That morning, the air of Anarats was still heavy with the remnants of last night’s storm. Gray skies pressed down upon the rooftops, snow piled on the streets up to the knees, even though the townsfolk had been trying to clear it since dawn. Torches that would normally be extinguished after sunrise still burned faintly, for natural light barely pierced the cold fog.
In the large chamber warmed by the fireplace, Sylvia opened her eyes. She sat up slowly, the thin blanket sliding from her shoulders. Her gaze immediately settled on the dark gown hanging on the clothes standing the Dress of Death. The gown shimmered faintly, jet black with violet accents like restrained flames, its fabric flowing as if absorbing the light around it. Beside it, other battle gear had been prepared: black gloves inscribed with elegant runes, the seldom-used Rapier of Night glinting like the midnight sky, and a pair of black high heels with sharply elegant tips.
Sylvia rose, her movements calm, unhurried. She donned the gown layer by layer, letting the fabric meld with her pale skin like shadows wrapping around her body. Each simple motion of the fastening of the belt, sliding the rapier to her thigh, draping the black cloak built an aura of cold that gradually filled the room.
Just as she tightened the last glove, a knock sounded at the door.
"Enter," Sylvia said flatly.
The door opened to reveal Velthya. Her silver hair was tied high, her long tail swayed with pride. This time she wore light armor of black and silver, the shoulders engraved with the crest of a wolf. A longsword hung at her hip, and a white fur cloak draped across her shoulders giving her the air of both leader and warrior.
Velthya stepped inside, pulling out a large rolled-up map from a leather case. She unfurled it on the wooden table by the window. The map displayed the surrounding region of the central island where the dark races lived, with several red ink markings across it.
"These are all the Church’s branch locations in this area," Velthya explained, her finger pointing northwest, then south, then far east. "They don’t only have temples, but also secret outposts for storing supplies and housing small troops. If we strike correctly, they’ll lose their footing in this region."
Sylvia leaned forward, her crimson eyes scanning the map without a change in expression. Slowly, she lifted a black pen and began marking certain points.
"These here, here, and the one by the western river... we’ll strike those ourselves. The rest leave them to my army." Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝗂𝗋𝖾⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥
Velthya nodded. "You’re certain about only three locations for us to handle directly?"
"We don’t need to reveal all our strength at once," Sylvia replied. "One large strike is enough, witnessed by many. The rest... let the rumors spread through whispers and fear."
In her mind, Sylvia called the name most familiar: Alicia
There was a pause, then a soft yet crisp voice answered telepathically. "Yes, Sylvia?"
"Tell Celes. The army must be divided. There are several Church branches we’ll strike. Velthya and I will handle three. The rest are yours."
"Understood." Alicia’s voice was steady, then shifted, calling out. "Celes, hear this. The Queen has given her orders."
POV Celes – The Black Castle
In the castle’s main hall, Celes stood firm before a massive map. Her white hair flowed freely, her face taut with focus. Around her, several zombie commanders waited stiffly, their hollow eyes glowing faintly red.
Sylvia’s orders reached her mind through Alicia, as clear as if spoken directly to her ear. Celes closed her eyes briefly, then smiled faintly.
"Very well, let’s set everything in motion."
Her slender hand moved swiftly, pointing to marked spots on the map.
"I’ll go with Aurellia. The zombie mages and several Hunters will come. Our focus is the southern branch with a small fortress. That’s where they store their holy relics. We must destroy it."
Alicia, standing to her right, added, "Then I’ll go with Stacia. We’ll strike the eastern branch near the fishing village. They think it’s safe because it’s off the main routes, but that’s exactly their weakness."
On the other side, Noir rose from his lazy spot near the window, his massive black-scaled body looming, wings folded. His voice rumbled low.
"I will move alone. No branch will last long if I involve myself."
Celes nodded quickly. "Fine. But we can’t leave the castle empty."
She turned to the line of zombies behind her. Three figures stood out clad in tattered armor, their faces nearly unrecognizable, but their eyes glowed brighter than the rest. They were Zombie Commanders, Rank 3 beings created specifically to direct troops.
"You will command each line. Divide the forces as needed. Leave no gaps," Celes ordered coldly.
The Zombie Commanders bowed stiffly. Their voices rumbled, almost like thunder: "As commanded."
Celes looked back to the assembly.
"Remember, leave half the army in the castle. The Ancient Titan stays; it’s too slow to move, but it might serve as a shield if the enemy dares attack again."
"Good," Alicia said, glancing at Stacia, who nodded in agreement. "If everything’s ready, we can march this very afternoon."
Celes studied the map once more.
"Then the forces will divide: Aurellia and I to the south. Alicia and Stacia east. Noir alone to the north. Half remain in the castle under the Commanders’ lead. Meanwhile, Queen Sylvia..." Her eyes gleamed sharply. "...will march with Velthya. That alone will mark the day the Church is no longer safe."
Those words echoed through the room. Alicia gave a faint smile, Stacia bowed her head in silence, Aurellia stared into the torchlight as if seeing the shadow of war within it, while Noir let out a low growl, his agreement rumbling like thunder.
Outside, the snow still fell heavily, as if the sky itself knew that the coming night would not be an ordinary night, but the beginning of the darkness that would swallow the Church’s false light.
A soft knock came at the door. Sylvia opened it, finding Velthya already fully prepared in her armor.
"You’ve marked the targets?" Velthya asked.
"Yes." Sylvia folded the map, tucking it into her belt. "My army has their orders."
Velthya smiled faintly, though her eyes shone with battle spirit. "Then let’s make the world tremble."
They walked out together, their footsteps echoing along the long corridor of the residence. Servants bowed deeply as they passed, eyes filled with both reverence and a faint trace of fear.
Stepping out into the front courtyard, the cold wind met them, biting even though the sun strained to break through the mist. Sylvia pulled up her black hood, while Velthya tapped her sword’s hilt, her tail swaying with pride.
They spoke little. A mere glance was enough to affirm they were ready.
POV Celes – The Black Castle
Elsewhere, the great castle gates groaned open. Lines of zombies marched out one after another, their feet crunching into the deep snow. The thunder of thousands of steps made the earth quiver faintly, the crunch, crunch, crunch filling the morning air.
At the head of the column, Celes stood with her white cloak snapping in the wind. Aurellia at her side held a long staff glowing red.
"Forward," Celes commanded. Her voice was calm, but carried a weight that made thousands of hollow red eyes turn in unison.
From another side, Alicia and Stacia led a different column. Stacia conjured blue circles in the air, commanding ice to clear the roads, while Alicia rode atop a black zombie wolf, her silver hair whipping wildly.
Above, Noir spread his wings once, conjuring a miniature snowstorm. His colossal form lifted skyward, his shadow casting over the courtyard. His roar made the castle walls tremble.
And at the castle’s heart, the Ancient Titan stood immobile like a mountain of stone, its yellow eyes glowing dimly. It did not move, but its presence alone was enough to unnerve any foe.
Celes turned once more to the army.
"They believe light can stop us. Show the world our darkness is stronger than their false light."
The zombie forces roared in unison, the cries of thousands of dry throats reverberating, swallowing the silence of morning.
In another part of the city, Sylvia and Velthya stepped out of the residence. The gates swung open, revealing the streets of Anarats still buried in deep snow. Some townsfolk watched from afar, quickly bowing their heads when Sylvia’s crimson gaze swept over them.
Velthya took a deep breath, her eyes gleaming. "This will be my first battle alongside my friend... and alongside a zombie queen."
Sylvia glanced at her. "Don’t get sentimental. We have branches of the Church to burn."
Velthya chuckled. "Then let’s begin."
They walked side by side, their steps leaving clear tracks in the white snow. Two figures different in origin, yet bound by the same resolve. And behind them, the shadow of war had already begun to move.