UE Rewrite: B4 — 30. Nethermore

Author Note: The end of volume 4. I'll provide more information about volume 5 in a day or two. I might take next week off to better plan out its progression. I'll keep you updated! In any case, tell me what you think about how volume 4 went and Elinor's progression.

PoV:

1. Elinor (Our Lich Empress!)

2. Jennifer (Our Scarlet Hand Leader!)

Undying Empire Index

Previous Chapter

Inline Edits

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The cart raced through the underground system, the barrier humming around them, keeping the rushing air at bay. The tunnel became a blur of shadow and faint lights—embedded crystals in the walls providing minimal illumination.

Occasionally, they would pass through vast chambers where the track crossed seemingly bottomless chasms or wound around enormous pillars of black stone. Areas of magma swirled around various other runic devices that pricked Elinor’s interest, but there would be more than enough time to better acquaint herself with the technology of her new empire’s capital once she truly had ownership.

“Once again, I am left speechless,” Ash observed as they passed another section of clear engineering that incorporated the volcanic activity below the city. “King Edmon would be practically vibrating at the level of sophistication involved. This goes beyond any modern technical understanding we have on Earth… It seems part of the power grid is tied into geothermal activity… He tamed the volcanic instability and used it to his benefit.”

“The Ke brought us knowledge from beyond the northern divide,” Ka’Vina whispered, her tone reverent despite the fear she truly felt toward her former ruler. “Before him, we were scattered tribes warring over hunting grounds within the War Ring—the plains to our north that are vast and surrounded by tall mountains,” she explained at their furrowed brows.

She cleared her throat, running her large fingers over the control device attached to the cart, caressing it as if something sacred. “We were weak…but he made us stronger than all others. We were divided in our Bloods, each of us by the color of our fur, yet he broke every King and Queen, one by one, and became our Ke—our One Above All. He united us, taught us, and drove us forward—though the price was high for those of us who were…weak.”

Elinor maintained an even tone, vision drifting to the various breaks in the tunnel. “The universe is unfair. Nature is unfair. That is a fact. Almost everything fears death… The Ke feared death. And death comes for all, strong and weak.”

Camellia, Valentina, Grace, Ash, and El’Co’Ca listened intently.

She glanced up at the timid giant, who shivered as her illuminated gaze fixated on her. “I do not fear death. It is but another passage onto something greater. What that is? I cannot say. But what I do know is that there is a place for you, Ka’Vina. A place you can be proud of because I believe it is the leader’s burden to walk the path of the strong, not her subjects.”

A small smile lifted her lips as she returned her gaze to the tunnel blurring past them. “Of course, that doesn’t mean subjects should be weak. Every soul has their unique strengths that can be refined… It is the failing of the strong if they cannot uplift their subjects beyond their station.”

Ka’Vina’s massive shoulders straightened slightly, eyes growing large.
“I have never heard such words spoken, Empress… Obedience and courage were above all to the Ke. Those who questioned were sent to the arena or exiled to the mines. Those who failed to meet expectations were…repurposed. Is there really such a place within your world, Empress?”

Elinor looked up as lights began to gradually change color, likely indicating speed or an arrival to their destination. They’d begun to slow.

“I should clarify that just because there is a place and good work to be done—work you can be proud of—that does not mean there aren’t expectations. Without expectations, slothfulness and a degradation of society festers.”

“Of course, Empress…”

A hint of bitterness crept into her voice, quickly suppressed—the habit of a lifetime of fear, she suspected. The Ke demanded perfection in all things. The fortress was to be his monument, his proof to the world of quen’talrat superiority. Every stone, every beam, every circuit had to be flawless.”

“Perfection is a mark of strength,” Elinor nodded. “That being said, if a leader cannot bring out the best in his or her people without turning them into slaves, then, in my view, it is an empire built on sand. People should rejoice in their work, not feel compelled.”

She gestured at the gems, lighting their way on their slow approach to the city she’d soon rule. “Ke’Thra’Ma accomplished great things. That is without a doubt, and he elevated your species to a degree no one believed possible, but it is not without its flaws. After all, the allied forces eventually breached it,” Elinor noted.

Ka’Vina nodded solemnly. “I…cannot comment on that since I never saw it myself. As I understand it, the Crawling Shadows orchestrated the Ke’s fall, and then the Kings and Queens went to war over what remained of the empire. We…regressed again. The results are evident, though… The Empire has fallen.”

“And a new one takes its place,” Elinor interjected, showing an encouraging smile up at the giant gorilla. “One you are now a part of.”

A silence passed over them, but Elinor could see the heavy look on Camellia’s face at the mention of the White God’s fall. Her mother had likely orchestrated a myriad of events leading up to her attack against Ke’Thra’Ma, yet for all her supposed perfections, she was blinded to one thing she’d nurtured into her children—something unnatural to the world-destroying species.

Love.

She didn’t linger on the arachnid’s emotions for long. It was in the past, and all they could do was move forward. Their family would be made whole again, though.

Camellia can’t see it, but it isn’t the emotions she feels that are the flaw… After all, her mother would have had to feel the same to have imbued them into their evolutionary process. For whatever reason, she decided familial bonds were what they needed to evolve and conquer this world, which tells me a lot…

Elinor’s eyes narrowed as the transport slowed and they approached a vast chamber ahead—the loading docks beneath the fortress proper.

From everything I’ve heard, the thélméthra queen knew exactly what she was up against to conquer this world. Shade, and every other potent secret hidden within this prison planet. If they were to succeed, they needed to grow and expand as a species to unite and conquer, not divide and conquer… There are far more potent threats than even Ke’Thra’Ma I will need to deal with in time. And I am not alone.

The cart glided to a smooth stop at a platform that must have once bustled with activity, now silent and covered in a thin layer of dust.

The docks were a masterpiece of engineering—multiple levels of platforms stretching upward into darkness, with tracks branching in different directions. Overhead disks of some runic design appeared to operate on gravity-based technology, waiting for use, some likely in the same position since the empire’s collapse.

“We’re here,” Ka’Vina unnecessarily announced, her voice hushed with memory. “Heart of Mountain - Dock 02.”

Elinor stepped from the cart, her emerald gaze taking in every detail. “Which way to the fortress interior?”

El’Co’Ca jumped into the spotlight, pointing toward a massive doorway at the far end of the platform. “That entrance leads to the maintenance access tunnels, Empress. From there, The Empress can reach the lower levels of the fortress without triggering the main defenses… They were active after the fall, so much of it was left inaccessible.”

“And your brother? Where would we find him?”

“In the hidden chambers near the central tower,” the yaltha’ma mumbled, shivering a little. “Where the Sacred Halls meet the Eastern Wing. It is where the faithful gathered to tend the White God’s remains.”

Elinor gave her a pointed look that made the monkey-fox shrink. “Remains? You never mentioned Ke’Thra’Ma’s remains were still inside.”

The rest of their party gave each other tense looks. If Ke’Thra’Ma were still here, then it could change everything for them.

“Sorry, Empress! T-The—”

“It is fine. Lead the way.”

They picked up their pace, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous space, but Elinor’s mind was whirling with possibilities while glancing at Camellia.

Look for your middle sister, but be cautious. Keep updates with Ash unless you find her.

“Yes, Empress!”

Camellia slipped into the shadows like a wraith, speeding off into the labyrinth interior.

Ka’Vina walked with increasing tension, her focus constantly shifting to their tiny guide. “Empress… Do you plan to return the Ke to life? I fear… What if he is not so…willing to serve?”

Elinor’s vision darkened. In all honesty, she didn’t expect to be able to resurrect a soul as powerful as the Ke at this point. In fact, she wasn’t positive she could accomplish it with Camellia’s middle sister.

Sure, with the Warlord Path and at her current [Raise Dead III] Grade she’d gained the ability to resurrect Epic-Grade souls in the Military Branch of the Royal Court. That being said, Camellia was in that category, meaning her mother and Ke’Thra’Ma were on a whole different level.

Right now? Probably not. But it does open up quite a few future possibilities. I don’t need to resurrect him. I’d just like the chance to chat with his soul. What is your opinion of the defenses?

Ka’Vina followed her gaze to the various runic symbols, seemingly pure light, fused to the pure black walls. The words slowly began to take shape to Elinor, as if written in English, as the gorilla woman explained.

“I see… Umm. These are emergency symbols, Empress… I think the fortress is operating on extremely low power. That doesn’t bode well for accessing much of the city. Not only are we in Lockdown Protocol, but also operating on minimal power. I doubt any higher-tier security measures will be active except in high-priority places, like the military district.”

Ash hummed, listening intently as they approached the massive doors—designed for quen’talrat workers to pass through comfortably. El’Co’Ca went right through them as if it were just an average day, while Ka’Vina was far more hesitant.

“Typically, these doors would have laser defensive protocols that would burn through any non-Elite Hunter quen’talrat if you tried to proceed without authorization… Most of the fortress was equipped with such measures. Access to various parts of the city was heavily regulated. But…”

“But the power grid is experiencing issues, which throws a lot of standard practices out of the window. That is both fortunate and unfortunate for us,” Ash noted.

Elinor clasped her hands behind her back, proceeding after the monkey-fox, who didn’t seem bothered at all, as if she’d walked these halls thousands of times. She likely had moved through them that many times in her youth. Valentina was mumbling to Grace about what his large ears heard, which would be fairly obvious—yaltha’ma going about their daily tasks.

She had to agree with Ash, though.

You’re not wrong. We need to make this city livable, which means increasing the power output and bringing typical operations back to normal levels. Yet, that could trigger a host of other issues that could even set the whole fortress as our enemy. One problem at a time.

Beyond the doors lay a network of tunnels—still massive by human standards, but noticeably smaller than the mining passages. These corridors were clearly designed for utility rather than aesthetics, with oddly exposed runic lines and piping running along the ceilings and walls. The pipes were thinner than Elinor expected, uniform, and perfectly aligned.

The yaltha’ma’s small form darted forward with surprising speed for one so elderly. “This way, Empress,” she called back. “We must ascend three levels to reach the main fortress floor.”

They followed the monkey-fox through a maze of service tunnels, supposedly designed for an earlier time, before Ke’Thra’Ma built the far more advanced runic plans. According to Ka’Vina, much of this was supposed to be adapted and changed. In fact, much of it seems to have already been converted from the old design, showing the automated systems had been making progress. At least, before the power problem happened.

They occasionally passed through larger chambers filled with odd runic machinery, whose purpose Elinor could only guess at. She’d have time to question more quen’talrat on their purpose as she raised them. In one room, massive ancient devices stood cold and dark; in another, enormous runic turbines of some kind were drawing in water that appeared to be produced by a network of glowing blue gems.

“This section of the city’s water distribution center seems to be active,” Ka’Vina explained, gesturing to the water. “Drawn from the Ke’s mysterious gem technology. It is used for various purposes, including bathing.”

At least some things are still working. How can we turn off the Lockdown Protocol and restart the general systems? Not defense, but living technology systems, Elinor clarified, her mind already calculating the potential value of a self-sufficient, clean water supply that didn’t require daily witch rituals.

“With the proper knowledge, yes,” Ka’Vina nodded, shrinking a little as Valentina gave her a pouty glare that they were having the conversation in the Nexus but not saying anything. “Though those with such expertise were rarely sent to the mines. They were too valuable, but there…maybe have been some who were required to maintain and upgrade the mining network.”

That makes sense, Elinor decided, giving the tiger girl a small smile she knew would get under her fur. Once we've secured the fortress itself, we’ll return and I can start searching for a…runic technician, I suppose would be the job title, who can restore our new home to its former glory.

They continued upward, following El’Co’Ca through maintenance corridors that were very generous and spacious by human standards. Occasionally, they would pass what appeared to be nests—small alcoves where yaltha’ma had clearly made homes. Most were abandoned, but in a few, they caught glimpses of movement as the current inhabitants fled deeper into the walls at their approach. Clearly, their arrival would be well announced by the time they arrived.

“Your people have adapted well,” Elinor observed.

The elderly yaltha’ma didn’t look happy about that, considering in her eyes, the main branch of her people worshiped a false god—their goddess was Camellia’s mother.

“Yaltha’ma have always been adaptable… Before the usurpers, we served the Secret Ones well. Before the Secret Ones… El’Co’Ca knows not. Yaltha’ma endure by making yaltha’ma useful.”

Finally, they reached a heavy metal door that El’Co’Ca indicated was their destination. Unlike the other doors they’d passed, this one was ornately decorated with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer in the low light.

“Beyond lies the main streets that lead to the great palace… The Empress is close now. It is where yaltha’ma were forbidden to go when the Great White God lived. El’Ra’Ca says yaltha’ma now honor the terrible beasts as liberators… Where the faithful idiots tend to the White God’s remains and await the return.”

“Interesting…” Elinor glanced at the doors as Ka’Vina placed a hand on the runic symbol to open them. “So, we’re finally at the surface.”

Elinor exchanged a glance with Ash, a silent communication passing between them as he took up a defensive position in front of her. The colossal doors were wide open to the whole world, revealing a warm, golden light beyond.

Stepping through the doorway, Elinor found herself on what must have been one of the city’s main thoroughfares. The scale was breathtaking—the street before them stretched at least fifty meters wide, paved with perfectly fitted black granite blocks. Buildings rose on either side, their facades ornately carved with scenes of quen’talrat conquest and glory. All were still intact, despite the century of abandonment, a testament to the quality of their construction or the automatic maintenance.

Above them, the sky was visible through enormous arches that connected buildings at regular intervals, creating a series of frames through which the late afternoon light filtered down. These weren’t mere decorative elements but structural supports that appeared to help bear the weight of the buildings’ upper levels.

“The Processional Way,” Ka’Vina explained, her voice hushed with awe despite herself. “I have not seen it since…I was a little girl. This road leads directly to the Central Palace…where the Ke would hold court.”

Elinor nodded, taking in the grand scale of the street. “And these buildings?”

“Administrative centers, mostly,” Ka’Vina replied. “Record-keeping, resource allocation, population management…the day-to-day governance of the empire happened here—the Administration District. The Ke was adamant about sectioning off areas for specific purposes, with room for growth.”

Dad would be salivating, Elinor muttered to Ash.

El’Co’Ca scurried forward, clearly anxious to reach their destination. “This way, Empress! El’Ra’Ca would have heard about The Empress’ arrival and be waiting in El’Ra’Ca’s Sacred Halls.”

They followed the main avenue, passing intersections with other streets that branched off in geometric precision. The layout was clearly designed with military efficiency in mind—straight lines, clear sight lines, multiple convergence points that could be easily defended or blocked if needed.

Not that any of these preparations helped his people when civil war broke out… Of course, the Ke probably never thought that was a possibility while he was alive. And who was going to kill him? she thought with a grim smile.

Occasionally, they would pass signs of the final battle—odd scorch marks on walls that seemed embedded with emerald light, collapsed roofs, debris still scattered after a century. But overall, the city stood remarkably intact—almost pristine. The repair mechanisms truly were remarkable.

“Eight primary roads,” Ka’Vina observed, pointing ahead where they could see other avenues converging. “All leading to the Central Citadel.”

As they approached the towering palace at the heart of the fortress, which took some time, given the size of the city, Elinor felt a distinct shift in the energy around them. Even in its dormant state, this place radiated power.

The Central Citadel was a marvel of architecture—a colossal structure that rose hundreds of meters into the sky, its black stone gleaming in the sunlight. It likely rose more than a mile into the heavens. Unlike the outer walls’ stark utility, the palace was adorned with intricate carvings, gold inlays, and enormous statues of quen’talrat figures—likely the Kings and Queens. Eight watchtowers surrounded it, each positioned to command views of one of the main avenues.

“One of the White God’s thrones…” El’Co’Ca whispered, pointing upward to a terrace high on the palace’s facade.

Elinor’s vision followed the gesture to see an ornate balcony that must have been where Ke’Thra’Ma would appear to address his subjects in the colossal plaza with its fountain and visual grandeur.

As they approached the palace gates, a message came through the Nexus from Camellia, her tone vibrating with excitement and urgency. “Empress! I’ve found her—my middle sister! Her corpse is extremely well preserved!”

Elinor’s attention sharpened. Where?

“In what appears to be a heavily defended area five floors below the ground level,” Camellia immediately replied. “She’s suspended in some kind of glass container, filled with unusual liquid. I would need to sample it to understand its makeup. The gravity disks seem to have brought her to this chamber before the walls were sealed.”

A smile spread across Elinor’s face before quickly fading as Camellia continued.

“There are sentries I had to slip past. Unusual guardians of some sort that operate with unnatural precision. And the chamber itself is filled with what appear to be observation devices—eyes that track movement. It is…somewhat challenging to remain unseen.”

Ka’Vina, who heard the exchange through the Nexus, tensed visibly. “Empress, that sounds like the Restricted Research District. Access was limited to the highest ranks only, and security would have been…extreme. Even in this lower-power state, what security could be operational would be in that area. It could also trigger other protocols if a threat is observed.”

Can you extract her and bring her to us without being noticed? Elinor asked.

“It might be problematic,” Camellia begrudgingly admitted. “It is frustrating, because I know my middle sister could have accomplished it… My apologies, Empress. There’s some kind of energy field surrounding the glass container. I can’t even touch it without triggering a response…yet Mother managed to bypass such things. And the eyes in the room…they seem to be part of an automated monitoring system that you were describing. I believe some kind of artificial intelligence, as Valentina spoke of, may be overseeing the security.”

Elinor carefully considered this information, glancing over at the oblivious tiger girl next to her, tail wagging without a care in the world. She’d likely said it as a joke because of the nanite talk, but this was no joke.

I understand how frustrating this must be for you, Camellia. But we need to proceed with caution at this point. We don’t want to turn the entire fortress against us just as we’re establishing our presence. We know where she is now. This calls for precision, not force.

She could sense Camellia’s clenched hands and tight muscles pulsing through the Nexus, but also her acceptance of the logic and her orders. “May I…stay with her a while longer? Just to watch and…reflect? I will not be seen.”

Absolutely, Elinor smiled, feeling the guilt and pain radiating through Camellia’s connection. We’ll find a way to free her properly, I promise. And…maybe it is time we came up with a temporary name for your sister, now that we know where she is. Do you have any suggestions that she may like?

There was a notable pause, but a small bud of anxious happiness, as well. “Queen Tiffany offered me a name based on a flower on your planet… One that symbolizes the color red. Perhaps something similar to that? I am sure my sister would find any name fascinating since it is not something we are accustomed to… It was her personality. She could change the colors of her exoskeleton, but often enjoyed blues and pinks, at times.”

Elinor considered it with a tilt of her head and a smile. Camellias symbolize more than just the color red. They can represent love, affection, and admiration, which you constantly show to your family… With how you describe your sister, why not go with something like Azalea?

Yes, it isn’t the most common color of the breed of flower, but isn’t that all the more reason to go with something a little more…unique? They symbolize beauty, resilience, and renewal, which, I think, is appropriate for your first family member to be restored.

She could feel Camellia’s emotions swell at the explanation. “Yes, Empress, I believe Azalea would quite enjoy that name…”

Then it is settled, unless she decides to change it when we do raise her… Be patient. We will unite your family once more.

By now, they had reached the enormous entrance to the Central Citadel. The doors stood partially open, as if in welcome. El’Co’Ca darted through without hesitation, while Ka’Vina followed with visible trepidation.

The entrance hall beyond was a cathedral-like space that soared upward for multiple stories. Enormous pillars of polished black stone supported the ceiling, inlaid with veins of what appeared to be gold or some similar precious metal. The floor was a mosaic of colored tiles forming patterns that seemed to shift as they walked across them.

And there, standing at the center of the hall, was a group of yaltha’ma. At their head stood one who could only be El’Ra’Ca—older than El’Co’Ca, with silver-streaked fur and an ornate collar set with small gemstones.

El’Co’Ca hurried forward. “Brother! El’Co’Ca has returned with The Empress! The Empress brings a bridge between all yaltha’ma!”

El’Ra’Ca’s eyes widened at the sight of Ka’Vina, then immediately dropped to the floor in a deep bow. The other yaltha’ma followed suit without hesitation, prostrating themselves before Elinor.

“Great One! The prophecy speaks true!” El’Ra’Ca exclaimed. “The One who commands the dead has come, bringing the great beasts back to life!”

Once again, Elinor internally sighed, glancing at El’Co’Ca as her brother continued to spout random gibberish, she didn’t give me the full details about what this prophecy was about… Who told them that a ruler who could raise the dead would claim this fortress? That is something we’ll need to investigate. In the meantime…

Elinor approached the bowing elder, her black dress flowing around her. “Rise, El’Ra’Ca. I am Empress Elinor of the Undying Empire, and I have come to claim this fortress as my capital and you as my loyal servants, who have awaited my arrival.”

The elder rose slowly, his eyes darting between Elinor and Ka’Vina with a mixture of awe and apprehension. The others nearby looked as if they were about to have a heart attack.

“El’Ra’Ca and the faithful welcome the Empress. The fortress awaits its new ruler. The city will rise to the Black Moon!”

Well, I’m not sure if I should take that with a grain of salt or prophetic… How fun. Butter and Tiffany…Mom, will love these guys. But, there is something missing…

Elinor glanced around the grand hall, noting the absence of something significant that put the thought to the back of her mind. “The remains of Ke’Thra’Ma—where are they? I was told they were kept here.”

El’Ra’Ca’s whiskers drooped as his sister glanced around with surprise, clearly wondering the same thing Elinor was. “The Great White God’s body was taken from us, Empress. Not by creatures of flesh, but by ones of metal. After The Avana came the metal quen’talrat stormed the city from places unknown—everywhere! The metal quen’talrat made changes… Ruined the city!”

“Drained the city of its power… Got it, and The Avana?” Elinor’s translator ability immediately provided context to their wild descriptions—it was the colossal mountain-sized dragon that Valdar had first told her about.

“Yes, Empress. The great sky beast that breathed fire and ice. The metal quen'talrat appeared after.”

Elinor sighed internally. These metal quen’talrat likely had something to do with the northern mountains, which the Prume had explicitly warned her not to approach. It was somewhat disappointing, but she had enough to deal with as it stood.

“I see. For now, our priority is making this fortress operational again. El’Ra’Ca, your people know this place. Will you serve me as you once served Ke’Thra’Ma?”

The elder didn’t hesitate. “The yaltha’ma of Kel’mal’tha pledge themselves to the Empress’ service. El’Ra’Ca will see that all yaltha’ma obey. Yaltha’ma will rise from the belly of the beast!”

“Good,” Elinor nodded, satisfaction flowing through her, and ignoring their theatrics for now but taking notes as to their ‘prophecies’ and sayings. “Then show me to the control center of this fortress. We have much work to do.”

As El’Ra’Ca blinked. “The yaltha’ma do not have access to the control center. The yaltha’ma only do minor repairs.”

“Right… Well, in that case, we explore a bit and then head back to the mines to raise more quen’talrat. I don’t suppose there are any bodies left here for us to raise?”

The elder swiftly shook his head. “All were taken over many years. The metal quen’talrat, the accursed insect warriors, and the occasional weird intruder that found their way inside.”

Great… We’re going to have to come up with a list of individuals or groups that managed to get inside over the last century. Plus, these metal quen’talrat seem to be a recurring theme recently… They took both Ke’Thra’Ma and possibly Camellia’s mother. It lines up with the teleportation aspect, likely through this runic technology.

We have a lot to explore…and to be cautious of. But that is for another day.

Elinor allowed herself a small, private smile regardless. Whatever awaited in the frozen north and various other problems could wait. She had her capital now, a base from which to expand her growing empire. She’d even chosen a name for it, one fitting its dark grandeur.

Nethermore.

The black fortress would rise again under her rule, and all who opposed her would either join her ranks or be trampled beneath them. The Undying Empire had found its heart.

* — * — *

Far to the south, cutting through dark waters under a moonless sky, a sleek vessel skimmed across the surface of the Great Ruby Lakes. Unlike the ostentatious naval craft of the Nalvean Empire, this ship was designed for stealth—its hull painted with light-absorbing pigments, its profile low against the water.

On its deck, Jennifer stood with her face to the wind, the cool night air a welcome relief after weeks in the oppressive humidity of the jungle. Her hands gripped the railing, knuckles white with tension as she stared toward the horizon where the Judicus Isles waited, invisible in the darkness but drawing closer with each passing hour.

Behind her, the soft hum of Jumi’kerune’s runic technology vibrated through the deck—a camouflage field that bent light and sound around them, rendering the vessel nearly undetectable to conventional means of observation. The nalvean Grand Designer had outdone himself with this particular innovation, though she would never give him the satisfaction of saying so directly.

“You seem pensive,” came a voice from behind her—Jumi’kerune himself, his scaled form silhouetted against the faint glow emanating from the ship’s interior. “Having second thoughts about our course when you were the one who desired I deliver you to these white heathens?”

Jennifer didn’t turn to face him. There was a stark divide within the Empire and their white-scaled cousins that dotted the islands across the southern ocean to their south.

“Merely contemplating the pieces in play. Elinor will have discovered the quen’talrat mines by now, as Lady Revilla predicted. She’ll claim Kel’mal’tha as her capital, but in doing so, she opens herself up to quite a few threats.”

“As expected of someone as ambitious as Elinor. I respect the decision,” the nalvean replied, joining her at the railing. “A predictable move for one so focused on immediate power and the protection of those under her. She sees the board but not the game beyond it yet.”

Jennifer’s lips curved into a humorless smile. “Don't underestimate her. Many have made that mistake, including myself… She has an impossible friend and enemy now. The hag.”

“I do not underestimate her, and this…hag’s magic is nothing compared to my partner,” Jumi’kerune countered. “I simply understand her limitations. She builds her power vertically—conquering, absorbing, centralizing. She does not see how vulnerable such concentration makes her.”

“And you think the Nalvean Empire is any different?”

The Grand Designer’s laugh was soft but held genuine amusement. “The Empire has stood for centuries precisely because I understand the value of controlled chaos… Under my careful manipulations and various factions of supporting minds, this land has thrived. That…may be coming to a close soon, but my plans remain unchanged. Conflict simmers without boiling over until Shade decides it is time for the next stage… The balance is equal.”

“If you say so,” Jennifer whispered, glancing down at the dark waters, where the voice within the planet murmured its poison. Of course, Elinor would say the same about her Lady Revilla. “Your empire stands on the brink of civil war, and external enemies gather at every border…but that is exactly what you two want, is it?”

“Yes,” Jumi’kerune agreed, his candor surprising her. “And that is precisely as it should be. When the storm is loosed and the silence falls at last, we watch the hourglass shatter…and She will rise once more. Not a false goddess, but She who will usher in the Sundering. Naturally, I will have achieved my vision before then.”

Jennifer finally turned to study her unlikely ally. In the faint light, his scaled features were difficult to read, but she detected something like anticipation in his posture.

“You want your empire to fall,” she realized. “I am somewhat curious as to what this Sundering and outcome you’ve orchestrated for so long will lead to…but I suppose it doesn’t matter if Lady Revilla hasn’t shown me the truth.”

“What do I want? I want our race to evolve,” he corrected. “To shed its decadent, stagnant skin and emerge renewed… Just as the pure and sacred creature we’ve saved in the valley. What comes after will be stronger, purer, more…aligned with my vision.”

“And the cost in lives?”

“Is that a cost?” he replied without hesitation. “Creation requires destruction. You of all people should understand this principle with your Lady Revilla…seeing as she is no deity but an entity of the Higher Hells.”

Jennifer turned back to the dark waters, memories of Revilla’s whispered warnings echoing in her mind. Jumi’kerune was more dangerous than she had initially assessed—not because of his power or intelligence, but because of his absolute conviction in his own righteousness.

“I never claimed to be on the side of the light…but that doesn’t mean I’m on the side of the dark either. War is coming to the Nalvean Empire,” she stated. “Nothing can stop that, including Elinor. From within and without. The question is, will Elinor get involved, and if so, how involved will she allow herself to be sucked in.”

“Indeed.” The nalvean sounded pleased. “The Grand Clans will serve as the perfect distraction, drawing Elinor’s attention eastward while the real threats gather. By the time she realizes her mistake, the vice will have closed…or is that what you hope will happen?”

Jennifer said nothing, her gaze fixed on the horizon where dawn would eventually break. The mission to the Judicus Isles was merely the next step in a much larger plan—one that she had set in motion long before meeting the nalvean, one that had been shown to her in Revilla’s final vision. Not that she understood it now or then, but every step forward made her more sure of her footing.

War was indeed coming—not just to the Nalvean Empire, but to the entire continent. Ancient powers were stirring, awakening from millennia of slumber. Monsters and demigods long forgotten, were beginning to move in the shadows.

And Elinor, for all her newfound power, had no idea what truly awaited her. She thought she had found solid ground by making alliances with established powers, by claiming an ancient fortress as her capital, and by expanding her undead legions with quen’talrat intellectuals.

But the true threats remained hidden—lurking in northern mountains, slumbering in ancient runic facilities, evolving in isolated pockets where strange creatures fought over artifacts of unfathomable power—an artifact she would eventually need.

Jennifer’s fingers tightened on the railing as she watched the nalvean return to his work below deck. His confidence was both his greatest strength and his fatal flaw. She had no intention of revealing how many of his “brilliant insights” had been carefully fed to him through intermediaries, how many of his “spontaneous innovations” had been subtly guided by the very shadow he believed was his partner—beings like Shade didn’t have partners, but servants.

Let him believe himself the mastermind. It made him useful.

Jennifer closed her eyes, seeing once more the vision Revilla had shown her—a continent ablaze, armies clashing beneath skies torn by supernatural energies, and at the center of it all, two figures of emerald and gold facing something that dwarfed even their considerable power. At least, what they could wield at this time. The truth about their origins was something that Lady Revilla refused to answer, and that told her enough.

“Soon,” she whispered to the night. “Everything will be in motion soon.”

Behind her, the thélméthra egg in its runic containment field pulsed with a faint violet light—the princess within stirring restlessly in her artificial sleep, dreaming perhaps of the hunt to come. Jumi’kerune wanted to evolve, and the thélméthra were the perfect species to use to accomplish that. The only issue, he accounted for the flesh but failed to take into account how adaptable his soul was.

Try as we might… We all have our limits. Fly too close to the sun, and you may see the light, but you’ll also burn to ash.

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