Chapter 20: The Empress Sends Her Regards
The duel with Raven had ended, but the storm it unleashed was far from over.
As Jean recovered in the healing chambers, word spread beyond the walls of Luther Keep. Whispers passed through noble courts, war camps, and spymaster networks like wildfire.
And deep within the gilded throne hall of the Iron Empire, Valeria Durnstahl, the Iron Empress, stood before a massive map of the continent.
The flames beneath her war table reflected in her eyes—amber, cold, calculating.
"She shattered the Black Fang Blade?" she asked.
Her spymaster bowed low. "Yes, Your Radiance. Jean Luther engaged Raven Luther alone. The doctrine was neutralized… but not before Raven awakened it. She is still alive."
Valeria turned toward the great stained-glass window behind her, depicting the Iron Empresses of old, each crowned in conquest. Her own reflection stared back—unflinching.
"Then the Luther Clan is fractured."
"Yes, Empress. Even now, rumors of internal conflict weaken their influence. Adam has not responded publicly. And Charles Luther remains silent."
Valeria smiled.
"Send the envoy," she said. "With my regards."
---
Back at Luther Keep, Jean sat with Sylvia beneath the Moon Garden's frost-covered willows. Her wounds were nearly healed, but the scars ran deeper than flesh.
"She would've killed me," Jean admitted.
Sylvia nodded. "And you spared her."
"She's still family."
Sylvia's hand rested on her sword. "Family or not, if she rises again as an enemy, you won't have the luxury of mercy."
Jean didn't reply.
That night, the envoy from the Iron Empire arrived.
Four elite soldiers in black-enameled armor bearing the sigils of the Durnstahl House escorted a woman clad in a deep crimson cloak. Her hair was silver and plaited in imperial style, eyes sharp and merciless.
"I am General Lysandra Von Rael, first blade of the Iron Empress," she declared before the council. "I come with an invitation—and a warning."
Jean watched her warily.
The general unfurled a scroll and read aloud:
> To the Luther Clan,
From Her Radiance, Empress Valeria Durnstahl,
It has come to my attention that civil unrest now taints your sacred house. Should your heirs fail to control their shadows, the Iron Empire shall step forward and impose order. For the good of the continent.
But I am not without grace. I invite Emissary Jean Luther to the Imperial Summit in four weeks' time. There, the Iron Empress shall discuss the future of unity… or war.
—In Steel and Sovereignty,
> Valeria Durnstahl.
A silence swept through the chamber.
Jean rose. "I'll attend."
Charles Luther's voice echoed from behind the throne. "You'll go with a guard."
Jean turned. "I'll go alone. I'm not a child anymore."
Charles stepped into view, eyes gleaming with quiet approval. "Very well. Let's see how the Empress handles the Light."
---
Far to the east, in the volcanic wastes of Ashguard…
Antares, the Dragon Lord, stirred in his lair.
One of his seers whispered:
> "The Emissary of Light has survived the first trial."
Antares opened one molten eye.
"Then let her come. Let them all come."
---