The City of Ashes

The wind blew hard, sweeping dust from the road in front of Valerian. He advanced with determined steps, leaving behind the library of the Sisters of Shadow. The mountain still loomed in the distance, imposing, but Valerian could already feel the call of the world beyond, the lands he had never explored.

After days of walking, a silhouette finally appeared on the horizon: a large city surrounded by black stone walls, rising on the edge of a shimmering river. Its dark slate roofs and silver towers spoke of its former wealth and grandeur. The city of **Theranos**, a hub of commerce, politics, and, according to rumors, conspiracy.

"Finally," Valerian murmured, surveying the vast expanse before him. He was ready to begin a new phase of his journey. In this city, he would surely find answers… and opportunities.

As he approached the massive gates of the city, Valerian noticed something was amiss. The guards stood watch as usual, but their gazes were tense, their hands nervously resting on the hilts of their swords. A palpable tension hung in the air.

"Halt!" shouted one of the soldiers as Valerian approached. "What business do you have here, stranger?"

Valerian stopped a few meters from the group. "I am a traveler seeking knowledge," he replied calmly. "I'm looking for shelter for the night."

The guards exchanged glances, visibly wary. "The city is under strict surveillance. You won't enter without inspection."

Valerian nodded, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers. One wore a golden insignia on his chest—a lion's head adorned with a crown. This meant these men served directly under Duke **Calderon**, the city's ruler.

"I understand," Valerian replied, raising his arms to allow an inspection. He had long since learned to avoid unnecessary conflict, especially in tense situations.

One of the soldiers stepped forward and gave Valerian a brief search. Finding nothing suspicious, he merely stared at him for a moment before shrugging. "He's clean. You can enter, but be careful. We don't need outsiders causing trouble."

Valerian didn't respond, only giving a slight nod before stepping onto the wide cobblestone streets of Theranos. He had no intention of causing trouble. However, he could already sense that trouble was brewing around him.

---

The streets of Theranos were bustling, but the atmosphere remained oddly tense. Market stalls lined the main streets, selling goods from distant lands: colorful fabrics, rare spices, ancient artifacts. Yet the townsfolk whispered among themselves, casting furtive glances toward the guards posted at every corner.

Valerian observed in silence, his mind absorbing every detail. He knew something was stirring here, something far darker than he had anticipated. His thoughts were interrupted by a piercing scream from a nearby alley.

"Help!"

Without hesitation, Valerian dashed toward the sound. He quickly rounded a corner and saw a scene of chaos. A pale-faced man, dressed in richly adorned tunic, was surrounded by a group of masked assailants. They wore dark cloaks, and their eyes gleamed with a malicious light.

Valerian immediately noticed the black aura emanating from the attackers—a dark energy he knew well. It was forbidden magic, the kind of power the Sisters of Shadow studied to defend against.

Without further thought, he uttered an incantation, calling forth the surrounding shadows. The ground beneath the attackers trembled as shadowy tendrils wrapped around their legs, immobilizing them.

One of the attackers tried to free himself, brandishing a magical blade that shimmered with dark energy, but Valerian was quicker. He extended his hand, and a surge of power shot from his fingers, striking the man square in the chest. The assailant collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

The others retreated, frightened by Valerian's display of power. "Who are you?" one of them hissed, his eyes gleaming with malice behind his mask.

"Someone who won't let you destroy this city," he replied coldly.

Seeing the tide of the battle turn against them, the attackers fled, vanishing into the dark alleys of Theranos. Valerian watched them go, mentally noting that they were no ordinary bandits. These men were tied to something far more dangerous.

The man he had saved caught his breath, his eyes still wide with fear. "Thank you… thank you so much," he stammered, leaning against a wall.

Valerian approached him. "Who were they, and why were they attacking you?"

The man wiped the sweat from his brow, his gaze filled with anxiety. "They're part of a secret organization… the *Ashen Crows*. They're working to overthrow Duke Calderon, and… and they have plans to destroy the city."

Valerian's heart tightened. He knew that name. The *Ashen Crows* were a faction the Sisters of Shadow considered extremely dangerous, fanatics willing to do anything to seize power. Their method? Sowing chaos through the use of forbidden magical forces.

"What exactly are they planning?" Valerian asked, his tone more urgent.

The man, introducing himself as **Ezren**, a counselor to the duke, explained, "They've infiltrated the highest ranks of the city. The duke himself is under surveillance, but I fear they plan to strike soon. An attack… a massive explosion near the central square. If we don't act quickly, thousands will die."

Valerian felt the urgency in his words. "How much time do we have?"

"Not more than two days," Ezren replied, his face pale.

Valerian thought quickly. He had to act, but he also knew that to counter an organization of this magnitude, he would need more than just magical abilities. He would need the help of influential people and local resources.

"I'll help you," he said calmly. "But we must go to the palace immediately. The duke must be informed of what we know."

Ezren nodded gratefully. "Follow me. We need to move quickly through the city."

---

The road to the palace was marked by a series of strange interactions. Along the way, Valerian encountered unknown faces that seemed to watch him from the corner of their eyes. Some were likely spies for the *Ashen Crows*. Their presence weighed heavily on the city. The control they exerted was becoming more and more evident as they approached the palace.

Once inside the castle's massive walls, Valerian felt the tension reach a new peak. Guards stood in every corridor, all bearing the same golden insignias as those at the city gate. Duke Calderon, a man with graying hair and a face etched with years of power, welcomed them in his throne room.

"Who are you?" the duke asked in a strong voice, his piercing gaze fixed on Valerian. "And why does my counselor seem so terrified?"

Valerian bowed respectfully. "My name is Valerian. I am here to warn you that your city is in great danger."

Ezren stepped forward and laid out everything he knew, detailing the *Ashen Crows'* plans to blow up the central square. The duke listened in silence, his expression hardening as the information mounted.

"The Ashen Crows," the duke murmured, rising slowly. "They think they can overthrow me with their power games? They are mistaken."

He turned to Valerian. "You have shown bravery in saving my counselor. Now, I will need you to help save this city."

Valerian nodded. "What do you want me to do?"

"We must strike swiftly and decisively," Calderon replied. "Their leaders are hiding in the slums, east of the city. They think I'm not watching them, but they forget this city is my domain. You, Valerian, with your magical abilities, will be on the front line."

Valerian's expression hardened. He knew this fight would not be easy, but he was ready. If the city was to be saved, he wouldn't hesitate to stand against the shadows that threatened it.

---

Valerian could feel Duke Calderon's palpable tension, a man who had ruled over Theranos for decades, now watching his power threatened by shadows. Despite his resolute air, something in his gaze betrayed a deep-seated concern. The mention of the Ashen Crows had stirred an unease he was trying to mask with quick decisions and orders spoken in an authoritative tone.

"Commander Arthen," the duke called, snapping his fingers, "prepare the troops immediately. Double the patrols in the city and ensure the central square is fully secured. I want every alley under surveillance by nightfall."

The commander, a tall, robust man, nodded and quickly left. Valerian watched the scene carefully, weighing every word and gesture. The situation was becoming more complex by the minute, and he knew that, despite his abilities, he couldn't face this threat alone.

Ezren, still trembling slightly beside the throne, spoke again. "Your Grace, if I may… the Ashen Crows are not just simple dissidents. Their network is much larger than we had imagined. They have contacts outside the city, and I fear they're receiving… magical assistance."

The word "magical" echoed in the throne room like a distant but ever-present threat. The duke frowned. "Magical, you say? I thought we had already eradicated that plague from our city."

Valerian stepped forward, feeling compelled to intervene. "Your Grace, the magic he speaks of is ancient, far older than anything modern sorcerers could comprehend. The Ashen Crows are wielding a dark force, a power drawn from forbidden secrets of the past. I've seen this power at work. If we don't stop them, they can turn Theranos into ashes—literally."

The duke turned to him, his expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "And who are you to speak of these forces with such certainty, stranger?"

Valerian locked eyes

 with him, knowing that the truth could be his only asset here. "I am a man who has traveled far and witnessed horrors few could endure. I've studied ancient grimoires, learned from masters who dwell in the shadows, all to face threats like those the Ashen Crows present today. I did not come to Theranos by chance. Something drew me here… a force that needed to be confronted."

The duke narrowed his eyes, weighing his words. "Very well, Valerian. If what you say is true, then I cannot afford to ignore you. If you are lying… know that my patience is limited."

Valerian bowed his head. "I will help you uncover the truth."

---

As preparations to defend the city began, Valerian took a moment to explore the bustling streets of Theranos. He needed to understand this city, its beating heart and hidden cracks, if he was to have any chance of saving it. Every alley was a maze of life, secrets, and danger.

The central market, though still lively, seemed enveloped by an aura of suspicion. Merchants bartered in whispers, their eyes scanning the passersby with mistrust. A simple exchange of goods took on the air of a conspiracy.

Valerian paused in front of a stall of rare herbs. The old woman behind the counter eyed him sharply, as if she could read into his soul. She reached for a small vial filled with shimmering liquid.

"You… you're searching for answers, aren't you?" she muttered, her voice as raspy as the dry leaves she sold.

Valerian didn't respond immediately, studying her wrinkled face. "I'm trying to understand what's devouring this city."

The old woman nodded, as if expecting that answer. "The shadows. They're here, beneath your feet, behind every corner. They whisper, they wait for their moment to consume everything. But you… you have something in you. A light that dances with these shadows."

He stared at her, perplexed. "Who are you?"

She gave a toothless smile. "Just an old woman who's seen too much. If you want my advice, young man, follow the shadows. They'll lead you where you need to go… even if it's not where you want to be."

Valerian thanked her, though her words were yet another mystery to unravel in this labyrinth of secrets. But he knew he couldn't afford to ignore such clues. The Ashen Crows would have to be confronted with their own shadows before they could envelop the entire city.

---

As dusk approached, Valerian found himself in front of a tavern frequented by travelers and mercenaries. He entered the noisy establishment, seeking to gather more concrete information. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and smoky, and the animated conversations were punctuated by boisterous laughter.

He sat at a table, discreetly listening to the discussions around him. This place was a true crossroads of information. Mercenaries, traders, and disgraced nobles all crossed paths here, exchanging news from every corner of the kingdom.

A man approached him, a mysterious smile on his lips. "I couldn't help but notice that you seem new here. Are you looking for something specific?"

Valerian looked up. The man wore light, well-maintained armor, but he wasn't an ordinary soldier. "I'm trying to understand why this city is on edge."

The man laughed loudly. "It's clear you're not from around here. Theranos is always on edge. But if you really want to know more… you should ask about the Ashen Crows. Everyone fears them, but I… I know a few details that might interest you."

Valerian remained silent, but his eyes narrowed. This man knew more than he was letting on. "What do you know about the Crows?"

The man sat down at his table, leaning forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "They have powerful supporters. Not just among dissidents or bandits. No, they have allies within the palace itself. That's how they've managed to remain untouchable until now."

A chill ran through Valerian. Suspicions of treason inside the palace confirmed that this situation was far more complex than a mere conflict between the duke and a group of fanatics. Theranos was rotting from within.

The man continued. "If you really want to stop them, you'll have to strike at the root of the problem. And that root, my friend, is much closer than you think."

---

Night was falling over the city of Theranos, and Valerian sensed that time was running against him. The preparations for the Ashen Crows' attack continued in the shadows, and now he had to act with precision.

He rose from the table, casting a final glance at the mysterious man before leaving the tavern. The old woman's words still echoed in his mind: "Follow the shadows."

And that's exactly what he intended to do.

---

The night had settled in, casting Theranos in an atmosphere that was both calm and oppressive. The daily hustle of business and conversation had given way to murmurs and furtive shadows. Valerian moved through the streets like a specter, adrenaline coursing through his veins. Each step brought him closer to whatever was unfolding in the darkness.

The information from the man in the tavern had led him to a lesser-known part of the city, near the abandoned old port. Here, the silence was heavy, broken only by the lapping of the waves against the stone docks. It was a perfect place for those wishing to remain hidden, far from prying eyes.

Valerian stopped at the foot of a ruined warehouse. The place seemed abandoned, but his instincts told him something sinister was happening there. He made a gesture with his hand, murmuring an incantation under his breath. A thin black mist appeared, enveloping him and making him nearly invisible in the shadows.

He cautiously circled the building and spotted a flickering light inside, emanating from the gaps between the rotten boards. As he approached, he could make out voices, low but menacing. Valerian pressed his back against the wall and listened carefully.

"The duke suspects nothing," said a gravelly voice. "Everything will be in place by tomorrow. Once the central square explodes, he'll have no support left."

Another voice, colder, replied, "And the city's soldiers?"

"Don't worry," the first voice said. "Our allies inside will ensure their patrols are diverted. Everything will go as planned. Theranos will fall, and the Ashen Crows will take what's rightfully theirs."

Valerian clenched his fists. These men were clearly at the heart of the plot, but if they had allies within the palace, he knew a direct confrontation could trigger a chain reaction. He needed to play the stealth card.

Without wasting time, he searched for a hidden entrance at the back of the warehouse. An old gate seemed to lead to a cellar beneath the building. With a quick, skilled move, he broke the lock and entered the underground. The smell of dampness and mold immediately assaulted him, but he continued his descent into the darkness.

---

The shadows thickened around Valerian as he ventured deeper into the cellar. The flickering light from above barely reached here, casting eerie shapes on the crumbling walls. He moved silently, his senses heightened.

The cellar led to a vast underground chamber, illuminated by torches. Around ten men and women, clad in dark cloaks, stood around an altar where strange symbols were etched into the stone. Their faces were masked, but Valerian recognized the dark magic emanating from the altar. It was a ritual.

One of the individuals, evidently the leader, stood before the altar, hands raised in a prayer-like posture. "The night of the sacrifice approaches, and our power will grow. The energies we release will cleanse this city of its corrupters."

A murmur of approval swept through the group.

Valerian knew he couldn't allow this ritual to reach completion. If these dark energies were unleashed, they could destroy more than just the city; they might attract even more terrifying entities from the infernal planes. He had to act now.

Emerging from his hiding spot, he quickly chanted an ancient spell he had learned from the Sisters of the Shadow. The torch flames flickered and went out, plunging the room into total darkness.

"Who dares to disrupt our plans?" cried the leader, searching for the source of the disturbance.

Still hidden in the shadows, Valerian cast another spell. Chains of shadow sprang from the ground, wrapping around the acolytes' limbs, immobilizing them before they could react.

The leader barely freed himself and summoned a black blade, his face twisting in rage. "Show yourself, coward!"

Valerian stepped out of the shadows, his expression impassive. "You are playing with forces you do not understand. Abandon this ritual, or I will destroy you."

The man laughed, a cold, joyless laugh. "You are the one who does not understand, stranger. We are the scourge that will cleanse this city, and you are nothing before our power."

With a swift gesture, the leader sent a wave of dark energy toward Valerian, but the latter dodged it with supernatural agility. He retaliated by launching sharp shards of shadow at his opponent, who blocked them with his magical blade.

The battle intensified, with bursts of dark magic and shadows dancing in the air. Valerian quickly realized that this man was no mere fanatic; he wielded an advanced form of forbidden magic. Each exchanged blow seemed more powerful than the last, until the leader invoked a magic circle beneath his feet, a final attempt to channel the energy of the altar.

Valerian knew he couldn't let him succeed. He rushed forward, ignoring the bursts of magic striking his body, and plunged his hand into the magic circle. A jolt of pain shot through his arm, but he focused all his will on a destructive incantation.

The circle shattered under the force of his spell, and the accumulated energy exploded with a dull detonation, sending the leader crashing against a wall. The altar collapsed with a deafening crash, and the darkness dissipated.

The acolytes, paralyzed by the ritual's collapse, groaned in pain as Valerian watched them with a cold gaze. "It's over," he murmured.

But he knew it was only the beginning. The attack they had planned for the central square had not been completely stopped. Allies were still at large, and the duke was still in danger.

He couldn't stop now. If he truly wanted to save Theranos, he had to return to the palace and expose the truth.

---

Valerian, breathing heavily after the fight, cast one last glance at the ruins of the altar. The acolytes were still groaning, but the immediate threat seemed to have been averted. Yet a sense of urgency was growing inside him. He knew this was just a taste of what was brewing on a larger scale.

He wasted no time lingering. The real battle wouldn't take place in this cellar but in the heart of Theranos, where Duke Calderon was still unaware that a larger conspiracy was at play. Valerian not only had to thwart the Cinder Ravens' attack but also unmask their hidden allies within the palace itself.

With a swift motion, he gathered the surrounding energy, channeled it into a final paralysis spell, and sealed the acolytes in a dark energy field. They would no longer pose a threat for the time being. Straightening up, he rushed toward the exit, determined to reach the city before chaos descended upon it.

---

Twilight had fully fallen by the time Valerian reached the main streets of Theranos. The city seemed calm, but an underlying tension filled the air. The inhabitants, unaware of the impending danger, continued their usual activities, though some merchants were closing their stalls earlier than usual, casting nervous glances at the patrolling soldiers.

As he walked along the grand avenue leading to the ducal palace, Valerian noticed suspicious movements near the central square. Men in civilian clothes, but with military-like precision in their movements, too precise to go unnoticed. He slipped into an alley, observing them from a distance. These men were discreetly moving large crates, covered with dark tarps.

"Explosives..." Valerian murmured to himself. The Cinder Ravens had not abandoned their plan, despite the ritual's failure. If those crates contained what he thought, the attack was about to happen soon.

He had to act quickly.

---

Without wasting time, Valerian rushed to the palace. The heavy doors of the throne room were closed, but the guards, recognizing his face, allowed him to enter after a brief exchange.

Duke Calderon stood near the large window of the hall, his hands clasped behind his back, watching the last rays of the sun disappear over the horizon. His advisors and commanders were gathered around a table, quietly discussing security measures to take.

"Your Grace," said Valerian, entering with a determined step, "the Cinder Ravens are about to strike. Their ritual has failed, but they have another weapon: explosives planted in the city, probably in the central square."

The duke turned abruptly towards him, worry visible on his face. "How can you be certain?"

"I just neutralized a cell of their followers under the harbor. They are still planning an attack, and they have accomplices within your army, perhaps even here, in the palace."

A murmur of consternation spread among the advisors, but the duke remained silent, weighing every word Valerian spoke. Finally, he took a deep breath. "Commander Arthen, deploy additional patrols immediately to the central square. Search every corner, every building."

Arthen nodded and hurried out of the room, barking orders to his men.

The duke approached Valerian, his face hardening. "If what you say is true, then Theranos is about to descend into chaos."

Valerian met his gaze. "We must go further. The Ravens are only part of the threat. Someone within your inner circle is aiding them."

The duke clenched his jaw. "I fear that as well. But who, among my advisors, would dare betray the city?"

Before Valerian could respond, a messenger rushed into the room, his face pale. "Your Grace, suspicious movements have been spotted near the barracks. Armed men have been seen gathering."

"The Ravens are preparing an offensive alongside the attack," Valerian murmured. "They want to create a diversion to divide your forces."

The duke slammed his fist on the table, furious. "We will not let them. Valerian, you have proven your worth so far. I entrust you with a mission: root out those who, from within, are plotting against us. I want you to find the traitors."

---

The following minutes were a whirlwind of orders and preparations. As the duke's troops deployed into the streets to prevent the attack, Valerian discreetly left the palace, his mission clear in his mind. To thwart this conspiracy, he had to infiltrate the circles of power and discover who among the city's nobles and officers was betraying their oath.

He remembered the words of the mysterious man he had met earlier in the tavern: *"The root is closer than you think."* But how to reach that root without being noticed?

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw a familiar figure slip into a nearby alley. Ezren, the advisor who had nearly been killed earlier. Valerian began to follow him, his senses alert. Why would a ducal advisor sneak out of the palace while the city teetered on the edge of disaster?

Valerian stayed in the shadows, following Ezren at a distance. The man moved quickly, casting nervous glances around him. He finally stopped in front of a small dilapidated house, knocked three times on the door, and disappeared inside.

Valerian frowned. This house hardly seemed like the kind of place a respectable advisor would visit in the middle of the night. Carefully, he approached the side window and peeked inside.

To his surprise, he saw Ezren in deep conversation with two men dressed in black, one of them bearing the symbol of the Cinder Ravens. Valerian held his breath. *Ezren was the traitor.*

"Everything is ready for tomorrow," he heard Ezren say. "The explosives are in place, and the guards suspect nothing. The duke won't know what hit him."

One of the Ravens nodded. "We will have full control of the city once the chaos begins. The survivors will rally to our cause, and the corrupt nobles will fall."

Valerian clenched his fists. He had to act now, but he knew that a direct confrontation here could ruin any chance of stopping the attack. He first needed to warn the duke and ensure that the city's forces were ready to strike at the right moment.

He turned away, silently slipping into the night. His mission had just become even more dangerous, but he was now certain of one thing: he could no longer trust anyone.

Valerian moved away from the small dilapidated house, his mind racing. Ezren's betrayal added a new layer to the intrigue, but it also offered him an opportunity. If he played his cards right, he could not only

 neutralize the advisor but also turn the entire plan of the Cinder Ravens against them. The key lay in timing: acting at the right moment, when all the pieces were in place.

He quickly headed towards a small, discreet inn he had spotted earlier. The place, though isolated, was frequented by mercenaries and informants, individuals who didn't care about the affairs of nobles but were always ready to listen, provided they were paid well. He needed cover and allies.

Inside the inn, the air was thick with smoke and murmurs. The tables were occupied by men with closed expressions, cloaked in heavy capes that concealed their weapons and intentions. Valerian immediately spotted his man: a mercenary named Karrus, a veteran who had fought for various lords without ever committing to a particular cause. This was precisely the kind of person Valerian was looking for: a skilled man with no fixed allegiance.

"Karrus," Valerian murmured, sitting across from him and sliding a pouch of gold onto the table.

The man barely raised his eyes, but a slight smile appeared on his rough lips. "Valerian, I wondered when you'd come back to see me."

Valerian got straight to the point. "I need you and your men. There's a plot to overthrow the duke and destroy the city. The Cinder Ravens are behind it, and one of them is a palace advisor."

Karrus slowly nodded, his expression remaining impassive. "And why not just go warn the duke?"

Valerian clenched his jaw. "I will, but we need to act at the right moment. The traitor, Ezren, doesn't know I've discovered him. I want him to go through with his plan, but we must be ready to crush it before he strikes. If we move too soon, we risk losing the advantage."

The mercenary took the pouch and tucked it under his coat without a word. After a moment of reflection, he crossed his arms. "How many men?"

"Ten will suffice. Discreet, but ready to act when I send the signal."

Karrus nodded. "Consider it done."

Valerian stood, leaving a few extra gold pieces on the table for information. "I'll return at dawn. Be ready."

---

Back at the palace, Valerian was met by Commander Arthen, who seemed increasingly agitated. "The duke is expecting you," he said briskly, leading him quickly to a smaller room where Calderon and his advisors had gathered.

The duke, his features worn with fatigue and worry, straightened up as Valerian entered. "Do you have news?"

Valerian nodded. "I've found the traitor. It's Ezren. He's collaborating with the Cinder Ravens to plant explosives and organize a simultaneous attack on your barracks."

A murmur of shock swept through the room. The duke frowned. "Ezren? He's been by my side for years... How could this happen?"

"He played his part perfectly. I heard his conversation with the Ravens myself. He planned to launch the attack tomorrow, during the ceremony in the central square. They hope to create enough chaos for the city to fall under their control."

The duke drummed his fingers on the table, deep in thought. "We need to stop him immediately."

Valerian stepped forward. "Not yet. If you act now, they might trigger the explosives early, and the panic would cause even more casualties. Let me monitor their movements and strike at the last moment. I already have men ready to intervene. Once we have Ezren and his accomplices, we can neutralize the entire cell."

Calderon was silent for a moment, weighing his options. "Very well. But know that if this plan fails, I'll hold everyone accountable, including you, Valerian."

"I understand," Valerian replied, before retreating into the shadows.

---

The next day, the atmosphere in the city was unusually calm, like the stillness before a storm. Preparations for the ceremony were underway, but the people of Theranos seemed to feel the invisible tension hanging in the air.

Valerian stood on a rooftop, watching the central square. The Ravens were there, hidden among the crowd, waiting for Ezren's signal. Karrus and his men were already in position, ready to strike when Valerian gave the order.

His thoughts raced around the next steps. If Ezren managed to trigger the explosives, even partially, chaos would erupt. And in that chaos, it would become nearly impossible to distinguish allies from enemies.

Valerian narrowed his eyes when he saw Ezren, accompanied by two other men, discreetly approach one of the large crates hidden beneath the ceremony's decorations. The advisor glanced around, ensuring no one was watching, then made a hand gesture toward one of the Ravens. It was the signal.

*Time to act.*

Valerian brought his fingers to his mouth and emitted a sharp whistle, almost imperceptible amid the city's noise. It was the signal for Karrus and his mercenaries. In an instant, they moved, emerging from the shadows to neutralize the men around the explosives.

Ezren, realizing something was wrong, tried to flee, but Valerian was on him before he could take another step. "It's over," Valerian said coldly, grabbing Ezren by the collar.

The traitor struggled, his gaze furious and terrified. "You don't know what you're doing! The Cinder Ravens are just a part of a cause far greater than you. You will all burn in the flames!"

Valerian showed no mercy. He tightened his grip on Ezren and murmured, "Not today."

A final scream of rage escaped Ezren's lips before Valerian silenced him with a precise blow to the back of the head.

Ezren's limp body collapsed at Valerian's feet, and he let it fall without a shred of regret. Around him, Karrus and his mercenaries were finishing immobilizing the remaining Cinder Ravens. The crowd, unaware of the imminent danger until now, began to scatter in panic as the duke's patrols intervened to control the situation.

But Valerian knew this wasn't over. The Cinder Ravens might be neutralized for now, but their allies were still hidden, and their plans extended beyond a mere bombing. He straightened up, his gaze scanning the rooftops for any sign of an anomaly.

A cry pierced the air. At the top of one of the palace towers, a hooded figure made a sharp gesture, pointing a dark, glowing artifact toward the city. Valerian's breath caught: *a magical catalyst*.

"Karrus!" he shouted. "Gather your men and prepare for another wave of attacks!"

But it was too late. The artifact emitted a blinding light, projecting a wave of energy through the city. The windows of buildings shattered under the magical pressure, and an invisible shockwave spread, paralyzing guards and civilians alike. A sinister laugh echoed from the tower.

Valerian, with his heightened senses, felt the dark energy suffusing the air. He recognized this magic: it was an enslavement spell, a mental manipulation meant to subjugate the weak-willed to the sorcerer's control. The Cinder Ravens had another plan, more insidious than mere explosives: they intended to turn the population into an army of pawns devoted to their cause.

"Damn..." Valerian muttered, his eyes fixed on the artifact.

Without wasting a moment, he leaped toward the tower, using his supernatural speed. His boots struck the cobblestones, the alleyways blurring by him. Every second counted: if he didn't deactivate the catalyst quickly, the city would be lost.

---

At the top of the tower, the Ravens' sorcerer, a man with a masked face and eyes glowing with malevolent light, was deep in incantation, channeling the artifact's energy. Ancient runes floated around him, illuminating the air with a spectral glow.

Valerian bounded up the final steps, drawing his sword with calculated precision. Without hesitation, he charged the sorcerer.

Sensing Valerian's approach, the sorcerer turned, raising a hand to summon a magical shield. "You're too late, cursed hero! Theranos will fall, and the duke will be powerless against our new era!"

"Not as long as I'm alive," Valerian growled, striking the shield with a blow from his sword charged with raw magic.

The impact reverberated through the entire tower, creating a distortion in the air, but Valerian didn't relent. He felt the shield's resistance waver. Each strike he delivered sent dark energy vibrating around the sorcerer, creating cracks in his defenses.

The sorcerer stepped back, a flicker of worry in his eyes. "How dare you...?!" He fired a volley of magical projectiles at Valerian, but Valerian dodged with superhuman agility, before unleashing a powerful incantation.

"*Flamma Divina!*"

White flames burst from his sword, engulfing the tower in a blinding light. The sorcerer screamed as the sacred energy consumed his shield. The catalyst in his hands trembled, then exploded in a burst of dark sparks.

The enslavement magic dissipated instantly, freeing the inhabitants of Theranos from the Cinder Ravens' mental grip.

The sorcerer, gravely injured, staggered back, his eyes filled with hatred and despair. "You... you've only delayed the inevitable..."

Valerian advanced, his sword still ablaze. "Maybe. But for you, it ends here."

In a final act of defiance, the sorcerer tried to raise his hands to cast one last spell, but Valerian was quicker. With one clean stroke, he plunged his blade into the traitor's heart, ending his existence.

---

The sorcerer's body collapsed without a sound, as Valerian's sacred flames extinguished. A heavy silence fell over the tower, broken only by Valerian's uneven breathing. But he allowed himself no respite.

Theranos had just narrowly escaped catastrophe, but he knew other enemies were waiting in the shadows, ready to strike again.

Karrus soon joined him, accompanied by his mercenaries. "We've secured the square and retrieved the explosives. Everything's under control," he said, casting a glance at

 the sorcerer's body. "But something tells me this isn't over yet."

Valerian nodded. "The Ravens are just part of a larger network. If we don't uncover the entirety of this organization, they'll come back, stronger than before."

Karrus, ever pragmatic, rubbed his beard. "So, what do we do now?"

Valerian looked out over the city below, the setting sun casting flames over Theranos' rooftops. "We prepare for the next battle. But first, I need to speak to the duke. There are still too many shadows. And we need to find out who, beyond Ezren, is hiding among the traitors."

---

A few hours later, Valerian found himself once again before Duke Calderon, in a reduced audience hall. Calderon, visibly relieved to learn that the attack had been thwarted, listened in silence as Valerian delivered his report.

"Ezren is dead, and the Ravens' sorcerer has been neutralized," Valerian concluded. "But I fear their influence is more widespread than we thought. We need to dig deeper and ensure the rest of the organization finds no refuge here."

The duke was silent for a moment, his face marked by the day's trials. Then, he stood and approached Valerian, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Valerian, you saved my city today. If you hadn't been here, we'd be counting the dead right now. For that, I owe you eternal gratitude."

Valerian bowed his head, though he felt no satisfaction. Today's victory seemed fragile, temporary. "This was just one battle in a war that's still at our gates."

Calderon nodded. "Then I entrust you with continuing it. I'll reinforce my defenses here, but you must uncover who else is allied with the Ravens."

Valerian fixed the duke with renewed intensity. "I will find them. And I will destroy them, down to the last."

---

The next day, as the sun rose over a Theranos that was nursing its wounds, Valerian was already preparing to set out again. His quest had only just begun, and the shadow of the Cinder Ravens still loomed over the kingdom's future.

_______________

End of chapter |