章 9: 09
The meeting between Kagayaku and Arashihara was set in secret, at a secluded forest clearing on the border of the two kingdoms. The lantern festival served as the perfect cover, with both sides blending into the festive chaos as they made their way to the agreed-upon spot.
Hana's heart pounded as she and Kazuki approached the clearing under the cover of night. The scarlet moon hung ominously above, its crimson light casting long shadows through the trees. Kazuki, ever vigilant, scanned the surroundings for any signs of ambush.
"Stay close," he whispered, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
"I'm not afraid, Kazuki," Hana replied, though her trembling hands betrayed her nerves.
As they stepped into the clearing, they saw seven figures waiting. The princes of Arashihara stood in a loose formation, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution.
Satoru, the eldest, exuded a commanding presence with his sharp gaze and unwavering posture. Beside him stood Daichi, the second eldest, his calm demeanor and thoughtful eyes reflecting a deep sense of responsibility. Isamu, the third eldest and the middle child, carried himself with quiet confidence, his arms crossed as he observed the newcomers intently.
Kazu and Haru, the twins, were nearly identical in appearance but vastly different in aura—Kazu's serious expression contrasted sharply with Haru's playful smirk. Ryuu, the youngest, had a spark of youthful energy in his eyes, while Yuji, standing beside him, seemed calm and composed, his gaze quietly calculating.
The tension in the air was palpable as the princes exchanged glances, their postures guarded but intrigued.
It was Satoru who broke the silence, stepping forward with an air of authority. "Princess Hana," he addressed, his voice steady, "it seems you've gone to great lengths to arrange this meeting. We were curious to see if you'd actually come."
"I had to," Hana replied, her voice resolute despite the intimidating sight of seven princes. "We're running out of time, and the Scarlet Moon isn't waiting for anyone. You know that as well as I do."
Daichi tilted his head slightly, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "You're implying that your kingdom is as desperate for answers as we are."
"We are," Kazuki interjected, his protective stance unwavering beside Hana. "And we believe you've found pieces of the puzzle that we're still missing."
Isamu, his arms still crossed, narrowed his eyes. "And why would we share any of that with you? This could easily be a ploy to gain an advantage over us."
Kazu let out a dry laugh, leaning slightly toward Haru, who smirked. "Bold of them, don't you think? Coming straight to us like this."
Haru shrugged, his grin widening. "I find it entertaining. But they've got guts, I'll give them that."
Yuji's calm voice interjected before the teasing could go further. "The question is, can we trust them?"
Hana stepped forward, her gaze meeting Satoru's directly. "I didn't come here to play games, nor to deceive you. I came here because our kingdoms are on the brink of catastrophe, and I believe the Scarlet Moon is the key to understanding it. I'm asking for cooperation, not for trust. That will have to be earned."
Ryuu, standing slightly behind his brothers, spoke up with a hint of curiosity. "And you think this cooperation will solve everything? You think you'll find the truth just by joining forces?"
"No," Hana admitted, her voice steady, "but it's a start. We both have pieces of the puzzle, and we'll never see the full picture if we keep those pieces to ourselves."
Satoru studied her for a long moment, his gaze heavy with consideration. Finally, he nodded. "You're either brave or foolish, Princess Hana. But I'll give you this—we're all here for the same reason. If there's even a chance we can prevent disaster, we'll listen."
Daichi glanced at Satoru before nodding in agreement. "But understand, Princess, this alliance is fragile. One misstep, and it could shatter."
Hana nodded, determination blazing in her eyes. "I understand. And I'll do whatever it takes to see this through."
The princes exchanged looks, silently agreeing to proceed cautiously. The clearing, bathed in the eerie glow of the Scarlet Moon, bore witness to the fragile alliance formed under its ominous light.
"I know it's hard for you and us to be in an alliance, but both of our kingdoms are in grave danger if we don't do something," Hana said, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment. She glanced at each of the princes, her determination unwavering. "We've found something in our archives—about the heir and the Scarlet Moon."
The princes exchanged wary glances, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
"I know you've also discovered that," Hana continued, her tone more insistent. "It's not just a myth or a legend. The Scarlet Moon is tied to the fates of both Kagayaku and Arashihara. If we ignore this, we risk everything—our people, our kingdoms, our very way of life."
Satoru's sharp gaze softened slightly, though his tone remained guarded. "You speak of things that could destroy the fragile balance we've barely maintained for decades. Are you prepared to shoulder the weight of this truth, Princess?"
"I am," Hana said without hesitation. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't. Whatever secrets our kingdoms have buried, we can't keep hiding them. The Scarlet Moon is rising, and with it comes a choice—to unite or to fall."
Kazu folded his arms, his brow furrowed. "And you think by sharing your findings, we'll just… trust you?"
"No," Kazuki interrupted, stepping forward. "But trust can be built, even between enemies. And right now, the Scarlet Moon doesn't care about alliances or rivalries. It's a threat to us all."
Daichi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "The heir," he mused, glancing at Satoru. "If what she says is true, then the pieces we've uncovered might align with theirs."
Haru leaned casually against a nearby tree, his smirk fading. "So, what do we do, big brother? Keep testing the waters or take the plunge?"
Satoru sighed, his gaze fixed on Hana. "We'll listen to what you've found, Princess. But understand this—our alliance is temporary, and our trust is fragile. If we sense even the slightest hint of deception, it's over."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Hana replied firmly.
Ryuu, standing at the back, finally spoke, his voice quiet but thoughtful. "If the Scarlet Moon is as dangerous as we think, then maybe… maybe it's time to stop fighting shadows and start working together."
The princes nodded reluctantly, and the tense atmosphere began to ease, replaced by a cautious understanding.
Hana took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. "Thank you. I promise, whatever happens, I'll do everything in my power to ensure both of our kingdoms survive this."
The Scarlet Moon continued to rise above them, its glow casting long shadows on the ground. In its light, the first threads of an uneasy alliance began to take shape.
"Even if it kills me," Hana added, her voice steady but laced with emotion.
The weight of her words hung in the air, drawing the attention of every prince. Kazuki stiffened at her side, his fists clenching subtly, but he said nothing.
Satoru studied her for a long moment, his sharp gaze unwavering. "You're willing to risk your life for this?" he asked, his tone both skeptical and curious.
Hana met his gaze without faltering. "I am. If it means saving my people—and yours—I'll do whatever it takes."
Isamu crossed his arms, his brow furrowing deeply. "That kind of determination is rare, but it's also reckless. Do you even understand the full danger of what you're stepping into?"
"No," she admitted. "But I'm willing to learn. That's why I'm here. That's why I need your help."
Yuji, the youngest, glanced nervously at his brothers. "She's serious, isn't she? She'd really…"
"She'd really risk everything," Daichi said, finishing his brother's thought. "That's the kind of resolve we can't ignore."
Kazu sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, if she's that determined, maybe we should hear her out fully. Besides, it's not like we have any better options."
Haru smirked slightly, though his tone was serious. "She's either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish. Maybe both. But I have to admit, I'm intrigued."
Ryuu, still quiet, nodded faintly. "If the Scarlet Moon is rising, then maybe this is exactly the kind of courage we need."
Satoru stepped closer to Hana, his expression firm but less guarded. "Very well, Princess. We'll work with you for now. But know this—your life isn't the only one on the line. If this alliance fails, it could mean the end for all of us."
Hana nodded, her heart pounding but her resolve unshaken. "I understand. And I won't let that happen."
Kazuki placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice low but steady. "You don't have to carry this burden alone, Hana. We're in this together."
As the Scarlet Moon loomed higher in the sky, its crimson glow illuminated the clearing, casting their united shadows on the ground.
For the first time, the divide between Kagayaku and Arashihara felt less insurmountable, as if the fate of their kingdoms truly depended on their uneasy alliance.
The clearing was silent for a moment, save for the rustling of leaves in the cool night breeze. The princes of Arashihara exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of caution and reluctant agreement.
"We need to move carefully," Satoru finally said, his voice breaking the tension. "This isn't just about uncovering truths—it's about ensuring the survival of both kingdoms. If the wrong people find out about this alliance, it could mean war before we even know what we're fighting against."
Daichi stepped forward, his arms crossed. "We should start by sharing what we know. Our findings in the archives mentioned something about an heir and the role of the Scarlet Moon, but much of it was fragmented. What exactly did you uncover in Kagayaku?"
Hana hesitated, glancing at Kazuki. He gave her a reassuring nod. "We found a map that led us to a hidden scroll," she explained. "It spoke of a prophecy tied to the Scarlet Moon—something about balance and chaos. But the most troubling part was a warning: the heir to the throne is tied to the moon's power, and if their existence is revealed, it could ignite destruction."
The twins, Kazu and Haru, exchanged a look. "An heir?" Haru asked. "Do you think it refers to a specific person from Kagayaku or Arashihara?"
"We don't know," Kazuki admitted. "The scroll didn't specify. But it did emphasize that the heir is crucial to maintaining balance between our kingdoms. That's why we're here. We believe the answer lies somewhere between the two lands—and maybe even within your archives."
Yuji, the youngest prince, frowned. "If this is true, why would our ancestors keep this a secret? Wouldn't it have been better to unite the kingdoms long ago?"
"Because knowledge is power," Ryuu replied quietly. "And power is dangerous. They must have feared what might happen if the prophecy fell into the wrong hands."
Hana clenched her fists. "That's why we have to act now. Whatever danger they feared is nothing compared to what's coming if we don't uncover the truth."
Satoru sighed, rubbing his temple. "This is bigger than any of us imagined. Fine. We'll work together, but we need a strategy. No rash decisions, no unnecessary risks."
"What about the scrolls in your archives?" Kazuki asked. "Have you found anything that might give us a clearer picture?"
Ryuu nodded. "There are mentions of a ritual under the Scarlet Moon—something about a convergence point where the fates of the kingdoms intersect. But we couldn't fully decipher it."
Hana's eyes widened. "The convergence point... it must be the location on the map we found. That's where we need to go."
"Are you suggesting we all travel there together?" Daichi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," Hana said firmly. "It's the only way to uncover the truth. But we'll need to be careful. If anyone finds out about this alliance…"
Satoru interrupted with a sharp nod. "Then it's war."
A heavy silence fell over the group as the weight of their decision sank in. Finally, Kazuki spoke, his voice steady and resolute. "We've already taken the first step by meeting here. The next step is deciding how to get to this convergence point without drawing attention."
Haru smirked. "Stealth has never been my strong suit, but I'm up for the challenge."
Kazu chuckled. "Speak for yourself, brother. I'm the stealthy one."
Despite the gravity of the situation, a faint smile tugged at Hana's lips. For the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope.
Together, they had a chance to uncover the truth—and to protect both kingdoms from the chaos foretold by the Scarlet Moon.
As the group began to discuss their plan, the glow of the Scarlet Moon illuminated their determined faces.
The path ahead was fraught with danger, but they were united by a shared purpose. The fate of Kagayaku and Arashihara now rested in their hands.
The moonlight bathed the group as they finalized their plan, their voices hushed but urgent. Princess Hana held the map tightly, her fingers tracing the convergence point they had identified earlier.
"We'll need to travel in small groups," Satoru suggested, his tone commanding. "It will draw less attention, and if something happens to one group, the others can continue."
Hana nodded. "Kazuki and I will go through the northern forest. It's the fastest route from Kagayaku's side, and we know it well."
Ryuu tapped his chin. "We'll take the southern pass. It's longer, but less guarded. If we're careful, no one will suspect our movements."
"And what about supplies?" Daichi interjected. "We can't risk bringing too much and looking suspicious, but we'll need enough to make it to the convergence point."
Kazuki stepped forward. "Hana and I can gather supplies from a trusted merchant near the palace. He's loyal to Kagayaku, and he won't ask questions."
Satoru raised a hand. "Good. But remember, we don't know what we're walking into. This convergence point—whatever it is—might be guarded or worse. We need to be ready for anything."
Isamu, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "If this place holds the truth about the heir and the Scarlet Moon, it's possible it also holds the key to restoring balance. We're not just uncovering history; we're potentially altering the future."
The weight of his words settled over the group. Hana took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. "Then we have to be prepared to face whatever lies ahead—together."
"Together," the princes echoed, their voices unified.
As the group dispersed to make preparations, Hana lingered, her gaze fixed on the glowing moon. Kazuki approached her, his expression unreadable.
"Are you ready for this, Princess?" he asked softly.
"No," she admitted, her voice trembling. "But I don't have a choice, do I? If this prophecy is true, then everything—our lives, our kingdoms, our future—depends on us succeeding."
Kazuki placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll succeed. I won't let anything happen to you or the kingdoms."
She offered him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Kazuki. I don't know what I'd do without you."
As they turned to leave, a shadow shifted in the corner of the clearing. Unbeknownst to them, a figure cloaked in darkness had been watching, their presence masked by the shadows of the trees.
The figure stepped back silently, their eyes glinting with malice as they disappeared into the night.
The Scarlet Moon's secrets were not meant to be unearthed, and someone would ensure they remained buried—at any cost.
Hana's voice trembled as she whispered, her eyes darting toward the shadowy treeline. "Kazuki, someone's following us."
Kazuki stiffened, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. His sharp eyes scanned the forest, but the thick darkness made it impossible to see clearly. "Stay close to me," he murmured, his voice low and steady.
The forest was eerily quiet, save for the faint rustling of leaves. Hana's heart pounded in her chest as she clutched the map tighter. "What if they know what we're doing? What if they—"
"Shh," Kazuki interrupted, his tone firm but reassuring. "Don't let fear control you. We'll handle this."
The rustling grew louder, coming from multiple directions. Kazuki moved in front of Hana, drawing his sword in a fluid motion. "Who's there?" he called out, his voice echoing through the stillness.
For a moment, there was no response. Then, from the shadows, a figure stepped forward, their face obscured by a hood.
The figure didn't speak but raised their hand, signaling for others to emerge. One by one, more cloaked figures appeared, surrounding them.
Kazuki's grip tightened on his sword, his stance ready for a fight. "Hana, stay behind me. If anything happens, run."
"I'm not leaving you," she whispered fiercely, her resolve matching his.
The lead figure finally spoke, their voice cold and calculating. "Princess Hana of Kagayaku and her loyal knight. How bold of you to venture out into the night."
Hana's eyes narrowed. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
The figure chuckled darkly. "What we want is no concern of yours. But you… you've meddled where you shouldn't have. The secrets of the Scarlet Moon are not meant to be discovered."
Kazuki shifted his position, placing himself firmly between Hana and the group. "If you think we'll back down, you don't know us very well."
"Brave words," the figure sneered. "But bravery won't save you."
As the tension thickened, the moonlight caught the gleam of blades as the cloaked figures drew their weapons. Kazuki glanced back at Hana, his eyes meeting hers with unspoken determination.
"Stay close, Princess," he said firmly. "We'll make it out of this. Together."
Hana nodded, clutching the translation book as if it were her lifeline. "Together," she echoed, steeling herself for what was to come.
"Did you hear that, brothers?" Ryuu asked, his voice urgent as they trudged through the dense forest, their boots crunching softly against the leaves. He stopped in his tracks, tilting his head to focus on the faint sounds carried by the wind. "It sounded like Princess Hana. She's in danger."
The others exchanged wary glances.
Satoru, ever the composed eldest, furrowed his brows. "Are you sure, Ryuu? This forest plays tricks on the ears."
Ryuu shook his head adamantly. "I'm certain. It came from that direction." He pointed toward a darker patch of trees, where the shadows seemed to move unnaturally.
Daichi tightened his grip on his weapon, his jaw set. "If Ryuu's right, we can't ignore it. If she's truly in trouble, it could jeopardize everything we're working toward."
Kazu adjusted his twin swords, his gaze sharp. "We have to move quickly. If something happens to her, the alliance could crumble before it even begins."
"Then let's not waste time," Isamu said, his tone steady but urgent. "We'll split up and converge on the location. Ryuu, lead the way."
Without hesitation, the brothers sprang into action, fanning out as they followed Ryuu's lead. The forest seemed to close in around them as the faint sounds of clashing swords and shouts grew louder.
Haru and Kazu moved in perfect sync, scouting ahead as Ryuu stayed at the center of their formation. Satoru and Daichi guarded the rear, their eyes scanning for any sign of danger.
"Stay alert," Satoru warned. "This could be a trap."
The noise grew clearer with each step, the unmistakable sound of steel meeting steel. Ryuu quickened his pace, his heart pounding. "Over here!"
As they emerged into the clearing, the sight before them made them pause. Hana stood behind Kazuki, who was fending off multiple cloaked attackers. Her expression was a mixture of fear and determination, the translation book clutched tightly to her chest.
Kazuki, despite being outnumbered, held his ground, his blade flashing under the scarlet moonlight. "Stay back!" he shouted, his voice strained but fierce.
"Looks like you could use some help," Daichi called out as he and his brothers stepped into the fray, weapons drawn.
Kazuki blinked in surprise but didn't hesitate to nod. "Don't let them near the Princess!"
The brothers wasted no time, their presence immediately shifting the tide of the battle. Haru and Kazu moved as one, their swords slicing through the air with precision. Satoru and Daichi provided cover, their strikes calculated and powerful.
Ryuu and Yuji flanked the remaining attackers, their movements swift and unrelenting.
As the battle raged on, Hana's gaze met Ryuu's for a brief moment. Relief flickered in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination. She whispered to herself, clutching the book even tighter, "We're all in this together now."
The clash of steel echoed through the forest, the glow of the scarlet moon casting an eerie light over the clearing. Despite their initial advantage, the cloaked attackers began to falter against the combined might of the Arashihara princes and Kazuki.
Hana, still clutching the book, retreated further into the shadows of the trees. Her heart raced as she watched the fierce battle unfold. She could barely breathe as her eyes darted between Kazuki and the brothers, her anxiety climbing with every parry and strike.
One of the cloaked figures broke away from the fight, making a beeline toward Hana. Her instincts screamed at her to run, but her feet felt rooted to the ground.
"Hana, move!" Kazuki roared, catching sight of the attacker.
Before the figure could reach her, Yuji appeared like a shadow, blocking the assailant's path with a fluid motion. "Stay back, Princess," he said calmly, his blade flashing in the moonlight as he disarmed the attacker in a single, precise strike.
"Thank you," Hana whispered, her voice trembling.
Yuji gave her a reassuring nod before diving back into the battle.
Moments later, the last of the cloaked attackers fell to their knees, their weapons clattering to the ground. Satoru stepped forward, his sword still poised. "Who sent you?" he demanded, his voice cold and authoritative.
The figure laughed weakly, blood staining the corner of their lips. "You think you can stop it? The scarlet moon has already chosen. The heir will rise, and both kingdoms will burn."
Kazuki approached, his sword at the ready. "Speak clearly. What do you mean? Who is the heir?"
The attacker coughed, their voice fading. "The balance is broken... the scarlet heir... will claim what is theirs..." With those cryptic words, they slumped to the ground, unconscious.
A tense silence followed. The remaining attackers, realizing they were outmatched, scattered into the woods.
Daichi sheathed his weapon, his brow furrowed. "This is worse than we thought. They know about the scarlet moon—and the heir."
"We need answers," Isamu said, his voice steady despite the tension. He turned to Hana and Kazuki. "What have you discovered so far?"
Hana hesitated, then stepped forward, holding out the book. "We found this in the archives. It mentions the scarlet moon and the heir, but we haven't deciphered everything yet."
Satoru took the book, flipping through its pages with a sharp gaze. "This language... it's ancient. We've seen fragments of it in Arashihara as well."
Hana looked at each of them, her resolve hardening. "We can't do this alone. If we want to uncover the truth and stop whatever is coming, we need to work together. An alliance between Kagayaku and Arashihara is the only way."
The princes exchanged wary glances, the weight of her words sinking in.
Finally, Satoru spoke, his voice calm but firm. "If we do this, there's no turning back. The fate of both kingdoms will rest on our shoulders. Are you prepared for that, Princess?"
Hana met his gaze, determination blazing in her eyes. "I am. For the sake of our kingdoms, I'll do whatever it takes."
Kazuki stepped beside her, his sword still in hand. "And she won't do it alone. I'll protect her with my life."
A moment of silence passed before Satoru nodded. "Then it's decided. We'll work together. But we need to move quickly. The scarlet moon is rising, and time is running out."
As the group began to strategize, the scarlet moon loomed larger in the sky, its ominous glow a constant reminder of the peril that awaited them.
Just as they were busy strategizing their plan, Hana felt lightheaded and slowly collapsed to the ground.
Kazuki quickly rushed to her, panic in his voice. "Princess Hana! Please wake up!" he pleaded, gently shaking her as he tried to revive her.
Without hesitation, the princes quickly surrounded Hana. For the first time, their initial tension was replaced with genuine concern as they knelt around her, trying to help.
Ryuu, who had been circling her cautiously, suddenly froze, his voice sharp with alarm. "Princess Hana has been hit," he announced, pointing to the blood staining her right abdomen.
Kazuki's face went pale as his gaze followed Ryuu's hand. "No... how did this happen? How didn't I see this earlier?" he whispered, his voice breaking.
"It must've been during the ambush," Kazu speculated grimly, inspecting the wound. "We were too focused on the attackers to notice."
Haru took charge immediately. "We need to stop the bleeding now, or she won't make it. Ryuu, fetch the first aid kit from my pack!"
Ryuu darted away as the others worked to stabilize Hana. Kazuki cradled her head in his lap, his voice soft but trembling. "Stay with me, Hana. Please… you're too strong to let this defeat you."
Isamu placed a reassuring hand on Kazuki's shoulder. "We'll save her. Don't lose hope now."
Moments later, Ryuu returned with the kit, and Haru carefully cut away part of Hana's dress to expose the wound. "It's not too deep," he observed, his hands steady as he cleaned the injury. "But it's serious enough to weaken her. We'll need to move her to safety."
Hana's eyes fluttered open briefly, her voice faint. "Kazuki... I'm fine. Don't stop... we can't stop now."
"You're not fine," Satoru said firmly, stepping closer. "You need rest, or this mission will be over before it even begins."
Daichi nodded, his voice calm yet decisive. "There's a shelter not far from here. We can take her there and regroup."
Kazuki, holding Hana as though his life depended on it, rose to his feet. "Lead the way," he said, his resolve unshaken. "But we won't rest long. We can't afford to lose any more time."
With the princes forming a protective circle around them, the group moved through the forest. The glow of the scarlet moon illuminated their path, casting eerie shadows as the fate of both kingdoms seemed to hang in the balance.
**Far away, in the shadowed depths of an ominous fortress, the true architect of chaos loomed in their private chamber. The dim light from a brazier flickered across the dark stone walls, reflecting off the polished black armor of the figure pacing furiously across the room.**
"You imbeciles!" the figure's voice thundered, sharp and venomous, rattling the walls. They slammed their fists onto the heavy wooden table, sending maps and scrolls scattering to the floor. "You had *one job*—to eliminate them—and you couldn't even manage that!"
Their crimson cape swirled behind them as they paced, their frustration boiling over. "How could you lose to *nine*! *Nine!* There were thousands of you!" they snarled, their voice a blend of rage and disbelief.
The cloaked figures kneeling before them quaked under the intensity of their leader's wrath. The shadow they cast, long and menacing in the flickering firelight, loomed over their subordinates like a predator ready to strike.
The figure stopped pacing and fixed a piercing glare on the trembling group. "Do you fools have any idea what this means? Every second they remain alive is a second closer to the unraveling of *everything* we've built!" Their voice dropped to a low, dangerous hiss, each word heavy with menace.
One of the kneeling figures dared to speak, their voice trembling. "M-My lord, they were... stronger than anticipated. Their alliance—"
"Silence!" the figure roared, slamming a hand into the table again, cracking its edge. A golden goblet tipped over, spilling its dark liquid onto the stone floor. "Do not insult me with your pathetic excuses! You had the numbers, the weapons, the advantage of surprise—and yet you still failed!"
The room fell into a tense silence, the only sound the crackling of the brazier. The figure took a slow, measured breath, their eyes narrowing as they regained composure. "You will not fail again," they said, their tone calm but no less deadly. "This time, reinforcements will ensure your success. And let me make one thing abundantly clear..."
They leaned forward, their gaze boring into the trembling figures. "If you fail me again, your lives will serve as examples of what happens to those who defy me. Is that understood?"
"Y-Yes, my lord," the cloaked figures stammered in unison, bowing their heads even lower.
"Good." The figure straightened, their voice cold and final. "Now go. Do not return until the task is done."
The cloaked figures scrambled to their feet, retreating from the chamber with haste. The heavy doors slammed shut behind them, leaving their master alone.
The figure turned back to the scattered maps and scrolls, their gloved fingers brushing over a faded illustration of the scarlet moon. Their lips curled into a sinister smile.
"Let them struggle," they murmured to themselves. "The more they fight, the more they will play into my hands. Soon, both kingdoms will bow before me, whether they know it or not."
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