Chapter 38: Nobility in Name, Dominion in Deed
Yvanna sighed, her shoulders finally loosening just a fraction beneath the filtered amber light that streamed through the stained glass windows of her private solar. The intricate patterns of saints and stars painted her silhouette with a holy glow, one that sharply contrasted the grim realities she was about to recount. She turned to Kaelyn, who lingered at the entrance with her cloak still clutched around her shoulders, looking very much like someone who had stepped into a world turned on its head.
"You should be aware of what’s been happening these last two days," the Duchess began, her voice clipped, regal, but laced with a tension she couldn’t fully suppress.
What followed was a chilling narration. One by one, Yvanna listed the events: the sudden death of High Priest Velloras within the Grand Basilica, the bodies of Brother Curator Denrik and Litanist Arven found cold and untouched in their private quarters, and finally the utter obliteration of Sanctum Fortis.. Fifty elite purifiers, including their commander Seric, wiped from existence overnight. The city was still reeling.
Kaelyn’s eyes grew wider with every word. She hadn’t imagined anything close to this scale. Her lips parted slightly, disbelief etched into every line of her face. She didn’t interrupt until Yvanna came to a heavy pause, as if even speaking these truths required immense effort.
"How, how did he even manage all that?" Kaelyn stammered. "I mean, I haven’t even slept properly since he invaded my room and-"
She froze mid sentence, her eyes darting sideways as if trying to shove the words back into her mouth.
Yvanna’s head turned sharply, her gaze narrowing into a razor’s edge.
"Invaded your room?" the Duchess repeated, voice suddenly flat and void of warmth. "Explain. Clearly. And in detail."
Kaelyn audibly gulped. "It’s not what it sounds like," she began, her hands raising in protest. "He didn’t force anything, he was just... there. Already inside when I woke up. Sitting like he owned the place. I had traps good ones too! Cloaked snares, displacement barriers, even a reactive echo ward keyed to movement. None of them were tripped. None. He didn’t break them he just avoided them. Like he knew where they were."
She hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of her tunic.
"And I," she mumbled, her voice shrinking, "was in a nightgown."