Ashes of the FutureChapter 14 – Blood and Fire
The morning after the Tondc negotiations broke cold and gray, with storm clouds churning on the horizon like some wrathful god's warning. Kira sat at the edge of the broken tower that served as Tondc's council hall, her legs dangling over a long drop into the streets below. The city buzzed quietly beneath her—traders setting up, guards patrolling, and the occasional clang of metal echoing through the alleys.
She was lost in thought when Lexa appeared, quiet as a shadow.
"You always seek high ground," the Commander said, stepping beside her.
Kira didn't look away from the skyline. "Harder to be stabbed in the back this way."
Lexa chuckled. "A warrior's answer."
Kira turned her head finally. "You expecting an attack?"
Lexa didn't answer directly. "Something stirs. I feel it in the silence between clan messengers. Too much caution. Too much waiting."
Kira stood. "Then let's not wait for them to act. Let's move first."
Lexa regarded her with something like admiration—and caution. "You're bold."
"I didn't survive two worlds to die waiting."
By midday, the skies broke. Rain fell in thick, icy sheets. Kira sparred with Indra in a covered courtyard while guards and villagers scrambled for shelter. Their blades clashed with wet shrieks, slipping and skidding with each strike. Indra didn't hold back, and neither did Kira. It wasn't just training—it was an unspoken test.
"You fight like a shadow," Indra grunted.
Kira ducked a blow and rolled into a low sweep, knocking Indra's feet out. "Because shadows see everything."
Indra hit the stone hard and laughed. Actually laughed. "You might just be worth the scars you're going to cause."
They ended with bruises and mutual respect. Even Indra's ice had cracked.
Lexa watched from under a stone arch, her expression unreadable.
Later, the Tondc alarm bell rang.
Kira was in the tent with Lexa reviewing supply manifests when the shriek split the air. Both were on their feet instantly. Lexa grabbed her armor and Kira pulled a weapon from her inventory—a curved blade with a polished black handle that had no place in this world.
"Bandits?" Kira asked.
Lexa shook her head. "Too bold. This is something else."
They rushed outside. Smoke rose on the eastern wall. A guard came sprinting down the road.
"Riders! Azgeda! A dozen or more!"
"Prepare the defense!" Lexa commanded, her voice cold and sharp.
Kira followed her to the wall. Chaos met them—villagers scrambling to take cover, warriors rushing to line up. Lexa surveyed the threat: fifteen riders, clad in black and silver, with the sigil of Azgeda burned into their armor.
The leader's horse trotted forward. He pulled back his hood, revealing a face Kira recognized. Not from this world, but from her memories of the show. Roan. The Ice Nation prince.
"Commander," he called, his voice carrying easily. "I come in peace."
Lexa raised a hand, halting the archers. "Then dismount."
Roan did, removing his weapons and placing them on the ground.
Kira's eyes narrowed. "This smells like bait."
Lexa nodded slightly. "Stay close."
Inside the council chamber, Roan stood before Lexa and Kira, wet from the rain but utterly unbothered.
"My mother grows restless," he said. "She believes you grow weak."
"And you think marching into my domain will convince me otherwise?" Lexa replied.
"No. I came to warn you. She plans to act soon. Azgeda will not stay quiet."
Lexa considered this. "Why betray your queen?"
"Because I want peace. And because I know your strength."
Kira stepped forward. "And what do you want from us?"
Roan's eyes met hers. "A place at your side when the fire comes."
That night, tension simmered. Lexa and Kira sat alone in a smaller tent, oil lamps casting warm light across the space. Rain drummed on the canvas above.
"You trust him?" Kira asked.
Lexa shook her head. "But I trust his hatred for his mother more."
Kira nodded, then stretched out on the bedroll, watching the flame flicker.
"You looked good today," Lexa said suddenly.
Kira turned to her. "In the rain or in the fight?"
"Both."
Their eyes met. Neither moved.
"I could kiss you," Lexa said softly.
"You could," Kira whispered. "But not yet."
Lexa leaned back, smile faint. "You are maddening."
Kira smirked. "You like it."
That night, Kira dreamed of fire. Of a world crumbling again. She saw Lexa fall. Blood in the stone. Her own scream tearing from her lips.
She woke covered in sweat, chest tight.
Lexa stirred beside her. Not touching. But present.
"Nightmare?"
Kira nodded.
Lexa didn't ask more.
But the look she gave said she understood.
End of Chapter 14
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