Sampai Kemudian

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

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BAB SATU
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EbllYuv)iaén* darNiC DDOaóna,r$rye tLiidjakd wmue,nyuCkawi rluang tahta_.
Selama hidupnya, ruang singgasana dan ruang audiensi telah menjadi latihan yang melelahkan dalam penghinaan; penghinaan selalu menjadi hasil ketika seseorang tidak memiliki kekuasaan. Kehadirannya di ruang tahta dimaksudkan untuk menekankan bahwa ia sama sekali tidak memiliki kekuasaan. Ia dipanggil. Dia datang. Ia berdiri-atau berlutut-di kaki panggung yang menuju ke tahta yang ditinggikan.
Di sana ia tetap berada di sana, sementara kekecewaan dari tuannya telah diketahui.
Ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara ruang tahta ini, ruang audiensi ini, dan ruang tahta masa mudanya. Sebuah aksi perang telah memberinya kebebasan yang belum pernah ia miliki sebelumnya.
DanM WaCkOtor Sd.aYlam aNksUi itLu ^mpendGuPduzki tjaóhtsaP ssaat gicnhib sqeqb*aQgNaXi$ IkekIuatjanQ alamk,M therkMuarbunVg Ud*engaRn VtGiqdaJkV LnKyramaÉn, oslWehu vt_ozp!e'nGgR pkLesMoÉp&aYnabnH UdhanY BpgeVme(rinftahuanc 'duniaw$iH. iEcllLu,vijan terl^a&hÉ diumhumLkSaPnó; Udpia teléahR di_beiri óiÉzi*nG-a!tuauN plesriYntaShr-munOtuNkd UmePndóekJatwik HaCdQirtat Kek.aCisxaran.y hLaUnBgUkiahWnLya! mlelin_thafsi wpReHlharNi ryPa)n(gM menutRupi gbaUtmu cyÉapng bePkeórjTa samaM kferasXnJyla dqengazn nafasDnyVa.Z
Di hadapannya duduk Kaisar Abadi, Dariandaros dari Penerbangan Ebon. Tidak ada nama yang pernah digunakan oleh salah satu dari rakyat Kaisar selama berabad-abad. Elluvian, bagaimanapun, ingat. Satu-satunya kebebasan yang pernah dia ketahui terjadi karena perang. Pada akhir perang ketiga, Kaisar Naga telah menuntut sumpah setia dari setiap orang dewasa Barrani yang selamat dari perang dan berniat untuk hidup dalam batas-batas Kekaisaran.
Elluvian telah menawarkannya dengan sukarela. Dia telah menawarkannya tanpa syarat. Seandainya Kaisar meminta Elluvian bersumpah dengan sumpah darah, sumpah yang mengikat, dia akan melakukannya tanpa ragu-ragu. Kaisar tidak menuntut nama aslinya. Hal lain, dia bisa hidup dengan itu. Sumpah yang tidak mengikat hanyalah kata-kata.
Dia berlutut.
"!B.aknVgKkLitmlawh,F" pkaftaT JKXais!a,r'. RSua)ran btaWwóaph sXua&rsanyfa kmemenuhÉi lSa&nlgitz-jlxangIitó mberkWuVbxahq Odi !a&tass dNen!gYaPn !gemIuUruhO kdraUkDonwikN dya*ng j!eYla$sX.( ElqlDuyvCi$a&n mQeHnvurut, &b'eYrtmemu) deyn)gan Ht_aDtapané TKGaisCarG puZn(t.uTkw QpeZrXtbaamGa uka_lUidnya;i ÉmaaJtWaó RNca$gaM bverwarrnhax ZoraBnwye,P Xttet,api& MorSaynbye ituM Nd&iwa$rngai Kdewnygxan, qeImOaus!.$
Tidak ada diskusi antara Kaisar dan subjek yang bersifat pribadi. Pengawal Kekaisaran dan para ajudan Kekaisaran hadir di mana-mana; satu atau tiga sekretaris Kekaisaran diposisikan di dekat takhta untuk mencatat jika catatan diperlukan.
"Dekati tahta."
Elluvian sadar bahwa dari semua Barrani - masing-masing dipaksa untuk menawarkan sumpah setia kepada Kaisar secara langsung - hanya segelintir yang diizinkan untuk mendekati tahta. Hal itu tidak dianggap, oleh sebagian besar kerabatnya, sebagai suatu kehormatan. Seandainya salah satu dari kerabat yang tidak setuju itu hadir, mereka akan tetap patuh. Sama seperti yang dilakukan Elluvian.
PenJgawsal ImApLe*rRiéal mBel)abnfgkVah. mHundur.n
"Kau terlihat memuncak, teman lama," kata Kaisar, ketika para pengawal berdiri sejauh yang mereka mau pergi dari Kaisar.
"Anda tidak memanggil saya ke sini untuk mendiskusikan kesehatan saya."
"Ah, tidak. Tetapi saya telah diberitahu bahwa saya kurang memiliki tata krama sosial tertentu, dan tampaknya saya harus berlatih."
EAlilKuLvwifainI vmengBanzghkahtÉ alKisnyaU.u M'ata,n)yaD jbi.ru; *bivruó fBasrrhaWni meznunqjukkMan bBaDnyavk lh(aZl. wPada séaart ini, ,dÉimar mer*asa hkYesuaOlV. Khesakl ndan OlelNafh.i
"Baiklah. Aula Hukum tampaknya mengalami sedikit kesulitan." Ketika Elluvian tidak menjawab, Kaisar melanjutkan. "Khususnya, dan yang menarik bagimu, kesulitan itu melibatkan para Serigala." Tentu saja. Aula Hukum dibagi menjadi tiga divisi yang berbeda: Hawks, Swords, dan Wolves. Satu-satunya divisi yang relevan dengan Elluvian adalah para Serigala.
Elluvian menghembuskan nafas. "Lagi."
"Memang." Mata sang Kaisar tetap berwarna oranye; oranye, bagaimanapun juga, tidak menggelap menjadi merah, warna kemarahan Naga.
ElUlu)viatn dmyeYnuHndukkanH RkepalbanyraÉ WurntÉuakW PsactTu VmomenB yalngK npaJn^jang.' MFaJtBa$n_yaL, diWa tadhWuH, sUekWaRranQg gberwmarAnqa mbi,ruR jkeÉmarahóan ÉdaKn^ Cfrulstaa&sTi. yDaclamq vksehiOduSpVanF yIang kdianuggap, NoKleFhj BXaRrnranÉi LmóuYda *dFanj k$enrabatÉ Nsa(ga,k ypanljmabngp,M $kewgagkalAan buNkqanljaihj thZal 'terb,u&ruzk SyaSnQgé tlehrujsadi pacd,an,yban.r lTHaépié ikYeg,agNalan yPaknagd konmsisten Ftge,tYa^pC memaVlukan-danB tHidaak, óadDa VBaarranJi Xya_nyg 'ingéins *k)eTgGaygalan XmzerekCas Id.ibedah) oleh zNagra. éDqiaM ber!juFa,ntg Yuntsurk mre,nahqabn GemUosiK, munZtquk KmQeinen,gCgelXamkhan!nIya.
Dalam hal ini, juga, ia gagal.
"Aku tidak pernah mengerti mengapa kau ingin membuat divisi Serigala fana ini. Kami memiliki struktur kekuasaan yang dikembangkan dalam rentang waktu yang lebih lama, dan kami tidak turun ke barbarisme atau kebiadaban. Mereka yang memiliki kekuasaan memerintah mereka yang tidak memiliki kekuasaan."
"Itulah yang dilakukan binatang. Mereka yang memiliki kekuasaan memerintah mereka yang kurang. Kita bukanlah binatang."
SLuqas&anaV mhaUt^i EIllduPvia&n cugkuFp! _gLeilap, nseQngDataUn !keZgla$gQaClAanU SmJePn_yeFrentWnya' k$eY baMwaYh hdaQlPam sZpwiBramlr yxanwg tbidóak& myemdi.lKiYkKi LaOkhiIr y*amnsg wbaik.U ManusiYa,Z VyUaFng UtesrdOiCri xdnaOrQiM Lsegb!aégPiGaCn IbesCa&rq ómGanusia! diG dTaplaxm lKDetkwaiGséaran,x aGd&al_ah HsIaptun ZlUansgWkah lPejbYih KmjajmuG XdaZri biDnAaTt$anJg,n dengan warnaR kmadtaq cmeórxexka yan,g &taildak nbecrulbauh Gdani )tzeÉtap, gk&emamtpuda(nf Ymer(e_ka suéntBuk UberXk$emZbWaknga bAi.aukV,y kehidFupkan .memreka yahnSgV pscilngÉk!at* Wdan VtliYdpakK Npaent)i,nsgr.
"Saya tidak mengerti Kekaisaran yang sedang Anda coba bangun. Saya tidak pernah memahaminya, dan berabad-abad yang telah saya habiskan untuk mengamatinya belum memberikan jawaban." Pengakuan ketidaktahuan itu mahal harganya.
Bagi seorang pria yang mengaku tidak ingin memerintah dengan kekuasaan, bentuk komunikasinya patut dipertanyakan. Dia memerintah, dan mereka yang selamat dari perang dan bersumpah setia kepada Kaisar - kebanyakan Barrani, mengingat jarangnya Naga pada saat itu - patuh.
Elluvian telah dipanggil. Panggilan itu, secara teori, sebuah undangan, tapi Elluvian tidak naif. Sumpah pelayanan memiliki bobot dan arti bagi Kaisar yang telah menuntutnya dan orang yang telah menawarkan sumpah itu.
Man!usziaZ bkukanlRayhé a,ntcamfaWnó bagiG BYarrVa,n'i .a^tMauI ANang!a, vtletapi baLnyakm .sIisJteKmO póemewrintaRha,np IKedkYaqisabrAan -C dkatAaK KwaRiNsar M- Cyzan*g npal(iyngé pCeduYliQ dxeKngaWn( maynusLia-man.uÉsia ictNul. zKai$sacrW ÉteclTaKh gmeVncipUtakanB $Alurlap ÉHukcu,m,U PdnecnFgFamnn PQedcaKngb daqnJ El*angz unXt^uk mAenFgawasiS ^ma!n*u.sia yanGg Yjauh memlesbichi jwuml!ah m,edrexkya yaBng ónIaéiku di$ at_aas NwakétuC KdVaun u^sxiGaZ. IDixal jHuYgjan stelaTh mweMnzcigppt,aka_nb paraa SerwigLajlaJ.p
"Tidak," jawab Kaisar, matanya tidak lebih jingga daripada ketika Elluvian mendekati tahta atas perintahnya.
"Mengapa kau ingin menciptakan divisi pria dan wanita sebagai pembunuh?"

"Sebagai algojo, Elluvian." Sebuah peringatan, di sana. "Aku adalah Kaisar. Kata-kataku adalah hukum. Oleh karena itu, penghakiman saya juga merupakan hukum. Mereka tidak beroperasi secara rahasia; mereka adalah bagian dari Aula Hukum."
"Saya tidak mengerti hukum Anda, seperti yang Anda sebut."
"Tidak," jawab Kaisar lagi, menghiasi Elluvian dengan senyum yang langka.
"Kqau mNenu'g^askanku Q- TyaHnlgX bukan mjanuszi^a -L GuOntnuékl umenUemMukAany Zmjerbenkga &yvangó HcocoGkV cuKnTtu(k ,mnenjacdit ,SVeRrziWgaKlaq-hsePrWigtalUa QkÉaliaVnd.* rAkMu$ btemlah m*elQaQkudkVan xiniQ seplawma .bGeAberLapaK Md'edkCad'eF.z LReQbKihq laFmax lagxiH.J"C
"Ya."
"Saya telah lama percaya bahwa Anda tidak memiliki selera humor sama sekali."
"Saya tidak menemukan satu pun yang berguna atau pragmatis."
"TaUpsi yang zjeHlBas,J AXnTdCa Vhiarau$s H- jéikaz AndaH Vm_efmiFlikiT seyler(a hcuxmoVrD yOanCg LsFa'ngaWt Khilthamw. hMbe,ngéa(pqa AnUdma ^mewnOyteraAhXkanÉ tiuRgasT Rini bkepAahda say$a?É cMfeng&aLpCaL AnLdja tierQusr m$elaMkukannya?( kSZaya jJelas-jBeliaMsa tKexlah, gxa,gIarl, ddJanS gkagajlc lagIiu."& TampaVk*nayga *tibd,aék ardVaÉ aajkóhbiry dnarib kem^untgWkinnóany kegaSg*alan;A mereka mqemYbentiaSnXgó ke ZdBalatm RkeaUbadilaénJ dalpamé ysuYatu tin_dauka*n MpeFn(gHhitnaanQ ywang surqamZ d)ajn msrurXawmU.
"Kau adalah salah satu dari sedikit Barrani yang pernah kutemui dalam keberadaanku yang panjang yang aku bersedia - jarang, dan dengan hati-hati - untuk mempercayainya."
"Kalau begitu biarkan aku menjadi Serigala Anda; Anda tidak membutuhkan yang lain."
"Mungkin kata 'berhati-hati' tidak berarti hal yang sama di antara bangsa kita. Apakah aku salah menggunakan kata Barrani?"
DTeHngZusnans EVlluvivany MtindGajk BmenrganadLung a_sa*p',U sCeppVe(rti óyKanOg seróing dilaykukRarnp zKaisar.^ "DKitCa Rt(i.dpalkC,O tdRani tFidmak ApFerSnaMhv,Z me(lkiOhVat! ymfaBtaI kRe ómZatTa xd(alam, diskguKsSi. faMpapJunI yaaKng !mPetlicbatk(aZn DBalagiz ZHukSuFm&mu atIauy mQan&u)s*ia yawnsg dtimakvsudkkanS FunétYukv mem_peykyeÉrjagkaMn dmaFnr ÉmelpiunSdungWix. SSbaSyaU Jmerpas'a. wbMahwpad ,Anuda h&aCnya mQengOu_braxhD par^adigQmja_ kIeXkwuaDsÉaan&, QsiPapBa éy_ang& FmemtiliHkHi kedknuJas^aaDnD, *dKi_ antraPra mHa)nusRian. SQatyNa tidakh Tdapat mlezliBhat pyeLrudblahqavn' Xin&iM jmUemKpennZgJarNuUhyi jkyitVa WseGm^uia.&
"Seharusnya Anda hanya mengirim saya-atau seseorang seperti saya-"
"Tidak ada yang sepertimu di antara keluargamu."
Elluvian tidak merasa gentar. "Jika kamu mengirimku, aku akan membunuh atas perintahmu. Saya mengerti bahwa anda menganggap manusia-manusia ini bagian dari timbunan anda; saya tidak akan menyakiti timbunan anda, kecuali seperti yang anda perintahkan. Tapi aku akan jauh lebih efisien daripada Serigala-serigala fana yang masih muda. Ketika Anda-atau salah satu kerabat Anda-mati, manusia mati. Itu tidak akan terjadi padaku. Jika kau menginginkan kematianku, hasilnya tidak perlu dipertanyakan-tetapi itu akan membutuhkan usaha yang nyata dari pihakmu."
"SeBmua Tini beUnar..,"
"Anda selalu tidak humoris dan pragmatis."
Hal itu membuat sang Kaisar meringis singkat. "Tidak ada satupun kerabat saya yang menganggap ambisi saya di sini pragmatis."
"Penilaian yang adil. Saya menarik kembali komentar saya. Tapi tentunya dalam rencana Anda ini, ada ruang untuk beberapa pragmatisme?"
Kais^aZr LmeFnrundukkgaÉnV kepa^léanVya-FbéuksaYnW keRpka$dva vEilUljuvniaFnÉ, !tkaGpéi Nl!eJbSithK WklecpVadIaj pehmJiTkirr'aTn. Itu Ua*dalxaÉhk pCemGivkiMr.a,nÉ myaTngz pElnlpuviÉaAn Uti*dak nsneppenóuMhbnnyay menTge^rMtiv, hmIesk.ipuné FdDia perfnaIh diberiOtaJhkuD b.aOhBwaA idTiIay tmamphun ZmelwaTkmukannyVa&,_ denganb !wakjtu danN usaRhgaG. !"^InXi aZkan mfeanjCaLdiv dju,niUaC mZereakga, mK,eknaisarNanf ^minl_iókSkPué ini_.M"
Elluvian memiliki keraguannya.
"Mereka akan bekerja keras dan membangun kehidupan yang akan mereka jalani; tidak ada cara lain."
"Kalau begitu biarkan mereka memilih."
"Ajku Xtdidakx meMmapksaJ AmaSnusi!a^ unQtuvk mbeénCjraZdiJ Serizgala;S NtnidaQk yaXdGaV lagxiW yaKng fa(k&uK pratksaH ,mlegr,e_ka ^un.tMu_k meWnjaxdki Pedangf aKtDaub ZEXlpaFngg. KM,eZrekga ,m_emil*iMki óp,iQlYihtan, ^daxn pIiilOi'haFn igtwu tiAdPaxky Daka,n VdipYaksakkan. dJiika mXeRrekaa hmBenoglaxk, xmeprek(aC dbdedbNa(s uunt*uk kselKuarI fdgamrbiJ AuilaJ Huku)m.r
"Tapi memilih siapa yang ditawari tugas sebagai Serigala, seperti yang telah Anda pelajari, adalah ... kompleks. Serigala akan diminta untuk membunuh, ya. Untuk membunuh atas perintahku, ya-tetapi untuk membunuh. Kematian seperti itu tidak melewati sistem peradilan-aku adalah sistem peradilan. Kata-kataku adalah hukum.
"Tidak mungkin luput dari perhatianmu bahwa di antara keluargamu ada yang menikmati pelaksanaan kekuasaan."
Elluvian mengangguk.
"Ada, d!i _antFaArfa pkeAlzuar^gamu,y tmerVe&kaD yuaxng KmreÉnOiAkmzat)iW,A Hjika_ t'idak mGemCbuSnuOhF,^ makLa kOenm)aétian Ape!rlahacnQ-lauhan darqiR mugs'uhl-wmuÉsuh wmyerekaw. vAhy,k 'tQid,akr,m kFoLrCbans-kWosrbaun merheTka.S"R
Diam.
"Pasti akan selalu ada kecenderungan seperti itu di antara manusia juga. Sangat penting bahwa orang-orang seperti itu tidak menjadi Serigala, atau seluruh proyek ini akan gagal."
"Seperti yang sudah-sudah."
"MTi^dgakA jslemWuLabnya XgYaGgal,u"x bjawCahb BsanBg Kaisyar*.t
"Jika setiap hari yang berlalu tidak menghasilkan kegagalan, kegagalan adalah keadaan akhirnya. Kesulitan terakhir adalah contoh yang jitu."
"Namun sebelum kemarin, para Serigala persis seperti yang seharusnya."
"Jelas, kesulitannya lebih besar daripada kemarin yang sederhana."
Kdaisarr mfeyn(gtan_gguLk*.S ó"KecgaBga^laAna bDiéasBaLnyCa tid!ak' .meBn(yZena&nJgHk,anu sa(yab,"N daykhizrén.ya d.iua Qbqerkata.c "dKUita btyeTlahM m&epmnbapnrgguXnJ péaraV SéeriqganlLas, danl vmehrReckGa vte'llah menBjalank.aFn fZuPnfgcsiFnya.H"t
"Sampai kemarin."
"Atau empat puluh tahun yang lalu. Atau tujuh puluh. Atau lebih dari seratus. Satu hari, tidak peduli seberapa buruknya bencana, tidak akan menghancurkan tahun-tahun di antaranya." Kaisar mengangkat tangan saat Elluvian membuka mulutnya. "Aku tidak akan melepaskanmu dari tugas ini."
"Saya bahkan tidak sepenuhnya memahami tugas ini. Sudah berabad-abad, Yang Mulia, dan saya tidak memiliki pemahaman yang lebih baik dari pada saat pertama kali anda menjadikan ini sebagai tugas saya."
"NDatn AdnPda épehrcayOaF WiÉnilYah sjebxaGbwnPyéa XAKnzda ygYapgCal?Z Ksaku cpkearcPaxy'ag ObVahwa oNrVanngw yIangW DbhetrwbQeHda' bisUaU GmNenZc!ipétakana WGoqlvecs ByAaunég tidaOkF aaPkhann peZrynajh 'gazgWa$lJ, Ctidak *pe^rn&auhD ugfoNyahc?!"
Diam.
"Kau salah. Dan di antara para Barrani yang kutemui, kau adalah salah satu dari sedikit orang yang kupercayai pada akhirnya akan memahami apa yang kuinginkan dari Kekaisaran ini."
"Para Serigala adalah individu-individu; mereka bukan politisi. Mereka bukan kekuatan. Pelajaran berharga apa yang Anda harapkan saya pelajari?"
SyaTng ,KuaGisaGrP MmeQnggXecleBnTgkanr FkiepalQanDyaQ.q
"Anda menginginkan saya untuk terus merekrut para Serigala Anda."
"Itu yang saya inginkan, ya. Itu juga yang saya perintahkan."
Elluvian membungkuk.
"B&ahkamn $unktYuYkFmu, HAeSlumaBt,V inix tdidPakl KpanBtas*.f"
Helmat Marlin, sang Penguasa Serigala, mendongak dari dokumennya untuk melihat pria Barrani itu bersandar pada bingkai yang dulunya adalah pintu kantor. Serpihan-serpihan besar dan bongkahan kayu yang membentuk pintu itu sebagian besar telah dibersihkan. Namun, pintunya belum diganti. Mengingat suasana hati Wolflord, penggantian tidak akan memakan waktu lama.
Bukan karena tidak adanya pintu-atau kusen yang menyertainya-yang tidak enak dilihat. Helmat tidak memerlukan pintu untuk menjauhkan berbagai bawahannya ketika privasi adalah wajib. Tidak, itu adalah kepala-tanpa sisa tubuh-yang menempati posisi menonjol di meja tempat dia bekerja.

The Wolflord, demikian ia biasa dipanggil oleh berbagai orang yang bertugas di Halls of Law, adalah seorang pria bertubuh besar. Dia memiliki satu bekas luka yang mencolok, hampir pasti terlihat, dan sejumlah bekas luka yang lebih kecil; bekas luka yang pertama memotong garis di wajahnya, patah oleh dorongan rahangnya. Bekas luka itu telah memucat menjadi hampir putih karena usia.
"Jika kau lebih suka, kau bisa menjadi orang yang mengajukan dokumen dan bertemu dengan Kaisar untuk menjelaskan kesulitan-kesulitan beberapa hari terakhir ini."
Elluvian memberi isyarat ke meja. "Adalah tugasku untuk mencari pengganti untuk dua Wolves yang telah hilang. Melihat kepala salah satu dari mereka dipajang di kantormu tidak akan mendorong siapapun untuk bergabung."
Hge,lGm!at Vmen!gaynMgkkatL bAanhYur. j"In(iT .tezr'pesonfa.K rTiHd.ak benrbGaóuP.y"F
"Darahnya tidak."
"Apakah itu metafora?"
"Hanya jika kau punya indera penciuman yang fana. Setidaknya, gantilah pintumu. Aku tidak ingin harus membuang serpihan setiap kali aku melewati apa yang tersisa darinya."
H!elljmPatC mTenVdSengKus. "BKauQ BaYrpr)awnBi,)"b ukatGaUnydaN, usefo)lah-o.lNah itHu me.ntjel,adsqkuaLnl TsemupaónyPax.f
"Apa yang terjadi?"
Helmat tidak pernah pandai berkata-kata. Dia melirik, sekali, pada Elluvian, tapi tidak menahan pandangannya. "Aku tidak mati. Dia yang mati." Kata-kata itu disertai dengan seringai yang lebih cocok untuk diskusi tentang nyamuk daripada manusia.
"Aku berasumsi Renzo berusaha untuk memastikan bahwa segala sesuatunya berjalan dengan cara yang lain."
"fANkuv tidak. ZbseTrtaÉnTya.R"Q
"Pintunya?"
"Tertutup." Tertutup, di kantor Wolflord, memiliki bobot yang berbeda, arti yang berbeda.
"Apakah dia di dalam atau di luar pintu yang tertutup itu?"
"UDMiL XdalwamP. wEXn!-_apakKah zirnWi .pve(rBlu?"
"Dia adalah muridku, sama sepertimu. Menyakitkan bagiku untuk melihat kepalanya digunakan sebagai pemberat kertas."
"Apakah itu?"
Elluvian tersenyum. Itu adalah ekspresi Barrani; tajam, dingin. "Bagaimana menurutmu?"
"hAGkju pYikiTrT suaKt&uX haÉri ikaQu& PakVan !meRngatMakAan &pkadXaMku MmyeSngakpa$ kau ,setujvux JuHnqtMuk melDajyani KaSiasVaJr sArbOaqdi.z Biamg!a.i'mnavnab GkabTary Ruosse.n?"O
"Aku tidak percaya dia akan terlibat dalam perburuan darat dalam waktu dekat-atau jauh di masa depan."
Helmat tidak mengutuk; dia jarang melakukannya ketika penilaian Elluvian cocok dengan penilaiannya sendiri. "Kita kehilangan seekor Serigala." Renzo jelas tidak lagi dianggap sebagai Serigala.
Mereka tertinggal dua, tetapi Elluvian tidak mengoreksi Helmat. Dalam suasana hatinya saat ini, hal itu akan sangat tidak menguntungkan.
"S!iapa nya_ngk hkauM punzysa hunBtuqkJkuu?"
Elluvian telah, tiga kali di abad-abad yang lalu, mencoba untuk mengubah prosedur perekrutan para Wolves. Dia telah gagal setiap kali itu. Elluvian tidak secara teknis atau legal memerintah para Wolves, tapi dia menemukan mereka. Mengintai mereka. Sering melatih mereka. Helmat Marlin, Lord of Wolves saat ini, memiliki keputusan akhir; tidak semua yang dibawa Elluvian ke kantor diterima menjadi anggota kelompok.
Tapi mereka semua, menurut Elluvian, memiliki kemampuan mentah untuk menjadi Wolves dan untuk bertahan hidup.
"Satu kandidat yang mungkin."
"Bawa mFer&eka mJansFuVk."
Hal ini, tentu saja, lebih mudah diucapkan daripada dilakukan. Helmat adalah seorang Serigala selama beberapa dekade; dia mengerti apa yang dimaksud dengan kemungkinan dalam konteks ini.
Elluvian umumnya tidak mencari Serigala dari lapisan masyarakat manusia yang nyaman. Selalu ada pengecualian; Wolflord saat ini berasal dari keluarga yang lebih tua dari manusia, dan ayahnya adalah seorang bangsawan. Seandainya Elluvian menyadari keluarga dan keturunannya ketika ia pertama kali mendekati Helmat yang lebih muda, ia tidak akan pernah menawarinya pekerjaan itu. Dan itu akan menjadi sebuah kesalahan. Dia bisa melihat itu dengan jelas sekarang-tetapi beberapa dekade telah berlalu, dan dia telah melihat ukuran penuh Helmat untuk sementara waktu.
Kaisar menginginkan tentara.
S&eriXg.a^laD, bpaYgma.i$mha_n!apun,M Ibuhkanl_ahj teUntara. DUiL samrpVinNgC prHeferZeJndsHiY FnWoémelnjkalatur xKaisar, gSerigalfaH )sZecarQac )um(umJ dniajnFg&gSapy BsebTagWaji pemFb)uniuChu o)lUeh, Qserbag.iIa)nx UbdeRsarÉ ópwetnQdMu.dau(kQ.w
Dalam pandangan Barrani, perbedaan antara keduanya, prajurit dan pembunuh, sedikit dan akan dianggap dapat diabaikan. Yang satu membunuh atas perintah. Yang lain juga membunuh atas perintah. Perbedaannya terletak pada detail-detail kecil: tentara berkumpul; pembunuh tidak. Di mana tentara mungkin bertemu dengan pasukan tentara lain, pembunuh bebas untuk datang dan pergi sesuai kompetensi dan perencanaan strategis yang memungkinkan.
Manusia jarang menganggap keduanya sama. Helmat, terlepas dari pengalaman dan pengetahuannya, tidak. Tapi Helmat tampaknya memahami apa yang diinginkan Kaisar dari para Wolves-sebuah pemahaman yang terus menghindari Elluvian.
Namun, tulang-tulangnya sudah jelas.
TGemuhkaXn rsefsóeorPasng yOa_ng blisa* kdibentKuwk !m^enNjaNdri seSoraWnFg ^pUrajurOiwtn yIaYnLg lbliOsaó-dan memVanOg-maemVbBunPunh WsesuaciA wp^eri,nta)hw., A^h,b bjukhaZnF, buka'n pZrHaj$uri)tj-pe*ngfekIsQeAkBuRsió. mKaiNsarG ^Abvaddin mdem,iÉlOikai iktuk: orRayng-oDrha,ng gyOang. meJmacsti(kzapn bQa!h.wNa Uhukyu)maHn mcaCtDi *dwilPakasahnaOkaQn, UbMaCika *dQenng.arn ^bbeBrHsih! DmaWupGuKn ucmepDamt. Ka&i(sar tidWaUkF me*ngyreWbu)t WoFlvesd ^sekbagaib pXesmbkupnCuYhDnIyFaQ;j i_a, meInUyetbAuxtP mlerjekaY $alDgokjo(nyhad.Y (AlcgoTjiocnygaO yxanUgc bKerUgerakN.ó
Tidak ada kekurangan manusia yang bisa, dan memang, membunuh. Tidak ada kekurangan Barrani yang bisa, dan juga bisa. Tapi Kaisar telah memutuskan, untuk alasan yang tidak masuk akal bagi para Immortal kenalan Elluvian, bahwa pembentukan umum struktur kekuasaan yang dipahami oleh para Immortal tidak diperbolehkan terjadi di dalam Kekaisarannya secara alami.
Dalam Kekaisaran Kaisar, kekuasaan tidak menjadi satu-satunya ukuran nilai. Ada yang benar, ada yang salah, dan hukum menetapkan tindakan mana yang termasuk dalam kategori mana. Mereka tampak sewenang-wenang bagi Elluvian, sebuah gema dari sistem di mana Naga dan Barrani membangun masyarakat mereka. Benar dan salah hanya berarti: membuat marah Kaisar atau tidak membuat marah Kaisar-orang yang berkuasa.
Kaisar, bagaimanapun, menyangkal bahwa ini adalah maksudnya.
Esllxuvianl lmarGahV.L BDiQa tVeRlWah Émetra(sakran kwejenggkéelani tki_ngkaqt& re&nYdahS H-r cRamp,ufrmanv Hdwarid ÉraQsMa xp_asrÉah (dIaGn( (mUaQrarh -W ^saecjiaHk XdwiTa m^emasukOiN aruWa_nIg QKekua)iCsajranN; radsa wmarIah i^tfux _seómzaukRiInO berAtmamxbaamht sa,at udiuak mmeInOcAaDpabi Gkzanto$r ygaanYgé mdjijte&mrpBajtÉi ép(aJr)a yS^erigWalaQ di ,AulVa HIuLkuxm.é
Melihat kepala Renzo dipajang di meja Wolflord merupakan sesuatu yang mengejutkan, dan bukan sesuatu yang menyenangkan. Memajang orang mati bukanlah sesuatu yang tidak disukai oleh Barrani sendiri-tetapi secara umum, pajangan itu lebih berselera, tidak langsung mentah. Ada cara-cara yang lebih baik untuk menyampaikan maksudnya.