The emissaries departed Valenstone under the cover of night, their cloaks pulled tight against the cold wind that swept across the plains. They carried with them Morganna's message, sealed in dark wax stamped with the image of a serpent coiled around a shattered crown. The orders were simple: travel to Lunaris, deliver the invitation, and make sure the leaders understood that their response would determine their fate.
Morganna watched them leave from the balcony of the palace, her eyes gleaming in the dim light. She could sense the uncertainty among her loyalists—men and women she had brought under her influence, bound not just by loyalty but by the fear of what she was capable of. Fear was an excellent motivator, but Morganna knew there were other tools to wield. If she were to truly reshape Asteria, she needed more than dread—she needed admiration, even if it was born from twisted awe.
Lucian joined her on the balcony, his footsteps quiet as he approached. His eyes followed her gaze to the small group of emissaries riding away into the darkness. He could still feel the weight of the task ahead—of Morganna's grand vision for Lunaris and the potential backlash they might face.
"Do you think they'll accept your invitation?" Lucian asked, his voice thoughtful. He kept his tone neutral, though he had already learned that predicting Morganna's intentions was an impossible game.
Morganna's lips curved into a smile, her golden eyes never leaving the horizon. "That depends on how clever they are," she replied. "The leaders of Lunaris pride themselves on their independence, their creativity. But beneath their ideals lies the same weakness as all the rest—fear. They will come, if only to see whether they can control me or, at the very least, negotiate. It will be their undoing."
Lucian nodded, though he could not suppress the sense of unease that tugged at him. "And what if they choose not to come? What if they refuse altogether?"
Morganna finally turned to him, her eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and menace. "Then, my dear Lucian, we will demonstrate to all of Asteria the consequences of defiance. I have no intention of allowing Lunaris to remain a thorn in my side." She took a step closer to him, her gaze locking with his. "They either become part of my Symphony of Chaos willingly or as unwilling players. Either way, the music will play on."
Lucian held her gaze, trying to decipher the thoughts behind those sharp, golden eyes. Her conviction was undeniable, and it was that unwavering confidence that kept him by her side, despite everything. He nodded slowly. "I understand. I will make sure our preparations continue."
Morganna reached out, resting her hand on his shoulder, her touch surprisingly gentle. "Good. Your loyalty is invaluable, Lucian. Remember, you are part of this new world I am creating. And if you ever doubt..." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper, laced with both threat and promise. "Just remember what we have already accomplished. We brought down an empire, and that is just the beginning."
Lucian swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "I won't forget," he managed, his voice hoarse. He turned and left the balcony, leaving Morganna to her thoughts, her gaze once again fixed on the distance.
She took a deep breath, savoring the crisp night air. She could almost feel the energy of the approaching conflict—a thrill that sent a shiver down her spine. Lunaris was different from Valenstone. It was a place of innovation, of wild magic and untamed creativity. It had always been a thorn in the side of the Iron Empire, its people refusing to fall in line, their leaders never bowing to Valenstone's authority. But Morganna was no emperor, and her power was unlike anything the fractured city-states had faced before.
For them, she would not bring ruin in the way she had with Valenstone. No, she would break them from within, using their own values against them, making them question the very essence of what they stood for. She would create an illusion so grand, so intricate, that they would lose themselves in it—and when they finally saw the truth, it would be too late.
**
Two days later, the emissaries arrived at the heart of Lunaris—the city of Radiant Spire. It was a place of beauty and oddity, where buildings seemed to grow from the ground like enchanted plants, twisting upwards, shimmering with runes that pulsed with magical energy. The streets were alive with color, bustling with traders, artisans, and spellcasters, all moving in a chaotic dance that seemed to defy the strict order of places like Valenstone.
The emissaries dismounted at the gates of the High Council, a towering structure built entirely of glass and crystal, where the leaders of Lunaris gathered to deliberate and argue over every decision. They were escorted inside, their cloaks trailing on the marble floor as the echo of their footsteps filled the atrium.
The council chamber was a semi-circle of raised seats, each occupied by a representative of the Federation's member city-states. Their robes were varied—vivid blues, greens, and silvers, adorned with intricate embroidery representing their respective regions. At the center sat High Chancellor Arion, his eyes sharp as he regarded the newcomers.
The lead emissary, a tall woman with a face as expressionless as stone, stepped forward. She bowed slightly, her voice carrying across the chamber. "I bring greetings from the Crimson Witch, Morganna Devereux, ruler of Valenstone. She extends an invitation to the leaders of Lunaris to attend a grand celebration in Valenstone—a demonstration of power and a promise of what is to come."
There was a murmur among the council members, some shifting uncomfortably in their seats. High Chancellor Arion frowned, his eyes narrowing. "A celebration?" he echoed, his voice filled with skepticism. "Valenstone is under the control of the Crimson Witch, a sorceress known for chaos and destruction. Why should we believe that this 'invitation' is anything but a thinly veiled threat?"
The emissary smiled, though there was no warmth in it. "The Crimson Witch understands your concerns, Chancellor Arion. She wishes to show that her power is not solely for destruction, but also for creation. She believes that the people of Lunaris, who value innovation and magic, will appreciate what she has to offer. Refusal, however, will be interpreted as an unwillingness to cooperate. She is prepared for all outcomes."
A tense silence fell over the chamber, the council members exchanging uneasy glances. They knew of Morganna—her conquest of Valenstone had been swift and brutal, her reputation spreading like wildfire across Asteria. The word "cooperate" hung in the air, a word that sounded much like "submission" to their ears.
High Chancellor Arion finally spoke, his tone measured. "We will consider the invitation. But know this—Lunaris has never bowed to any ruler, and we will not do so now. If this is a trick, the consequences will be dire."
The emissary bowed once again, unperturbed. "I will relay your words to the Crimson Witch. She eagerly awaits your response."
As they departed the council chamber, the tension in the room seemed to thicken. The leaders of Lunaris knew that they stood at a crossroads—either accept Morganna's invitation and risk whatever scheme she had in store, or refuse and face her wrath. And as they debated, the shadow of the Crimson Witch loomed large, her influence spreading even without her presence.
Back in Valenstone, Morganna awaited their decision, her eyes filled with a dark anticipation. The Symphony of Chaos would soon echo through Lunaris, and whether their leaders came willingly or not, she would make sure they played their part. It was time for a new movement in her grand symphony—one that would bring all of Asteria under her sway.