Lucian stepped out of the jet, his legs wobbly but functional. He turned back to look at the craft that had carried him here. The Umbral Raptor loomed behind him, sleek and menacing, its black, angular frame pulsing faintly with glowing purple energy. It resembled a predator from some dark nightmare, poised to strike fear into anything in its path.
"Fancy ride," he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his still-damp hair. "Would've been cooler if it had a minibar."
"Focus," Amelia's sharp voice cut through his thoughts as she strode ahead, her black uniform pristine even after the journey. The soldiers and personnel in the hangar straightened as she passed, some bowing their heads slightly in respect.
"Welcome back, Ironmaiden," one soldier said, saluting.
Lucian tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. Ironmaiden? They call her that here? Of course they do. Fits her perfectly.
Amelia gave the soldier a curt nod but didn't break her stride. Lucian followed, his eyes darting around the massive hangar. Rows of other jets lined the cavernous space, their matte black surfaces shimmering faintly under the pulsing lights. Hoverboards zipped through the air, carrying crates and personnel from one end of the hangar to the other. Some soldiers stood at attention, their faces hidden behind sleek, futuristic helmets, while others worked at glowing consoles.
"This place is insane," Lucian said, his voice filled with awe. "It's like I walked into a sci-fi movie. All you're missing is—wait, no, you've got hoverboards. Never mind."
Amelia glanced at him, her lips twitching into the faintest smirk. "Try not to embarrass yourself, thief. This is just the hangar."
Lucian matched her pace, his grin unfazed. "If this is the hangar, I'm terrified to see what the bathroom looks like. Is it all lasers and holograms?"
"Keep talking, and I'll arrange for you to test the waste disposal system firsthand."
He chuckled, his nerves masked by humor. As they passed a group of masked soldiers, they snapped to attention, their glowing visors following Amelia's every move. Lucian couldn't help but notice the hushed respect that followed her wherever she went.
"You're a big deal here," he remarked, glancing at her. "They all call you Ironmaiden. What's the story behind that? Big, scary name for a big, scary lady?"
Amelia didn't answer immediately. Instead, she stopped at a door at the far end of the hangar. It slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a sleek corridor lined with glowing runes and illuminated panels. She stepped inside, motioning for Lucian to follow.
"It's not a name I chose," she said finally, her tone even. "It's a title I earned."
Lucian tilted his head. "Earned how?"
"By doing what was necessary," she replied, her voice cold. "Something you might learn if you survive long enough."
Lucian whistled low, his grin never fading. "Cryptic. I like it."
The corridor stretched before them, its polished black floors reflecting the pulsing purple lights embedded in the walls. On either side stood masked members of the Night Order, their visors glowing faintly as they stood at attention. Lucian's gaze darted from one soldier to the next, their silent, imposing presence unnerving despite his best efforts to play it cool.
"They always this chatty?" he asked, nodding toward the soldiers.
"They don't speak unless spoken to," Amelia replied curtly. "And they're trained to eliminate threats without hesitation."
Lucian raised his hands in mock surrender. "Noted. I'll keep the jokes to a minimum."
As they walked, Lucian's attention shifted to the occasional figures darting by on hoverboards or working at futuristic consoles embedded in the walls. One individual was adjusting a floating orb that emitted faint blue sparks, while another was gesturing at a holographic map projected mid-air.
"This is ridiculous," Lucian muttered, half to himself. "How does something like this even exist?"
"This," Amelia said without looking at him, "is the Shadow Citadel. My lady's domain."
Lucian snorted softly. "Shadow Citadel. Of course. Sounds like something out of a comic book. Next, you'll tell me there's a secret lair with a throne."
Amelia stopped at a circular chamber, her hand resting on a pedestal at its center. The chamber's walls were lined with intricate runes that glowed faintly, and the floor beneath them was polished black stone. Lucian's curiosity was piqued as the pedestal lit up, a smooth, synthetic voice emanating from it.
"Destination required," the voice said, calm and even.
"Throne room," Amelia commanded. The pedestal glowed brighter, and the runes on the walls pulsed in response.
The floor beneath them shuddered softly, and Lucian realized the entire chamber was moving. The walls began to shift, revealing glimpses of the base's interior as the lift ascended. Vast halls stretched out before him, filled with soldiers in formation, laboratories glowing with strange energy, and massive machines that hummed with power.
Lucian pressed his hands against the transparent section of the wall, his eyes wide. "This just keeps getting better. Do you guys have a gift shop? I could use a souvenir."
Amelia glanced at him with mild exasperation. "Focus, thief. You're about to meet my lady."
Lucian turned, leaning casually against the wall. "So, what's she like? Another scary dagger-wielding badass like you? Or is she more of the 'mysterious, brooding overlord' type?"
Amelia's lips twitched. "You'll see soon enough."
As the lift slowed to a stop, Lucian straightened, his heart pounding with anticipation. Whatever awaited him in this throne room, one thing was certain—it was going to change everything.