Secrets and Sacrifices

The mana wave swept across the entire world, spreading throughout the cosmos. Every living being sensed a shift but couldn't trace its source.

Two hours earlier, Kar sat inside a dungeon in Hikma. Across from him sat a dark-skinned woman with wavy, curly hair. The lines beneath her eyes spoke of seeing too much. Sunlight filled the small room, casting shadows on the walls. Spade stood silently in the corner, arms behind his back.

"I apologize for interrupting your schedule, Lady Valeria," Kar said with a smile. "You must be so busy wasting away here in the capital's cells after being abandoned."

"The beds are too soft for my old back," Valeria replied with a thin smile. "What brings you here, Sin of Gluttony?"

"I'm honored you recognize me," Kar grinned, tapping the table.

"News travels fast. I heard about your palace in Shon," Valeria's face fell. "I'm sorry about what happened to your vampires."