As Darius stepped fully into the gathering, harsh eyes turned his way at once.

  There were about a dozen Valiants, all clad in black, their expressions unreadable but far from welcoming. They were accustomed to Meredith’s presence, she earned only passing glances, but Darius was another matter entirely. Their gazes lingered on him.

  Karev seemed to notice and enjoy it. “Move out,” he ordered curtly.

  The men fell into formation without question. They set off towards the Red Dome, boots striking stones in disciplined rhythm, with Karev, Meredith, and Darius walking behind them.

  Darius tugged his sleeves down again, ensuring the fabric hid his wrist completely. The band felt like a burden.

  They walked only a short distance before the market’s noise faded entirely. Ahead rose a fortress — its walls tall and thick, its gates; massive slabs of iron-bound wood. Armed men patrolled the ramparts above, bows in hand.

  Though they stood far overhead, Darius felt their eyes lock onto him.

  Not Meredith. Him.

  Karev stopped and looked up. “They are with me,” he announced.

  A Valiant stationed by the gate studied them briefly, then nodded. Moments later, the gates groaned and swung open. Darius’ breath caught as they passed through.

  The fortress was a city unto itself.

  Single-storey buildings— likely living quarters —were laid out with precise order, forming neat rows and courtyards. Training grounds stretched between them, weapons stacked with military neatness. Everything had its place.

  And at the very centre of it all stood a massive structure.

  Its walls were smooth and imposing, its roof circular and unmistakably red, gleaming beneath the sky.

  The Red Dome.

  Darius stared at it, awe and dread twisting together in his chest. He had walked willingly into the heart of the Valiants, and there would be no easy way out.

  Once they were fully inside the fortress, the Valiants began to disperse, peeling away in small groups and solitary pairs, each heading off to their assigned duties. Some moved towards the barracks, others towards watch posts or inner corridors. Before long, only Darius, Meredith, and Karev remained together.

  Karev gestured ahead, towards a vast open stretch of ground ringed by weapon racks and marked with scars from countless drills.

  “The training grounds,” he said. “Combat lessons. Weapon handling. Valiants need more than magic if they’re to defeat Truthers.”

  Darius frowned, the words scraped against his nerves.

  Karev continued casually, as though discussing the weather. “Magic is our strongest weapon, of course. But if you’re faced with more than one Truther…” He shrugged. “A well-trained Valiant can manage with steel alone. Magic or no magic.”

  Darius said nothing, but unease churned within him. Why tell me this? he wondered. Was Karev boasting, or warning him?

  They walked on, passing the edge of the training ground where the clang of metal rang loud and constant. Without looking back, Karev added, “You could come here to train, if you wished. Any time.”

  The offer felt wrong.

  Darius narrowed his eyes slightly. “I couldn’t train here,” he said. “Not even if I wanted to.”

  Meredith looked from one to the other, confused. “Why not?” she asked. “If Karev’s inviting you into the Red Dome, surely you’d be allowed.”

  Darius shook his head. “I’m not a Valiant.”

  “Indeed,” Karev replied, casting him a sideways glance. A faint, mocking smile played on his lips.

  Darius met his gaze, returning a look of careful warning. Whatever game Karev was playing, he hoped the man wouldn’t say more than he already had, for some truths, spoken aloud in this place, could be fatal.

  Karev motioned for them to follow, turning away without waiting to see if they obeyed. Darius and Meredith fell into step beside him as he led them deeper into the fortress.

  “Our meeting with Arch-Valiant Thaddeus will begin shortly,” Karev said as they walked. “All Valiants are required to be present at the Red Dome. You two may remain in my chambers until it is concluded.”

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  They passed another sparring ground. Young men, no older than their twenties, moved with disciplined precision, swords flashing as they struck and parried. Others stood at the range, drawing bows and loosing arrows that thudded into wooden targets with dull, heavy sounds.

  The focus on their faces was absolute, stripped of anything human beyond obedience.

  Darius watched them closely. “Meredith mentioned they’re considering making you an Arch-Valiant.”

  Karev nodded, unashamed. “Indeed. I believe I’ve earned it.” He glanced sideways at Darius. “I’ve been loyal to the Order. And I possess… skills most of them do not.”

  The way he said it made Darius’s skin prickle.

  “I’m surprised Valiants are even allowed to marry,” Darius said carefully. “You’re the only one I’ve seen with a woman.”

  Karev’s lips curved faintly. “We are permitted to take a spouse. Most choose not to. And those who do often find no one willing. The nature of our work tends to repel ordinary lives.”

  He turned then to Meredith, his expression softening in a way Darius had not yet seen. “Which makes you a brave woman.”

  Meredith smiled and slipped her hand into his. Karev laced their fingers together easily.

  Darius looked away, forcing down the coil of jealousy that rose unbidden in his chest.

  Karev led them towards a stone stairwell and began to climb. The stair opened into the first storey of a long, wide corridor, doors lining either side at even intervals.

  He stopped before one door and pushed it open. “This way.”

  Karev’s chambers were stark, but far from bare. The stone walls were clean and unadorned, save for a single banner bearing the Valiant sigil. A neatly made bed stood against one wall, its frame very functional.

  Opposite it, a weapons rack held a sword, a dagger, and a bow, all meticulously maintained. A small desk sat near the window, scattered with parchment, sealed letters, and a single black candle burned low beside them.

  There were no personal trinkets or signs of indulgence, only order, discipline, and readiness. Everything in the room spoke of a man who lived for duty and expected violence at any moment.

  “This is where you’ll wait,” Karev said calmly.

  Darius stepped inside, his unease deepening. If the room reflected its owner, then Karev was far more dangerous than he let on.

  Karev crossed the room and lifted a bow from the weapons rack. It was well-crafted, the wood dark and smooth, the string taut and newly waxed. He took a quiver from beside it, the arrows’ fletching uniform and unfrayed, then turned and held both out to Darius.

  “This is for you.”

  Darius froze. His hands did not move. “I—I can’t accept that.”

  Karev raised an eyebrow, amused. “You can.”

  “It’s yours,” Darius pressed. “I wouldn’t feel right.”

  “Take it,” Karev said, his tone sharpened just enough to silence further protest. “It’s an important gift. One you may find useful.”

  Reluctantly, Darius reached out and accepted the bow and quiver. But his unease deepened rather than eased.

  Before either of them could speak again, a metallic bell rang out, echoing across the fortress. The sound rolled through the stone like a command, loud enough to reach every corner of the Red Dome.

  Karev turned towards the window. “That will be the call.”

  He faced Meredith. “It’s time for me to join Arch-Valiant Thaddeus.” His voice softened. “I’m glad Darius came along. At least you won’t have to wait alone and grow bored.”

  Meredith managed a small smile. “Don’t be long.”

  Karev shook his head slightly. “That isn’t in my power.”

  He drew her into a brief embrace. “I’ll be back.”

  Then he turned to Darius. “You’re free to use the target practice downstairs if you wish. Test your new bow.”

  Darius tightened his grip on the wood. “I’ll… consider it.”

  With that, Karev left the room, the door closing firmly behind him.

  Silence settled in his absence.

  Darius exhaled and turned to Meredith. “Is this how it always is when you come to the Red Dome?”

  Meredith sat on the edge of the bed and sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Not always. We don’t come here often. Karev prefers the market; away from the other Valiants.”

  She paused. “But the few times I’ve had to come here, yes. It’s always like this. Waiting for his meetings to end.”

  “That might change if he becomes an Arch-Valiant,” Darius said.

  She nodded. “It might. We’re planning to stay away from the chaos for a while once he rises in rank. He won’t need to go out hunting Truthers or fighting Ragelers anymore.”

  Darius scoffed before he could stop himself.

  A Valiant fighting a Rageler— the very creature they summoned. The irony twisted bitterly within him.

  Meredith had no idea. None at all.

  And when she finally learned what Karev truly was, the truth would not come gently.

  Darius drifted towards the window and looked out over the fortress grounds. Below, Valiants moved with purpose, breaking into small streams that all flowed towards the Red Dome. Black cloaks flashed.

  The bell’s summons had been absolute and whatever meeting awaited them was about to begin, and none dared arrive late.

  Then a thought struck him. The prisoners.

  Meredith had mentioned them the night before. If Thaddeus had brought captives from Orlan, there was a chance, however small, that they were being held somewhere within these walls.

  Darius turned from the window. “I think I’ll go test the bow,” he said casually. “Down at the training ground.”

  Meredith brightened and stood at once. “I’ll come with you.”

  “No,” Darius said quickly, then forced a grin. “I’m fine. I don’t need you watching me make a fool of myself.”

  Meredith laughed. “I watched you shoot your very first arrow, remember? I’ve already seen the worst.”

  Before he could protest further, she caught him by the arm and tugged him towards the door. Darius followed with a grimace, grinding his teeth in quiet frustration.

  So much for slipping away unnoticed.