Lira stood still in the Citadel's Core, watching as the other floor guardians vanished one by one, each retreating to their own domains to prepare for the tasks Vaelor had given them. The chamber gradually fell silent, save for the hum of the Citadel's Heart above. Once the last of them had left, only she and Vaelor remained.
Her crimson eyes never wavered from Vaelor's towering form, the faint flicker of amusement from before now replaced by something more calculating. The Shadow Sorceress moved with an almost imperceptible grace, her presence blending into the surrounding darkness. As she took a step closer to Vaelor, her voice broke the silence, cold and measured.
"Vaelor," she said, her tone soft yet carrying the weight of unspoken intent, "before I depart, there is something that needs to be addressed."
Vaelor's hollow gaze shifted toward her, his skeletal face showing no emotion, yet the atmosphere around him seemed to darken slightly. "Speak," he commanded, his voice as resonant as ever.
Lira inclined her head slightly, her fingers tracing the air as if weaving a web of shadows. "I know you're aware of the question I raised outside the throne room after our lord departed. It wasn't an act of defiance or doubt. In truth, I wanted to observe."
Vaelor's brow furrowed slightly, the only movement on his otherwise impassive face. "Observe what?" he asked, his voice carrying an edge of warning.
Lira's lips curled into a faint smile. "The reactions of the others," she replied. "We all served Lord Lucian in the previous world, bound by the rules of the Eternal Night world. But now… we are in a world with no such restrictions. Some of the others, they may be loyal, but how deeply does that loyalty run in this new reality? How do they react when they sense weakness or doubt from one of their own? I had to know if any of them harbored thoughts—intentions that might conflict with our lord's plans. This world has changed us, even if we do not want to admit it."
Vaelor's silence stretched for a moment, his cold, unblinking eyes assessing her words. "And what did you discover?"
Lira's expression darkened. "Seraphine, ever faithful, showed no sign of wavering. She is too consumed by her devotion to consider any form of betrayal. Tharos… he is a beast, loyal only because Lord Lucian's strength surpasses his own. But I sense an undercurrent of restlessness in him. The others, they remain predictable for now. Yet in time, I believe this new world will test them."
Vaelor took a step closer, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the sorceress. "You question the loyalty of our fellow guardians, Lira? You seek discord among us?"
Lira's eyes gleamed with something dangerous. "Discord? No, Vaelor. I seek to ensure that no one is foolish enough to entertain such thoughts. My question outside the throne room was a test, nothing more. We cannot afford weakness—none of us can. And I will not allow any of the others to become a liability."
Vaelor studied her carefully for a long moment, the tension in the room thickening. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. "You play a dangerous game, Shadow Sorceress. But your reasoning… it has merit. Continue to observe, but do not let your curiosity lead to unnecessary fractures. The Citadel must remain unified under Lord Lucian's rule."
Lira inclined her head again, her smile returning. "Of course, General. My loyalty, like yours, is absolute. I simply wish to eliminate any future threats before they arise."
Vaelor nodded, though the warning in his gaze remained clear. "See that you do."
With that, Lira turned on her heel, her dark robes trailing behind her like tendrils of smoke as she began to make her way out of the Citadel's Core. She moved with the same shadowy grace, her thoughts swirling with a myriad of schemes as she descended the many levels of the Citadel.
By the time she reached the grand, expansive halls of the first floor, a familiar figure was already waiting for her.
Seraphine, the Abyssal Priestess, stood at the entrance to the floor, her deep blue robes flowing in an ethereal manner, as if she were part of the very shadows that surrounded them. Her pale, serene face remained calm, though her eyes carried a question.
"Lira," Seraphine said softly, her voice like a whisper from the void. "You remained behind after the others left. What did you discuss with Vaelor?"
Lira glanced at the priestess, her expression unreadable as she approached. "Merely the same matter that concerned you earlier," she replied, her tone nonchalant. "My intentions outside the throne room."
Seraphine's eyes narrowed slightly, though her expression remained composed. "And what of those intentions?"
Lira stopped before her, meeting her gaze without flinching. "I sought to test the others. To see how they would react to the idea that even Lord Lucian may not have all the answers. This new world is a test for all of us, and we must know where each guardian's loyalty truly lies. Vaelor, in his wisdom, understood my reasoning."
Seraphine's gaze flickered with something—disapproval, perhaps—but she said nothing for a moment. Then, with a faint sigh, she nodded. "I see. I do not share your methods, Lira, but I understand your reasoning. Still, questioning Lord Lucian's strength, even in passing, is dangerous. Not for us, but for the others who may take such words to heart."
Lira smirked. "That is precisely why I did it. To ensure none of them are foolish enough to doubt our lord."
Seraphine studied her for a moment longer before her eyes softened. "Very well. But tread carefully, Lira. The shadows may hide many things, but even they cannot shield you from the consequences of overreach."
With that, Seraphine turned, her flowing robes disappearing into the dark corridors of the first floor. Lira watched her leave, her own mind already spinning with new calculations. She had planted seeds today, and only time would tell which would grow into something useful.
As she stood alone in the dimly lit hall, Lira couldn't help but smile to herself. This new world was a canvas, and she intended to paint it with shades of shadow and intrigue.