Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Overlooking the dark skies stained a deep amethyst from the highest building in Enrilia, the city of Umbra, twinkling with multicolored light below, a vast veil of twilight devoured the glow of Luna from above, leaving only an Abyss of Night for those within the leveled city to gaze upon its majesty.

Footsteps rang through my ears and stopped.”Is it over, Kervya?” I asked, unable to take my eyes off the brewing Darkness that had changed these past few years. The signs of a new monarch were in the making, a New Prince.

“Yes. Rensa is on the way to Umbra to give you a better grasp of the situation.” He answered in his typical dry tone.

“To umbra?” I said, lifting my brow, “We have Holocubes, secure ones. There is no need for her to come unless—” I smiled, tilting my head, to the Tenkku, whose blood-red compound eyes glowed over his blue skin. His nose was long to a point, almost as if it were a spear, while fangs seemed to protrude over its thin lips. “She is trying to waste time. Like so many, she clings to the idea of the empire rising once more.” 𝙗𝒆𝒅𝙣𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒏𝙚𝙩

“Kervya, tell me, do you still believe in the Empire?” I asked, already knowing the answer. Those of Enriliia were all the same. They all wanted to be under a single rule once more.

“I think it was that very mentality, sir. That had the Corsem Empire wiped away.” He said, somewhat surprising me. “I’m a pragmatist; we will suffer if we allow unforeseen forces to control us. From the reports, this Arsene is but a Star-Lord. He is nothing. We would be the laughing stocks of the Exalted Wheel.”

A snicker left my lips, and a smile slipped into my eyes, “Continue.”

“Sir, we have lived for so long without a Prince, and when we had one, and he died, it was at that moment the seven families were born. They were simply waiting for an opportunity. We were never loyal to the True Empire but ourselves.”

“Such a view.” I could not help but say a little surprised by the man the Black Hand sent to keep an eye on me. An old broken Order from a tattered age is what they are, as are their views.

“Forgive me,” He said, but I merely shook my head.

“It’s your outlook. Send word to Rensa and tell her she may stay. I will be heading to the Temple of Darkness. Prepare my craft.” I commanded, taking note of the brief hesitation that seemed to skim over his movements. He lowered his head.

“As you command, sir.”

,m Withdrawing from my sight without expression, I could only sigh, “I wonder who the black hand will side with? This new Monarch, Arsene or the Imperial Families. But I wonder if Arsene will genuinely be able to become a King?

The Throne of Darkness was lost to us long ago, leaving only an illusion of the once noble throne. The Temple of Eternal Darkness faded from the memories and text, rested not far from Corsem. Few souls knew of this, very few. But those that did were the lords from the other imperial families, but there was one thing clear, they would not stand with Arsene.

This world, Enrillia, was probably the only Primeworld that did not wish to forget the old text. Never forget the Laws engraved in our blood. Many was waiting, myself included.

…

…

…

Resting on board my cruiser, whose turbines hummed with life, a bit of luxury seemed to fill my sight as I peered through the windows at the clouds whipping by.

“Sir,” Said Kervya, buzzing in my ear, “Lord Lucan is on the line.”

“Put him through,” I said, unable to hide the exhaustion of these pointless calls from the Banking Clan. For such great power, they have so much to say. “You know what? I will take his call at the helm.”

Hoisting myself up, I made my way towards the helm. Greeting everyone with a warm smile of any who had the courage to meet my eye.

“Lucan, how have you been,” I responded, stepping on deck, where a man-size Hologram awaited me. “It’s been almost a whole day. What can I do for you, again.”

“It’s the job!” Lucan shouted in wild laughter, clutching his gut, which hung like a dress, and stroked his grizzly beard. “Cheer up, ya old fool. We are immortals, keep up that frown, and upon your death, not even the Mortician will be able to make you smile.” He said, crackling in a bit of obnoxious laughter.

Hearing Lucan rattle on for a bit, I quickly toned out most of his words. Praying that he would get to the point quickly.

“I swear my daughter is going to put me on the ground, my friend! The little lass is only seven, but she leaped on my stomach and dared to call one of the most powerful men in Noctem fat! I swear I’m going to drown her in the toilet! And you know Maya is always encouraging her! I needed a break, my friend! But how have you been? Are you still single? What do I keep telling you? Why not go hook up with that—”

“Ok, ok!” I shouted, having felt many eyes wander over to me on deck. My shoulders hung in dismay as I pushed the conversation along, “What can I help you with.”

“Oh, Shit! I forgot!” He cried, bellowing in such heavy laughter the hologram flickered in an out of frequency. “Yes, umm, damn, what was it again! Ah, Yes! The Six Imperial Lords have decided to straight-up kill this Arsene Snow. They are racing towards the Temple to destroy it as we speak.” He faintly said, a bit solemnly, but I was sure this was but a formality. Lucus and I have been allies for longer than any other Head within the Banking Clans. I was sure he was taking a risk simply by telling me this.

“Watch your back. I am sending a few Knights of Luna to help you out. As an outside force, they will be able to help you more so than what I can.”

My expression fell, “It’s so serious you have to send out the Knights of Lunafreya?”

“Aye”