Chapter 2

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The tower summit was alight with a rush of wind, kindling the pyre at its center into a blaze. Two figures occupied the encircling space, its floor made of the finest marble.

Regal opulence robed one of them, a ravishingly handsome man whose silky white hair grew past his shoulders. The rings on his fingers, a gleaming golden necklace chaining them together, gilded his lofty stature.

 The rings on his fingers, a gleaming golden necklace chaining them together, gilded his lofty stature

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By his side was an elderly woman, who held a staff with her right hand. Both the black spikes adorning her left shoulder and her pristine white bun complemented the air of nobility exuding from her.

 Both the black spikes adorning her left shoulder and her pristine white bun complemented the air of nobility exuding from her

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Eyes shut, the woman turned her face to beyond the tower. The dazzling lights coming from the scattered buildings expelled the darkness of night enveloping the kingdom of Indera Kayangan. Thrill and debauchery satiated their inhabitants, the cover of night failing to curb their rampant desires.

Indeed, Indera Kayangan's sordid reputation as a place for trade and amusement was known to all. The kind of clientele frequenting the kingdom's many establishments recognized it as a haven of carnality. Gambling centers, whorehouses, slave markets, and trade outposts for luxury goods, among others, made the kingdom a lavish getaway for the nobility to splurge their wealth.

"So, Nujum Surya," said the handsome man, whose voice was soft, even alluring.

The old woman didn't respond immediately. She opened her eyes at the unexpected sound of wings beating in the air. The sight of two pitch-black crows perched on the tower wall, bearing eyes of the deepest crimson, greeted Nujum Surya.

"Regale me with news on Ujong's growth, would you?" The man known as Jagat Suci extended his right hand. The golden necklace connecting the rings on his fingers jingled and chimed, inviting the ravens to settle on his arm.

"But Your Majesty..." Nujum Surya hesitated, wrought with guilt over what she was about to say.

Jagat Suci held a finger to his lips, muting all speech from Nujum Surya instantly. The two ravens were silent, their gazes fixed in his direction.

"The province of Ujong has fallen," murmured Jagat Suci calmly.

Nujum Surya could not believe what she heard. "Impossible!"

NIRNAMA(Nameless) English VersionWhere stories live. Discover now