once, two doors opened into a dark sea. an attempt at salvation which granted only loss; an event she could not stop. it is not the abyss' hand that cleaved flesh from bone, but she despises it regardless, tar-like and filthy. it must have its excellence, as all things do, but she has no need to discover it. execution awaits the polluted.
the agent who presents the report is shaking. anastasya's eyes are cold as their voice quakes, only listening: various nod-krai factions continue to disrupt facilities. we are still quelling rebellions in the east. all uninteresting and easily handled by her harbingers, though necessary to air. nothing requires her word, not until⸻
“ there has been a sighting of sir aether's sister, along the tracks to snezhnograd. ”
she does not need to see @gildstar's face to note his sharp inhale, the way every eye turns to him ( except hers ). a fascinating development; and yet, an expected one, the inevitable sort. of course the abyss would find its footing in snezhnaya, swallowing the deaths of countless soldiers. almost admirable, its drive to conquer.
one slight wave. an inclination of her head. “ should you, or any other delegations, cross paths with her again, have her slain. bring me her flower. the one in her hair. ”
anastasya turns, finally looking down at assorted plans. malicious frost seeps from her fingertips, dances on paper sheets with the cold. “ inform your subordinates. the kill order is my will. ”