Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

Using that, they collected a large quantity of it and began to tamper with it, trying to figure out all the qualities it possessed. It was thanks to their experimentation that Lucius found out that it could be filled with mana remotely by using Thunder Magic. The specific wavelength Thunder Magic used was exactly what was needed to charge the crystals.

Normally it had to be done through direct contact, but this remote absorption opened many avenues for them.

Using barrels of the stuff, they secreted agents into the city to cause as much devastation as possible to primarily \'soft targets\' to force the military to surrender or risk the lives of more civilians.

According to Lucius, the attack was going to be much grander, likely resulting in the total destruction of the entire city, however when one of Alorek\'s Empyrean Rankers moved to help their army reinforce the city, he had to change targets and opt for isolated impact over wide-ranging destruction.

Today, however, was the first she had heard the truth of what happened prior. It bothered Rena that he was so cold and callous to have done such a thing, but she also knew that he was someone who weighed his options. Lucius did not go out of his way to be cruel, unless that cruelty earned him something. Every action he took was with purpose.

"I know you must think poorly of me right now." Her husband said. There was no hint of pain or guilt, his tone was that of indifference. To him, he was stating a fact.

Rena sat for a moment before answering, "No, I don\'t. I think you had your reasons. Though I don\'t agree with your actions taken, I know they had purpose. At least to you. You know me, if I can sway you towards a gentler path, I will. But I will never stand in your way, my love."

"By choosing to accept me for my sins, it paints the blood I spill on your hands as well." Lucius continued.

"I\'m aware. I feel like I\'ve known that for a long time." Rena said quietly. "However, even knowing that I still chose and will continue to choose to be on your side. If the entire world rises against you, then I alone will stand at your back. Though I have to ask… what made you so cold, Lucius? Many have suffered as you have, though not as many act the way you do."

He remained silent for a moment as if pondering some great mystery. For a while, Rena thought he was ignoring her question and was content to let the silence stay, however he did eventually speak up.

"Grimm." He said.

"Who?" Rena asked, though she felt her skin crawl when Lucius said the name.

"The entity you spoke to during our trial. He is… an entity that exists within my mark. When I feel guilt for some of my actions, there is a sensation at the base of my skull, like someone placed ice against it, and then it fades. After it is gone, I feel nothing. Simply apathy." Lucius explained. "Yet other times, when I feel pain or loss, that same sensation that takes away my emotions does nothing."

"That sounds terrifying."

"It is. I know Grimm is not trustworthy. Though in a way I suppose I can trust him to be at least that…" Lucius chuckled for a moment. "Since I was a child, I have been experiencing this."

"Like when you said you were conflicted, back when we faced those bandits with the hostages…"

"Yes." He answered. "That was a strong sensation. It was when I really started to question things. Over time I recognized that… Grimm has been trying to hone me. To guide me to feel and act a certain way."

"So it is not your fault then?" Rena asked carefully, which elicited another chuckle from her lover.

"No. I take responsibility for my actions, but it certainly is a factor in how I got this way. I asked Grimm for help when I was a child, not ready for my own power. This was one of his… gifts to me. To help hone me into a weapon of sorts."

Rena remained quiet for several more minutes before reaching her hand out to her husband. She grabbed his wrist and pulled him towards the bed. He looked at her in surprise as she gave him her the most seductive look she could manage.

Like putty in her hands, he folded to her gentle tugs as she gingerly helped him remove his armor, letting each piece fall to the ground. She placed his hand on her chest and cupped his face with her own.

"Through good and bad, I am with you always Lucius." She whispered. "As long as I am yours, nothing else matters."

"Rena…" Lucius breathed. "You play a dangerous game."

She smiled at his words. "You do not know the half of it my love. Though, as long as it is with you, I\'m willing to flirt with all kinds of danger."

Lucius took her by the chin and pulled her into a deep kiss. She felt the world around her melt into nothingness as he pulled her over the top of him.

"You know, our cohorts are sharing the other side of this wall." Lucius said with a smile.

"Then I guess we will have to be quiet." Rena smiled back.

"I don\'t think you have it in you. You are strong, but not that strong."

They both gave in to one another as passionate sounds of kissing and moaning echoed throughout the room. By the next morning, neither Jade nor Natali would look at Rena in the eyes. She did not know if apologizing would make it better, or if admitting to what happened would make things even more awkward between them.

Desmond on the other hand did not seem to care much, however she did notice a slight smirk on his face.