Chapter 42

Darkness’s Ass

Ash and pines fused in my senses. The crisp morning air musky with death and Ruin. And I, Empress Zora Magna Bugrie, stood insignificantly at the feet of towering metal gates.

My eyes wandered, unsure what command to send to my body to allow it to proceed. No guards or servants anywhere near.

For a moment, creeping anxiety that I’d used the pendant incorrectly crept into the back of my skull and settled i......