• What She Wants

The capital of Valleria, Eredon Prime, was a city where ambition touched the stars.

Towering skyscrapers of obsidian and gold pierced the crimson sky, their surfaces shimmering with the soft glow of energy conduits that pulsed like the veins of a living giant.

Hovercars zipped through the air in perfectly coordinated streams, guided by invisible lanes projected from the city's vast neural grid.

The skyline was covered with holo-billboards displaying the latest advancements, military victories, and messages from the royal family.

At the city's core, the Celestial Spire stood, an impossibly tall structure reaching beyond the clouds, where the ruling council and the queen resided.

Below, walkways and plazas were filled with civilians and soldiers alike, their outfits reflecting their status—gilded robes for aristocrats, sleek combat suits for the military elite, and the common wear of civilians and workers, reinforced with adaptive fibers to endure the demands of a high-tech civilization.

Within the luxurious district reserved for the highest-ranking officials, one particular woman was preparing for an event that would shake the capital.

Inside one of the most exclusive boutiques, a woman stood before a set of mirrors, admiring the final adjustments to her custom-tailored wedding attire.

It was none other than Mara Voss, Supreme Commander of Special Operations, a living legend whose name struck fear into enemies and inspired awe in allies.

Known to many as "Crimson Fury," not only because of her dual Aetheria that allowed her to create and control blood and flames but also because of her often violent and extreme tendencies.

Mara had long, blood-red hair and piercing blood-red eyes and pointy elf-like ears—traits that marked her as an Aetherian of exceptional power.

In Valleria, women with potent Aetheria abilities often had unique physical traits, a sign of the concentrated energy coursing through their veins.

For Mara, it was her elfin, pointed ears and sharp fang-like teeth, physical features that set her apart even among the elite.

Today, she was here for something personal, something monumental—a military-style wedding dress made for her wedding.

The garment hugged her curvaceous figure, showing off her ample bust and hips.

This wasn't just a wedding dress to her, it was a symbol of a victory seven years in the making.

As the seamstress pinned the final touches, a figure approached: Lieutenant Kalia Ren, one of Mara's most trusted subordinates.

Kalia was younger, sharp-eyed, and fiercely loyal, her short black hair and crisp uniform.

She stopped a few paces away, her breath hitching as she took in her commander's appearance.

"Commander Voss... you look stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Your husband-to-be won't know what hit him—he'll be utterly captivated by your beauty," Kalia said in admiration.

Mara turned, her red lips curling into a smug smile.

"Oh, darling Kalia, I'm certain he will."

She ran a hand down the side of her dress, admiring how it clung to her curves, a predator amazed by her own allure.

Kalia hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Commander… if I may speak freely?"

Mara arched a brow but gestured for her to continue.

"Are you sure this man is worthy of you?" the lieutenant asked cautiously.

The air in the boutique grew heavier, a subtle ripple of red Aether stirring through the room. Mara turned slowly, her expression still gentle, yet there was a dangerous sharpness in her eyes.

"Mind your tone, Kalia," she said. "I don't take kindly to anyone questioning my tastes—or my choices. I've waited too long for this to let doubts, even yours, spoil the mood."

Kalia flinched, bowing her head quickly. "I'm sorry, Commander. I didn't mean—"

Mara waved a dismissive hand, her smile returning with a playful chuckle. "Oh, don't pout, darling. I forgive you. Besides, I've been dreaming of this day for seven years. I won't let anything bring me down."

Kalia tilted her head, her curiosity piqued despite her earlier misstep.

"Seven years? What do you mean, Commander?"

Mara leaned against a nearby table, crossing her arms beneath her chest, the motion emphasizing her figure as she spoke again.

"Picture it, Kalia—seven years ago, I was still a rising star, a trainee. Under my mother's wishes, I was made to go to training camp. I was already gorgeous, of course—irresistible, even then. And there was this boy whose mother was my mother's right hand, so we were as close as kids—stubborn, dashing, utterly infuriating. One day, before he left for his service, I decided to make a declaration of pursuit to him, laid my heart bare, and do you know what he did? He turned me down. Flat-out refused me."

Kalia's jaw dropped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "He—what? Was he insane? You're one of the most beautiful women in Valleria! I'd dare say you could almost rival Queen Selene herself—"

Mara's gaze sharpened instantly. "Careful now, darling. Slander against the Queen is punishable by death, and I'd hate to lose such a charming lieutenant over a slip of the tongue."

Kalia paled, stammering an apology. "I—I didn't mean it like that, Commander. I'm so sorry."

Mara's expression softened, and she reached out to pat Kalia's cheek with a gloved hand. "Relax, sweet thing. I know you didn't mean it. Let's not ruin the moment with politics, hmm?"

She straightened, her smile returning as she picked up her story.

"Well... Anyway, after he refused to accept me, I looked him square in the eye and said, 'I'm Mara Voss, daughter of the sixth Supreme Commander, and I don't take no for an answer. In seven years, when you retire, I'll make you mine—and nothing in this world will stop me.' And here we are, darling. Seven years later, and I'm about to claim my prize."

She reached into a pocket of her uniform, pulling out a small, worn photograph. It was a younger Alex—shorter hair, sharper features.

Mara's eyes softened, a trace of bliss appearing in their crimson depths as she traced a finger over the image.

"Oh, Alex," she murmured. "I'm sure you've grown even more dashing since I last saw you. My golden boy, all grown up and ready for me."

She pressed her lips to the photo, leaving a faint smudge of red lipstick, then tucked it away with a wicked grin.

"I'll see you soon, my love. Very soon."