Rebirth System: Blood and Ash

Aric stood, composing himself. "I’ll be there shortly."

Pulling on his cloak over his nightware, he stepped outside into the biting wind.

The moon was rather low in the sky, painting a faint, silver glow over the camp.

Fires flickered in the distance, and the sounds of soldiers resting as they prepared for a long march filled the otherwise quiet night. Aric made his way across the camp, the cold gnawing at his skin, without his armor on, the cold seemed to penetrate far much easier.

Upon reaching Yrsa’s tent, he stood at the entrance for a moment before calling out, "Commander, may I enter?"

A smooth voice answered from within. "Come in, Aric."

He hesitated for a brief second. She had used his name, not his title.

It was an unexpected shift, but he did not let his surprise show. Pushing the flap aside, he stepped into the warmth of the tent. The heat from the withing the tent hit him instantly, a welcomed diffrence to the biting chill that was outside.

His eyes quickly took in the sight before him. Yrsa was reclined in a tub of steaming water, her curvaceous body partially submerged. The water lapped gently around her thighs, and the upper swells of her breasts were visible above the surface. Her violet eyes sparkled with amusement as she caught Aric’s glance.

"We Northrenders often relish the cold," Yrsa remarked casually, her voice laced with a teasing edge. "But sometimes, a hot bath is... interesting." She stretched slightly, her wet skin gleaming in the warm light of the lit lanterns.

Aric cleared his throat, forcing himself to meet her gaze and keep his expression neutral.

"I see, Commander."

"Yrsa," she corrected him. "I was already been informed by Aszer you know? He told me everything." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him.

Aric felt a flicker of alarm, but he kept his calm. "Everything?"

"Don’t play coy with me, Aric," Yrsa said, her tone direct and unwavering. "I want to understand why you—an imperial prince—would want to aid us in taking over your empire."

Aric’s mind raced. She wasn’t a fool. He had always known Yrsa was sharp, but now, with her studying him so intently, he felt pressured by her curiosity and suspicion. Still, he couldn’t reveal his full intentions.

"Revenge," he said simply, keeping his expression cold. "My reasons are my own, Commander, but rest assured, it’s revenge that drives me."

Yrsa let the silence linger, her eyes probing his as if seeking the deeper truth behind his words. Aric did not flinch. After what felt like an eternity, she leaned futher back in the tub, her legs shifting with her eyes still on him.

"Revenge, hmm?" She muttered thoughtfully, then stood from the water in one smooth, graceful motion. Water cascaded off her toned body, running in rivulets down her bare skin, glistening in the firelight.

She made no effort to hide her nakedness, and Aric—though slightly taken aback—did not look away.

She stepped out of the tub and reached for a towel, slowly and loosely wrapping it around herself, her eyes never leaving his. The silence between them was almost suffocating, it carried a tension that Aric couldn’t help but think only him was weighed down by.

"You’re a bold one," Yrsa finally said with a small, approving smile as she sat back down, crossing one leg over the other. The movement revealed a long stretch of her thigh, but Aric’s eyes remained steady, focused on her face.

Aric allowed himself the faintest smirk. "I am."

A moment passed before he shifted the conversation. "I’ve received word," he began, stepping toward the map pinned on the far side of the tent. "The two other main settlements have fallen. While we took this settlement King Aszer had led an army to the other two himself, cutting through any resistance."

Yrsa’s eyes sharpened. "Good. The coward king might finall earn a more respectable title among us"

Aric had said many things to convince the king, but it seemed most of his words were infact truth, the Northrenders had indeed labeled him a coward for thinking he could sit safely in a castle and have them fight his rebellion for him.

"We’ll head toward him soon," Aric continued, tracing a line across the map with his gloved hand. "On our way, we’ll raid every planned garrison and settlement, just as we’ve discussed. When we reach Aszer, we’ll be ready to face the Valerian forces that are sure to come for us."

Yrsa stood, moving to his side to examine the map. Her proximity was close enough for Aric to feel the heat radiating from her still-wet skin.

"And when they come?" Yrsa asked, her eyes gleaming with battle hunger.

"By then," Aric said, "the imperial city will be defenseless. The emperor is holding back his forces, but they can’t delay forever. When they send their troops north, Valeria’s heart will be exposed. That’s when we strike."

A slow smile spread across Yrsa’s lips. "I like it. A bold plan, indeed."

"Bold is the only way forward," Aric replied, his voice calm but resolute.

"When do we march?" she asked, her anticipation clear.

"By morning tomorrow," Aric said, stepping back. "Prepare your men. We’ll be ready."

Yrsa nodded, her gaze lingering on him as he turned to leave. As he stepped back into the cold night, Aric could feel nothing but the satisfaction of his plans coming together.

Yrsa may have questioned his motives momentarily, but she would play her part in the grand scheme. Soon, Byzeth would fall, and the Northrenders would serve their purpose—unknowingly aiding him in his true conquest. Explore more at NovelBin.Côm

And when the time came, He would rise from the ashes and blood of what was once the rulers of Byzeth.