Tarnishing

"Is that the ruler of this land?" asked Ai as she stared at the giant screen that appeared above the Copper District. The two were standing in the street on their way toward one of Layla's acquaintances.

"He is," said Layla with a frown while cloaking her face. "It seems my brother's promotion was scheduled for today, but he is executing Gray?"

"Isn't he the man that Advisor Kain mentioned?" asked Ai, but Layla stared at the screen quietly. The emperor has just announced that Lyle would need to execute Gray for his promotion. Would he go as far as killing his friend?

The screen changed to reveal Lyle, who was wearing his armor. His face was cold as he took the blade of light from the emperor, allowing his body to radiate. He stared at the sword before raising it, letting the light sear the torches around them.