The air in Valoria had changed.
Alyssia could feel it, the tension rising in the streets and among the people. It was subtle—whispers in dark corners, suspicious glances from guards, and the ever-watchful eyes of Valorian leaders who had grown wary of her presence. Even Kira had noticed it, mentioning how the once serene kingdom now seemed to pulse with an uneasy energy.
Alyssia stood on the balcony of the guest quarters they had been assigned, her eyes scanning the landscape of Valoria's towering mountains and ancient stone walls. The city seemed alive, a kingdom built within the embrace of nature itself, but today, it felt suffocating. She knew what was coming. The betrayal was brewing, and it was only a matter of time before the storm hit.
Kira joined her on the balcony, her expression grim. "Something's off," she muttered, crossing her arms. "The guards are changing shifts more frequently, and some of Nymeria's advisors are being more guarded. They're whispering about you."
Alyssia nodded. "I've felt it too. The Queen's suspicion is growing. She respects our skills, but my secrecy is making things worse."
Kira leaned against the stone railing, her gaze distant. "We need to tread carefully, Alyssia. If they think we're a threat to Valoria's safety, we'll lose whatever trust we've built. Nymeria's not just powerful; she's deeply connected to this land. If we misstep, we won't just lose an ally—we'll face a whole kingdom's wrath."
Alyssia remained silent, her mind working through the possibilities. She had been walking a dangerous line, trying to protect Queen Nymeria without revealing her knowledge of the future. Nymeria's death in her timeline had been the catalyst for the fall of Valoria and the rise of the Empire's dominance over the Abyss. The war that followed devastated the land, and Gaia's power was lost to the Abyss. But how could she explain all this without sounding mad, without shattering the fragile trust they had built?
"We have to move fast," Alyssia said finally. "Lyra's influence is growing. If she succeeds in her plan to assassinate Nymeria, everything we've worked for will be lost. Valoria will fall, and Gaia's power will be theirs."
Kira's eyes darkened at the mention of Lyra. "She's already here, isn't she? That Empire snake."
Alyssia nodded grimly. "She's here, hiding in plain sight. I can feel her shadow moving through the city. She's stirring up fear, manipulating the more paranoid members of the court. They think we're spies for the Empire, and if we don't stop her, they'll turn on us."
Kira slammed her fist into the railing, her frustration evident. "Damn it. What's the plan then? We can't just sit here and wait for them to make their move."
"We can't be direct," Alyssia cautioned. "Nymeria's trust in us is thin. If we act without proof, we risk confirming the suspicions Lyra has been feeding them. We need to root out her conspirators quietly, and when the time comes, we'll be ready to defend the Queen."
Later that night, Alyssia moved through the narrow streets of Valoria under the cover of darkness. Her cloak was drawn tight around her, and she kept to the shadows, avoiding the patrolling guards. The city was eerily silent, save for the distant rustle of leaves and the occasional flicker of torchlight. She knew where she was headed—a secluded chamber beneath the city, a place whispered about by Nymeria's closest advisors.
The information had come from one of Nymeria's more loyal guards, a man who had grown suspicious of his peers and quietly passed word to Kira about secret meetings being held at night. Alyssia suspected this was where Lyra's influence had taken root, where she had been pulling the strings of Valoria's political elite.
As she approached the chamber, Alyssia slowed her steps, her senses on high alert. The stone doorway was hidden behind a cascade of ivy, and the entrance was guarded by two figures cloaked in darkness. She recognized them immediately—Valorian soldiers, but not just any soldiers. They were members of the elite guard, warriors tasked with protecting the kingdom from within.
Alyssia cursed under her breath. This was worse than she had thought. Lyra had managed to turn even some of the Queen's most trusted defenders against her.
She waited, hidden in the shadows, watching as the guards shifted positions and exchanged murmurs. After what felt like an eternity, one of them moved inside, leaving only a single sentry at the door. It was the chance she needed.
With the grace and precision of a seasoned warrior, Alyssia darted forward, her movements swift and silent. She dispatched the remaining guard with a quick strike to the back of his neck, catching him before he could make a sound. The door creaked as she slipped inside.
The chamber beyond was dimly lit by flickering torches, casting long shadows on the walls. Alyssia could hear voices echoing through the stone corridors, low and conspiratorial. She moved cautiously, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade as she followed the sound.
In a large, circular room at the heart of the chamber, she found them—Lyra's conspirators. Half a dozen Valorian leaders, men and women of power, stood around a table, their faces tense and pale. At the head of the group was Lyra, cloaked in shadow, her presence commanding yet unnerving. Even without her assassin's mask, Alyssia recognized her—the subtle menace in her stance, the coldness in her eyes.
"Queen Nymeria's time is coming to an end," Lyra said, her voice smooth as silk. "The Empire offers protection, power. Valoria cannot survive in isolation forever. When the Queen falls, the Empire Seraphis will rule this kingdom"
One of the leaders shifted uneasily. "But... the people... they won't accept the Empire so easily. Nymeria has ruled for decades. They trust her."
Lyra's smile was predatory. "The people will follow whoever holds the power. And soon, that power will be ours. Once Nymeria is dead, Valoria will have no choice but to bow to the Empire."
Alyssia's blood ran cold. The assassination was imminent. She couldn't wait any longer.
Steeling herself, she stepped into the light. "That's where you're wrong, Lyra."
The room fell into stunned silence as the conspirators turned to face her, shock and fear flashing in their eyes. Lyra's expression didn't falter, but a dark gleam flickered in her gaze.
"Alyssia," Lyra purred. "I wondered when you'd show yourself."
Alyssia drew her blade, her eyes locked on Lyra. "You won't take Valoria. Not tonight."
Lyra's smile widened. "We'll see about that."