Abandoned (Born From Shadows #2)

There were just two of them, both female, both confident, both stared down at each other. One was looking for judgement, the other for power and control. Sophia’s eyes never left the so-called Lady of the Night who was to be her ally if all went well. She looked for any sign of misleading expression and analysed her behaviour and words.

“I never thought I would be welcomed into your home, I am honoured,” the Lady of the Night spoke.

“The honour is mine, my Lady,” Sophia replied.

“Please, call me Belladonna,” the woman replied. She wore an elegant dark green dress that suited her navy blue eyes.

Sophia smiled. “Only if you call me Sophia,” she told the woman.

“Now that pleasantries are over, should we discuss business?” Belladonna asked.

“Of course,” Sophia replied.

“I’d rather it without the presence of company if you do not mind,” the Lady asked.

Sophia looked at her guards. “You may leave,” she told them. With the sound of clanking metal, her protectors left the room, closing the door behind them. That left both her and the unknown guest.

“Now tell me, what do you desire?” Sophia asked the woman.

“Honestly? I wish to see the Elves and Fae ripped from their power,” Belladonna answered. Sophia could see no lies in her words. But she needed confirmation, she needed motive.

“Why is that?” she wondered.

Belladonna leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs in the process. “I was raised in Ravenport not too far from Kaddgem’s borders. I had a simple life, that was until a Fae was spotted in our town’s square. Not an hour later a fire had seemingly started from nowhere. Magic,” The Lady of the Night told her.

“I vaguely remember the incident, that was around fifteen years ago? My parents were angry. Not angry enough to act,” she replied.

“The fire ripped through shops through homes. I was just unfortunate to be in one of those homes. I got out, but my family did not. Orphaned, I had nowhere to go, then I stumbled across a Dwarf who was kind enough to help me out. Since then I have lived in the shadows of the mountains. Now that I am older, I wish to finally have my revenge.”

Sophia could emphasise with every word. Feel the pain and anger in Belladonna’s words. “We want the same thing,” she replied. “I heard you were investing in forging weapons of Kaddeian steel then distributing them to the Hunt?”

“Yes, I also have made a new weapon. It doesn’t kill, but delivers such unbearable pain that would render the immortal defenceless for the killing strike.”

Sophia leaned forward and placed her hands on the table. “Interesting. My lead engineer at the power plant has been put to work on some weapon ideas and is working on something that could be used from range or close, faster than an arrow, so that either an Elf or Fae won’t have time to dodge the attack,” Sophia explained. She was yet to tell anyone this, seeing as it could be just the surprise element they needed to win the upcoming war.

“How would it work?”

“Something to do with a powder that propels a small piece of Kaddeian steel with so much power it will go straight through the body,” Sophia replied. “I don’t know the full details but I’ve heard the trial runs have been successful so far.”

“So if I supply you with this metal I have been working on, as well as the Dwarves as allies, will you in turn fight with me and share your new weapon?”

“I think you have a deal,” Sophia replied. “Will the Dwarf King agree?”

“The Dwarf King does as I say,” Belladonna replied. “And I say that this is an excellent agreement. You are so much wiser than your parents, I am so happy you are the one on the throne.”

Sophia smiled that for once someone was recognising her efforts. Truly understanding her. “You may stay for as long as you need before heading back to the Dwarves with the news,” Sophia told her.

Belladonna smiled. “I think I might just take you up on that offer.”

“Just one last thing, ” Sophia said as the two stood from the table. “It was rumoured you attacked Cainva?”

“I am but a human, how could I orchestrate that attack?”

Sophia shook her head. “I have no idea.”

“It seems you have vultures in your court, feeding you false information,” Belladonna told her.

“So it seems,” Sophia replied. She held out her hand to the Lady of the night. “To new allies.”

“To new allies,” Belladonna repeated and shook her hand firmly, the Lady of the Night’s smile was unwavering.