Weeks have passed since the conquest and the decimation of Zhang Yan's forces. The city was under control of Mitsuko and Zheng Jiang. Officially it belonged to only the bandit queen however due to her tenacity and aura of authority most people considered Mitsuko to be the true ruler. Particularly since Mitsuko was actively assisting in the reconstruction of the city while Zheng Jiang was dealing with more of the administrative affairs in the main palace, however did ask Mitsuko her opinions on things since she valued her input greatly. The remaining soldiers under Zhang Yans forces were either routed away from the city or surrendered to the alliance of the serpent and the bandit queen. All the soldiers help in the restoration efforts, reconstructing the housing of the commoners along with the walls. For the most part, the citizens grew used to Mitsuko and her strange looking allies especially since they were actively helping them rebuild, though some expectedly held a grudge. Plots and schemes were there, discontent with these usurpers who destroyed their homes and their families and wanted vengeance. And they would obtain it one way or another if they can get away with it.

A red sun rose from the horizon, greeting the newly formed Luna, now named Ironjaw as she kept her transformed demonic appearance. She was perched over a roof, overlooking the city. She kept her now transformed mace by her side next to her lying on the roof, ready to be grabbed at a moments notice while she is sipping on some tea she made for herself, as she watched the city slowly begin to be lively as the sun rose. The streets once empty of life, now begins to flourish with the people setting up stalls, doing errands and so forth.

'Ahh…fascinating.' She stated to herself.

'What is?' A familiar voice spoke behind her. She laughed a little when he made his presence known.

'The people, Dodomeki. I once thought of humans as boring creatures just like mystics…yet…I find myself fascinated by them.'

'In what way?'

'Humans seem to be creatures of habit, yet they implement changes based on the situation at hand. Look at all of them scouring around, getting started in the morning.'

'I never did take you one to be interested in humans of all things Lu-Ironjaw.' Dodomeki stopped himself. He was still getting used to the new name given.

'Haha, neither did I, yet when I look at them all, they're so varied. Each with their own stories to tell, each one can break habit if they so wish to. This one here leaving the house.' She pointed to a man that seemed to be the size of an ant to them leaving a house, seemingly in a rush.

'This one regularly cheats on his wife, more than likely makes up some story about business or whatever. He spends the night in that household and comes back in the morning to get supplies for his work. Yet here he is now, for some reason buying flowers for her when he hasn't previously. Little things like that can be interesting if viewed through a particular view.' Ironjaw explained her newfound interest in humans, especially since before she thought they were boring like mystics.

'I think you've just gone mad because you haven't been able to cause any sort of bloodshed recently.'

'Hahaha, perhaps I have. Is that enough for you to take my life now I wonder?' She grinned at Dodomeki who looked at her sternly.

'Hmph, don't tempt me. Lady Mitsuko believes you're worth more alive than dead, just give me a reason and your life will end immediately.' Dodomeki threatened. Ironjaw laughed at his statement. She remembers the day she surrendered like it was yesterday.

Luna after dropping her weapon was quickly tied up with her arms behind her and her weapon confiscated. As the celebrations slowly died down and Mitsuko was able to walk through the street without any interference, LingQi and Dodomeki quickly brought Luna to Mitsuko.

'My lady, we have a mystic that surrendered. What do you wish to do with her?' Dodomeki asked her. Mitsuko cocked her head slightly at Luna who examined intensely.

'Mystic? Surrendered? Huh, I guess there is a first time for everything. But this one looks…different to the others. Is this some sort of new mystic form or something?' Mitsuko questioned, unsure of what to make of Luna. Luna studied Mitsuko closely, her mannerisms, her posture, body and face. Luna found her…fascinating. This was Orochi's new reincarnation? Mitsuko looked more natural compared to the previous ones. She looked human yet not. Regal yet ferocious to humans. She inspired fear yet respect. She felt different compared to the previous incarnations, Luna couldn't quite put her finger on it and it wasn't based on appearance either. Mitsuko stared at her, examining her intensely. Luna wasn't sure what she was going to see, but as their eyes locked onto each other, only for a split second Luna felt overwhelmed by the intense stare. She felt a power behind those eyes of Mitsuko's that she could not describe. Deadly yet…alluring. They held pain but also care, she expected to find nothing but hatred and darkness. Though what she was met with, at least for the moment was…a sense of familiarity even though this was the first time they even had a conversation.

'Are you sure she's a mystic? She seems more akin to demons like us.'

'I am sure lady Mitsuko…she…she…' Dodomeki started yet he hesitated. Luna wondered why this was the case for a moment before it hit her. He was ashamed that she was the one that caused his wounds. Mitsuko must've shamed him for those wounds, yes that's it. It must've hurt his pride. Heh.

'She?' Mitsuko questioned as she rolled her hand in a circular motion to have Dodomeki continue his sentence. Dodomeki sighed before he breathed in.

'She was the one that caused the wounds to me. Though she wasn't like this back then appearance wise.' Dodomeki said. Mitsuko was silent for a few seconds before she spoke.

'Oh, well in that case.' Mitsuko quickly had her right serpent head regurgitate her crescent blade and pointed the tip upwards to Luna's neck. Luna felt the pressure of the tip of the blade pushing the neck upwards enough to not do anything, yet any more pressure would penetrate the skin. Luna was shocked at the speed of such a thing, even if she wasn't retrained, she may have found it difficult to dodge it, especially in this weakened state. She looked to Mitsuko eyes and was shocked to find her eyes turn to darkness so quickly. She saw how bloodthirsty Mitsuko was, how much malice could be behind her. Yet…it wasn't entirely filled with that. To her shock she also saw…something else…something…protective? Caring? Luna saw her grin sadistically while she licked her tongue with her tongue, revealing it to be indented slightly inwards in the centre. Luna knew Mitsuko could kill her and revel in it, cause her great suffering and enjoy it…yet she did not.

'Give me a reason why I should let you live.' Mitsuko questioned. Luna opened her mouth slightly and breathed loudly through her mouth.

'I…I don't have one. I wasn't expecting you to ask for one in all honesty.' Luna answered. Mitsuko cocked her head at her.

'Heh, is that so? Then let me ask you this, do you think I should let you live considering you harmed one of my officers?' Luna widened her eyes at that. Was that the reason why she was in this situation? Because she almost killed Dodomeki? She would've thought Orochi would've been mad at him, not her.

'I…you care about your followers?' She questioned. Mitsuko cocked her head in confusion.

'Do gods really have no concept about such a thing?'

'…No we do but, I did not expect that from you.' She replied truthfully. Mitsuko looked to LingQi and Dodomeki and nodded before removing the crescent blade from her throat, signalling them to let go of her. Luna dropped to her knees. Her head was bowed as she looked at her hands that were filthy with dirt and mud from the battlefield with bruises and cuts. She wasn't sure what was going to happen to her, whether she would live or die…had she not surrendered she knew the outcome was certain death, surrender was preferrable. Besides, now she's no longer interested in fighting for mystic ideology. Not now. Why would she? To put stuff back to the way it was, boring and mundane with no innervation of any kind. She was lost in thought before Mitsuko used the flat blade of her crescent blade to push up the head of Luna, forcing her to be on her eye level as Mitsuko crouched next to her.

To Luna's amazement, when she met with Mitsuko's eyes once again they were…softened. A sense of familiarity was there for Luna again even more though she could not understand why. When she looked at them she found herself surprisingly calmed though she couldn't understand why. She could still see the bloodthirst, ambition…hatred. Alongside them though she also saw…care and acceptance. Something she wasn't used to.

'So why did you surrender? Why not fight to the end like all the others?' She asked.

'Because…because I wish to see this new world you will create. There's no use fighting for them mystics anymore, the world is already dull as it is. It's a boring realm filled with boring mystics. No innervation, no change, the same thing day in and day out. They hate change, they hate chaos in its entirety. Complete order is not the paradise that humans believe it to be. But you…Mitsuko, you interest me. A young woman thrust into the past. New incarnation of Orochi but its like you're your own person. Instead of being paralysed by fear you embrace your newfound strength! You know what you want and you'll do what it takes to obtain it…yes. A new world unlike the one you knew. Now that…that is something I wish to see, I wouldn't be able to see it if I died or if I continued fighting for them. I want to see the evolution, I want to see change, I want to see the chaos in all its glory!' Luna declared, grinning from ear to ear with her long, serrated metallic teeth. Mitsuko couldn't help but smirk as she chuckled at her answer.

'You really are something else aren't you? I haven't seen a mystic like you before, mind explaining how you look like this?'

'I'm not sure, it was just during the battle with one eye over here.' Motioning her head towards Dodomeki who looked ready to strike her but stopped himself and let her continue.

'During the battle I found myself…slipping away to what you see now, but it was happening before. I knew what was happening, this apparent corruption that they were so afraid of you for was flowing through me. I hated it but I have learned that it was a blessing, as during the battle I felt liberated for the first time, like a lot of weight fell off my shoulders. It was exhilarating.' Mitsuko smirk only grew wider before she looked to Dodomeki.

'Well…anything to say? You seem to know her the best. You think she's telling the truth?' Dodomeki was unsure of what to say as he paused.

'I believe so, she seemed off. She also mentioning feeling free after she laughed maniacally before her transformation. As she did I think she underwent fledgeling rage, my lady. But that's something for demons, throughout the cycles there were no reports or anything about mystics undergoing the same thing.' Dodomeki responded. Mitsuko used her other serpent hand to stroke her chin, deep in thought about the situation. She looked at Luna before she stood up.

'Tell me honestly, do you think you would be able to handle her at her full strength?' Mitsuko questioned. Dodomeki didn't respond and looked away, trying to understand why Mitsuko would ask that. After he came up with an answer before looking at Mitsuko again.

'Yes…though having some backup from Lady LingQi may be required.' Both were visibly surprised with that statement, Dodomeki wasn't the type to admit such a thing. LingQi especially looked on him with bewilderment, that was not what she expected to hear, especially given their history. Mitsuko turned to LingQi and cocked her head slightly.

'Ooh, high praise indeed…well, what do you think? Do you think you'll be able to help deal with her?' Mitsuko asked. LingQi took a moment to process everything before she responded.

'Yes.' Mitsuko smiled at her before crouching back down to Luna's level.

'Well then, if you're so interested in what sort of world I'll create, why don't you join me?'

'What? Join you?' Luna asked abruptly, she didn't expect for her to be offered the opportunity. Even LingQi and Dodomeki couldn't quite believe it.

'Why not? You have no love for your fellow mystics anymore so its not like you'll fight with them anymore will you? Besides…I too know what its like. What its like to be shackled for so long, to eventually being able to embrace yourself for who you are. So how about it? You ready to change the world?' Mitsuko offered Luna one of her serpent heads that opened its jaw wide. Luna immediately took the jaw in her hand as they both stood up, she was ready to embrace her true self now…whatever that may be.

'Wow that took no time at all, welcome to the family…so what do we call you? Can't keep calling you mystic now can I? Or would you prefer a new name? You know given the new look and all?' Luna noticed how Mitsuko's body was now fully relaxed, was it the confirmation that LingQi and Dodomeki could deal with her should she betray them? She was never asked what she would want or preferred before. It was a question that was never asked of her, she never really considered it.

'I…I think a new name would be good. New beginning and all that.' She replied. Mitsuko nodded.

'That's entirely fair, what would you prefer to be called?'

'I'm not sure to be honest, I never gave it much thought before.' Luna admitted. Mitsuko brought her right serpent head to her chin, stroking it as if in contemplation. Luna wasn't sure of what to make of the silence, she wondered if she should say something about it.

'Got it, what about "Ironjaw."' Mitsuko exclaimed suddenly.

'Ironjaw?' Luna repeated, wanting to see how it feels off the tongue.

'My lady…why ironjaw?'Dodomeki questioned.

'Do you have any better names?' Mitsuko retorted. Dodomeki was about to respond but then he shrunk back, realising he didn't have anything.

'Coming up with names isn't exactly my forte.'

'Its not mine either, besides if Diamondback is called Diamondback then Ironjaw can work…however its up to you, what do you feel about it?' Mitsuko asked the former mystic who still looked deep in thought, repeating the name "Ironjaw" out loud to herself.

'Ironjaw…Ironjaw…yes. Perfect. Lady Mitsuko.' She started before she knelt on one knee.

'I am no longer Luna. I am Ironjaw and I now serve you. Your enemies are my enemies, your allies are mine. And I will rend your enemies apart with all the strength I have! Your fights are mine, your vision for the future is also mine. Allow me to help shape the future of this world!' Ironjaw declared, Mitsuko couldn't help but wear an open smile demonically at her declaration.

'Excellent.'

From then on, Ironjaw has served Mitsuko however she has not yet been in battle for her side. Mitsuko said she was recruiting new troops and she made it clear she was going to help the peasants in the city rebuild first before leaving it to Zheng Jiang. As she made her vow to Mitsuko she didn't want to break it by making sure someone died just to make things a bit more interesting. So instead she just watched them all, like insects scurrying around. Out of sight from them. She then discovered how interesting some humans could actually be. Examining their patterns she would notice when one would break that pattern for something. She would be able to investigate further without their knowledge should she desire it. Though she also knew that always behind her would skulk Dodomeki. She can't blame him though, she did nearly kill him and she was a former mystic. Though she was curious to see if Dodomeki would be able to match up with her in a duel.

'I'd love to see you try my friend. Hehe.' Ironjaw twisted around to look at him while grinning wider than usual. Dodomeki did not react and kept watching her intently. The two waited as the day goes by.

'Ahh, I see lady Mitsuko has started out the patrol to survey the city repairs. Hmm, why does Mitsuko care so much about the people anyway? Orochi didn't right? So why is she the exception?' Ironjaw questioned. Trying to make some light conversation from Dodomeki while also trying to get more information on Mitsuko. Despite joining her it seemed that she's still an enigma to her. She couldn't just ask her all these burning questions she has for her. No she was an officer under her. She couldn't ask that.

'I'm not sure why she's the exception…though I think she recognises to make her vision come true she needs the peasants.'

'Needs them?' Ironjaw asked. The idea seemingly alien to her. Why would she need the peasants for?

'She knows what suffering is, back in her time she hated the world. She hated the people and wants to create the world where that world doesn't exist. If she was to rule over them with an iron fist, I believe she thinks she'll just be like those that rule in her time. Greedy and tyrannical. So she works with them instead, that's why she wants to help repair the city before we proceed. I wasn't sure why at first but surely you must've noticed it.'

'Noticed what?'

'They seem to be more co-operative to us rather than serving out of fear, they gladly help us. We no longer have to keep a firm iron grip on them to ensure they do as we ask. Its…interesting wouldn't you say?'

'Heh, indeed it is. Is that why you fought as hard as you did back then even when you were severely wounded? '

'What makes you say that?' Dodomeki retorted, not wanting to display any sort of weakness to her in case she would exploit it. She turned her head towards him.

'Because other demons before did not do what you did on that day. You acted like you fought for something more than just yourself which confused me. All the others I slain exhibited none of those traits…and yet you did…and only in this cycle. It got my curious, it got me interested.'

'Is that why you killed your partner?' Ironjaw paused for a moment…her partner…ahh yes him. She hadn't thought about him in so long…what was his name? What did he look like? All she remembered was killing some mystic when they engaged with Dodomeki and lying about it to Jinhza. Something she never thought she would do…yet here she is now, working for her sworn enemy and forgetting the first mystic she betrayed. She can't blame Dodomeki now for being cautious of her.

'I-I suppose so. I forgot all about him.'

'Even more information you forgot? Do you really take me for a fool?'

'Do you really think I'd use that excuse if it wasn't true? Please, I wouldn't use such a mundane excuse.' After Mitsuko accepted her into her forces, she saw that everyone was tired and so ordered them to rest, especially Ironjaw. Though she wanted her to give her any info she can on the mystics and those frogs when she was rested as that information could very well be useful. However when she rested her eyes, it felt like an eternity before she was woken up again and found herself…unable to remember. She remembered about how boring being a mystic and general information, however specifics she was held are now lost in fog. Including the large frogs. She remembered the slaughter she performed in battle perfectly, yet when it came to mystics she forgot. She panicked momentarily, she didn't know why this was the case or how it happened. She knew however lady Mitsuko was not going to be too pleased with her and worse, could use it as an excuse to not tell her.

To her surprise when she confessed this to Mitsuko she did not immediately execute her, she seemed to understand and nodded and gave a reassuring smile before standing up and walking off. She could hear Dodomeki's voice a few moments later but not much later on and she couldn't decipher what he was saying. She just sat there…unsure of what to do with the situation at hand.

'My lady, do you really think that she is telling the truth? We can't trust a mystic.' Dodomeki stated, unsure why lady Mitsuko is giving her the time of day or even entertaining this idea of her convenient memory loss. It was so obviously a ploy and she was an intelligent woman, she could see through to that surely.

'I don't think she has any reason to lie using such an excuse.' Mitsuko replied, still walking without missing a beat.

'But she is faking it, surely you can see this. She just wants to infiltrate our ranks and learn of our strengths and weaknesses. She only surrendered to get this information.'

'Then answer me this, how many mystics do you know that have surrendered in these previous cycles?' Mitsuko stopped and faced Dodomeki in his golden eye, which shocked him.

'I…I don't think there ever has been.' He hesitated, there may have been as he was deployed mostly as part of scouting forces. They weren't told to take survivors but it wasn't out of the realm for them to surrender, though it would've been very rare.

'Right, so why would this one out of all the other cycles decide to surrender for intelligence reconnaissance? I haven't faced too many myself but the ones I've encountered always want to kill me and would rather die than surrender. Yet this one did willingly, she could've ran when she regained consciousness and attempted another assassination attempt by now. But she hasn't, she surrendered willingly.' Mitsuko responded bluntly. She was starting to think more tactically after getting some experience leading her troops and empire. Lessons from Pang Tong and her other demonic allies have started to pay off.

'This one…I would say isn't quite like the others, I seen her kill her mystic partner back when…I engaged with her the first time.' Dodomeki awkwardly replied, admitting this happened still wasn't comfortable for him.

'Exactly, this isn't one like the others. Look at her, she underwent some sort of transformation and with what you explained she's more akin to a demon than a mystic now. As far as I'm aware this has never happened before, so I can believe her going through a transformation like that could have some unforeseen consequences like amnesia.' Mitsuko paused seeing Dodomeki's golden eye…display some sort of hurt for the first time before sighing and putting her serpent arms up with them both agape open like palms.

'Look, I'm sorry, employing your would be killer, it wasn't exactly the first thing on my list. I was going to kill her if I found out who it was and they were in front of me.'

'Then, what made you stop?' Dodomeki asked, curious of her answer even though he knew he shouldn't even be questioning her decision at all…yet he just wanted her to be careful. Mitsuko didn't respond for a moment before she looked in the direction of Ironjaw's room where she was resting. She found herself smirking as she closed her eyes, listening to the birds tweeting briefly in the distance as the sun was starting to rise.

'Because when I looked at her and realised, she wanted to be herself without being locked in a cage…heh, it resonated with me you could say. I believe the mystic who tried to kill you is dead. Luna is dead. She died in the siege. We just have Ironjaw now. As far as I'm concerned Ironjaw is a blank slate, a new beginning. She I think needs that, if I didn't at least give her a chance like when you all gave me a chance to be your leader, like when LingQi gave me a chance after everything…'

Dodomeki went down to his knees and bowed respectfully, looking at the ground.

'My apologies my lady, I did not mean to question your judgement. I only wish that you do not regret your decisions that you made.' He spoke, Mitsuko couldn't help but smirk a little and crouched next to him and put one of her serpent heads on top of one of his shoulders.

'Do not worry my friend, I understand and I appreciate your concern. If she does turn out to be untrustworthy I can rely on you and LingQi to take care of her. After all you did say you could.' Her smirk grew wider as she stood up and offered Dodomeki an open serpent jaw. Dodomeki took it and they both stood up. The sun started to shine behind Mitsuko.

'That I did my lady, you have my word I'll ensure she isn't a threat to our allies, no matter what.' He bowed his head as he hit his chest.

'Excellent, now if you excuse me I must start making sure everyone has a role to play in reconstruction.' Mitsuko stated before she started to walk away.

'Reconstruction?'

'Of course, we have to help the people after all if we're to get in their good graces.'

Dodomeki remembered that day clearly as he looked upon Ironjaw. Despite him promising to Mitsuko and to himself that he wouldn't touch her without any provocation, it was still very much difficult for him to be in the same vicinity as her. He was still skeptical of her claims about the convenience of forgetting.

'If you were caught off guard you would.' Dodomeki responded to Ironjaw.

'Tch, believe what you will. It matters not.' Ironjaw concluded as she hunched over a roof, studying the peasants meticulously. Silence apart from the ambience of the city was between the two demons.

In the main palace Zheng Jiang was having a meeting with her officers. Zheng Jiang was sitting on her throne with both her arms on the arm rests while she was giving an explanation of new orders she is giving the court of officers with Gai Li next to her with his spear in hand looking stoic. The rest of her court included several advisor including Congjian and a few advisors and military officers. She had recently finished explaining a plan she was having as her court gasped in shock of her plan.

'My lady with all due respect, I do not believe this plan would be the wisest to enact, especially at this moment.' Congjian exclaimed, a hint of desperation in his voice.

'I am aware but it is the one I will do. I expect you all to respect my wishes.'

'We do of course, however-'

'Then you will not have any problems following my orders. Now leave us.' Zheng Jiang quickly dismissed her entire court who all looked to each other with a concerned look on their faces before they quickly exited the throne room leaving Zheng Jiang and Gai Li alone. Silence was all around before Gai Li broke it wanting clarification.

'My lady…is this really the best way to proceed?' He questioned, looking at her. Zheng Jiang didn't look back as she tightened the grip of her arm rests.

'No, though it is the only way to proceed for me now after everything.' Zheng Jiang responded, lacking the usual venom in her voice.

'But…your chances of survival…'

'Are low…but its now necessary. I don't expect someone like you to understand.' Zheng Jiang retorted with traces of venom but even this does not have its usual anger and bitterness in Zheng Jiangs voice Gai Li notices. He believed he knew the reason why.

'I'm aware. Which is why I'm saying you shouldn't go through with this! You're making an unnecessary risk and sacrifice! If anyone understands the scale of what you're asking to do its me! What about Hui-meng? What about your dreams? You can't throw them away.' He shouted, visibly shocking Zheng Jiang who never had Gai Li shout at her like this before.

'That is the reason why I'm doing this, for my dreams and for Hui-meng! I cannot work with the serpent any longer.'

'Then let us launch a full scale assault! Lets ambush them in the night and slit their throats. We have the city, we can have the people help us if we so desire!' Gai Li persisted, trying desperately to offer any other alternatives.

'No, the people love Mitsuko more than myself with good reason. And we'd lose a lot of good soldiers in any assault. They would see it coming, even if they didn't they'd still resist. You saw how they fought off those large amphibians. We're not prepared to deal with that directly. No this is the only way to deal with them.'

'Then…why don't we break off the alliance when they leave like we know they will. Let us consolidate our power before going out and annihilating them!'

'Even if we did, we got Cao Cao or yuan Shao to worry about. When we go out and meet the serpents forces they could just stroll in and take the city we so desperately sacrificed for! No…there's no other way to do it.' Zheng Jiang responded glumly, almost as if she has resigned herself to this fate she is starting to setup for herself.

'But…our forces look up to you. Your chances of survival are low.'

'It's a risk I have to take.' Zheng Jiang responded, not looking at Gai Li who looked frustrated at her for the first time.

'But you don't have to take it alone! Allow me to join you…allow me to be there for you.'

'I…I cannot. This is something that I have to deal with alone, I don't expect you to understand, I expect you to follow orders.' Zheng Jiang stated. Gai Li scowled at this, wanting to get through to his wife. He didn't want her to go through with this. He knew what was going to happen.

'Zheng Jiang…I'

'Enough, I…I wish to be alone.' Zheng Jiang interrupted him. Gai Li was about to say something however he obliged and bowed towards her and started to walk away.

'Gai Li.' Zheng Jiang called out stopping him in his tracks as he looked behind him.

'I…I'm sorry.' Zheng Jiang apologised. For Gai Li it felt like the entire world paused as he processed these words that were uttered by his wife. The only time that he believed she apologised to him, at the very least in recent memory. Gai Li knew she wouldn't say this without reason. He wasn't sure on how to react to this statement. However the silence between the two of them grew thicker and more awkward as more time passed.

'My lady…you have nothing to apologise for, it is me who should apologise…for everything. Nothing that happened was your fault.' He advised before he closed the door behind her and left Zheng Jiang alone as requested. She learned against her first with her arm resting on the arm rest and closed her eyes as she breathed in before exhaling heavily.

'Forgive me Mitsuko but this is the only way we can both move forwards.'

The once bright and busy city settled down peacefully as night consumed the light, showing only the vast array of stars and the moon. Perfect time for training for LingQi as she quietly exited the city and found a nice wide meadow. Ever since her father started to restrict her movements when she was younger, she had to adapt to be stealthy as to not get caught. Lu Bu wouldn't allow LingQi to train at least publicly, as she was just a child playing soldier. So she had to get creative and try to be more stealthy if she wanted to train seriously and be useful to him. Even though she was caught a few times, she was able to get master the craft enough to quietly exit whatever city or village they were at and trained on her own. It was peaceful. No one to bother her, no one to tell her she couldn't train. She felt free as she started to feel the fruits of her labour and thus it became more…of a tradition to train on her own. Even if her circumstances have changed, she felt more comfortable training on her own. She was able to work out through whatever issues she had, whether it was frustration at her father or anger at her enemies. Whenever she was training on her own, it calmed her as she focused her energy on getting stronger. As she closed her eyes she could feel the a slight breeze and breathed in heavily. She exhaled heavily before she proceeded with her rituals. She performed some stretches to help make her body nimble before making wide striking attacks. Each strike was precise with a lot of strength behind it. LingQi wanted her strikes to stop at a particular point before carried on the attack, requiring self-control. Ever since…that day she didn't know what she should be feeling. Should she be angry that had happened? Should she feel saddened and lonely after being revealed that she's no longer human? Should she feel glad that she has strength like this? She had no idea, she was confused with what to feel. It was like every emotion hit her at once sometimes. It was frustrating that she can't understand what's happening to her, so she trained harder so the thoughts would try to clear her mind. Focusing on her control when she swung her weapons.

Elsewhere Mitsuko was looking for LingQi as she wished to discuss the next steps with her and her thoughts about when they should consider starting to march out, but she was nowhere to be found. Mitsuko thought that LingQi would've been training, she noticed that LingQi looked a bit more physically exhausted as of late. She thought having a quick chat with her would be for the best, at least to make sure she's not pushing herself too hard. However finding her was the tricky part. Mitsuko started to scour the city, looking for LingQi, only to be met with normal peasants who greeted her or wanted to sell her something. She looked up and saw the night sky full of stars. No matter how long she was here, looking at the night sky was never boring to her. As she was scouting for LingQi she heard some faint what seems to be cheering. She quickened her pace slightly, curious as to see what the source of this cheering is. She found herself standing in front of what seemed to be a tavern of some kind. She peered through the doorway as the cheering was very loud. She peered in and found the people along with her own soldiers, drinking merrily and creating bonds with the citizens and Zheng Jiangs bandits.

As she saw this there was something that's quite…alien to her. She felt a strange sense of …pride? For some reason seeing her own soldiers able to enjoy themselves and bond with others felt somewhat gratifying, though she wasn't sure quite why that is. She found herself smiling to herself as she walked away. Well, it wasn't like it was a bad thing, just unusual is all. Mitsuko still couldn't find LingQi as she looked all over the city and figured she would be out training in the fields. As she was starting to make her way out, a slight glare hit Mitsuko's eye briefly before she instinctively reared her head back. She looked at the source and found the glare emanated from the reflection of moonlight from Diamondbacks crystals…however she noticed that unlike every other time she saw him, he had his weapons to his side as he bowed down in what seemed to be a shrine of some kind. As she got closer, naturally curious to why he's doing this, there would be a small moat surrounding the shrine itself which would the size of a hut, able to fit three or four people. The shrine was more modest compared to the more lucrative regions, with both its size and grandeur. Mainly comprising of just four stone pillars with slanted green roof tiles covering it, no second pedestal on top of it like other shrines. The corners of the roof would curl upwards like relaxed fingers.

Mitsuko pussyfooted closer, careful not to disturb Diamondback as that was not her intention, she was merely curious what Diamondback was doing. She was standing next to a lone stone bridge that barely hovered over the moat which was a couple of feet deep while the gap was a similar length away from the pedestal. It could be leapt across, however some effort would've been required. Mitsuko saw that Diamondback was on his knees, kneeling down with his hands on his lap. His eyes were shut as he bowed his head at what seemed to be a wax candle on a gold saucer, with a small flame flickering away, the wax slowly to drip.

Mitsuko wasn't sure what to make of this, this wasn't a side that she saw of Diamondback, was he praying? Who would demons pray to if that was the case? As Mitsuko started to naturally start to take a step closer, Diamondback suddenly lurched up and grabbed his glaive, as his body twisted while standing up. Diamondbacks body was in a battle-ready stance, however when he saw it was Mitsuko he quickly dropped on one knee and apologised profusely, putting the glaive down immediately.

'My apologies my lady, I did not think you would be here!' Mitsuko put her serpents arms up in defiance.

'No, no don't apologise. I shouldn't have snuck up on you like that. Sorry, though I must admit, I didn't expect to see you out here this late at night.'

'No, I suppose you don't. I didn't expect to see you here either, I assure you the patrol guards are sufficient to protect the peace here, you do not need to be walking around this late.' Diamondback assured her, assuming Mitsuko's purpose for being out here at night.

'Hehe, don't worry its not that. I was trying to find LingQi is all. I figured she was out training but I wanted to discuss our potential next steps.'

'Ahh I see, I do believe I have seen her heading towards the fields a while ago, though I had thought she had come back by now, should I go get her?' Mitsuko shook her head.

'That's ok, don't worry I can get her myself I didn't want to disturb…whatever it is you're doing…what actually are you doing?' Mitsuko questioned.

'I am performing a ritual.'

'Ritual? What kind?'

'A personal one where I both mourn and praise the dead.' Diamondback stated simply, though this caught Mitsuko by surprise. That was not the answer she was expecting from him, she walked towards the small shrine joining Diamondback as he knelt back down towards the candle.

'I'm quite surprised, you don't seem the type to…do any ritual apart from getting ready for war.' Diamondback couldn't help but chuckle at that statement.

'You would've been correct many cycles ago. I was just a ferocious warrior. Nigh unstoppable, or so I thought anyway. Every time before a battle I would feast upon a slain enemy's organs and drape the front of my body with their blood to frighten them as I charged through their ranks, blocking and avoiding their blows as I saw fear in their eyes before I tore their body in two.' Diamondback started to recall the memories he had in previous cycles, his eyes wearing nostalgia as clear as day as he looked up from the candle and into the vastness of the night sky. Mitsuko was not that surprised to learn Diamondback was like that, appearance wise he seems to be suited to be the more…beserker like warrior. Yet now he seems to be almost the opposite, though he still has a ferocious warrior spirit he handled himself with more control and dignity. Pang Tong vouched for Diamondback after the battle of Xia Pi when she awoke and saw him. She originally thought that Diamondback was going to be a demon that she would need to beat into submission however to her surprise Diamondback got the troops together and was incredibly loyal. No complaint could be heard from her though she initially expecting it.

'Really? That surprises me and yet it doesn't. Sounds like a story is waiting to be told there, from the demon you were then to now if you would like to share.' Mitsuko sat down next to Diamondback who seemed almost gobsmacked that she asked that. His eyes widen, revealing more of his lizard slit shaped pupils.

'Ahh, only if you would like of course, I do not wish to push you in anything.'

'Oh no, it's a tale I can tell but…are you sure you would like to listen to it? I mean you do wish to find lady LingQi do you not? It would be better than listening to this.'

'I do, however she does like her training I'm sure she won't collapse before I get there.' Diamondback was shocked, he didn't expect Mitsuko of all people to join him on this night and ask him about himself or tell this tale.

'I…of course, please bare with me however I'm not a story-teller at heart and…no one really asked before.'

'Oh, so I'm your first? Heh, I feel honoured.'

'Ahh the one that is honoured is me my lady. Well I guess I should begin.'

I remember first being emerging from the pool with my blood sister Copperhead. Her face was made from pure bronze, almost like it was a mask shaped like a cobra. We emerged from the pool and began our fledgeling rage. I tore someones arm off with my jaw before ripping out their heart with my bare hands. She meticulously broke the bones in the body of her overseer, she took her time with them before more overseers came and occupied us. Hehe, we were quite a handful to deal with. We didn't have homes, our lives were in war camps, war was all we knew.

We were bound by blood but our methods were opposite of each other and so were our personalities. She was more meticulous and cunning, I was more ruthless and headstrong. I was annoyed by her sometimes by how slow and calculating she was. Trying to be efficient in any battle against her opponents was a futile endeavour I thought. It was simpler to just charge and commit to the slaughter rather than outthinking or outmanoeuvring. She wielded a trident with thick curved blade on the outer prongs. At our first battle we fought side by side, I gotten the higher kill count, though she seemingly did more damage to the enemy, she focused on more higher-ranking enemies rather than the grunts. She was content with a single slice or attack on a grunt rather than feeding her bloodthirst. Other demons noticed what they perceived to be a lack of strength and mocked her, calling her copperhead instead. She surprisingly took it in her stride, though when they mocked her, they mocked me as we're bound by blood. I wanted to rip their throat and feed them their oesophagus for that…however she always stopped me. I obliged as she was my sister. One day we were scouting out enemy encampments and looking out for ambush parties when I asked her why she tolerates such behaviour.

"Because they're not worth it brother. If they wish to mock me for not indulging myself in blood then that is their prerogative. If they cannot accept one who does not walk the same path as them then they can shout their fragile weakness all they want, but I shall not stoop to their level. Besides if they despise me that much then they can make the first move to take my life."

I told her I wouldn't let that happen, she then laughed and said to me that she was counting on it. I think it was then when I first started to appreciate her intelligence. You see back in earlier cycles, demons were more like single minded brutes with the ability to speak. Copperhead was the first amongst us to display intelligence in more of a sophisticated way. She was the first to use strategy. She was able to catch the arrogant mystics by surprise as a result. A shame the others were not able to appreciate it, they saw her as a hinderance. Getting in the way of their pleasurable delights.

Unsurprisingly it wasn't long before she was able to get the eye of Lord Orochi. I thought he was disappointed with her body count but to my surprise Orochi promoted her and gave her, her own unit. I was the second in command. Our unit was made up of more…weaker demons. Back then I hated them for their weakness at first, they weren't as mighty as me, what would they do against mystics…what could we do against them? I had thought Orochi did this as a joke to us both. My sister may have a lower body count but she did not deserve this. However…she took it in her stride. She did not complain and merely trained them. Looking back…I believe Orochi was…giving them all a chance to shine. I think he knew Copperhead was a unique asset to him. Her penchant for tactics allowed more typically weaker demons to get their licks in so to speak.

Training regimens were harsher, we wanted to make every demon that was worthy, strong. Pure strength was the most important to us. However Copperhead's training regime was more gentler than others. Though she still held no quarter she was just as encouraging to others instead of abandoning or killing them as an example of weakness that should not be tolerated. Heh, she even scolded me for pushing them too harshly. I told them that she was merely coddling them, weakening them. How could we prove ourselves to the other demons I thought to myself seeing her talking to the underlings, encouraging them, offering them assistance. She persisted though, saying we'll see the fruits of the labour soon enough. She focused on anticipating our opponents and countering them. Striking with precision, weak points such as the neck or ankles while looking at opportunities to strike.

And we did, we became feared for our enemies didn't know where we were, we used basic tactics but tactics nonetheless. Our unit may not have been the strongest physically but we were the smartest. Apart from me, I was nothing more than a brute but even I knew my place. She was loyal to Orochi while the rest of us were loyal onto to our battle, I believe lord Orochi knew this. But Copperhead…copperhead showed loyalty to Orochi and that rubbed off on us. We were called the serpent's dagger. Many were envious of our body count as we were able to surprise the enemy with our tactics.

One night after a battle while noticing her absence at a celebration, for everyday we killed a mystic was a good day to celebrate, I found her alone. On top of a mountain looking over a settlement we just conquered, lighting candles. I asked her what she was doing, she said lighting candles for the dead. I asked her why, I thought that they were weaklings and they deserved it. Only the strong survive, the weak die.

"Is that so brother? Is that why our enemy keeps halting our conquests? Is that why demons thought to be strong die by a single arrow shot or a lucky strike? Is that why the fire burns brightly only to flicker and die? No, I don't think so."

"Well…I…obviously we just need to be stronger do we not?"

"No, we need to be smarter. You see for yourself, I get mocked by our allies for being so called 'weak' yet thanks to me our unit has a lot of blood on our blades. Do you think I am weak brother?"

"Of course not! You possess strength that I and many others do not! Without you we would not be nearly as victorious!" I knelt down instinctively, not breaking eye contact with her, she smiled at me revealing her serpent fangs.

'Indeed, yet our allies have fallen. Do you believe every single on of them that are dead because of simply weakness? I believe it is…a shame that their lives were cut short. No matter if they were weak or not, they were still allies and they had the potential to be strong and stronger still. They could've been useful for Lord Orochi more, each one held a particular strength that made them unique. Our army is lesser for their loss. No one will mourn them, but I will. They deserve to be mourned by someone."

"I…I do not understand, should we not keep looking toward the future? I thought looking at the past was a distraction."

"How do you think we can look towards the future without glancing back at the past as a reminder of things to come?"

"wh-what do you mean?"

"I believe forgetting the past outright means we would forget the lessons that they taught us. Think about it. If we learned something about the enemy that we could use to our advantage…and afterwards we forget it, we won't be able to use that knowledge against them again. In this case, if I forget our allies that have fought alongside us, what does that say about us? That we are ok with taking substantial losses, or that it doesn't affect us when it does? If we forgot the dead and what they brought to lord Orochi's army, we would be doing lord Orochi…and ourselves a disservice. So I mourn them. I remember them. I remember our conversations, the skills and ideas they once had to see if they can benefit lord Orochi. Its important to remember the losses so we know how to minimise them for future battles. That is not weakness, despite what the other demons say."

Copperhead saying that started to open my mind, I did not expect her to say such a statement…I didn't agree with her at the time but I respected her opinion, she was my blood sister after all and I knew where her strengths lie. Though I still looked upon the death with discontent, she kept lighting the candles soon after every battle. Though afterwards she was her usual self. Only I knew her little…I suppose you could say secret. Each aftermath of a battle she would do this, I would watch from afar, ensuring no one would disturb her ritual.

Little did I know that was not to last.

LingQi meanwhile was still training, swinging her glaives wildly before suddenly stopping them when she wanted to. For a while she had thought that got her focus to a satisfactory level and surpressed…whatever she needed to. She exhaled as sweat clung on to her body as the exposed skin felt the cool breeze of the night rush past her body, she was clearly exhausted by her physical training.

There she goes again, thinking about her feelings when she should just be training. So she kept training, practicing her control. However she started to find herself lacking the control to stop after continuous strikes which gave her more determination to push on and get better, it also infuriated her which meant she was lacking even more control as she stopped her attacks further and further along than what she had intended. She gritted her teeth and growled under her breath, cursing herself. She should be better than this, she should be able to exude better control…for Mitsuko. She should-Embrace it!

Her eyes widened as she felt a sudden convulsion in her left shoulder. The suddenness of it caused her to drop her glaives on the ground as she started to hyperventilate, wondering what happened. She looked upon the glaives with horror about what she thinks may be happening to her, it was unnatural. There was a pounding emanating from seemingly inside her own skull as this time her right leg convulsed once, forcing her to fall to her hands and knees. She looked at her hands that are now stained with mud, they started to convulse once and LingQi saw them start to change to the other form she once inhibited. She shook her head and realised it was just her normal hand.

She grabbed her head as the pounding started to continue, almost as if someone was knocking, waiting to be let in.

'Stop…why…why is this happening to me!? I…I have to control it. I have to…Mitusko…'

'Why must you control me? Can't you see you can just release me, you don't have to keep me locked up anymore.'

'No…get out…GET OUT OF MY HEAD!' She screamed out loud to no one listening to her struggles.

'I am trying! Are you that delusional that you cannot see you're the one keeping me locked up!?'

'Just…just shut up!'

'You're the one that doesn't want me to, you know it. Admit it, it felt good releasing everything. Do you think Mitsuko wants us to suffer!? No of course not, so let me out!'

'No…no I can't…I won't. You-you'll hurt her.' As she responded to that, her heart beat against her chest hard, causing her to clutch her chest tightly with her right hand, her body inches away from the mud.

'I'll hurt her by being me? Do you have any idea how stupid that sounds!? You'll release me sooner or later, its only a matter of time!'

Before a battle, we were fed information that a convoy of mystics were going through this thick forest. Copperhead ordered us to lie in wait in the forest and we waited. We waited for a while, we learned the art of patience but this was particularly tiresome I thought. I was about to ask where they are when suddenly we were assailed by fire arrows. They seemed to be random at first before it became clear they were striking at the trees, they were trying to flush us out. We...weren't prepared. The smell of burning wood and ash overpowered our senses as smoke started to obscure our vision.

We escaped from the forest only to be met with a mystic ambush of their own. We walked into a trap, they knew we were coming. Our unit stood no chance, after a fierce battle I was the sole survivor. I was ecstatic, it was the greatest battle i was a part of, i felt victorious, supreme and wanted more. I was about to celebrate with my sister before I looked back and saw her corpse. Time seemed to stand still as i slowly processed that. I was drenched in blood of allies and enemies. All my feelings of ecstasy were replaced with horror. I went to Copperhead to try and wake her, i couldn't comprehend her death, she couldn't have died. I thought she was strong. The strong don't die. Yet here she was, her blood staining my hands. I let out a roar of anger, of resentment. She was my blood sister, my better sibling. She was supposed to be a new breed of demons. And now here she is, in my arms as a corpse. I did not care about the others, only my sister at that time.

I carried her body back to the camp and i saw demons celebrating their victories. I placed her body near the entrance but hidden from their sight. They wouldn't understand. I walked in the camp and there they were, not a care in the world. I ignored them until I overheard something that made me feel unadulterated rage. I overheard one making tracks leading to that forest and telling us about it. I wanted clarification so I walked up and grabbed him by the throat.

"Is this true!? You led us into a trap!?"

"Tch...yeah and what of it!? You were weaklings! You deserved it you, your soldiers and that pathetic excuse of your sister."

"You dare...call her weak!?"

"she's dead is she not? What does it matter, are you going to kill us for it and betray Orochi!?" He postured arrogantly. Thats what I did. I opened my jaws and dug my teeth into his skulls, allowing him to scream before silencing him completely by ripping his head from his body. In that moment I only cared about silencing and taking their lives for taking the life of copperhead and her soldiers. The other demons quickly drew their weapons. I shouted that they will all die screaming...and they did.

LingQi still hyperventilating started to feel more and more convulsions as she attempted to stand up, attempting to ignore the voice seemingly coming from inside her head. She heard footsteps approaching her, she glanced in the direction and it seemed to be a squad of about 20 men, dressed in the colours of Zheng Jiang, armed with spears and swords. LingQi cursed this, this wasn't the time for them to appear as she tried to silence the voice in her mind.

The soldiers treaded closer, LingQi noticed as her body started her painful transformation against her will that they were raising their weapons. They...were they going to strike her down? After all Mitsuko did for them? For the bandit queen? She helped the conquest of these mountains for them and they would dare betray her? This will not stand! LingQi stood up as she started to transform as the soldiers treaded carefully towards her. One who seemed to be the leader dashed forward as LingQi fell to her knees, aiming to finish this quickly. His sword was halted as an insectoid hand sprouted from the side of LIngQi's body and grabbed the blade. The horrified look on his face was apparent as LingQi stood up as half of her face became the insect like figure that she transformed into. Her human side was furious and yelled as she thrusted one of her glaives into his neck. The corpse fell after a second, LingQi then stood up completely straight and laid her eyes on the squad of soldiers, clearly terrified. The top of her head was drenched in his blood and slowly dripped down her hair and face, though she did not flinch. She quickly dashed towards them as they screamed in terror.

Everyone that attempted to kill me i slaughtered in that camp. They dared lead my sister and her soldiers to death, i will be their executioner. I had thought our soldier previously were weak, same as them but i was now aware the only reason they died was because they were betrayed by their own kin. That was unforgivable. It was a bloody affair but I stood upon the camp as the victor. My thirst for vengeance was not complete but I was satisfied with their deaths and exited the camp as i sprinted away. I did not know what to do.

I eventually came to the same cliff that I saw my sister lighting her candles for the dead, in that moment I understood things more clearly as I realised the sky turned to night. The candles were still there, burnt out for the most part but unmoved. I started to understand why my sister did her ritual now. I started to understand why she trained her soldiers the way she did as i remembered what she did with them and our achievements after was. I started to understand why she mourned their deaths. Her teachings worked, it was unconventional, but it worked. And because of some pathetic weakling's perception of strength she was struck down! I was starting to become enraged at the thought of it again, however i remembered the words she said to me one day. She said one time that "we can be better, we can do better than those fools." She was right, so I lit a candle for her and stayed there in silence before lighting other candles for the units' soldiers.

Since that day I did this after every battle. I could never be the tactician copperhead was, but i could at least aspire to be a good officer like she did. I was loyal, I trained the soldiers the same way though, mine is more...harsher i eventually thought i became better. I no longer fought like a savage, at least entirely. I trained myself to be more…restrained than giving into my bloodlust easily. Too many times I found myself giving in too early and found myself in disadvantaged positions in the heat of battle since then. And I carry on this same ritual, even now for our allies. Though I am not like my sister, I do wish to continue her legacy. That is what she deserves. It took me a while to do so but I managed to overcome my contempt for the dead and did this more for me and I found myself remembering my allies and what they contributed to life, to Orochi. So now I do this for me just as much as I do it for her.' Diamondback concluded.

Mitsuko wasn't sure on how to respond to such a tale. The two sat in silence for a minute as Mitsuko was trying to formulate the right words in how to respond.

'Well, thank you for telling me such a tale, though I'm surprised by how they reacted. Did Orochi do anything to you or them?'

'Thankfully he did. That night I walked back to the camp with others clamouring for my head with lord Orochi there. He had a particular strong aura and his presence alone demanded your attention. It was terrifying to behold, once I bowed down and explained my side and they were unable to deny it, especially as I showed Orochi the corpse of copperhead. He made an example out of them and said I would be used as a blueprint for future demons, me and copperhead. At the time I didn't find it comforting or honoured as I would've done before. But after that day, future demons would be aware that betrayal no matter the reason would lead to obliteration.'

'I see…well my condolences about your sister, it sounds like she was very important to you. I would've liked to meet her but…I think she'd be proud of the demon you became.'

Diamondback was visibly taken aback by Mitsuko's words, he did not expect him to ever reach her level, he glanced back at her before giving her a shy smile, revealing his serrated teeth.

'That is…kind of you to say lady Mitsuko…can I ask you something?'

'Sure, what is it?'

'You…managed to bring me back to life as I remember my death vividly…do you think…you could do the same for Copperhead?'

'I…don't know. Truth be told I didn't think I could do that at all. All I did was just kill my enemies, I didn't do any fancy ritual or spell or anything. What makes you think it was me in the first place?'

'Because you were the first one I saw, I awoke in a strange place seemingly floating and I saw your face, as if you were striking me down in the heat of battle. You did something that allowed me to awaken.' Mitsuko was confused, she did something to him? But she didn't see him at all and he wasn't striking him down at all.

'I…can probably try but I don't want to give you false hope, I can consult Pang Tong and see what ideas he has but I can only promise to try.' Mitsuko told him. Diamondback nodded in understanding.

'I understand, I do understand that it may be a fools errand to run. But I thought if you could bring me back then…maybe she can also share the same fate. I of course don't expect you to put this as a high priority by any means but I appreciate the effort no matter the result.' Diamondback turned to Mitsuko and bowed his head. Mitsuko couldn't help but smile and put one of her serpent jaws on his shoulder. He looked up, their eyes locked.

'Thank you for your loyalty and your trust in telling me your tale. I must admit I did not expect to listen to one like that but I am glad you did. If I can do anything regarding your sister, I will do so. I expect I'll be counting on you in many battles to come.'

Diamondback's let out an audible gasp in shock, he did not expect to receive any praise for simply doing what he does best. Orochi did not praise him at all, however Mitsuko was readily able to do so. It was…an odd feeling, pride swelled within his chest and he could not stop himself for smiling. He immediately bowed his head again.

'The honour is mine, lady Mitsuko. I will fight for you till the end.' With that declaration though both heard a faint blood curling scream.

'You heard that as well right?' Mitsuko questioned as they both looked forward in the direction of where the scream came from.

'I did.' Mitsuko couldn't help but do a slight chuckle in response.

'Fucking hell, I had hoped it was just me. C'mon quick, lets see what's happened.' Mitsuko ordered, Diamondback quickly equipped his halberd and shield. They sprinted down in the direction of the scream past the narrow street before they stopped as they saw a familiar figure approaching them, almost limping. Mitsuko widened her eyes in shock to see LingQi, drenched in blood, her body shivering. LingQi crashed to the ground, planting her glaives deep in the earth as Mitsuko dashed over towards her as fast as she could, she placed her serpent heads on her shoulders.

'LingQi!? What happened!? Are you ok? Say something!' She pleaded, panic evident in her voice, she wasn't sure what happened, but she wanted to be sure if she was ok. As LingQi spoke, she found her voice quivering as the cold air brushed past her face once more, causing a shiver around her body once more.

'We…have been betrayed.'