Veneres straightened, the body cradled in his arms, his voice steady yet tinged with sorrow. "In life, we find pleasure in the little things and peace in death. Those were Dante's words, often spoken before battle. He was a man who savored the moment—a greater man than I will ever be."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the gathered crowd. Then, his tone softened, as if reaching into a distant memory. "I remember when he found me—a starving child, crushed by an impossible debt. And yet, that kind man took me in, raised me as his own. Now, I seek to repay even a fraction of what I owe him."
Veneres's voice sharpened, resolve cutting through the grief. "On my blood, and all that Dante fought to achieve, I swear this: I will lead the Dauntless Company to claim the Bridge. Be it days, months, or years, the Bridge will be ours."
It was like a match struck to dry tinder. The men around him erupted into cheers, their grief mingling with fervent cries of loyalty. They mourned the loss of their Paramount, yet celebrated his dream—a dream now carried in Veneres's steady hands. The tide of emotion swept through the crowd, and Veneres strode through the cacophony, the limp body of Dante still held in his arms.
Vyn muttered beside Akash, "So that's his plan. He moves fast for someone in mourning."
Akash's eyes followed Veneres as he passed. Men knelt one by one, pledging their swords and oaths to the new Paramount. The sight left a bitter taste in Akash's mouth. Everything had shifted the moment Dante fell.
An entourage trailed behind Veneres, their movements calculated and precise. Of the four, Akash recognized only one—the Inquisitor, who leaned close to whisper into Veneres's ear. The others were strangers to him, their roles and allegiances veiled in mystery.
"Looks like the new Paramount is heading this way," Vyn whispered.
"Best to bow," Godric advised, his voice low.
But Akash didn't move. His feet stayed planted where they were, rooted in silent defiance.
Veneres approached, his expression unreadable as he stopped before Akash. "Akash," he said, his tone measured. "I'm glad to see you survived the battle. It would not do for the Angel of the Red Sands to fall while taking a keep. I've even heard whispers of you killing Rhaine the Lionhearted."
"I'm still breathing," Akash said gruffly. "That's all that matters." He offered nothing more, unwilling to speak of the noble warrior's death.
Veneres turned to Vyn, a faint smile playing at his lips. "I'll need you to summon the War Dancers and spread the word of my ascension."
Vyn tilted his head, feigning curiosity. "And what if I wanted to be the next Paramount?"
Veneres laughed, the sound light but pointed. "We both know that's not what you want. Your act as a fool is convincing, but I am not the same Paramount you served before."
Vyn tutted softly. "I haven't the faintest idea what you mean."
"Perhaps," Veneres said, his gaze sharpening. "Or perhaps you're simply lying."
Vyn grinned, shifting the conversation like a blade slipping through a seam. "Why not let the Angel of the Red Sands take the mantle of Paramount?"
Veneres's smile grew colder. "All that power to one man? I'm surprised, Vyn. You've never supported tyranny."
"Perhaps I've taken a liking to him," Vyn said with a shrug.
"Or perhaps you see in him what you're searching for yourself," Veneres countered smoothly.
Akash cut through their veiled jabs with a sharp tone. "Enough. I don't want to lead the Dauntless Company." He pointed at Vyn, then turned to Veneres, his voice firm. "And stop with the flowery words. If you want to talk to me, do it plainly—or don't talk at all."
One of Veneres's entourage, a man dressed in fine silver-trimmed clothing, bristled. His pudgy face flushed as he spoke up. "You dare speak to the Paramount in such a way?"
Akash's eyes bore into the man. The silver-lined robes, resin-studded rings, and hazel eyes of his accuser meant little to someone who had faced karnen and worse. Compared to the horrors Akash had fought, this man was nothing.
"I dare because I hold a title equal to his," Akash said evenly.
The man opened his mouth to retort, but Veneres silenced him with a raised hand. "There will be no fighting," Veneres said, his tone calm but commanding. "He's right, after all. We were both wards of the Vice-Paramount and Paramount. It would dishonor their dreams to spit on them now."
Akash's brows furrowed. "What do you mean, were?"
Veneres hesitated, and for the first time, his composed mask cracked. "You haven't heard?" he asked quietly. "Jassin has been declared dead. It would not reflect well on their memory if their wards were seen at odds."
Akash felt the air leave his lungs. "What?" he muttered, the word barely audible.
"He seems deaf as well, my lord," quipped another of Veneres's followers, a Sorcerer draped in luxurious resin-lined garments.
Akash's glare shifted to the man. "The more Sorcerers I meet, the worse my opinion of them becomes."
The Sorcerer began to retort, but Veneres cut him off sharply. "Enough, Sa'd." The man fell silent.
Veneres leaned in close, his voice a private whisper meant only for Akash. "I think you're a brash, foolish child who runs headlong into danger for the thrill of it. Power was thrust upon you, not earned. They call you an Angel, but all I see is a joke."
Akash met his gaze without flinching. "The feeling is mutual," he bit out.
Veneres straightened, his composure restored. "The Ukari follow you," he said smoothly. "I have need of walking fortresses. Let us come to an agreement—for the people of Reem."
Akash's eyes narrowed. "State your terms."
Veneres gestured to one of his entourage, a man wearing a silver chain and carrying a small dagger. "This Contractor is gifted by the God King of Reem. A bit of blood is all he needs to seal the contract."
"The terms," Akash repeated, his tone sharp.
"Simple," Veneres replied. "You and the Ukari will clear the Bridge in the name of Reem and its citizens. Once it's done, you'll be free of any further obligations."
Akash crossed his arms. "And what do I gain from this contract?"
"Information," Veneres said smoothly.
Akash scoffed. "Risking my life for scraps of knowledge? I'm not Mirak."
Veneres's serene mask slipped, revealing a flash of irritation. "Then perhaps he's wiser than you." He exhaled sharply and stepped back, his tone cooling. "But perhaps something more tangible would sway you. Your 'guest' hasn't been very forthcoming about what he knows, has he?"
Akash froze, his mind racing. "Guest?"
Veneres tapped the side of his head with a knowing smile. "We both know who I mean."
Akash's composure cracked. "What? Nak—"
"Ah, ah," Veneres interrupted, his grin widening. "Now that would be giving away information. Shall we call it a deal?"
Akash scowled, recognizing the strings that had been pulling him all along. "Fine. I'll take the contract."
The Contractor stepped forward, pricking Akash's hand with the ornate dagger and collecting his blood in a vial. Veneres followed suit.
Once the ritual was complete, Veneres smiled faintly. "I look forward to working with the Ukari and the Angel of the Red Sands."
Before leaving, Veneres paused, as if recalling something. "Oh, and a meeting will begin soon with the Sovrans and their Vice-Sovrans. There's much work to be done before we take the Bridge. The Hopekiller and his Lieutenants will be the first of many obstacles."
Vyn watched him go, his expression unreadable. "Well, it seems we're both in the same sinking ship now. I hope it was worth it."
Akash sighed heavily. "Veneres wasn't wrong, much as I hate to admit it. Jassin followed Dante's dream. I'll see it completed."
Vyn's gaze softened. "Veneres talks plenty, but he doesn't know everything. Jassin's dream was different. Simpler."
"Revenge," Akash said. "He never said who it was for, but I always assumed it was the Hopekiller."
Vyn shrugged. "He never told me. But it wasn't the Hopekiller."
As Veneres's group disappeared from view, Akash's thoughts drifted back to Jassin's death. What would his master have done? A faint chuckle escaped him. That grim bastard would curse him for wasting time mourning.
"I'm heading back to prepare for the meeting," Vyn said.
"That would be wise. You should follow his advice, Oathsworn," Godric added.
Akash nodded but lingered behind. He breathed deeply, letting his mind settle. His hand rested on Elys's fur, the creature a steady presence at his side.
"Thank you, my friend," Akash murmured. Then, with sudden resolve, he said, "I'm going to the Spire."