Meet your enemy

You don’t resist as they take you from your cell, knowing it would be pointless and only end up with unnecessary pain for you. You note that they don’t restrain you, though you’re surrounded by armed guards. As they lead you down the hall, you try to glance into Sarah’s cell, but the guard beside you blocks your vision.

They lead you through several halls, and never past any windows, giving you the impression that you’re either deep within a structure, or underground. Finally, they reach a doorway with a tall woman in armor waiting in front of it. She has her arms crossed in impatience, and she eyes you as you’re brought forward. She’s clearly a warrior, and also clearly someone of importance, judging by the deference the guards show her. She certainly cuts an impressive figure, with her gleaming armor, stark white hair, and piercing eyes, though the unnatural darkness around those eyes is unsettling.

She waves off the guards as she approaches you. “So, you’re the one, hmm? Came through the barrier and decided to pick a fight?”

You look at her in surprise. “How did you know I came through the barrier?”

She shakes her head. “You don’t think we have the resources to notice something like that? Please. After all, that’s why you’re alive. The Great One wants to see you, specifically because of it.”

She forestalls any questions you have with a raised hand. “I’m not going to answer anything for you, but I’ll tell you a couple things. I am Victoria, and I’m the public leader of the Order. You’re about to meet the real leader. Answer him honestly, or he will destroy you.”

You nod. “It doesn’t seem like I have much choice. My name is Nicholas, by the way.”

Victoria sighs. “It doesn’t matter. I doubt you’ll survive this anyway.”

She opens the door, and gestures towards it. “Go on. He’s waiting.”

You’re a bit surprised at the tone of her voice, and she almost seems upset at sending you inside. Nevertheless, when you hesitate, she sighs and gives you a push through the door. It closes behind you with a thump, and you’re left in a surprisingly large, dark room. In the quiet, you can hear something breathing.