly. Wouldn’t want to disturb this lovely town, after all!”

“How amusing the arrogance of youth is.” Saechak cocked an inquisitive eyebrow, glancing briefly between the Teeth still waiting in the corners. “From just a look, I’d say the two of you are no older than your early-twenties, and you’re under the impression that you’re going to win a fight that’s two-to-six? Hmm…”

“Pastor, please,” Laura replied softly, the cowl of her cloak now lowered. “It would be best for everybody to avoid a fight.”

Wait… This just…isn’t right! Mikea swallowed the sickness building up in her throat as she helplessly observed the interaction between the three individuals. I thought… I thought I was helping! Laura seemed so trustworthy! Was she really lying to me?! Everything about her mother and her love for the sermon… Was it all just to manipulate me into bringing her to the pastor?!

Her mind finally catching up with the situation, Mikea’s sickness slowly began to change into fury. She had been lied to by Citadel loyalists in order to apprehend, or even kill, one of the only mages who ever actually looked out for the people of Piriit. If Saechak was killed because of her, she would never be able to forgive herself. But what was she supposed to do? Like always, she was facing powerful magic users without knowing even the simplest details of controlling the mana flowing through her body. She could be nothing but an observer.

Laura… Damn you! I trusted you!

“You know, I would agree with you,” Saechak was saying. “A fight breaking out is not in anybody’s best interests. Unfortunately, unless the two of you turn around and leave this instant, there will be no avoiding it. I do not wish to kill you if I can help it, so I’m willing to follow the teachings of the Ko-Hahn and spare you. Simply turn around and walk away.”

But the young man was already shaking his head. “No can do, Buddy! We’re under strict orders to put a stop to your operations! Your rhetoric is treasonous and we can’t just stand by and ignore a person inciting insurrection against the Iijis.”

“Inciting insurrection?” Saechak parroted, a baffled look crossing his face. “You must be bursting with Erikan Indoctrination if you think what I’ve done is treasonous. Tell me, young man, what about providing for the people appears as an incitement of rebellion to you? I am here in Piriit with the simple goal of making sure the population sees it through the winter. My fellow Kosahns supply much-needed food, we teach them of the harmonious utopia depicted in the Ko-Hahn, we teach them to read the Ko-Hahn, and we provide them with basic magical knowledge. How does any of that amount to insurrection?”

“It doesn’t,” Laura said quietly, drawing Saechak’s curious gaze. “None of that is treasonous by itself. If you didn’t associate yourself with Rotana Vesh, I think I could bring myself to overlook what you’re doing. But Vesh is a murderer and a traitor, and we have evidence to prove you get your funding and your support from him. He is a dangerous man and—”

“No!” Mikea cut in sharply before she could stop herself. “You’re wrong! What Saint Vesh did in Hiriech was a necessary evil! The reign of the Malloways needed to be brought to an end or else progress could not be made! Saint Vesh knew this, and chose to bear the sins of his actions for the good of the people! He’s a hero!”

“And therein lies the rebellion,” the young man chirped, jutting a finger in Mikea’s direction. “Do you see what your speeches have done? Don’t get me wrong, Friez Malloway was a classist asshole, but…” Thus far, the young man had been rather laid-back, as if not taking the situation all that seriously, but suddenly, his features turned dark as well. “Aeyir Malloway did nothing wrong. And you cannot convince me that every single person in that ballroom was twisted. Innocents died that night, of that I am certain.”

Mikea grit her teeth with frustration, having always struggled to keep her cool when hearing such slander towards Rotana Vesh, but she barely managed to keep herself in check as Saechak frowned curiously.

“You say that like you were there…”

The young man smirked coldly. “I was. Pastor Saechak, my name is Ryokumo Caeli, and with my authority as a member of the royal team, I once again order you and your hooded bastards to surrender or face the consequences.”

Mikea’s eyes went wide, her earlier horror somehow growing even worse as she took in this sudden revelation. The royal team of Ilirianna Iiji was infamous among the northern villages and towns, for they had been responsible for the capture and deaths of handfuls of Kosah-Rei preachers and heroes. Having been present at the Battle of Hiriech, they seemed to have made it their mission to wipe out the Kosah-Rei.

And if these two are on that team, then ‘Laura’ is actually…

Had she been able to, Mikea would have lunged at and killed that young woman instantly, for she now knew just what kind of person she really was.

The goddamn traitor! Abigail Reiner!

Rumors of the nature mage, Abigail Reiner, had permeated the north, and most did not know what to make of her. She was once famous in the region as a traveling caregiver who used nature magic to fight the Nolaria epidemic a few years back. But ever since she joined the royal team, she had taken the side of the elites and fought against the Kosah-Rei despite having claimed to follow their ideals. Many felt betrayed by her, and Mikea was among them.

“The royal team,” Saechak uttered, a brief and rare flicker of fear showing on his face. “Well that’s certainly a surprise. Do you mean to say that Princess Ilirianna herself is here then?”

Ryokumo shrugged in an exaggerated fashion. “Who knows? Maybe… Does that—”

“Kill them, now!”

Cutting the young man off, Pastor Saechak gave that swift order, and when he did, everything was thrown into disarray. The Teeth in the corners, as well as the one that had been waiting outside the door, all drew mana to their hands, prepared to attack Abigail and Ryokumo, but before any of them were able to utter even the opening syllable of an incantation, the window behind Saechak exploded. Mikea could hardly believe her eyes, for it appeared as if the night itself had ripped through the glass, shadowy tendrils wrapping themselves around the pastor and viciously yanking him outside.

“No! Pastor!” Mikea cried, frantically reaching out a hand to try and grab him despite having been too far away to make a difference. Tears formed in her eyes, her heart beating powerfully in her chest as she realized that she had just bore witness to dark magic, and if dark magic had just been used by an ally of the royal team, then there could only be one person Saechak was up against.

Nigreos Noctis… A son of Noctalus!

It was mere seconds after that name went through her mind that a blinding white light erupted through the suite, causing her to cry in agony, dropping to the ground and closing her eyes from the pain. She could hear combat around her between the Teeth and the royal team, but she already feared that the result was decided against her. Dark magic ripped Saechak from the inn, and light magic had suddenly been cast in the suite. When Mikea’s eyes flickered open, she knew she shouldn’t have been surprised as the fourth member of the team, Album Luz, made her appearance.

***

I should have expected such a move…but I had hoped that he wasn’t yet in the vicinity… What a fool I was…

Kirkan Saechak had just barely been able to form armor of rock over his chest and back to protect his vitals from the onslaught of shadows, and while it had saved his life, he hadn’t been able to protect his entire body. Blood was dripping down the left side of his head from where his ear had been ripped off, and his right arm was hanging limply at his side, cuts running all the way from his wrist to his shoulder. He was laying in the snow at the base of the Stormcloud Inn, blood staining the otherwise white powder around him, and as he weakly tried to push himself to his feet, he felt the darkness of the night shove him back to his stomach, pinning him to the ground.

“Don’t move, Saechak,” came a sharp warning from above. “I have no qualms about taking your life.”

Saechak’s lips tightened with hatred as he raised his head to gaze at the young man standing above him. Nigreos Noctis could have been described as a handsome man had his features not been twisted with disgust. His hair was black and neatly combed, his eyes were a deep brown, and his skin was olive-colored. The shadows of the night were swirling around the young mage, prepared to make good on his threat should Saechak give him a reason to. Unfortunately, the pastor already knew that there was no way to save himself, for he had been boxed in by the royal team before he even knew his life was in danger.

But I suppose that’s the price I have to pay for being in my profession. I could have declined to speak with this stranger from Uukana, but if I turned my back on everybody who I didn’t personally know, I would never be able to help those who needed it. So I suppose I don’t have any regrets… Well, aside from failing this town…

“Nigreos Noctis, Son of Master Viiro,” Saechak grunted through the intense pain coursing through his body. “I’ve heard many a rumor about you…”

Nigreos snorted with disdain. “Then you know not to try anything. I have no mercy for you Kosah-Rei traitors.”

“Ah, there's that word again.” Saechak sighed, coughing up blood as he did. “Traitor. What a foul thing to say to somebody who only seeks to protect and serve. What do you bring to this Empire? What value is there to your life?”

“What value? Well, for one, I eliminate people like you…” Nigreos answered, lowering his voice as he glared down at him. “Now be silent and—”

There was no doubt in his mind that Nigreos was only going to spare him so that he could be interrogated about the location of Rotana Vesh, something Saechak would never even consider revealing. Vesh and The Voice were the driving forces of the Kosah-Rei’s movement, so if either of them were to be killed or captured, then the dreams written about in the Ko-Hahn would be snuffed out once again. Rei’s paradise would not come about, and that was something Saechak could not allow under any circumstances.

I promised the people of Piriit, and all the other towns I’ve visited, that Rei’s utopia is on the horizon. The hope I got to witness in the eyes of my listeners brought such joy to my heart, so I will not be made a liar. Vesh will do what needs to be done, and will carry on my will for me. There’s no reason to experience the torturous interrogations of the Citadel, so why heed Nigreos’s warning? I refuse…

That was why, despite knowing that Nigreos Noctis would kill him, Kirkan Saechak pressed his fingers to the earth and uttered, “Corseka”.

***

Mikea’s back was pressed tightly against the wall as she bore witness to the fighting taking place in front of her. There were five Teeth and only three opponents, but there was no doubt who truly held the advantage. By the time the light caused by Album’s arrival had cleared, Mikea saw that two of the Teeth had already been killed. One of their heads had been taken off by a blade of wind, and the other’s chest had been pierced by beams of light, leaving only three Teeth to face three royal team members. Mikea had been told stories about how powerful the Teeth were, but she could no longer bring herself to believe that when the fight ended in just under a minute.

Album Luz was terrifying, her attacks happening in the blink of an eye. An array of colors seemed to form in the air around her, flashing towards their victims, barely giving the men any time to react. Ryokumo Caeli was speed incarnate, forcing Mikea to instantly give up in her attempts to follow his movements. Abigail Reiner, a woman who was said to be a nature mage, never once used nature magic due to their position on the third floor and away from plant life. Instead, she used a mixture of wind and fire spells to break through and defeat the Teeth. Album put a bolt of red light through the skull of one, Ryokumo sliced open another’s stomach, and the third was stunned by Abigail’s ropes of wind, only for Album to finish him off with another bolt through the chest. The suite was riddled with the corpses of the Teeth, and all Mikea could do was tremble in the corner.

And then, stepping through the shattered window, as if emerging from the shadows themselves, Nigreos Noctis entered the room, dragging a bloody body behind him that he tossed onto the carpet with a sigh.

“The bastard resisted,” he said with a grimace. “Got me good in the damn arm…”

Saechak’s eyes were blank and unseeing, and with his head tilted in Mikea’s direction, she got a full and clear view of the beloved pastor’s face. Everything happened so fast, and just like that, the Kosah-Rei’s presence in Piriit was over. The absence of Ilirianna Iiji, the leader of this team, indicated that she was probably elsewhere in town, handling the remaining Teeth posted in various locations to keep watch. By morning, Mikea had a terrifying feeling that there wouldn’t be anybody left.

Why? Why did this have to happen? I’m sorry, Pastor Saechak! I’m so sorry! I truly thought ‘Laura’ could be trusted! She seemed so innocent and sweet! The supposed loss of her mother reminded me of the loss of my daughter! I wanted to bring her salvation…but I just led some of the most dangerous mages in the Empire right to your doorstep. I might as well have killed you myself…

“Well, I guess I can’t be surprised,” Ryokumo muttered with a shrug. “I doubt he would have told us anything about Vesh anyway. Probably best to get rid of the slippery little shit and finally wipe our hands clean of him.”

“Yeah, but you never know…” Album pointed out. “Maybe he would have accidentally let something slip.”

Nigreos sighed. “Yeah, maybe… Abi, do you mind…er?”

Mikea furrowed her brow at the sound of soft footsteps against the carpet, followed by the arrival of a shadow just above her. Mikea glanced up just in time to see Abigail kneel down beside her and smile sadly, as if trying to be comforting, before nodding towards her arm.

“I can heal that, if you want?” she offered.

Mikea hadn’t even noticed the blood running down her arm, probably a product of a stray spell during the battle, but despite Abigail showing concern for her injury, Mikea could only gaze at her with disgust.

How dare she?! Who the hell does she think she is?! So she wants to show concern for me now, after murdering the very people who have been helping us all this time?! You’ve just plunged Piriit back into hell, and you want to pretend to care?! You used the loss of my daughter to emotionally manipulate me! Go fucking die!

Just a few feet away was the corpse of a Tooth, and in his limp grasp was a dagger he must have pulled out seconds before his death. Mikea didn’t stop to think about anything, knowing that at that moment, all she wanted to do was open the neck of the mage who turned her back on the countryside—who betrayed them for the Citadel and ruined everything the Kosah-Rei had been building. If she could take down Abigail Reiner, then it wouldn’t matter whether she lived or died, because that one act would make her life worth it.

Perhaps Abigail truly didn’t expect Mikea to attack her, because despite the sharp instincts and quick reactions that she had displayed in the battle mere minutes ago, she didn’t back away fast enough. In a quick motion that surprised even her, Mikea’s left hand shot out, grabbed the dagger’s hilt, and drove it straight through Abigail’s chest. The nature mage gave a soft exhale of pain and surprise, her blue eyes slowly widening as Mikea shoved the blade even further through her body, feeling its point emerging from the woman’s back.

“Go to hell, you treacherous bitch,” Mikea breathed, tears rolling down her cheeks.

It was then that her allies must have realized what happened, for there were shouts of horror from all three, and wanting to make sure this was all worth it, Mikea Tarva yanked the dagger downwards slicing open Abigail from between her ribs to her stomach just before her vision was overcome by blackness. Pain the likes of which she had never experienced in her life overwhelmed her for a mere second, and then it all went away.