Page 49 of Sundered By Fate

They had reached the outskirts of a district cloaked in thick fog and odd smells—an oily tang, like metal and ashes, that pricked at the back of Aric's throat. Valerian paused before an imposing gate flanked by hooded statues, their faces obscured beneath cowls. Aric realized abruptly that this was the area in the city where he’d seen the damage that almost looked like an assault had taken place. On closer inspection now, though, it became apparent that the warping was haphazard. Almostaccidental. Not the work of an invading force, it seemed, but something less predictable.

He frowned, reminding himself to ask Olaya about her comment later.

"The Iron District," Valerian said, his voice carrying a note of reverence. "The center of our research and development endeavors. From here, our most ambitious projects are forged."

Aric glanced at him sideways, studying his expression. If this district housed the city's armories and forges, then what new weapons were they creating to combat the demon threat?

Or worse—what were they trying to harness?

But Valerian simply smiled at him—a smile full of secrets as vast as the city itself—and gestured for Aric to follow him inside.

As they entered the gate, Aric felt a peculiar tingle across his skin—a faint buzzing, like static electricity. He suppressed a shiver as they passed through shadowy corridors lined with doors. Behind each one, he could sense the muffled thrum of magic at work.

This was no ordinary mages' workshop.

One chamber door was cracked open, and Aric slowed his pace as they approached it. Inside, he caught sight of complex arrays drawn on the floor in chalk—circles within circles of intricate runes—and glowing crystals suspended from the ceiling beams.

"What is this?" Aric asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.

Valerian stopped beside him, gazing into the chamber with unconcealed admiration. "A glimpse into what we could achieve. So much lost over these past centuries, lost to fear." He turned those penetrating eyes on Aric again; eyes that saw too much.

"I'm trying to change that."

Aric's pulse quickened under his scrutiny. As he'd feared. Had Valerian seen Aric's journal? Did he know about Aric's forbidden research into demonic magic?

He held Valerian's stare though—steadfast and unyielding.

If they wanted a witch hunt?—

"They have surpassed my wildest imaginings," Valerian continued, undaunted by Aric's sudden steeling. "Our potential is limitless when we cease shackling ourselves. To choose a brighter future for Astaria." His words were tinged with the fever of the righteous now—the same tone he had used when addressing the council earlier that night.

"And that is what we need you for."

Aric ventured, "I don't suppose you could show me more? Let me see what's really going on down here?" He infused his voice with a playful note, hoping to pry some truth loose.

Valerian's turned away from Aric, gesturing for them to move on. "I'm afraid such matters are of the highest sensitivity. Not even the Silver Tower has been made fully aware of our endeavors here." His tone was polite but carried a cool edge of warning. "For now, I must ask you to trust that we have only the kingdom's best interests at heart."

Aric fell silent, his frustration mounting. He'd hoped to learn more about Valerian's true goals on this walk through Astaria, but the regent was proving maddeningly elusive. Whatever lay behind the district's gates was clearly of grave importance, and Valerian had no intention of revealing it anytime soon.

Still, Aric could not shake the feeling that he was being led into a trap—one as elaborate and intricate as the magical wards he'd spent his life studying.

As they turned back toward the city center, Valerian's demeanor softened, the hard edge of anger giving way to a more thoughtful expression. "I should like to discuss your rolein tomorrow's strategy meeting," he said. "I have high hopes for what you might contribute."

Aric swallowed hard, his heart skipping a beat. "My role, my lord?"

Valerian smiled, and it was a smile full of promise. "You've been in the field. You've faced the enemy firsthand. Your insights could be invaluable as we plan our next moves."

Aric nodded slowly, trying to keep his thoughts from racing ahead. He'd always wanted to play a larger role in Astaria's defense—but he'd never imagined it would come about like this. Was Valerian truly interested in his ideas, or was he merely hoping to use Aric's experiences as leverage in his own political games?

"You've spent years on the front lines," Valerian continued. "But I think you're capable of much more than that. With your talents and your knowledge, you could help shape the very future of our kingdom."

Aric took a deep breath, willing his racing heart to calm down. It was tempting—so very tempting—to believe Valerian's words, to let himself be drawn into this new web of intrigue and ambition. But he couldn't forget the secrets he still held, the truth he still sought. He had to be careful; had to keep his true goals close to his chest.

"I'll do whatever I can to help," Aric said finally, choosing his words with care.

Valerian's hand brushed against his again—a touch full of promise—and Aric felt a shiver run up his spine despite himself. "Good," Valerian said softly. "I knew I could count on you."

They finished their walk at a scenic overlook, the city of Astaria spread out before them like a living tapestry. Valerian stood close, their shoulders almost touching as they admired the view.

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