Chapter 565: Unveiling
"Ah, thank you for coming," Luke said, nodding to us as we joined him on the ridge. "Sorry for sending a demon to fetch you, but as you can see, I’ve been quite busy."
Luke stood overlooking the city and fortress of Tormod’s Breach, his figure stark against the backdrop of the imposing fortifications. As we approached, he seemed motionless, his gaze distant and vacant. But the Oracle of Eternity revealed a different scene. Ten thousand fine threads of mana wove between him and his demon horde, relaying his will and commands for the upcoming battle.
The scions and evolved demons massed around the ridge, their presence darkening the land with a chaotic swarm of fire, gleaming blades, and flickering curses. The beasts and demonkin formed their own separate army, flanking the main force. Their commanders, adorned in ornate armor, were accompanied by evolved demons who relayed Luke’s orders through his infernal mark.
Fyren’s demons, a stark contrast to the surrounding chaos, milled about under the watchful eye of a sixth-level Ice demon. It had evolved into a magnificent eagle-like creature, its wingspan stretching an impressive twenty feet. Each feather was a meticulously sculpted work of art, glistening in the morning sunlight. Despite the distance separating us, it seemed to sense my gaze, turning its head towards me and dipping it in a gesture of respect.
The Devoted, though fewer in number than Luke’s army, possessed a greater concentration of power. The scions under the command of the evolved demons weren’t technically Devoted, but they followed with unwavering loyalty, hoping that one day, in the course of their conquests, they too would have the opportunity to evolve and join the ranks.
"What is it you wished to see us for?" I asked, finally tearing my gaze away from the mesmerizing spectacle and returning it to Luke.
His expression seemed to dim slightly at the wariness in my voice, but he resisted the urge to close the distance between us, maintaining a respectful space. A pang of guilt pricked at me, but it wasn’t enough to elicit an apology or encourage me to step closer. Truthfully, I was still grappling with the complexities of our relationship, and the distance was, for now, a welcome buffer.
"Xiviyah," he said, looking over the city. "I’m afraid the Heart Crest has made its way here. The whole city is dark with the curse. If they are anything like the poor souls of Brithlite, they will throw themselves at the claws of my demons, grateful for the chance to show their piety with their lives."
"Luke..." I said, clutching my hands together.
He turned, meeting my gaze, his eyes surprisingly soft. I flinched at first but quickly steeled myself, returning it evenly. Regardless of how I decided to view look in the future, at the very least, I had to be able to look at him.
"I don’t want to kill them, but I will if they get in my way," he said, deliberately pronouncing every word. "My goal is to secure the fortress and allow my demons a chance to nourish themselves with the souls of the soldiers and mages."