Chapter 16: Lady Escuridade

“Well, if you do die, I don’t want to live on,” Amelia pleaded softly. As Luz picked up the pauldrons and fastened them to his shoulders one at a time, his crimson eyes widened slightly at the fervent declaration, the raw conviction in her voice striking him with unexpected force. The idea of someone choosing death rather than separation was peculiar to him; his entire mission revolved around sacrificing himself so others could live. Her willingness to die for him– it wasn’t part of the plan.

Before he could speak, Amelia continued, “And I know you won’t lose control. I will help you.” Luz rotated his arm forward and back after fastening each one of the pauldrons, ensuring the plates overlap smoothly without catching, the motion is slow and controlled, like testing the hinges of a machine. “No,” Luz stated flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You will not die for me. That is not an option.” He picked up a gauntlet from the table and slid it on, flexing his fingers so the articulated plates shift and align. Then he uses that partially armoured hand to secure the other, movements slightly more awkward now, metal tapping softly against metal.

He returned to Amelia and cupped her face firmly, thumb brushing across her cheekbone. “Your life is more important than any mission. More important than my damn soul.” He turned sharply toward the tent flap as heavy footsteps approached their location. Salvaxe’s voice cut through the canvas walls– “Commander? Are you still inside? The patrol reports movement near the western exit.” Luz’s expression hardened instantly into the familiar mask of the Corrompido Commander. Amelia whispered in his ear, “Go, I will stay her quietly.” Reluctantly Luz approached the tent flap, grabbing his sword as he goes and sheathing it. He decides to bide his time until a perfect escape opportunity presented itself.

Luz stepped out of the tent with deliberate calm, the black plate armour settling around him like a second skin. His crimson eyes fixed on Salvaxe instantly, ignoring his curious glance toward the tent entrance. “What is it?” Luz’s voice was sharp with command, cutting through Salvaxe’s lingering suspicion. “Report.” Salvaxe bowed slightly, though his black eyes remained watchful as he spoke. “Commander, patrols spotted several villagers attempting to flee through the western forest path. Standard procedure dictates immediate pursuit and elimination.” Luz’s gaze roamed the encampment as he spoke. “Pursue,” he ordered without hesitation, hit tone leaving no room for debate. “But do not kill unless necessary. Capture anyone who resists excessively– I may have questions later.” Salvaxe tilted his head sceptically. “Questions? Commander, these are merely civilians trying to escape judgment.”

Before either of them could speak again, another Corrompido soldier came rushing towards them. He was wearing a full set of battered armour. The metal plates of his armour were scratched, dented and stained with grime. A tattered, dark cloak trails behind him, frayed at the edges and whipping in the wind created by his movement. His face was tense and strained, his mouth slightly open as he said slightly out of breath, “Commander! There is a woman at the western front. She says she is with the Mestre Escuro.” The mention of a woman claiming affiliation with Mestre Escuro immediately captured Luz’s full attention. His crimson eyes narrowed sharply, the mask of commander solidifying over his features as he processed this unexpected development.

“A woman?” he repeated, his voice taking on a dangerous edge. “Bring her to me. Now.” Salvaxe black eyes lit up with interest at this new information. “Perhaps she carries a message from Mestre Escuro? Or maybe she is a spy from one of the neighbouring kingdoms trying to infiltrate our ranks.” The black veins on Luz’s chest pulsed as his mind raced through possibilities. An unfamiliar woman appearing now? “Keep our men ready,” he instructed Salvaxe while adjusting the grip on his sword hilt. “If she is genuine, she might have valuable intelligence. If she is lying…” Two Corrompido soldiers brought the woman to face Luz. The woman stood upright, facing Luz head on, her posture steady and controlled. Her arms hung naturally as her sides, fingers slightly curled, tipped with long, black nails. The stillness of her pose was eerie; there was something dangerous about this woman.

She was dressed entirely in black, wearing a long, form-fitting gown with a structured, corset-like bodice. Covered by a heavy, dark cloak draped over her shoulders and falling down to her sides. A hood framed her face in shadow, while still allowing them to see her pale skin decorated with back tattoos spreading across her forehead and down her purple eyes, forming symmetrical, arcane patterns. Her gaze roamed over Luz; her facial expression was unreadable but quietly menacing. Long, dark brown hair flowed out from beneath the hood, falling in loose waves over her shoulders and blending into the cloak. Around her neck hung a delicate chain with a green gemstone pendant. Her black lips parted slightly as she spoke. “Commander,” she greeted in a soothing deep voice.

The newcomer’s appearance sent a strange ripple through Luz’s senses. Something about her aura felt ancient yet familiar in a way that priced at his instincts. “State your business,” he commanded curtly, studying her features intently for any signs of deception. His hands remained on his sword hilt– a silent warning that he was prepared to draw steel if necessary. Salvaxe circled closer behind him, his black eyes examining the woman with growing curiosity. “Lady Escuridade,” Salvaxe greeted casually. “She is one of Mestre Escuro’s high-ranking advisors responsible for intelligence gather.” Lady Escuridade smirked at Salvaxe. “I have accompanied Mestre Escuro here, we are to join you in a siege on Cidade dos escravos.”

Luz’s posture stiffened at the mention of Cidade dos escravos– the grand city of Slaves. “Cidade dos escravos?” he repeated, his crimson eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Our original orders were to secure this region and wait for further instructions regarding major assaults.” Lady Escuridade’s purple gaze remained steady and unblinking. “Circumstances have changed. Mestre Escuro received intelligence suggesting the Santo order is massing troops there– an opportunity too valuable to ignore. Your strategic expertise will be essential for coordinating the initial seige.” Behind Luz, Salvaxe shifted impatiently. “Commander, if Mestre Escuro himself is present, this could be our change to gain significant territory and crush any remaining resistance in the northern provinces.”

“The Mestre Escuro awaits you,” Lady Escuridade said and indicated to Luz’s tent.