Chapter 88: The Birth of The Eminence in Shadow
Years had passed, and the bonds between Arion, Velzard, Testarossa, Ultima, and Carrera had grown unshakable. Their connection had evolved beyond mere affection—it was a fusion of unwavering loyalty, passion, and an unspoken understanding that transcended words. Each of them had found their place at Arion's side, but as time passed, something began to stir within them.
They were powerful, each a force to be reckoned with. Yet, despite their unmatched strength, they found themselves standing in the background, watching as Arion handled the weight of the world alone. This did not sit well with them.
One evening, in the grand chamber of Arion's estate, Velzard, Testarossa, Ultima, and Carrera stood before him, their eyes burning with determination.
Velzard, ever the elegant and composed one, stepped forward first, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders like a river of fire. "Arion," she began, her voice steady yet filled with conviction, "we've been thinking. We don't want to just be your lovers—we want to be your sword, your shield. We want to fight for you, as you fight for us."
Arion leaned back in his chair, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly as he studied them. He already knew where this was going, but he wanted to hear them out.
"You've always protected us, and we love you for it," Testarossa added, her silver hair shimmering under the dim light. "But we're not weak. We are your women, and we want to stand by your side not just in love but in battle as well."
Ultima grinned, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Besides, wouldn't it be fun? Imagine the chaos we could bring. Wars stopped before they even started, assassinations done in absolute silence, the world trembling at the mere whisper of your name."
Carrera crossed her arms, smirking. "And let's be real, I've been bored. Watching you handle everything is entertaining, but I'd rather be out there crushing skulls for you."
Arion was silent for a moment, his mind processing their words. He had always known they were powerful, always known they were capable.
Then again... wasn't that what made it exciting?
A slow, knowing smile spread across Arion's lips. "Very well," he said, his voice carrying a weight of finality. "You wish to be more involved? Then I will give you a purpose—one that will shake the foundations of this world."
The room fell into silence as his words settled in.
"You will be my new shadow legion, the unseen force that eliminates threats before they arise. Wars will end before they begin, enemies will fall before they can draw their blades, and the world will know that those who oppose me will never see their end coming."
A shiver of anticipation ran through the women as they exchanged glances.
"I will create a new task force," Arion continued. "A force made up of only the strongest—my women. And its name shall be The Eminence in Shadow."
Velzard's lips curled into a smirk. "An interesting name. And who will lead us?"
Arion's eyes met hers, filled with both trust and amusement. "Who else but you, Velzard? Among the four of you, you are the most composed, the most suited to lead."
Velzard nodded, accepting the responsibility without hesitation.
Testarossa chuckled, her eyes gleaming. "This is going to be fun. I'll handle our assassination operations. Stealth, poison, silent executions... I'll make sure no one ever knows what happened to our targets."
Ultima licked her lips, her excitement barely contained. "I'll take care of the more... explosive situations. If something needs to be destroyed beyond recognition, I'll make sure it's erased from existence."
Carrera smirked. "And I'll handle the heavy combat. If an enemy force needs to be wiped out, I'll reduce them to ash before they can even beg for mercy."
Arion watched them, pleased with their eagerness. "Then it is decided. The Eminence in Shadow is now born."
Days later, their first mission came. A corrupt king was planning to instigate war between two great nations, his hands dripping with greed and deceit. His court was filled with spies, mercenaries, and warriors loyal to him, making a direct approach difficult.
This was the perfect test for The Eminence in Shadow.
Velzard, clad in sleek black armor, stood on the rooftop of the king's palace, her icy gaze fixed on the opulent throne room below. "Testarossa, you're up first. Can you handle the guards?"
Testarossa, lurking in the darkness, smirked. "Of course. Give me ten seconds."
With eerie grace, she vanished into the shadows. One by one, the guards dropped without a sound, their bodies crumpling like lifeless dolls.
Ultima crouched beside Carrera, watching with delight. "Damn, she's good. Alright, my turn!"
She raised a hand, and in an instant, the supply lines to the king's mercenaries were reduced to rubble with a silent, controlled explosion. "No weapons, no reinforcements. Let's see how long they last now."
Carrera stretched her arms, eager for a fight. "Guess that means it's my turn." She leaped down from the rooftops, landing in the courtyard where the king's elite warriors stood. "Hey, boys," she said with a grin, "I hope you're ready to die."
Velzard, watching from above, activated her Ice Dominion, freezing the exits shut. "No one escapes. We finish this tonight."
Arion, from his throne miles away, watched it all unfold through a magical projection, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. His Eminence in Shadow had taken their first steps into the abyss, and the world would never be the same again.
By morning, the corrupt king was found dead in his chambers, his body frozen solid, a look of terror permanently etched onto his face. His war was over before it even began.
The world never knew who was responsible.
But the shadows did.
And in the darkness, The Eminence in Shadow smiled.