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“They call Shadowfield the Darkened Empire because it is, truly, dark; there is no sun, only the moon and stars. In Lux, only a sun exists- no moon. The Divide separates the two nations: on one half- blazing darkness, and on the other- dazzling sunlight. Sunlight that’s warm enough not to be cold, and cold enough not to be warm. The Divide formed as a result of the shadowgem shattering. It’s said that The Great Suspension- as the event has come to be called- is a result of Shadowfield’s sins. Those sins are many.”

Dante wasn’t lying when he told Leia he hated Lux women, though he wasn’t being entirely truthful. But what is truth to a man like Dante? He runs a bar whose reputation on the surface fits the status quo: it’s a place of alcohol and allure. Fights are common and plenty of fucks are given. But beneath that- there’s something else. The bar’s basement goes down three stories underground; his lair is a place of true business, trading in secrets and passions. The bar goes up two stories- Dante’s house. His house- that is sacred. No one goes up there without Dante’s approval, which takes the form of tattooed runes Dante engraved on his partners. And that wretched Lux woman betrayed his permission. She ran off after a date- back to Lux, where she slept beside another man. She ruined the art he put on her skin. That was Leia’s mission- to kill a traitor.

Leia.

Dante scrolls the darkened streets of Shadowfield, his brain in action. Leia, the princess of this country thrown into darkness, did not lie. Neither did the history of Shadowfield. The shadowgem went missing, that’s the story told. But “missing” is nothing more than a word many use as a way of hope. Many hope this supposed shadowgem had not, as the tale goes, shattered and thrown the world off-balance. Many hope it can be found. But everything in Shadowfield’s history leads proof to the possibility that the gem is no more.

“And how long ago were those histories written?”

King August believes in the Misplaced Theory- the theory that says the shadowgem had been lost in battle. Its main argument is the argument of history skewing facts, of how time can rip apart the truth and bury it. Instead of the shadowgem being shattered, the theory says, it was wielded by Lux to oppress Shadowfield, and the country of light still has it ever since that day. Leia believes this theory, and it made Dante wonder what proof King August has to send her on such a mission. And why would Leia want the Infernos? She knows what they do. Diamond sculpts the world around her, including the people in it. Iron is a master of the fighting arts- they do not take a challenge lightly. And Silver is an artist you don’t want on his bad side.

He walks past a newsstand, selling glowing papers beneath Shadowfield’s full moon. A headline catches his eyes. He stops, picks it up and reads.

Prince Caspius Paralyzed, Lux Investigation Points To Shadowfield

The report says that Prince Caspius has been mysteriously absent from public events. Now, the world knows why- an attack by two assailants disguised as servants led to Caspius getting shot in the back. Royal medics say he’ll never walk again. Furthermore, the report reads, a rebel faction from Shadowfield is likely to blame.

Unsurprising, Dante thinks as warm lips grace his neck.

“Prix,” Dante pays for the glowing paper and turns to his recent conquest. “You should be upstairs recovering. My runes do not take to the skin easily.”

“I’m fine. I wish to be with you.”

The ghost of a smile graces Dante’s lips. “Sure. Where should we go?”

“The new bar, it has a basement. I’d like to visit.”

He considers it, mulling over the idea of a distraction until Leia gets back. But there is much to think, not the least that Dante must keep the truths they discussed secretly. For years, war has been brewing. What advantage would harming Prince Caspius have?

Dante sighs and again, the tables in his mind are turning. “No, Prix, I’m sorry. I have something I need to do.” Dante runs a hand through his hair, grazing his horns.

Shadowfield’s curse affects everyone who lives within the country, and Dante is no exception. His horns came about when he was but a child. He was bullied and beat up, called Tazen’s child. Leia and her father suffer from blood afflictions that limit or prevent magic use, Prix irises are a deep mauve with hints of green. And the reason why Diamond, Iron, and Silver can do the things they do? Being cursed has its advantages.

“Is this about Princess Leia?” Prix laces a hand through Dante’s as the pair make their way back to Dante’s Bar, The Inferno’s Relief. On its sign is a pictogram depicting alcohol being thrown into flames.

“Yes. She needs my help.” Dante opens the door and allows Prix to enter first.

“I heard a rumor that the two of you once-”

“Leia prefers to fuck men, not romance, then,” Dante interrupts and kisses Prix’s cheek. “Let’s go upstairs. It shouldn’t take her long to return. Her price is never as high as others.”

Prix beams at this. “Yes, of course. I’ll be whatever distraction you need me to be.”

“The Inferno’s should be here anytime soon as well. How about a sword fight? I have yet to test your skills in that particular art.” Dante leans in close to Prix, close enough to whisper a single, incoherent word in his ear.

Prix’s response is immediate- his eyes glow, and the symbols on his skin begin to shift. Dante smirks and conjures two swords made of brilliant steel. “Come, let’s spar.”

As with all his conquests, Prix obeys.