Chapter 4. Now: Luca

Luca returns through the New Legion camp to the Illyrium, unsettled by the massive mural depicting his own kneeling image that has become the rebellion’s emblem. Inside, he meets Asinia and then confronts Commander Vale, who has warmed in color but still bears a chest wound from taking the Illyrium.

Vale shows Luca the latest medallions from bodies hanged at the bridge, executions carried out by Centurion Roskia but attributed to the Commander. Luca fears for Maris Casperia and rails that Roskia is out of control. Vale insists Luca go to the gates to summon Roskia and secure his support for a surrender deal, ordering Luca to accept a tribune for protection.

Tension spikes as Vale’s authority hardens; he argues they cannot let Roskia incite slaughter when the Citadel District falls. Luca questions Vale’s ability to see the Consul—his father—but Vale believes he can force negotiations, though he admits legionnaires might look to Roskia for vengeance when they cross.

Vale then reveals a troubling pattern: archers have been downing falcons from the Citadel’s aviary. Luca inspects the carcasses and finds godsblood‑sheened blank messages—communications he cannot read or trace. The quantity is increasing, suggesting hidden plans or allies despite Isara’s isolation, deepening Vale’s unease about both enemies across the river and faith wavering in the Lower City.

After reaffirming Asinia’s guard over Vale, Luca departs to carry out the order, anxious that an attack could come before he returns and burdened by the prospect that, if Vale falls, command would pass to him.