The air around the Sanctuary of Elyndra, once a grand cathedral dedicated to the Goddess of Renewal, felt heavy with abandonment. Cracked pillars stretched toward a sagging roof, and faded murals of life, growth, and prosperity were now overshadowed by patches of mold and grime. The pews were splintered, their wooden frames warped from neglect, and the altar at the far end of the church was covered in dust, its sacred carvings almost obscured.
The Vengeful One stepped through the arched doorway, her boots clicking against the cracked stone floor. Her crimson eyes swept the ruined interior with faint distaste. Once, this place would have been a hub of faith and hope, a sanctuary for those seeking divine guidance. Now, it stood as a monument to the world's decay, a reflection of the very kingdom she sought to rebuild.
She approached the altar, her black cloak trailing behind her like a living shadow. Her onyx horns gleamed faintly in the dim light filtering through the broken stained glass, the once-colorful depictions of Elyndra now distorted and fragmented.
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she stood before the altar, her gaze settling on the worn sigil of the goddess etched into the stone. Elyndra, the Goddess of Renewal and once the beacon of hope for the people of this dying world. A goddess whose followers had dwindled to near extinction as the world grew darker and despair took hold.
She exhaled softly, her voice cutting through the silence. "Elyndra. If you are still watching this broken world, I imagine this is where you'd show yourself. Let's see if faith can still stir you."
Folding her hands before her, she bowed her head—not in reverence, but in calculated mimicry of those who had once prayed here. The Vengeful One was no stranger to divine encounters, having spoken with Celestia herself, but this was different. She needed to understand what lingered here, if anything.
For a long moment, nothing happened. The silence stretched, broken only by the faint creak of the old wooden beams overhead. She opened her eyes, the faintest hint of irritation flickering across her face.
Then, a soft, radiant light began to emanate from the altar. The air grew warmer, tinged with the faint scent of blooming flowers, and the sigil of Elyndra pulsed faintly, as though drawing in energy from the room itself. The light coalesced into the figure of a woman—glowing, ethereal, and beautiful beyond words.
Elyndra stood before her, her presence gentle yet commanding. Her hair cascaded like silver moonlight, her eyes a piercing green that seemed to see through everything. She was clad in flowing robes of pale gold and white, the patterns on the fabric shimmering like sunlight on water.
"You," Elyndra said softly, her voice melodic yet tinged with caution. "You are not one of my faithful. Why do you stand before me, in a place once dedicated to renewal and hope?"
The Vengeful One straightened, her crimson eyes meeting the goddess's gaze without flinching. "Faith has little to do with my presence. This town—your town—rests under my dominion. I came to understand what remains here. If you're here, you'll answer my questions."
Elyndra frowned slightly, her radiant form flickering faintly as she took in the ruined state of the church. "This place was once a sanctuary. A haven for those in need. Now, it is a shadow of what it was. A reflection of the world beyond. And you… you carry the stench of conquest. What is it you intend for this place?"
The Vengeful One smirked faintly at the goddess's wariness. "Renewal, ironically enough. I don't intend to let this town rot any further. Its people will either rise to meet my expectations, or they'll be replaced with those who can."
The goddess's green eyes narrowed, though her voice remained calm. "Do you seek to save it, or merely reshape it into something unrecognizable? The people here cling to what little they have left. They need guidance, not destruction."
"Destruction is the only thing that leads to progress," The Vengeful One replied, her tone sharp. "What they cling to is failure. I will break them of that. If you cared so deeply for this place, perhaps you shouldn't have allowed it to fall into ruin."
Before Elyndra could respond, a familiar hum filled The Vengeful One's mind. Great Sage's calm voice spoke directly to her thoughts.
"Celestia wishes to speak. Preparing connection."
The soft glow surrounding Elyndra dimmed slightly as a new presence filled the room, one so overwhelming that the goddess herself faltered for a moment. The light around the altar brightened again, taking on a golden hue as the voice of Celestia rang out, serene and powerful.
"Elyndra, my dear sister, your purpose is not yet lost, nor is this world beyond redemption. The Vengeful One serves my will, as you once did. Aid her, for her path is one of salvation, though it may seem cruel. Together, you may achieve what we could not alone."
Elyndra's green eyes widened, her wary expression softening into something warmer, almost hopeful. "Celestia… it has been so long since I've felt your presence. I had thought—"
"You thought wrong, dear sister," Celestia interjected gently. "This world may yet be saved. Trust in The Vengeful One, for she carries the strength to do what you could not. Guide her as you once guided me. Let her reshape this place into something worthy."
The Vengeful One watched silently, her lips curving into the faintest of smiles as she observed the goddess's demeanor shift. Elyndra's wariness melted away, replaced by a glimmer of hope that seemed to breathe life back into her form.
"Then it shall be so," Elyndra said, her voice steadier now. She turned her gaze back to The Vengeful One, a faint smile on her lips. "If you serve my sister, then I shall aid you. Let us see if renewal can grow from the ashes of destruction."
The Vengeful One inclined her head slightly, her smirk widening. "A wise choice. Welcome back to the fight, Elyndra. Try not to disappoint." Her crimson eyes narrowed slightly, her calculating mind shifting gears from dominance to inquiry. She clasped her hands behind her back, her black cloak swaying slightly as she spoke again, her tone softening, though still laced with authority.
"Now then," she said, her voice smooth, almost polite, as she gestured faintly to the dilapidated church around them. "You've agreed to aid me, but before we move forward, there's something I want to understand. What happened here, Elyndra? Why is this place, once dedicated to you, nothing more than a forgotten ruin? And where are your followers? Why is this city so empty of faith?"
Elyndra's radiant form flickered faintly as her expression turned somber. She stepped closer to the altar, her glowing hand brushing against the faded carvings of her sigil. "It was not always this way," she began, her melodic voice tinged with sorrow. "Brightshade was once a beacon of hope and prosperity, a city where my light shone brightly. My followers tended to this sanctuary, and the people looked to me for guidance. But the world… it began to change."
The Vengeful One raised a brow, her interest piqued. "Change? Elaborate. What tore this place apart?"
Elyndra turned to face her, her piercing green eyes meeting the queen's crimson gaze. "The darkness. It crept into the world slowly at first, like a shadow at dusk. People began to lose faith—not just in me, but in themselves, in each other. Crops failed, the seasons grew harsh, and despair took root. They abandoned their prayers, turning instead to greed and desperation. The sanctuary became empty as the city fell into ruin. My light faded because their belief in it did."
The Vengeful One's lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze flicking briefly to the cracked pillars and the broken pews. "So, your strength was tied to their faith. And when they turned their backs on you, you turned your back on them. Convenient."
Elyndra's glow dimmed slightly, her expression pained. "It was not by choice. The connection between a goddess and her followers is mutual. Without their devotion, I could not act. I watched, powerless, as the city fell further into despair. I longed to save them, but my voice went unheard, my presence unfelt. It was agony, to witness such suffering and be unable to intervene."
The Vengeful One studied the goddess carefully, her smirk fading into something resembling contemplation. "And now? Your voice has been heard. Your presence felt. But your followers are gone. This city is mine now. What would you have me do with it, Elyndra? Do you expect me to build it back up in your name? To restore it to its former glory?"
Elyndra stepped closer, her light growing brighter as she spoke with quiet conviction. "I expect nothing, but I hope for much. Brightshade still holds the potential for renewal, even in its darkest hour. If you are truly a servant of Celestia, then you understand the balance between destruction and rebirth. This city can be a symbol of that rebirth, not just for its people but for the world. I ask only that you give it a chance."
The Vengeful One chuckled softly, her smirk returning as she crossed her arms. "You assume a great deal about me, Elyndra. I'm not here to be a savior. I'll restore this city, yes, but it will be under my terms, my rule. Renewal, rebirth—call it what you like. Brightshade will rise, but it will rise as a testament to my strength, not as a relic of your forgotten faith."
Elyndra inclined her head slightly, a faint smile gracing her ethereal features. "Your strength is undeniable, as is your resolve. Perhaps that is what this city needs—a queen who will not falter in the face of adversity. If you can bring Brightshade back to life, then you will have my gratitude, even if it is not in my name."
The Vengeful One regarded the goddess for a long moment, her crimson eyes glinting with curiosity. "You're surprisingly pragmatic for a deity. Perhaps that's why your light hasn't completely faded. But tell me this, Elyndra—if you had the chance, would you return to your former glory? Or are you content to linger here, a shadow of what you once were?"
Elyndra's smile faded, her expression turning wistful. "Glory is not what I seek. Renewal is my purpose, not just for this city but for myself as well. If I can aid in its restoration, even in some small way, then I will have fulfilled that purpose."
The Vengeful One's smirk deepened, a faint chuckle escaping her lips. "Careful, Elyndra. You're starting to sound like someone worth keeping around. Let's see if you can live up to that."
With that, she turned sharply, her black cloak swirling around her as she strode toward the church's entrance. Elyndra watched her go, the faint glow of hope returning to her radiant form.
As The Vengeful One strode out of the crumbling sanctuary of Elyndra, the dim light of the city barely illuminating the path ahead, a familiar hum resonated in her mind. The glow of Great Sage materialized faintly in her peripheral vision, its calm voice breaking the silence of her thoughts.
"My Lady, I bring new information. Following your encounter with Elyndra, two blessings have been granted to you, directly aligned with her domains of Renewal and Rebirth. They are unlike anything you have wielded before."
Her crimson eyes narrowed slightly, her lips curving into a faint, intrigued smirk. "Interesting. Tell me, Sage. What gifts have I been bestowed?"
"The first skill is called Merciful Renewal. This ability grants you the power to revive the dead under specific conditions: the soul of the deceased must give consent to return to the living. Their decision will depend on whether they have unresolved regrets or a strong desire to complete unfinished business. Upon revival, they may live out their days naturally but can die only one more time before their soul reenters the cycle of rebirth, free from worldly ties."
Her smirk widened as her sharp mind processed the implications. "Consent, regrets, and a final chance at life. A benevolent tool, deceptively simple. The perfect bait for those who can't let go. And the second?"
Great Sage's voice grew darker, carrying a faint weight of warning. "The second skill is called Eternal Voidbinding. This ability forces a soul back into the living world without consent. The revived individual will continue to exist indefinitely, as their soul is severed from the natural cycle of rebirth. Should they die again, their essence is cast into the void, ceasing to exist entirely. They can never rest, their soul forever denied peace."
Her steps slowed as she considered this, the chilling weight of the second skill settling in her mind. "A cruel counterpart. Revival without consent, and they're trapped in an endless torment of existence. A punishment, then… or perhaps a weapon. Tell me, Sage. Are there limits?"
"Both abilities are highly dependent on the state of the soul. For Merciful Renewal, the soul must be willing and capable of returning. For Eternal Voidbinding, the soul must still exist within the natural flow of time and space. Once these conditions are met, there are no additional constraints beyond your discretion."
The Vengeful One chuckled softly, the sound low and menacing. "A pair of blessings, perfectly in line with their source. Renewal for those who seek it, and an eternity of regret for those who oppose me. Fitting, don't you think?"
"Indeed, my Lady. Both abilities are tools, their use dependent entirely on your will. Their potential is vast, particularly in reinforcing your dominion and reshaping the broken world."
She came to a stop, her gaze drifting toward the distant skyline of Brightshade, her crimson eyes glinting in the faint light. The ruined city still lay before her, a testament to neglect and despair. But now, with these blessings, she held not just the power to rebuild but the power to control life and death itself.
"Tools indeed, Sage. Tell me, does Elyndra realize how easily her gifts can be twisted?"
"Uncertain, my Lady. But the Goddess likely granted them knowing full well your intentions. She has chosen to trust you, as has Celestia."
Her smirk turned wicked, her dark aura swirling faintly around her. "Trust… a fragile thing. No matter. Let the world see what renewal and rebirth look like under my reign. With these blessings, even death won't escape my control."
She resumed her walk, her boots clicking sharply against the stone as Great Sage faded back into silence. In her mind, the names of her new abilities echoed, each one a testament to her growing dominion over the world: Merciful Renewal and Eternal Voidbinding.
The grand throne room was quiet save for the faint scratching of quills and the occasional shuffle of parchment. The Vengeful One sat upon her blackened throne, her posture regal yet relaxed. The dim light streaming through the high stained-glass windows caught the gleam of her polished armor, her dark aura faint but ever-present. Her crimson eyes flicked over the reports laid before her, detailing the progress of rebuilding efforts and troop movements. The steady rhythm of her pen tapping against the throne's armrest was the only indication of her impatience.
The heavy doors creaked open, the echo breaking the stillness. She didn't bother looking up as Kethan entered, his movements careful and deliberate. The sound of his boots against the stone floor grew softer as he approached, coming to a stop several paces from her throne. He bowed low, his voice hesitant but measured.
"My Lady, I hope I'm not intruding. I come with a request."
"Speak, Kethan," she replied, her tone calm but carrying an edge that demanded efficiency.
He straightened slightly, though his gaze remained respectfully low. "I've been scouting locations for our… endeavors. The old Mythril Mines, long abandoned, seem like an ideal base of operations for Hades. They're secluded, defensible, and discreet. But I wished to seek your approval before making any decisions."
Her crimson eyes flicked up from the reports, fixing him with a sharp, unreadable gaze. She studied him for a moment, letting the silence stretch just long enough to see the faint flicker of discomfort cross his face.
Then, with a dismissive wave of her hand, she said, "Do as you see fit, Kethan. The operations of Hades are yours to manage. I care only for results—intelligence, illegal dealings, anything that can bolster my rule. Beyond that, your choices are your own."
"Thank you, my Lady." He bowed again, but there was a faint tension in his shoulders, a hesitation she didn't miss.
As he turned to leave, Great Sage's voice hummed softly in her mind, its tone calm and clinical.
"Observation: Subject Kethan demonstrates a psychological inclination toward domination. Current deference suggests submissive tendencies, potentially influenced by authority figures. Recommendation: Employ physical or verbal assertiveness to maximize loyalty and compliance. Flattery is suboptimal."
Her lips curled into a dark grin, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as she considered Great Sage's insight. "Interesting, Sage. Let's test your theory."
"Kethan, wait." Her voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding, freezing him in his tracks. He turned back, his expression uncertain as he bowed his head.
"Yes, my Lady?"
She leaned forward slightly on her throne, her eyes locking onto his. Her tone shifted, laced with a darker, more mocking edge. "Kneel. On all fours."
His eyes widened briefly, but he quickly masked his surprise, his movements stiff as he obeyed, lowering himself to the cold stone floor. "Of course, my Lady."
Rising gracefully from her throne, she descended the steps toward him, her heels clicking with deliberate precision. As she reached him, she slid her foot from one of her elegant heels, her bare sole brushing against the cool stone. Without warning, she placed her foot firmly on his hand, her weight pressing down just enough to keep him pinned.
She tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "Tell me, Kethan, how does it feel to be stepped on by your queen? Humiliating, isn't it? To grovel on the floor like a worm, to have your hands beneath my feet."
Kethan's breath hitched, his face flushed as he struggled to maintain his composure. "My… my Lady, I—"
"Speak clearly, Kethan," she interrupted, her tone mocking as she applied a touch more pressure. "Or has your tongue gone weak with embarrassment? Such a shame, isn't it? To be so reduced, and yet… your body seems to think otherwise."
His reaction was unmistakable—a faint tremor in his shoulders, a flush spreading across his cheeks and neck. Despite his protests, his body betrayed him, responding in ways he couldn't hide. The Vengeful One's dark grin widened as she tilted her foot slightly, the arch brushing against his skin.
"Ah, there it is. I thought as much, but even I'm surprised by just how predictable you are." Her voice dripped with mock sympathy. "Do you find this pleasing, Kethan? Does the thought of your queen dominating you excite you? It seems it does. How very… amusing."
Kethan's voice cracked as he stammered, "My Lady, I would never—"
"Oh, but you are, Kethan," she purred, her tone almost teasing now. "Your body doesn't lie, even if you do. But don't worry. I'll allow this little indulgence—for now. You've earned it, after all. But don't forget your place. You're mine, Kethan. Hades exists because I allow it. Your life continues because I will it. Don't mistake this moment for mercy. It's merely another leash."
She lifted her foot from his hand, slipping it back into her heel with practiced ease. "Now, rise. You have work to do, and I have no time for distractions. Remember your role, Kethan. Serve me well, and you may yet find your rewards… even in humiliation."
He scrambled to his feet, his face flushed and his breaths uneven. Bowing deeply, he managed to choke out, "Thank you, my Lady. I will not disappoint you."
"See that you don't," she replied, her dark grin fading as she returned to her throne, already dismissing him from her mind. Great Sage chimed in once more as Kethan hurriedly left the room, its voice calm and precise.
"Observation confirmed. Subject's compliance has increased by 36%. Domination approach effective."
She chuckled softly, her eyes returning to the reports before her. "You were right, Sage. Perhaps I should keep this one around after all."