Chapter 66 - Diana
The ghosts had come. Their mothers.
Every person who had lost a mother, abandoned or forgotten—now saw them, twisted and hateful, whispering their deepest fears. You were never wanted. You were never loved. You are alone.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6dspB2C0E
The little girl stood in the center of it all, her eyes gleaming with something ancient and terrible. Her eyes glimmering in the dim light, and her lips curled into the smallest of smiles.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNcUUTy8z9
The Joker staggered back, watching in awe and terror. "Ohhh," he breathed, his painted grin wavering. "Now that...that is beautiful."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKczR1RXdX
The circus fell into chaos. Screams, sobs, the rustle of fabric as people tried to flee only to find themselves trapped in the torment of their own minds. The air crackled with raw power, thick and suffocating.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWZbZmSFix
The little girl tilted her head, watching the scene unfold like a child marveling at fireflies in the dark. Her mother had taught her pain. Now, she would teach the world.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lPqQtC9Wn
And Omeen—Omeen belongs to her, just as her father had always wanted.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy59oRLaBP
But first...first, she would play. And the world would scream.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyErfUtFy7r
The legacy of the Whisperer, the broken realm of Omeen, and the tortured soul of a little girl converged in this moment of chaos and terror.
The Circus Joker, his painted grin now a mask of both awe and terror, staggered back from the chaos unfolding before him. The little girl stood at the center of it all, her haunting blue eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light as she unleashed her power upon the terrified crowd.
As screams and sobs filled the air, the Joker's mind raced. He had sought to control this child, to break her and mold her into his perfect act. But now, faced with the raw, ancient power emanating from her small frame, he realized he had unleashed something far beyond his comprehension.
In that moment of realization, a name bubbled up from the depths of his twisted psyche. It was a name that seemed to embody both the ethereal beauty and the terrifying darkness of this otherworldly child.
"Diana," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the chaos. Then, louder, with a hint of his showman's bravado returning, he called out, "Ladies and gentlemen, behold Diana, the Daughter of the Whisperer!"
The name hung in the air, a christening amidst the mayhem. Diana, named for the goddess of the moon, whose phases hovered above the girl's head like a cosmic crown. Diana, a name that spoke of both light and shadow, of hunting and protection.
The little girl - Diana - turned her gaze to the Joker, her lips curling into the smallest of smiles as she accepted this new identity. In that moment, it seemed as though the very fabric of reality shifted, acknowledging the power of names and the birth of something both wondrous and terrible.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl94TCk60C
The Joker, his earlier bravado now tinged with a newfound respect and fear, watched as Diana embraced her new name and the chaos she had wrought. He knew then that he had not just found an act for his circus - he had become witness to the awakening of a force that would reshape the world.
-In the Shrine of the Hidden Springs Temple, Domino-
The inner sanctum of the temple was bathed in flickering candlelight, casting long shadows across the faces of the assembled elders. The High Priest, his weathered face etched with lines of worry, stood at the center of the gathering.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERlMepbNhj
"My brethren," he began, his voice echoing in the cavernous chamber, "the threat from the Monis Household can no longer be ignored. Their influence spreads like a poison through our lands, corrupting all it touches. We must act now, or risk losing everything we hold sacred."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizQ5dDUOJf
A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembled clergy. An elder with a shock of white hair stepped forward, his eyes blazing with righteous fury. "What do you propose, High Priest? We cannot sit idly by while these heathens threaten our very existence."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrW6zrmT8e
The High Priest's gaze swept across the room, meeting each pair of eyes in turn. "We must declare war," he said, his words falling like hammer blows in the hushed chamber. "It is a drastic step, but one we must take to preserve our faith and our people."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBrMR4CJlV
A younger priest, his face pale with apprehension, spoke up. "But how can we hope to stand against the might of the Romanian Empire? Their resources far outstrip our own."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u4noRDoRE
"We have faith on our side," declared another elder, her voice ringing with conviction. "And we have allies. We must rally the faithful, call upon every resource at our disposal. This will be a holy war, a crusade to cleanse our lands of the Monis taint."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuftrGzXIBJ
The High Priest nodded gravely. "Indeed. We must move swiftly and decisively. Send word to our allies in neighboring kingdoms. Mobilize our templars and holy warriors. We will strike at the heart of the Monis influence in Romania, crippling their operations before they can fully prepare."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18NeTVywqf
As the elders continued to discuss strategy, the air in the sanctum grew heavy with the weight of their decision. The coming conflict would test their faith, their resolve, and the very foundations of their beliefs. But they were determined to meet the challenge head-on, whatever the cost.
-In Cesare's Throne Room, Romania-
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEeLPiPT1T
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseUj9wGw74
The vast chamber was shrouded in shadows, the only light coming from a few strategically placed braziers that cast an eerie, flickering glow. Emperor Cesare lounged on his obsidian throne, his eyes glinting with malevolent interest as a cloaked figure prostrated itself before him.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Xd9CtcTc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYnye013Wi
"Speak," Cesare commanded, his voice a low, menacing purr that seemed to reverberate through the very stones of the palace.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49YyLfICXz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6sWPF2bRV
The spy's words tumbled out in a rush, detailing the plans of the Shrine of the Hidden Springs Temple. As the report concluded, a slow, cruel smile spread across Cesare's face, transforming his handsome features into something truly terrifying.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PkB6g4SiB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7FBMS3fL0
He turned to his sister, Rudbeckia, who stood beside the throne like a statue carved from midnight. Her celestial gown seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, constellations swirling across its surface in hypnotic patterns.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX5fJKpH56
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM3mhdY5Wd
"Did you hear that, dear sister?" Cesare's voice dripped with dark amusement. "These fools think they can challenge us. They dare to declare war on the Monis Household."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe4zttFG2V
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V5nSbC9k3
Rudbeckia's lips curled into a matching smirk, her eyes gleaming with a cold light that rivaled the stars themselves. "How delightfully naive of them," she purred. "They have no concept of the forces they're dealing with."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnmz2Or1i0
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFaT9VDNfl
Cesare rose from his throne, his movements liquid and predatory. He began to pace, the shadows seeming to cling to him like a living cloak. "We'll let them think they have the advantage, for now. Let them gather their pitiful forces, rally their so-called allies. And when they're at their most confident, their most vulnerable..."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32vIkdT3Ak
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yr9tPdVce
He paused, turning to face Rudbeckia, his eyes blazing with an infernal light. "We'll crush them. Not just their armies, not just their temple. We'll obliterate their very faith, leave them broken and hopeless, begging for the mercy of the gods they once served."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTbYBjVJeG
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXBHSjUqkn
Rudbeckia glided forward, her gown leaving trails of stardust in her wake. She placed a hand on her brother's arm, her touch as cold as the void between worlds. "And what of their artifacts? The power they claim to wield?"
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjUDWxrI82
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebaMDL6tY3
Cesare's grin widened, revealing teeth that seemed unnaturally sharp in the dim light. "We'll take it all. Every relic, every scrap of so-called holy power. We'll bend it to our will, use it to fuel our own ascension. When we're done, the name Monis will be spoken with reverence and terror throughout all the known world."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqUyJ8VTdE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP7hlEssi5
The siblings shared a look of malicious anticipation, their minds already racing with schemes to outmaneuver and destroy their unsuspecting foes. In the shadows of the throne room, ancient powers stirred, awakened by the dark ambitions of the Monis Household. The coming conflict would reshape the very fabric of reality, and woe to those who stood in their way.
-Night; Roxana's Room in Fortress of Ossa-
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Wrbmw0ZTA
The scent of dried herbs and parchment hung in the air of Roxana's chamber, a stark contrast to the cold, metallic feel of the fortress. A low fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls lined with ancient tomes and maps.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn1fL8b1lm
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC3Yqtckf4
Roxana, her bright orange hair pulled back in a practical braid, rose slowly from her crouched position. Her zircon blue eyes had been focused on the depths of a cluttered drawer, sorting through forgotten trinkets and faded letters. As she straightened, a sharp intake of breath escaped her lips.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIsoeYtIwR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29xiEjFzxL
Leaning against the window, arms crossed and face a thunderous mask of displeasure, was Helios. His pale blond hair seemed almost silver in the dim light, and his ruby red eyes burned with an intensity that sent a shiver down Roxana's spine. It was a face she hadn't seen in nearly twenty years, yet every feature was etched into her memory like a scar.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1GDnfKkEy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs8EOrChdZ
Roxana's heart hammered against her ribs. She hadn't sensed his presence, hadn't heard him enter. It was unlike him to be so… silent, so menacing. A wave of apprehension washed over her, mixed with a deep-seated longing she thought she'd long buried.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MpBSjydqu
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkerfWwc8NS
Helios pushed himself upright, his movements slow and deliberate, each step radiating contained fury. The distance between them seemed to shrink with every stride, the room suddenly claustrophobic. Roxana took a hesitant step back, her hand instinctively flying to her throat.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSz7Hnjfyj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxIYCfTLxK
He continued to advance, his gaze never leaving hers, those ruby red eyes boring into her soul. Roxana's breath hitched in her throat. She knew that look. It was the look he reserved for traitors, for enemies of the realm. She began to take small, shuffling steps backward, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and disbelief.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBI7QtECe2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulVczMD1In
"Helios," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fu0UrnsqB
He didn't answer, didn't break his stride. His silence was more terrifying than any shout, more damning than any accusation.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEhbtjxHE4
Roxana took another step back, her heel bumping against the heavy oak door.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8AGTtRzNy
He stopped just a few feet away, his towering frame casting her in shadow. The firelight flickered across his face, highlighting the harsh lines of his jaw, the tight set of his lips. His ruby red eyes were pools of molten anger, reflecting the turmoil within.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JmBkzOGhl
"You're a real piece of shit, Roxana," Helios spat, his voice low and venomous. "I may have lost my memories, but yours were all intact. You remember every detail of how you screwed me over, don't you? You're a master manipulator, always playing the victim. But I'm not buying it this time."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc9b5KRqCq
Roxana's eyes flashed with defiance. "You can go to hell, Helios. I don't owe you anything."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo8u14YftR
Helios's face twisted in anger. "You owe me everything, Roxana. You owe me the truth about our daughter, about what you've been doing behind my back."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM636jBiQu
Roxana turned the door handle, stepping out into the corridor. "I don't have to listen to this," she said, her voice dripping with disdain.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOvj4AiOlB
Helios followed her into the corridor, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. "You're going to listen, Roxana. You're going to hear every word I have to say. You're a coward, always running away from the truth."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12Z3NjRKIf
Roxana spun around, her eyes blazing with fury. "You're one to talk, Helios. You're the one who abandoned us, who left us to rot. Don't come back now, pretending to be the hero."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr2InMMjDF
Helios's face darkened. "I didn't abandon you, Roxana. You pushed me away. And now, you're paying the price."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz5qsdKN0T
Roxana laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You think you're the price I'm paying? You're nothing but a relic of the past, Helios. A reminder of all the mistakes I've made."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo2HOVsYnV
Helios's eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that. You're not as free as you think you are, Roxana. You're still tied to me, whether you like it or not."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIJcAECZIs
Roxana's smile was a razor's edge. "I'll never be tied to you again, Helios. You can rot in hell for all I care."
As Roxana and Helios continued their heated exchange in the corridor, their raised voices echoed off the stone walls, drawing the attention of nearby Azones.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NL0zqBCnE
"You think you can just waltz back in here and start making demands?" Roxana hissed, her zircon eyes flashing dangerously. "You've got some nerve, Helios."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrYbW9qCsU
Helios stepped closer, his voice a low growl. "I've got nerve? That's rich coming from you, Roxana. You're the one playing games with our daughter's life."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fVRubWaSu
An audible gasp rippled through the gathering crowd of Azones.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcghaTYT5nT
Roxana's laugh was bitter and sharp. "Oh, now you care about our daughter? Where was that concern when you disappeared for fifteen years?"
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17IwEMSdlU
"I lost my memories, you heartless witch," Helios snarled. "But what's your excuse for the choices you've made?"
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPZfW0L6Hk
"My choices?" Roxana's voice rose, echoing off the stone walls. "My choices kept this kingdom standing while you were off playing amnesiac!"
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91jTBfIBaT
Helios's ruby eyes blazed with fury. "And now you're willing to sacrifice everything we built, everything we fought for, for what? Some misguided attempt at protection?"
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsuASB53NK
The Azones exchanged uneasy glances, torn between their duty to intervene and their fascination with the unfolding drama. Whispers began to circulate among them.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaUaZietbF
"Isn't that the niece of our leader?" one guard murmured.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWUijpI0mK
Another nodded, "Yes, and that man... he looks just like the King of Domino."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnwnQXGBv7
"No, you fool," a third hissed. "That's his twin brother, Princess Roxana's husband."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxurmg2Nbn3
"You have no idea what I've been through to protect our daughter," Roxana spat, her zircon eyes flashing with anger.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM5fSzctv2
Helios stepped closer, his voice a low growl. "Protect her? By selling her out to our enemies? You're pathetic, Roxana."
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ciyWzOWRE
"At least I was here!" Roxana shouted, her fists clenched at her sides. "Where were you when we needed you most?"
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgtn7HNMQE
Their bitter exchange was suddenly interrupted by a commanding voice that cut through the tension like a knife.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxRoS8aidb
"Enough!"
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYBGy4zy4t
The crowd of Azones parted to reveal a stern-faced woman, her uniform adorned with the insignia of leadership. Roxana's aunt, the Leader of the Azones, strode forward, her eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoHmILYPTm
"What is the meaning of this disturbance?" she demanded, her gaze shifting between Roxana and Helios.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOC2xQjlWw
Before either could respond, the Leader turned to her guards. "Seize him," she ordered, pointing at Helios.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5hq9RylUs
As the Azones moved to apprehend Helios, his ruby eyes began to glow with an otherworldly light. A dark aura surrounded him, pulsing with malevolent energy.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UkfftqeDO
Suddenly, tendrils of black magic erupted from his body, lashing out at the approaching guards. The Azones were thrown back, their bodies crumpling to the ground as the dark energy overwhelmed them.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZoSUSpa7s
Roxana and her aunt watched in horror as Helios's power grew, engulfing the corridor in shadows. With a final burst of energy, he knocked out the remaining Azones, leaving only Roxana and her aunt standing amidst the unconscious bodies of the guards.
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6Qm3P7hHy
Helios turned his gaze to Roxana, his eyes now burning with an infernal light. "This isn't over," he growled, before disappearing in a swirl of dark mist, leaving behind a scene of chaos and destruction.
To be Continued...
ns216.73.216.148da2
