Chapter 90: The Betrayal and the Iron Tomb
The flight back to the Holy Capital was the longest journey of Anise's life.
She did not fly with the Vanguard.
She left them behind in the ash and flew alone, propelled by her golden Level 100 mana.
Her heart was a lead weight in her chest.
She had to explain.
She had to make them see that the "demons" were just farmers and children.
THUD.
She landed squarely in the grand plaza before the Citadel of the Holy Temple.
She expected guards. She expected a tense political standoff with King Valerius the Pious.
She did not expect the plaza to be overflowing with tens of thousands of citizens.
MURMUR. WHISPER.
The massive crowd parted as she walked forward. But they were not cheering.
They were not throwing flower petals like they had when she first reclaimed the borders.
They were staring at her with pure, unadulterated hatred.
Anise slowed her pace, her golden staff feeling heavy in her hands.
