✧

Classical music plays throughout the hall as guests walk around wearing their most expensive dresses and tuxes. The entire guard and few covens from nearby were invited. It was safe to assume that this was the most dangerous place to be. At least for a human.

Standing near the entrance, Edward focuses on Aro's thoughts to ensure nothing perilous is being planned. He searches for anything suspicious, but nothing is off. Everything is perfectly calm, almost like it's the calm before the storm.

The vampire from earlier, Valerius, approaches him. He holds a glass of champagne and clinks it with his, "I'm glad to see you could make it."

Edward refrains from rolling his eyes, "Didn't have much of a choice."

Valerius laughs, a conniving smirk spreading across his face, "We all have a choice. You made this one simply because of your witch."

The mention of Mia makes Edward attempt to read his mind, but Valerius is a shield. Shields are quite rare to encounter and it's a misfortune that the most untrustworthy vampire happens to be one.

"Don't speak of her. Don't even think of her. Don't even look at her," Edward threatens, causing Aro and his guards to glance his way. He puts on a false smile to keep up appearances, not daring to wreck this night when it's incredibly important for Mia. "Let's just try to have a good night."

"Oh, I intend to," Valerius' cryptic words raise suspicions, more so with the devilish look in his blood red eyes. "Have fun, Cullen."

And with that, Edward is left alone.

He harshly sets the champagne on the side, urging for this night to be over already. As much as he doesn't enjoy being back at Hogwarts, he prefers that setting over this one. Knowing what everyone is thinking certainly helps, but being left in the dark makes this event the most insufferable to exist.

"What the hell did he want?" Jackson asks as he downs his drink as if it were the last beverage in a desert.

"Just try to get on my last nerve," Edward glares at the vampire with intensity, who is now dancing with an auburn haired woman and having the best time.

"He better get in line," Jackson remarks, making Edward turn to him with a deadpan look.

"You don't have to worry. You already got there."

"Sounds like a victory," Jackson smirks with pride, but his triumph is short-lived when noticing Harry struggling to make his way through the crowd. "Hard to believe he's the chosen one and the most feared by Voldemort."

Edward knows better than to underestimate Harry. Since his memories have officially returned, he's aware of how brave and strong the boy is. At his young age, he's doing a pretty good job in handling all the pressure. Anyone would be going crazy, but he remains composed. "I wouldn't bet against him. He might seem harmless, but he's the most feared for a reason."

"What a coincidence that he and Mia are friends. I mean, she's the daughter of a death eater and he's the one meant to destroy them," Jackson points out. "It just shows how we're not what everyone expects us to be. Not even when the attacks come from the people we least expect."

It's an attack on him and Edward's aware of it. He's throwing what he did to Mia to his face and as much as he wants to defend himself against it, there's no use to. Everything Jackson is saying is correct, so denying it would be taking a step back from attempting to reach redemption.

Edward acquires his glass of champagne again and swallows the bitter contents. One of the perks of being the rare kind of vampire that can eat and drink. If only he could get drunk and the world might just be right again. He notices a waiter walking by and grabs another, downing for what seems to be his fifth drink and making him consider that maybe it's time to stop.

Only that's when the doors of the hall open.

Mia enters looking as beautiful as ever. Her dark hair has been placed into loose curls and her black gown outshines everyone else's. The chandeliers' light gathers in her resplendent eyes, their magnificence resembling the stars and rays of sunshine. He used to believe the sunset was one of the most beautiful things, but the sunset was nothing compared to her.

Beauty lies within Mia Grey.

Oh, Mia Grey.

What an honor it is to exist in the same world as her.

Edward approaches her, following the string binding them together. He's lured by the magnetism between them and no amount of strength would separate him from her. Everything makes sense when he's by her side. The rest of the world can be damned and he wouldn't care.

"You are breathtaking," Edward expresses, his gaze softening and a smile adorning his features.

Mia's heart skips a beat and the blood rushes to her cheeks, creating a crimson color to flood them. "Thank you," she says, and takes his hand, "And you look stunning."

He softly chuckles and if he were able to, his face would be a blushing red, "It certainly helps having been gifted this. It is the only thing that changes everything."

"That's not true," she disagrees. "You could be wearing a burlap sack and still look incredible."

He smiles at his own words being said to him. After everything, she still remembers what he told her. "The same goes for you. You are truly incomparable."

She's left in a daze, unable to form a coherent response or even nod in appreciation. Her mind has turned into a huge blank and the remembrance of where they are is suddenly forgotten. All she knows is that she's with him and as long as he's here, the rest of the world can be damned.

"You both clean up nicely," Harry's voice awakens her from her state. He gestures to her and Hermione, who rolls his eyes at him.

"What a way to compliment a girl," Hermione narrows her eyes, shaking her head in disapproval. "Take notes from Edward."

Harry curses under his breath, "Fine. You both look like a diamond. Is that better?"

"Much better," Mia says, agreeing with Hermione.

Jackson approaches them holding his glass of champagne, "Wow, M. You look exceptional."

"Thanks, Jack," Mia tells him.

"Well, let's get this over with," Jackson sighs heavily before they enter further into the hall.

At the sight of all five of them, the Volturi stand from their seats to address the crowd. Aro walks down the set of steps as he firmly stares at them, focusing more on Mia and Edward. "Welcome. Thank you all for joining us on this glorious evening. As we all know, the summer solstice is upon us. We might favor the night, but let us all appreciate the importance of our star."

Mia notices Valerius glancing at her. His complacent smirk remains, but his eyes tell a different story. They're beholding a mountain of secrets, creating a sense of unease.

"Midsummer is a tradition celebrated to honor the season. All of us know how important the sun is to sustain life," Aro's smile becomes wider to the point it becomes uncomfortable. "Without it, we wouldn't have anyone to feast upon."

All the vampires, except Edward, laugh at his comment.

"Now, I have gathered you all tonight to commemorate the most important season," Aro extends his arms as if preaching a sermon, his guard and vampire guests listening along with attention. "Traditionally, I like to commence the evening with a dance. If all of you could please find yourselves a partner and join us."

At his order, the hall turns louder with excited chatters and many guests searching for the right person. As expected, Edward holds out his hand, "Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

Mia's hesitant for a quarter of a second, but she can't deny wanting to share a dance with him. It's been a long time since they've done so. Prom, to be exact. She takes his hand and follows his guidance to the center of the floor, "Just don't step on my dress."

He smiles, "And don't step on my shoes."

She teasingly rolls her eyes, "It's not like you bought them, anyway."

"But it's obvious they're expensive."

Mia stomps on his foot just to spite him, "Looks like they're ruined."

Edward takes a few steps back at the same time she does. They bow as the song begins, delicate smiles and eyes full of adoration becoming more noticeable. Their steps become synchronized as they move forward, their fingers interlocking with the other with such ardency. He rests his hand on her waist, igniting goosebumps to trail down her skin.

Mia remembers the first time they danced. It had been in his bedroom on the day when he introduced her to his family. She was starting to realize her feelings for him, but was afraid of admitting them. It was worrisome ruining their friendship, especially when she believed it was one-sided. Who would have thought that night changed everything?

"Mia, I'm so sorry," Edward's sincerity is noticeable and how much the regret is torturing him. "I shouldn't have said those words. I shouldn't have run away and I shouldn't have kept things from you. I made a horrible mistake and there will never come a day when I don't regret having hurt you."

"We don't need to talk about it right now," she averts his gaze from him, not wanting him to see how much his words are still haunting her.

"No, but we do. If not now, when?"

"How about when we're not surrounded by vampires?" Mia retorts, her hand tightening around his as a way to show her frustration.

Edward knows the timing isn't right, but he's aware she's going to avoid him the second they return. He wants to try and fix things, and even if this isn't the right place, he wants to at least try. "I'm truly sorry. I just- I want you to believe that."

She does, but she can't find it in herself to forgive him just yet. He hurt her in the worst possible way and the thing is, she's only resentful because she believes in what he said. She's bound to become a monster and destroy everyone in her way. Nothing can stop what's written for her and that's what frightens her.

"I know," Mia admits, and relief overcomes him. "I know you didn't mean what you said. You were trying to protect me in the worst way, but I know how much you regret it."

"I would give up everything to take it back."

She leans closer and cups his cheek, "I know."

Those words are enough. They don't express forgiveness, but understanding. It will take a long time to earn it, but this is more than enough. It's one step forward, which is more than what he had months ago.

A comfortable silence surrounds them. Everything around them fades into oblivion, allowing them to only focus on each other. Things won't ever be the same, and they know that, but they're permitting themselves a chance to reminisce about the past.

Through their steps, linked movements, and every touch, they're granted the opportunity of leaving the world behind. Not even the peering eyes or the approaching vampire disrupts their concentration. That is until the dance obliges them to switch partners with a swift spin, causing her to land in the arms of the most untrustworthy person.

Valerius firmly looks down at her. He holds her tightly against him, causing her to attempt to create distance between them. His vampirism gives him an advantage and as much as Mia wants to use her magic against him, she can't risk ruining the alliance.

"I don't believe we had the pleasure of formally meeting," he says, his grotesque smile making her feel sick. "Valerius Blackwood. I have to say, I feel like we've already met."

Mia offers a cold smile, "I've met a lot of people, and you don't particularly stand out."

"Snarky," he laughs in delight. "I enjoy people like you, especially those with a power like yours."

"What do you want?" Mia urges for the song to end or for anyone to intervene, but all of her friends are trapped dancing with others.

Valerius leans closer, his lips nearly grazing her ear when he whispers, "A conversation, but it doesn't involve your friends."

"I'm afraid that's not possible. They're very protective, so if you want to talk, do it here," she declares, finding enjoyment in seeing his expression diminish. "If you weren't aware, your leaders wanted to kill me once."

"This conversation needs to be for just the two of us," Valerius speaks much lower and continuously glances at Aro and the rest of the guards, ensuring he's not being listened to. "Do you understand? You need to be alone."

"Alone with you?" Mia scoffs, a disbelieving laugh escaping her. "Not a chance."

His eyes darken as his patience wears off. He pulls her closer and tightens his grip on her hand, "Listen to me, you offered a dangerous deal. Allowing them to keep those weapons will create another war. All the covens, they will all be in danger. Come with me and I can explain."

The song ends so coincidentally at the right time. She draws away from him and as much as she wants to dismiss this, she can't. He knows something and knowledge is one of the greatest weapons to have. Without it, the world would cease to exist. In a certain way, knowledge is power.

With a faint nod, Mia agrees and discreetly heads to the exit. Sure enough, Edward is by her side before she can take her next breath. "And what do you think you're doing?"

"Taking a breather. What are you doing?"

"Protecting you since you seem incapable of it," Edward holds onto her hand and tries taking her back inside. "Heading with him? Are you insane?"

"I have it handled," Mia harshly shoves his grip off and notices her friends starting to approach them. "Edward, I need you to trust me."

"I do trust you. It's him I don't trust," Edward nods in Valerius' direction, refusing to let her go alone with him anywhere.

"I was able to survive for months without you, so you can trust that I'll be able to again," Mia tries reasoning with him by bringing up the past. "Please, Edward. Trust me with this and just make sure Aro doesn't notice."

Edward wants to burn the entire world down. He despises knowing that she's going to be alone unprotected. Anything can happen and that's the worst part. Valerius' mind is closed, so he can't rely on his gift to protect her. Everything is telling him not to allow her to go through with this, but Mia's the most stubborn to exist. He wouldn't put it past her if she were to use her magic against him, which would definitely raise Aro's suspicion.

"Fine, but please be careful," he holds her hand for a little longer, and she makes the promise with just one look.

Mia follows Valerius into a corridor away from the hall. It gets quieter the further they go, the light turning dimmer and the sound of their footsteps being the only thing heard. She nearly considers that he's taking her to the dungeon, but he suddenly stops and opens the door to a vast room.

Valerius shuts the door and locks it, "You should probably spell the room so we're not listened to."

"Shouldn't you have this planned already?" Mia disapprovingly glares at him, but casts the Muffliato spell anyway. "Now we can talk freely. What do you want?"

Carelessly, he says, "You."

"Is that so?"

Valerius walks closer, narrowing his eyes and staring into hers as if it were the last thing he'd do. "You made a mistake in coming here. You have no idea the danger you have brought upon yourself as well as every vampire that exists."

"I don't care for every vampire," Mia admits, and he raises a brow at her. "I have my reasons for what I did, so if you have yours, say them before I remove the spell and expose you."

"Harsh words from someone who supposedly cares for the supernatural world."

Her patience wears thin at his purposeful avoidance of the subject. Time is being wasted and she would rather endure a thousand swords than spend a second longer with him. "Why am I here?"

Valerius leans against the wall, glancing down at his ring with his family crest, "Aro is already powerful enough as it is. If you let him keep one of those weapons, you will risk every coven. Yours, even."

If only he knew how she has no intentions of letting the Volturi keep any of them. It was all a way to get them to agree to join the war. She intends on finding them and destroying them before anyone can acquire control. The aftermath will be dealt with once the war is over and they have won, but for now, she won't concern herself with it.

"I can create a better world," Valerius says the words slowly as if hoping it would convince her. "It won't be controlled by people who believe evil will prevail over good. It will be built with fairness and justice, something the Volturi have lacked for centuries."

"A world with mercy is what we need, but are you really the person to bring it?" Mia notices the untold in his eyes. He's hiding something and she doesn't trust his supposed reasons for betraying the Volturi are simply for bringing a new world full of good.

"I have many guards on my side. They will follow me to the end and will destroy anyone who threatens this mission," Valerius furrows his brows, the hidden intentions becoming more noticeable in the firmness of his tone. "I am the right person for this. I intend on fixing a broken system and implementing a new one of my own."

She tries not to laugh at him, simply resigning to the same cold smile she's offered. "And what would the new system be? Will it offer second chances or the same betrayal as this one?"

Valerius' expression hardens, "Betrayal only happens when beliefs are opposed."

Mia walks closer to him, now understanding his sudden interest in her right from when she first arrived. "But no one has the same beliefs. It's what makes the world the way it is, so what happens to those who oppose you?"

The persuasive and just persona disappears, and the rightful cruelty arises. He firmly stares into her eyes, the control of his desire urging forward the true reasons for this, "They won't oppose me, because they won't have a choice."

She remains silent.

"I cannot let them become more powerful. Aro is already sadistic enough, so I intend on fixing the problem," Valerius can see the moment she understands what he's implying, and he believes he can acquire a chance to convince her.

"You want to kill the Volturi."

"And for that I need your help," Valerius continues. "The Volturi have been in power for far too long. They have destroyed covens, taken over territories, and have exploited those with gifts to obtain control."

His eyes widen with intensity, the gravity of his tone becomes more intense. His claims of wanting to protect all vampires is not true. This correlates to his desire for power.

"Aro speaks a lot about you. He wants to recruit you once you become immortal, regardless if you have abilities or not," Valerius inches himself forward, and she refrains from taking a step back. "I intend on sparing those and changing everything for the better. All I need is a powerful witch to start."

Mia would have believed the Volturi would be more cautious on who they allow into their guard. It seems their efficiency to protect themselves isn't as great as they believe. "And how are you planning on taking over? He has his entire guard on his side and I'm certain you lack the right numbers."

Valerius clicks his tongue, "Many want him gone and I'm allowing them the chance to be free."

"Free to fall into the hands of another version of him," Mia notices his eyes darkening at her comment.

"The world needs change and I'm the right person for a new beginning," Valerius' jaw clenches and the shade of red in his eyes transforms into a deeper color. "I was chosen to lead them, and to do that, I need your help."

"What do I have to do?"

Valerius reaches into the inner pocket of his tux and pulls out a page. "This is from the Book of the Damned. It's a spell that will link them, allowing you to destroy them at the same time," he gestures to the bottle of champagne on one of the end tables. "When the toast happens later this evening, they will become one. If one goes, the rest will follow."

"Are you sure this will work?" Mia reads over the page, carefully holding the edges and running through every possible scenario where this could go wrong. "If one mistake is made, it's over for us."

"With a powerful witch like you, I don't have a reason to worry," Valerius offers his hand to seal the agreement, his entire trust being placed onto this simple gesture. "One drop of your blood and everything will be set."

Mia stares at his pale hand longer than she should. She considers the pros and cons, contemplating the opportunities and second chances this could bring. With this link, the weapons won't be at risk. Everything will return to semi-normality.

And that's more than enough to help her decide on what she has to do.

__________________

Aro stands from his seat and leaves the grand table to join the rest of his guests. He walks down the small set of steps while holding his champagne, "It is time for my favorite part. If you could all join me in raising our glass to commemorate the evening."

Edward stands alongside Mia, who grabs two glasses and hands one to him. Harry and Hermione inspect the drink suspiciously, not trusting the vampires wouldn't do anything to it. All while Jackson eagerly takes two glasses, quickly downing the first one and leaving the second to wait for the toast.

Valerius looks over at Mia and takes the champagne that doesn't have the spell attached to it. He made sure to only place the cursed beverage on the Volturi's table and serve it to the rest of the guards that would definitely go to war for them.

"I am incredibly grateful to have you all gathered today for one of the most important times," Aro paces around, holding onto the glass tightly. "Today, my brothers and I agreed to fight in a war to stop a threat to our existence. Victory is in our hands and I owe it to our guests of honor."

Harry and Hermione exchange worrisome glances before looking toward Mia, who starts approaching the front where Aro is. Carefully, they trail after her and think of many defensive spells just in case anything should happen.

"An alliance was brought to me at the hands of my contender," Aro gestures toward Mia, his smile loosening for a brief moment as a storm gathers in his eyes. "Mia Grey has offered us a second chance. A chance for us to prevail against the hands of our enemies."

Mia noticed the subtle change in his expression. She tightens her grip on the glass, creating the smallest cracks to form. Aro continues looking down at her as if he knew what she were thinking, but she ensures he remains unaware of the occurrences.

Aro looks down at his champagne as if debating drinking it, but nevertheless, he raises it into a celebratory manner. "I look forward to the future that awaits and for the alliances that come. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Everyone repeats.

The entire guard along with Aro, Caius, and Marcus take a sip from their drinks. Valerius does as well to keep up appearances and discreetly looks over at Mia. He nods in gratitude once her eyes meet his, but she ignores him and moves away from his direct sight.

Celebration courses through the air. Everyone resumes their chatter and starts heading to the dance floor, but the evening isn't over yet.

"Everyone, your attention once again!" Aro sets down his glass too aggressively, causing it to shatter and stunning everyone into silence. "This evening was meant for a celebration, but I have been informed of treachery occurring behind closed doors."

Mia clenches her jaw.

"Bring the traitors forward," Caius demands.

The doors burst open and in come Felix and Demetri holding various members of the guard captive. Their wrists are chained with metal drowned with dark magic, preventing their vampire strength from helping them escape.

"These traitors turned against their masters. They betrayed our trust and used this momentous occasion to plot an attack," Aro's declaration creates whispers amongst the crowd, and Valerius looks over at Mia at the same time she does. "Novices, truly. To conquer an empire, it is not a matter of valor, but of strategy."

"One of our guests is involved," Caius firmly stares into Mia, the reality of what's unfolding officially dawning on her. "Mia Grey, move forward."

In a panic, Edward rushes to her protection, but the rest of the guards hold him trapped. He flails in their hold, but the strength of two vampires outweighs his. Harry, Hermione, and Jackson sprint toward her, but the siblings, Jane and Alec, harshly stop them from setting a foot in her direction.

Mia doesn't put up a fight. There's no use, so she complies to the demands and walks forward. The guards surround the scene, simply staring ahead with a neutral expression while the three leaders hold the entire resentment. She then looks over at Valerius, who is discreetly maneuvering his way to the nearest door. Not that she's surprised. It seems his valor was all just a mask to hide his cowardice.

"You're accused of betrayal," Aro begins stating the charges. "You're accused of plotting an attack against us and joining forces with various members of the guard, and you're accused of stealing a page from the Book of the Damned."

Mia listens to each word attentively and prepares herself for the sentence about to be given. A celebration has turned into a trial and no one, not even her, could have seen this coming. Like always, the universe finds ways on how to offer affliction.

She hears Edward struggling against the vampires and his pleas to let her go. The rest of her friends are desperately calling out to her and tossing threats into the air. Their care is appreciated, but their attempts at remedying this are useless. Nothing will change the Volturi's mind, so it's better to accept the aftermath.

"Treachery is a crime paid with death," Aro tilts his head slightly and sighs heavily. "How do you answer to this..." he looks in Mia's direction, but his gaze averts to the person standing right behind her, "Valerius?"

Valerius stops in his tracks. His hand remains frozen against the door handles and instant panic overcomes him. He believed Aro didn't know about his involvement and tried making an escape, but really, Aro and the rest of the Volturi knew from the start.

A satisfied smirk appears on Mia's face. She glances behind her shoulder at him and waits for him to approach the front, but his cowardice has left him standing like a fallen soldier. He tries to form a coherent sentence, but having everyone's eyes on him has brought the vampire into a vanquished state.

"I believe you were asked a question," Mia relishes at his defeat and nods in the direction of the Volturi. She then proceeds to turn to the guards holding her friends captive, "You can let them go now."

The guards look toward Aro for approval, and he nods. Edward, Harry, Hermione, and Jackson are released. Hastily, they stand by her side as she paves a path for Valerius, who is forced into taking the front.

"You failed to notice the wolf in sheep's clothing," Aro lectures him like a mentor would and walks down the steps. "Placing your trust in the right person is the most important thing. You failed in every aspect and allowed your arrogance to make you believe you have a chance against us."

Caius scoffs, "Such a pathetic fool."

"Mia, what did you do?" Harry whispers, receiving only silence as a response.

Edward's paranoia had clouded his rationality into forgetting his ability. He was only overcome with fear that Mia would meet her end and he wouldn't be able to protect her. Now, his senses are sharper than ever. He reads the pages of Aro's thoughts and learns about the meeting that took place right after her meeting with Valerius. Traitors going against their masters was the nail on the coffin and the official ink of an agreement. By earning Valerius' trust, Mia made the alliance definite. But that's not what Edward is worried about. It's the condition she was given in order for the accord to be official.

"All these months with us, and you learned nothing," Caius' bitterness is sharper than any knife and the betrayal faced.

"Not even a slow learner you are," Aro looks down and sets his hands against the table. He grabs the champagne and raises it into the air, "You even failed to notice the beverage was switched."

Valerius' head snaps up. His shock is undeniable, but the panic within him is the one thing that remains hidden. If the champagne was changed, then that can only mean one thing.

He and his followers were linked.

Mia glances to the Volturi with a detached look, a mutual agreement coming to terms with one nod from Aro. She holds her head high and turns to the traitorous vampires, the humanity in her eyes becoming a forgotten concept. The mad witch has arrived and liberated herself from the cages into casting her first betrayal. Her reasons lie within the cause of protection. The rest of the world can burn, but as long as her loved ones are safe, she won't interfere.

Valerius storms to the door, but magic has locked all the exits. He uses his entire strength, but one thing he failed to notice was the curse placed upon him. His vampirism was now useless and he was nothing more than an immortal with no extraordinary qualities. He placed the trust on the wrong person and now his life is hanging on the line.

Mia drags him to the front with her magic and places him right next to his comrades at the proper distance from the Volturi. Valerius begs her with his eyes, pleading for mercy and a second chance, but she isn't the judge.

"Forgive me, master!" Valerius desperately pleads, his valor and conceit becoming replaced by cowardice. "I failed you and I plead for mercy! I know you do not offer second chances, but I beg you to consider me!"

"Consider you?" Aro narrows his eyes dubiously, turning back to Caius and Marcus as if confused. "After the treason you committed? My dear boy, you have a questionable view of us."

"The Volturi don't offer second chances," Caius reminds him.

"You offered it to her!" Valerius blares, his desperation now transforming to hostility. "Why is she any different?!"

Aro's gaze hardens, "She proved herself to me. She offered a second chance and earned my trust."

Caius agrees, "Something you and your followers lack."

"It is a sadness, truly," Aro interlocks his hands together, but the time for the sentencing has come. "Mia, would you do the honors?"

Edward calls out to her, "Mia, don't do this."

This is something that needs to be done. With this final step, the alliance between her and the Volturi will be a certainty. The chances of winning the war will be greater and everyone she cares about won't be harmed. She used to believe that reaching into her darkness meant becoming her father, but she was wrong. Sometimes the darkness is needed to find the light and the light will bring her to victory.

Her stare grows heavy against Valerius and his begs for mercy are dismissed. He signed his own death sentence by plotting against his leaders, and Mia had been smart enough to take the winning side. His pleas are useless to her, because she's not the judge. She never was. She's the executioner.

The last thing Valerius hears is the word opening the gates of hell. Vampires can only die with fire. It's slow and painful, but it's definite. There's no return from the end and up until his last moment, he never resigned to it.

"Incendio," Mia casts, the orange blaze casting a shadow and reflecting into her irises.

The link started with the instigator and reached his worshipers. Up until death, they remained loyal, but loyalty never ends properly. Some emerge victorious while others vanish into ashes.

A concept so few understand.

The consequences of treachery are the revelations of demise. Offering a grain of trust to the wrong person can be fatal, and everyone has been a witness to it. No matter the regret or remorse, both emotions aren't meant for acts like these, but for sealing an agreement, everything is meant.

After all, what is an alliance without the blaze?