Their voices are barely audible above the clanging, the restaurant owner standing back near the kitchen. A single guard enters, his presence crowding the small space far more than Terico, Gentry and Sellic ever did. I hope they were not impacted by the patrol marching the streets.
“Commander,” the single guard says, bowing his head. “We have been given orders.Pleasecome with us voluntarily.”
“I hear you, Verage. I will come willingly,” Bellator nods. The guard lifts his head, eyes wide that Bellator would remember his name.
“No,” Rosie whimpers. “I don't like this. Something is wrong, I can feel it.”
“Fear not, Soulbound. Now that Steve has found you, nothing will stop me from coming back. There is not an enemy in all the Realms I will not slaughter to remain by your side.” Looking at the guard, “The tournament, it begins when?”
“First thing in the morning. The colosseum opens in thirteen hours.”
“Thank you, Verage. Steve, I will see you in the morning. Soulbound, I will think of you for every second we are apart. This will be the last time we are separated. What happened today… It changes everything.”
Yes, brother, it does. I pull Rosie into me, wrapping a comforting arm over her shoulder, holding onto her hip. Her fists are clenched, knuckles white, as Bellator ducks his head as he passes over the threshold. The guard prolonging his exit by just a moment. “For what it's worth, Mi-Lady, I don't like what's happening either.”
We watch as Bellator walks out of view, waving his hello to the impish who have come out to watch the commotion. Everything that happened just now was a show of power, as if the city needed to be reminded who was in charge once again.
Chapter 24
Steve
DEVIL’S BACKBONE - THE CIVIL WARS ?
Rosie storms ahead of me as we enter our lodgings. We were meant to return straight here, but she insisted on bypassing the military offices, which were conveniently closed. Not so unusual as it is technically the recognised sleeping hours, but that excuse was not well received when I reminded her of that tiny detail. Instead, she flew her arms in the air, snapping that if the sun was awake, then everyone else should be. Usually, this would be a fair statement, but given that the sun doesn’t set in this Realm, there is not a lot we can do.
I had tried to console her on the walk back, but this too was ill received. I've not seen her like this. She’s hellbent on figuring out a plan to stop the tyranny that's thrived here. A job that is neither easy nor small, but if not her, then who? The uprisingdidn’t work, so why shouldn’t she try? What's stoppingherplan from being the winning one?
I close the door as she walks to the window, pushing aside the curtains to look over the city.
“So we get fed a version of the city because we’re in the inter-Realm part,” she snaps.
“It appears that way.”
“And between the last time you were here and now, the city is basically the opposite of what it was.”
“Yes.” Walking up behind her, I rub up and down her arms. “I believe at some point the control the Emperor had wasn’t enough, and so the rumours of the witch being here might hold more truth than what we first thought. Water doesn't just stop. It finds its way through every tiny space it can, even if it takes many drips to form a deluge.”
She stares at the view, the streets quiet, the unwavering light of the sun shining over us. “You know what that means, then. What we have to do. I've spent my whole life cowering to the decisions of men whose only goal is to dominate. I'm sure at some point, just like my father, there was some empathy in him, but?—”
Three sharp raps sound on the door, both of our heads swinging toward it. I can see the shadow of someone standing beyond, the small gap at the floor highlighting a foot tapping nervously.
“Stay here,” I whisper to Rosie. She squints hereyes at me, crossing her arms begrudgingly. Puffing my chest, I make my body large enough to block most of the door. If someone wanted to harm us, they would have to kill me before they have a chance of getting to Rosie. Withdrawing my dagger, I keep it at the ready, hidden behind the door as I open it.
Gods be damned.
Quickly relaxing my frame, I extend my hand, taking heavy packages from the older imp. She looks both scared and relieved.
“Forgive me. It took longer than expected to sew the beads on,” she murmurs, not looking up from the ground she appears to be so interested in.
“Thank you, but we did not order anything.”
“The order was made for ye.”
“I see. Please take this for your trouble.” I hand her the last of my coin. I can access more Aureus from the stores that I brought with me. Money should never be something to worry about. No doubt she worked in fear as she made whatever clothes are wrapped in this bundle. She looks up at me when I extend my hand, the coins lightly clinking when they fall into her open palm.
“Thank you,” she sighs, her eyes welling. “May the Devil give you all the blessings.”
“Wait, don't go!” Rosie calls as she squeezes between me and the door. “Tomorrow, have you heard anything about what will happen?”
