Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die For Me/ Book 3 Paradise

Chapter 97 Recollections

<Palace Dungeons>

Lieanna waited for days in a decrypted darkness. The door to her cell was solid and made of Honkai steel. Though her hands were free, she had not consumed any pitiful nourishment the guards provided her. The walls were brittle, old walls, that most Valkyries could break but the guards were different. Standing guard for royal prisoners was her first station as a Valkyrie. Those guards left the scope of her senses.

"You're not eating."

Alya, no the Queen, stood on the other side. Without knowing it Lieanna crawled to the door. Ear pressed against a searing cold hoping for more.

"Lieanna you may drop all formalities."

"Why are you here, Alya?"

"I'm afraid to say goodbye."

Shuffling from behind the steel door betrayed nothing. Either one could not discern their desires or intentions. Eventually, all they could do was stand in place. Lieanna was glued to the door, gradually warming it. Alya stood a foot from the handle.

"You could pardon me. I admit my sins."

"The garden was uncovered, was it you?"

"They're not just in the garden."

"Alive some are, scared away from the palace and my service."

"I thought you wished to speak informally?"

"It's just a manner of speech and I know I want to forgive you."

"Because I'm perfect for you-"

"Because I pity you and I'm still scared of you."

Lieanna froze, the door had robbed her of the little warmth she held. She began to sink until she was curled up on the floor, knees to her chest, finally crying.

"You will be executed tomorrow. I've pardoned your acts too many times."

Her steps faded and soon the Valkyrie guards replaced hers. Lieanna didn't move from the door. Her last bit of hope was exorcised from her like a ghost.

"I accept your offer," Lieanna whispered to the dark. "My knowledge and allegiance is yours."

Torchlight flickered from outside the cell. In the shadows was the figure of a man who nodded and made no sound as he left. He was an undetectable ghost.

<Clocktower>

"Sakura told me I'd find you here, why isn't she with you?"

"Because I asked her to spare me time alone. I'd ask you the same uncle but I'm curious. There's a lot of pebbles I've been rolling. After Dad's death, you became Patriarch, as Overseer are you still the leader of the Kaslanas?"

Kallen's hair was down, made active by the winds of the Hightower. It was the name she had given it, a marker and memory that she was reliving along with countless others. Cain sat beside her on the ledge, overlooking the nightly affairs of Vienna.

"Your father and I were never the true heirs. Sabrina has reclaimed her position despite her reluctance."

"But there were other uncles and aunts."

"Duty claimed them, not all Kaslanas are blessed with potential. "

"Duty," Kallen sniffed the air, a musty putrid scent lingered over Cain's body. "You've delegated much of the work to Frederick. I don't need to mettle in your affairs but you seem too happy."

"The world doesn't need to mourn him."

Ice crusted the air with thin blades pointed at Cain. He shook in surprise as the lost trait of the Kaslanas manifested. The Judgement holstered on his hips called for a new owner but there was a promise to keep.