Shadow Slave

Chapter 1831 Abstract Concept Dressed in a comfortable night—gown, Rain was sitting on a bed. The bed was wide and soft. The sheets were immaculately clean and crisp... a far cry from the cold cradle of mud she had been sleeping on for many days.

It was also much nicer than her own bed in Ravenheart, so... she had nothing to complain about The room itself was spacious, but austere. The Citadel of Clan Sorrow was cut into the cliffside, so the walls surrounding her were that of rough stone. The furniture, however, was quite elegant and beautifully made.

There was a single arched window in the room, opening to the pale lilac expanse of the evening sky. The roaring of the Weeping Goddess seemed quiet here, somehow, but also constant, like a persistent hum.

The air was fresh and smelled of water.

The peaceful, but uniquely austere mood of the somber Citadel helped Rain imagine easily where Tamar's overly serious demeanor had come from.

She sighed.

Things had happened fast after the two of them reached the Lake of Tears. First, Rain and Tamar were brought to the city built on its shore — it was much smaller than Ravenheart, but still lively. The architecture style was distinctly different, as well, favoring flat roofs that served as gardens — as opposed to the capital, where most roofs were slanted and covered by tiles to avoid snow and ash accumulating on them.

They did not spend much time in the city, though.

The Saint of Sorrow was currently away, but Tamar's mother was there. After receiving news of her daughter showing up severely wounded, she immediately sent retainers to retrieve her.

Rain and Tamar were taken to the Citadel, which was cut directly into the vertical side of the great waterfall and oversaw the city from high above.

Tamar was treated by an Ascended healer. Rain, meanwhile, was welcomed as a guest of Clan Sorrow.

She met the matriarch of the clan, as well as a few elders. Everyone had treated her graciously — from the Awakened retainers and mundane citizens to the members of the direct family.

Tamar had briefly shared the story of how the two of them had ended up in such a sorry state, including the fake version of Rain's Awakening.

Everything seemed fine.

And yet, Rain was in a heavy mood.

she had heard a lot, and inferred even more, from the

The war... seemed imminent.

it, while some were not. Nevertheless, everyone was alarmed and uneasy, as if there was invisible tension permeating

had happened after the survey team left the construction camp and lost contact with the rest of

and Master Dar of Maharana Clan were handed over, and Song continued to refuse. There were all kinds of unrest on the streets

clashes between the followers of the opposing Domains. A large crowd was chanting threateningly in front of

already fought openly, devastating a public venue. They were arrested by the agents of the government, but the government itself

were only the outward

was how deserted the Citadel of Clan Sorrow seemed. There were Awakened warriors, but too few of them. There were members of

told Rain one

Queen was secretly mobilizing her

had helped build was almost complete, and soon, legions of the

was an abstract concept before, was almost palpable

much sooner than she

the bed,

when all sunlight was gone and deep shadows devoured the room, a familiar presence

and applauded quietly. His smile was as carefree

You are

at his dark silhouette

hell have

gave her a vague

in the shadows, taking a beach vacation, sitting idly on my dark throne. Why? Didn't you do well without

moments, then let

wouldn't call it

Actually, I did fine."

He grinned.