Commander Fyla stood at the front of the Valkyrie meeting hall, the weight of urgency heavy on her shoulders.
The vast chamber was lined with stone pillars and high stained-glass windows that cast golden rays across the floor. Rows of armored Valkyries stood at attention, their eyes sharp, wings folded in silent discipline. Among them stood the elite Elemental Valkyries—the ELOs—recognized by their distinct insignias and power.
Fyla's presence alone commanded stillness. Her gaze swept across the room, every Valkyrie locking into place beneath it.
"Thank you everyone for coming," Fyla began, her voice clear and resolute.
"I have three urgent matters we need to discuss. Spell markings, Pria, and finally… Sinso."
Murmurs stirred faintly at the last name, but Fyla continued without pause.
"Starting with the spell markings—Araya, if you would."
Captain Araya stepped forward, her movements sharp and deliberate. She stood beside a projected map glowing in pale light.
"Yes, ma'am," Araya said, her voice firm. "Sightings of spell markings have been reported around Wyrdeer Village."
She gestured to the pulsing markers on the map.
"The nature of these markings is unknown, but we assume they may be one of Domoria's incantations."
The mention of Domoria made a few Valkyries tense instinctively.
"As you all know," Araya continued, "Domoria is responsible for possessing multiple people and using them as she sees fit.
We do not expect her to be there herself. However, we need someone capable of destroying the spell markings and, if necessary, escaping with ease if she does appear.
That is why this has been designated as an ELO mission. Lieutenant Kiyuri and Rika, you have been assigned this task."
"Understood," Kiyuri said, nodding firmly.
"I won't let you down!" Rika added with youthful fire.
Araya stepped back, returning the floor to her commander.
"Thank you. The floor is yours, Commander."
Fyla didn't hesitate. Her voice sharpened.
"Next is Pria. I imagine that I don't have to explain the significance of even mentioning her name."
A wave of tension swept the room at the mention of the former Valkyrie turned Zehirah.
"I have reports stating she is on the move again," Fyla said grimly. "I haven't received confirmation of her destroying anything… yet.
Nevertheless, an action must be taken. We have the support of The Velari on this mission—two of our very own.
Valorie and Parka will engage her."
The crowd stirred slightly, whispers of reassurance following the names. Val and Parka's reputations carried weight.
"As a Zehirah member, Pria will certainly be a handful," Fyla continued. "As a precaution, the remaining ELO Valkyries will support them on this mission. We will leave this matter in their hands for now."
Araya stepped forward again, taking command of the briefing.
"We will set out immediately after this meeting. Val and Parka will meet us at the designated location. Any questions?"
A hand shot up quickly.
"Will Kalanie be joining us? Since she's shadowing me?" Cecilia asked.
Araya paused, glancing toward Fyla.
"Umm… I'm not sure. Fyla, what do you think?"
Fyla turned her gaze toward Sasha, who stood nearby—composed and ready.
"Sasha, when you passed her on for shadowing, what level would you consider her at?"
Sasha didn't miss a beat. "She is a promising Valkyrie, ma'am. With some more experience, she will be more than capable. Even amongst ELO Valkyries."
Fyla's expression softened into a light smile. "That settles it. Kalanie will be joining you."
Araya frowned slightly, concern drawing a line across her brow. "Are you sure? It is Pria we're talking about."
"I think it'll be fine," Fyla said with calm confidence. "Especially with Val there."
Araya nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
Fyla took a slow breath, allowing the weight of her next words to land before she spoke.
"Finally, and most importantly: Sinso."
The room froze.
"After five quiet years," Fyla said slowly, "he attacked one of our fellow Valkyries, Jade."
A ripple of anger moved through the room. Swords tightened in sheaths. Jaws clenched.
"She is okay. But that means Sinso is currently on the move again.
As always, he never attacks villages or innocent people. His only target… is us.
He singles out separated Valkyries and attacks them mercilessly."
Her voice hardened.
"So ignoring him is out of the question. But thanks to Tara, who is currently watching his movements, we have his location.
We will take this opportunity to go on the offensive—and rid ourselves of this problem once and for all."
She stepped forward, the full conviction of her leadership behind her words.
"We owe it to all of our family that has fallen victim to his sword.
As Valkyries, we set the example of purity and strength amongst people—not fear, and definitely not defeat!
No more will our fellow sisters be lost to Sinso!
And I will give my life to bring my sword down on that demon and end the Valkyries' suffering!"
She drew her blade, raising it high above her head. Her voice rose into a battle cry.
"For Jade!
For Valorie!
For Parka!
We fly!"
The entire hall erupted—cheers exploding into a thunderous wave of voices.
"We'll fly with you, Commander!" Petra shouted.
"He'll pay for the people he killed!" Gloria added fiercely. "We're with you, Commander. Just give the order!"
"You have everyone's support, Commander," Araya said, standing tall beside her.
Fyla nodded, a fierce determination glowing in her eyes as the spirit of unity filled the chamber.
"Right. Today, we fight!
Valkyries—gather your gear!
We fly in one hour!"
The room burst into motion. Wings unfolded. Armor clinked. Voices rang out as orders were given and preparations began.
Outside, in the crisp morning air of Thaecia, the skies shimmered faintly—
as if they too were preparing for war.
The battle was drawing near.