Ch. 8: Part 2 — Shackled Flame

The Council Chamber seethed with noise.

Governors shouted, soldiers pleaded, civilians filled the galleries with cries of fear and anger. The city’s wounds bled deeper with every word.

Aris stood apart, saber strapped at her side, her expression unreadable. Her hands clenched until her knuckles whitened, but she spoke no defense, no protest.

Because she already knew.

Words would change nothing.

They chose fear over survival. They chose chains over fire.

When the session ended, she did not return to her quarters. She did not join her soldiers at the walls.

She walked to the stables.

Her boots echoed in silence as she saddled a black warhorse, its eyes wide, breath heavy with the scent of smoke. She tightened the reins, her saber glinting faintly in the morning light.

“Commander, ” a young soldier called from the shadows, voice trembling. “Are you—leaving? ”

Aris met his gaze, her own steady, sharp. “—Protect the people. That’s your duty now. Mine lies elsewhere. ”

And without another word, she rode for the gates.

The guards hesitated as she approached. “Commander, the council forbade—”

Her saber flashed from its sheath, steel ringing as it pointed to the horizon.

“Open. The. Gate. ”

They obeyed, fear outweighing duty.

The iron doors groaned open, revealing the wasteland stretching endless and black. Aris spurred her horse forward, vanishing into the horizon without looking back.

Far beyond the walls, Arata walked alone through the ash, his crimson coat trailing, his katana blazing faintly at his side. He paused once, eyes narrowing as he felt the faint tremor of hooves against the earth.

“—Heh. Guess someone finally decided to follow. ”

His wry smile curved sharper, though his chest burned with something heavier.

If it’s her—then she’s a fool. But maybe the only fool I’ve got left.

High atop a ruined spire, the Crowned Demon watched through the black fire, golden eyes gleaming with cruel delight.

“Yes—perfect. Let her chase him. Let the flame and his last shield wander into the dark together. When my army falls upon their city, there will be no one left to stand. ”

The shadows hissed with laughter, the wasteland itself trembling in anticipation.

The endgame drew near.

***

The wasteland stretched endless, painted in ash and silence.

Arata walked with cigarette smoke curling from his lips, katana blazing faintly at his side. His let the corner of his mouth quirk curved sharp, though his steps were heavy with scars.

Behind him, the thunder of hooves broke the silence.

He didn’t turn until the sound stopped.

Aris sat astride her black warhorse, saber strapped at her hip, eyes sharp as steel. Dust clung to her uniform, her breath heavy, but her gaze never wavered.

For a moment, neither spoke. The wind carried only ash between them.

Finally, Arata broke the silence, his thin smile faint, amused. “—Heh. Didn’t expect you to throw away your shiny title so quick. Thought you’d stick around and play hero for the council. ”

Aris dismounted, her boots crunching against the black sand. “There’s no city left to play hero for. Not without you. ”

He tilted his head, cigarette glowing in the dark. “—Careful. Talk like that, and they’ll call you a monster too. ”

Her jaw tightened. “Let them. I’d rather burn beside you than watch them die cursing your name. ”

For the first time, Arata’s let out a small, lopsided smile faltered. His Draconic Eyes glowed faint behind the shades, but something heavier flickered there—something he didn’t let show often.

“—You’re a damn fool, ” he muttered. His voice was rough, almost quiet.

Aris stepped closer, her hand resting on the hilt of her saber. “Maybe. But I’m the only fool still standing with you. ”

The wasteland wind howled between them, carrying the weight of unspoken truths.

Far away, the Crowned Demon watched through black fire, golden eyes gleaming with cruel delight.

“Yes—wander together. Strengthen your bond. When the final blade falls, your faith in each other will be the very rope I use to hang you both. ”

The fire roared higher, the shadows hissing with hunger.

The last act was ready to begin.