4: Darken War

21: Alexandria

Chapter Twenty-One: Alexandria

I pushed the door open with steady hands and a burning heart.

The throne room of the dwarves was colder than I remembered from the visions—built of deep-cut obsidian stone, veined with molten metal, the ceiling arched with dwarven sigils that no longer glowed. Now, only torchlight lined the walls, flickering weakly. The power of the dwarves had long since faded... now replaced by my brother's presence.

Theo sat on the throne, dressed head to toe in blackened armor, silver trim catching the torchlight. Upon his breastplate sat a silver dragon crest identical to mine—every line, every curve. It was a twisted reflection of my own armor, only reversed: where mine bore warmth and gold, his bore shadow and steel.

I didn't hesitate.

I reached over my shoulder, pulled my bow free, notched an arrow, and drew the string taut. I aimed directly at Theo's heart.

"Theo Darken," I called, my voice sharp and echoing, "what the hell did you do to my brother?"

The moment the words left my mouth, the floor rumbled slightly. Stone began to shift—golems rising from the cracks like ancient statues given breath. They circled me slowly, their movements methodical and heavy, each one easily ten feet tall.

Theo didn't flinch. He just smiled. "Absolutely nothing," he said, voice calm, amused.

"He's telling the truth," a soft voice said behind me.

I turned, stunned, to find Calista standing there, stepping through the now-opened door. Her silver hair shimmered in the dim light.

"Calista? What are you doing?" I hissed. "You were supposed to stay out there. Go back."

"No," she replied, chin held high. "I said the same thing to Seraphina. I'm not a child anymore, Alexandria. I want the lies to end."

I studied her for a moment—this small girl with fire in her eyes. So much like myself at her age. I knew there was no stopping her now.

"Fine," I said with a sigh. "But you stay at my side. You do everything I say."

She nodded once. "Agreed."

I turned back to Theo, who had now stood from the throne, long black cape draping behind him like wings of shadow.

"If you didn't do anything to Alexander," I said, "then why did you want him alive? Why manipulate him at all? I think I've earned some damn answers."

Theo spread his arms in mock welcome. "Why, to bring him to my side, of course. I had plans. A grand betrayal. But—" he chuckled, stepping down from the dais, "—it seems he did that himself."

"Truth," Calista whispered. Her voice was quiet, but the weight of it dropped like a hammer.

I closed my eyes for a moment and reached deep within. I let out a long breath and activated my mind magic, quietly casting it out to every soul in the room—breaking any control Theo might have held. It brushed across their minds like a gentle wind. Most resisted. Some trembled. Two of the siblings on his left faltered slightly, brows furrowed in confusion.

Only Annora remained steady, her arms crossed, lightning flickering around her shoulders.

The two girls—Aurora and Amethyst—stood to Theo's right, dolls hanging from their belts like weapons. I knew better than to underestimate them.

"If this fight is going to happen," I said quietly, "then let it be a fight of will. Not one born of control."

I released my arrow.