The halls of Freya’s citadel pulsed with quiet tension, gilded torches burned blue, their smoke coiling into serpent shapes above the arched ceiling. The scent of black lilies lingered, heavy and ancient. Outside, the sound of steel clashing in distant courtyards echoed like a heartbeat.At the center of the room, Passion Liroid stood before her father, every flicker of the torches reflected in her crimson eyes.“Father,” she began softly, “I can do this. I was trained for it all my life.”Dragon’s voice thundered, filling the marble chamber. “You should have told me, Passion! All this time in Kindraloy, while your stepmother cooked and your brothers laughed, you already knew?”Her gaze faltered, the weight of her father’s fury pressing down like a storm. “Yes,” she whispered. “I already knew. I wanted time with everyone… I wanted to feel at home before I left.”Dragon’s eyes glowed faintly, his Liroid mark shimmering with restrained anger. “You wanted time? Passion, you will wed into

The silver dusk hung over Freya like a mourning veil, and the two assassins, brothers, comrades, and the last men who dared to laugh in the shadow of gods, sat on the marble terrace overlooking the glimmering city below.The wine was dark and sweet, drawn from the divine lilies that only grew in Evilside’s gardens, but the weight on Dragon’s shoulders made it taste like ash. He sat staring into the goblet as if it could rewrite fate itself.Snake leaned back, calm as always, watching the crimson clouds curl over the distant towers. “You know,” he said, his voice quiet but edged with that familiar mirth, “Passion just wants to make you proud. Maybe instead of shouting, you should give her something worth remembering. A father’s words can last longer than blood.”Dragon grunted, rubbing his temples. “I can’t make any promises, Snake. I’ve already made too many and broken half of them.”Snake reached into his coat and slid two folded letters across the table. “Then maybe these will help

The air in Freya shimmered like a blade dipped in moonlight. From the east gates came the procession of the Norm Lands, a vision of polished silver and white banners fluttering like wings. The emperor rode at the head; Kavan, son of Koro of Winds, his long plaited hair the pale hue of frost, his gaze cold as the northern peaks that crowned his dominion.At his side walked Kara, his consort and current favorite, adorned in layers of opal silk and resentment. Her beauty was sharp, her eyes gleaming with the quiet dread of a woman sensing her throne of affection slipping away. Behind them trailed servants bearing chests of gold, fine linen, and enchanted relics, a dowry fit for a union that would shake nations.As Kavan entered the Court of Freya, all fell to silence. Even the hunting dogs stood still, blades sheathed in respect for their new in-law. Center Liroid rose from his throne, a slight nod of his head with regal precision. Beside him stood Snake and Dragon, the bearers of Evilsi

The morning after the wedding, Freya awoke to a soft commotion. Servants hurried through marble courtyards, guards whispered among themselves, and even the lesser concubines peeked nervously through curtains.The newlyweds, the fearsome Emperor Kavan and the fiery Empress Passion, were nowhere to be found.Slice had sent soldiers to the markets, San questioned the attendants, and even Snake and Dragon stood outside the palace gates, wondering what kind of trouble a Liroid bride could possibly get into before sunrise.Just when the anxiety reached its peak, a stir swept through the palace.“They’re here!” someone shouted.And all eyes turned to the grand walkway.There they came, the most unlikely of sights: Emperor Kavan the Cruel, feared across the nine realms, carrying several stacks of parcels and shopping bags in his arms, following closely behind a radiant Passion who looked utterly delighted with herself.Von covered her mouth with a hand, trying and failing to stifle a laugh.N

Three weeks into life in the Norm Lands, a raven arrived.Not just any raven, Snake’s serpent-marked messenger, black as midnight, carrying a scroll tied with gold thread.Passion unrolled it while Beast and Dream lounged nearby.“Kayelsa,” Snake’s handwriting flowed like carved ice,“Do not forget why you are there.Your marriage is a weapon.Your heart is your shield.Do not misplace either.”Beast let out a low whistle.“Snake never writes unless the matter is grave.”Dream, dangerous smile, dagger in hand, added:“He knows she doesn’t need protection anymore. She has Kavan wrapped like a silk cord around her finger.”Passion snorted.“Kara wishes she had me wrapped. Beast, I thought you were assigned to protect me? Why haven’t you silenced her yet?”Beast grimaced.“I don’t strike women.”Dream grinned, wicked and pleased.“I do.Mogros especially.Kara is one by blood… I could kill her for you.”Passion burst out laughing.“Permission granted.”Beast groaned, rubbing his temples.