Chapter 46. Now: Luca

Luca returns to a smoke-choked city and pauses in the theater where past ideals once inspired him, recognizing how his choices helped birth the current devastation. He enters the Citadel, where corpses are being taken down, and finds Vale at the altar burning incense, distant and unreadable.

Vale reflects on their long-promised victory turned hollow, conceding they lost control and failed to deliver peace, grain, and swift triumph. Yet he insists the war still spared the Lower City from Magistrate slaughter. With Valshad waiting outside and no Priestess to present, Vale declares they must open the gates and hope for mercy.

He then challenges Luca, admitting he became Commander because Luca feared the role, and offers Luca the chance to leave before justice catches them. Luca wrestles with love for Maris and loyalty to Vale, understanding Vale’s incense as an offering for him rather than the gods.

Luca chooses to stay but asserts he must first get Maris out to make the decisions the moment demands. He asks Vale for help, reaffirming their bond and commitment to finish what they began together, even as they prepare to face Valshad without the promised Priestess.