Walking through the crowd, her recent travel companions quickly fell behind. Catherine felt satisfied with herself. After a long escape, she had finally reached a place not yet under the dominion of the Red Crucis. It was her first true sensation of freedom in a long time.

  She decided to wander aimlessly through the streets of Lower Surum, allowing herself the luxury of relaxing. It was still mid-afternoon, the sun high in the sky, and she had time to explore this unique city-nation. After so many years studying and observing the world from afar, she was finally there — in Surum itself.

  Suddenly, the constant flow of people around her began to organize into rows. As if rehearsed in a military drill, they formed a corridor without uttering a word.

  By the time she realized what was happening, it was too late.

  A fleet of riders mounted on enormous black horses approached. The sun above was eclipsed by the towering figure riding directly in front of her. His stern, grim expression froze the girl in place. All she could do was look up at a scar-covered face that nearly disappeared beneath the massive gray armor he wore.

  When he struck the ground with the butt of his great lance, the soldiers immediately surrounded Catherine. The words that left his mouth carried the weight of the Order itself embodied in a man.

  — Catherine Deshayes Urbanus VI. I, Commander of the Legado Guard, Miles, shall take you into custody in the name of our Emperor, Summum Bonnum. I recommend that you surrender immediately and allow my soldiers to escort you to your cell.

  When he finished speaking, only the wind could be heard in the street. His authoritative voice echoed through the air, leaving everyone frozen, as if awaiting permission even to blink.

  Catherine did not allow herself to remain shaken. The exercise of authority was familiar to her. But she knew that in her current situation, confronting the guards would not be wise.

  — I may accept, Lord Miles, but I will not be dragged away by your soldiers. I can walk to this so-called “cell” myself.

  She nudged one of the guards and gestured for him to dismount.

  The crowd stared in disbelief at the way the young woman addressed the Commander as if they were equals. Miles nodded for his subordinate to step down. Catherine even asked for assistance before placing her foot in the stirrup and mounting the horse herself.

  — Now I am ready. Lead the way.

  Without displaying any reaction, Miles made a brief gesture with his hand. In the next instant, a guard stabbed Catherine in the back, and she fell unconscious.

  When she awoke, Catherine found herself shackled to a wall inside a dark, filthy cell. The floor around her was scattered with human bones — likely from other prisoners who had spent their final moments chained there.

  She felt that this would not be her end. Yet a small seed of doubt filled her with fear. Still young and far from home, she felt truly afraid. Alone in that putrid darkness, her eyes began to fill with tears. For the first time, she felt a flicker of regret for the decisions she had made.

  Before she could sink deeper into despair, footsteps echoed outside. The cell door opened.

  It was him again.

  Miles entered carrying a stool. He placed it before her, sat down, and began:

  — I believe you are far from home, girl. As Commander of this city’s guard, I cannot allow an enemy to wander freely through our streets.

  — Enemy, you fool? Clearly you have no idea about my situation.

  — Watch your words. You are not in your palace. Here in Surum, we preach order. In this room, I am your superior.

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  He stood and began pacing.

  — I am fully aware of your status as a fugitive. But within these walls, we do not know your intentions. From this point on, your fate is no longer mine to decide. It lies in the Emperor’s hands. So if you wish to keep your head attached to your neck, I repeat my warning — choose your words carefully.

  With that, Miles left the cell, once again abandoning her to the darkness.

  Catherine began to think of how she might convince the Emperor she could be useful — useful enough to remain alive. She considered explaining her situation, lying, even threatening. But none of it seemed immediately effective. She would need to improvise.

  After hours of thought, exhaustion overcame her. Surrounded by bones, she fell asleep.

  When she awoke again, several guards entered and removed her from the cell. She was led up a grand staircase until she reached a far more luxurious environment.

  She now stood within the royal fortress in the safest and most prosperous district of the city-nation — the Legado District.

  There she was placed in an elegant chamber. Servants assisted her in bathing and dressing in more suitable clothing. She would have an audience with the Emperor.

  The gigantic doors opened.

  Before her stretched a majestic hall. The walls gleamed as if molded from pure silver, giving the space not only an air of wealth, but also rigidity and sophistication. A black carpet guided her path to the foot of the throne.

  Seated there was a young man — perhaps even her age. For the first time since parting from her brief companions, she saw a face that seemed compassionate. He appeared surprised by her arrival.

  In contrast, the elderly man standing beside the Emperor looked down at her with complete disdain. She sensed that if her fate depended on him, it would be a short one.

  He stepped forward and began arrogantly:

  — Here stands before the Emperor of Surum, Summum Bonnum, Catherine Deshayes Urbanus VI. For the crimes of espionage, invasion, conspiracy, and threatening the sovereignty of Surum, she is sentenced to capital punishment, to be carried out in the public square as an example to the enemies of the nation.

  Before he could continue, the Emperor interrupted.

  — I do not believe we need to rush. I am impressed that one of our greatest enemies is merely a girl — and such a beautiful one at that…

  — Your Majesty, I am not your enem—

  She was promptly silenced by the counselor, who demanded order and instructed her to remain quiet until granted the right to speak.

  The Emperor continued:

  — Catherine, I have been informed of your situation as a fugitive. But both you and I know of the war we have fought against your Red Crucis for over four hundred years. We are the bastion that protects the West from large-scale invasion since the first Emperor who stood against the Church — since the Cataclysm. I cannot simply close my eyes and allow you to walk freely through our streets. However, I do not believe a death sentence is just. I believe Counselor Edison can devise a way for you to prove that you are not an enemy — perhaps even a future ally. It would be an achievement beyond anything my ancestors ever imagined.

  For a moment, he gazed into the distance, as if envisioning a brilliant future.

  — But first, tell me. What specifically brought you to Surum?

  — I have always been enchanted by your beautiful walls and fortresses, Your Majesty.

  — Ha! You see, Edison? She has good taste. She will soon grow accustomed to the magnitude of our kingdom. Now take her.

  After the audience, Catherine was led to another chamber within the fortress.

  In contrast to the luxury she had just witnessed, this room was chaotic. Papers covered every surface — scattered across a large table and fallen to the floor. A board filled with notes detailed internal matters of the city, many of which made little sense to her.

  Her curiosity overtook her. She sat on the edge of the table and began examining the documents. Before she could delve deeper, the door opened.

  Counselor Edison entered, wearing the same look of disdain. He immediately reprimanded her for touching what did not belong to her. He appeared furious at the opportunity the Emperor had granted her.

  Yet beneath his anger, there was calculation.

  — Catherine… Deshayes… I do not know what the Emperor sees in you. But as his mentor and loyal servant, I can imagine his intentions in attempting to bring you to our side. Recently, we have encountered a minor problem within the city. A so-called resistance is forming. They resent the way we maintain order. Yes, we are rigid. But the Order is the pillar of our existence. It is the structure passed down to us as a legacy. This insubordination from certain civilians defies our principles. We provide food, shelter, even the opportunity for military recognition — and this is how they repay us!

  In a burst of anger, Edison struck the table, sending papers to the floor.

  — And now, young lady, you will be necessary. As an intruder — an “enemy” of the Emperor — you will destroy them from within.

  — How am I supposed to do that alone? It is a suicide mission.

  — On the contrary. You will be a hidden card for the resistance. You will arrive seeking refuge, claiming to have fled the Legado District. They will accept you. There is no need for haste. At the right moment, I will appear to finish what you begin. In Lower Surum, there will be a place where you will deliver information to me. This will be your first mission — the price of your protection under the Emperor’s guard.

  Catherine had little choice.

  It was mission or death.

  And she saw in it a simple opportunity — perhaps her first real chance at securing a safe place to establish herself.

  Failure was not an option.