The wind swept through the ruins of what was once a glorious empire. Fallen towers and streets ravaged by war bore witness to a world that had once ruled everything beneath its sun. Now, only the sound of boots on shattered pavement and the groans of the dying echoed through the wreckage—ghostly remnants of a civilization condemned.
Liora had never known misery. Born into the highest circles of the Empire, she had grown up amidst the opulence of palaces and royal banquets. Yet here, in this devastated city, among the ruins of imperial grandeur, she felt like a stranger. The ash-laden fog blanketing the streets seemed to smother her very thoughts.
Today, everything was about to change. The Judgment.
She was no warrior. She had never taken part in the blood-soaked battles where survivors fought for their lives. She was merely an instrument—a pawn in the ruthless game of power. But she knew the Judgment was her chance to solidify her standing, to manipulate events in her favor, and secure an even firmer grip on her place at the table of the elite.
The Emperor's guards—clad in obsidian-black armor and gleaming helmets—stood upright, their gazes blank, scanning every movement in the streets. Liora had no need to hide. She belonged to this world. Yet with each passing day, tension tightened like a noose. Whispers of rebellion grew louder in the shattered districts. The resistance was gaining ground. And the Emperor, increasingly paranoid, sought to drown dissenting voices in blood. He needed strong hands. New pawns for his game. But more than that, he needed loyalty. Her loyalty.
She ascended the Palace steps slowly. The Emperor, surrounded by his advisors and closest allies, awaited her in the Council chamber. He—the man who wielded absolute power—was now so consumed by fear that he saw traitors lurking in every shadow. He was no longer the unchallenged ruler he once was. He was becoming a tyrant. And Liora was here to serve him, to maintain order, to turn chaos into opportunity.
She entered the Council room. The long oval table was already occupied by Cassius, the Emperor's right hand, and several other elite figures. Brief, sharp glances were cast her way. Liora wasn't a soldier, but her power lay elsewhere. She didn't wield brute strength—she wielded strategy, cold charisma, and the ability to navigate treacherous waters without making immediate enemies.
The Emperor, seated at the far end of the table, looked up at her. He smiled—but it was far from warm.
"Liora, you understand the importance of this Judgment, don't you?"
Liora offered a small, precise bow, her gaze calm and unflinching.
"I do, Your Majesty. You seek allies within your own Empire," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "Loyal ones who can serve more effectively than mere soldiers."
The Emperor's brow furrowed for a moment, but before he could respond, Cassius spoke up. His sharp, almost feline eyes fixed on Liora with icy intensity.
"Loyal, yes…" he murmured, locking eyes with her. "But how can we be sure of that, Liora?" He moved forward slowly, his presence imposing, his voice low and edged like a blade. "The Judgment is no mere spectacle. It's a test. And I haven't forgotten your history."
Liora barely raised an eyebrow, but doubt coiled within her. Cassius never wasted words. He knew where to strike.
"I'm not a warrior, Cassius. You know that," she said, her tone unchanged. She knew war was fought with words, alliances—not with blood in the streets.
Cassius stopped just in front of her, his stare unyielding.
"It's not your strength I question, Liora. It's your loyalty." He emphasized the word like a blade against her throat. "You have your own interests. I know that. The powerful are never truly devoted. You play your games to climb higher. But hear me: if you think you can manipulate the Emperor—or believe he doesn't see you—you are sorely mistaken."
Liora didn't blink. "I've never hidden my intentions, Cassius."
Cassius gave her a cold smile.
"Perhaps. But the Judgment… it may reveal more than you expect."
He turned slowly, returning to his seat.
A tense silence fell over the room. Liora knew Cassius never made empty threats. But she wouldn't be intimidated. She understood—he wanted to test her, to provoke her into revealing her hand. But she wouldn't fall for it. The Judgment was his way of resetting the board—reminding everyone who still ruled the Empire.
The Emperor, still seated, observed them both with a satisfied grin.
"Very well," he finally said. "The Judgment begins in a few hours. Be ready. Let loyalty triumph."
Liora nodded, her eyes lingering on Cassius a heartbeat too long. He had sown the seed of doubt—but it was just another power play, another dance she would have to master. For now, she would stay ready. For anything.