Ashes of the FutureChapter 12 – Council of Ashes
Kira awoke before dawn, already dressed in her dark, close-fitting tunic by the time the sun's first rays slashed across the Polis skyline. The air held a bite of early morning chill, the kind that scraped across her skin and forced her senses to sharpen. She took it as a blessing. Today was not the kind of day she wanted to feel comfortable.
The Commander had summoned her to sit in on the Coalition council meeting—a rare privilege, one typically reserved for war leaders or high-ranking ambassadors. The invitation had raised eyebrows throughout the camp. Whispers followed her like a second cloak. Trikru, Azgeda, Floukru—every clan had opinions.
"You honor me," she had told Lexa the night before.
Lexa had replied simply, "You earned it."
Now, standing in front of the grand circular chamber deep within Polis Tower, Kira took a long breath before stepping through the stone arch.
The council hall was massive. A wide circle of clan representatives encircled a central dais. Banners of each of the twelve clans hung from obsidian columns, their fabrics shifting slightly in the cool air. Elders, generals, and war advisors filled the ring, each wearing the distinct garb of their people. Lexa stood at the highest point, a stone throne-like chair that wasn't adorned but commanded attention.
Kira was directed to a place beside her, just one step down. Not equal. But close.
A Trikru elder frowned openly. A woman from Sankru whispered to her neighbor. But no one spoke against Lexa.
Lexa stood, her voice steady, iron.
"We are gathered to discuss the aftermath of Azgeda's breach. Though they have withdrawn, their aggression is a threat to our unity."
The Azgeda representative, a sharp-eyed man with braided silver hair and armor carved from icebear bone, stood slowly.
"The breach was not sanctioned by Queen Nia."
Lexa raised an eyebrow. "Then she has lost control of her warriors?"
"She is investigating."
"She is stalling."
Murmurs rippled across the chamber.
Kira watched carefully. This wasn't just political theater. It was a power play. Lexa was pushing, and Azgeda was dodging.
The Floukru representative, a hunched woman with ink swirling across her shaved scalp, turned her gaze to Kira. "And what of the stranger? The one who walks with the Commander?"
Now all eyes shifted.
Kira met their stares with calm defiance.
"You bring an outsider into our sacred hall?" a warrior from Boudalan growled. "A Sky Creature?"
Kira stepped forward.
"I bled at the pass while you were still polishing your axe. Call me outsider again, and I'll show you what my blood can do."
The hall went silent. A few grinned. One even laughed. Lexa didn't move, but her mouth twitched with the faintest smirk.
The Boudalan warrior glared but said no more.
Lexa addressed the group again. "Kira has proven herself. Her knowledge has already saved lives. And I value her counsel. You will accept her presence."
A pause. Then slow, reluctant nods.
The Azgeda representative remained silent, watching Kira like a hawk sizing up a storm.
After the council adjourned, Lexa led Kira into a private chamber lit with burning braziers and draped in soft furs. A servant brought water and roasted root vegetables, then left silently.
"You held your ground," Lexa said, pouring them both drinks.
Kira accepted the clay cup. "Seemed like the thing to do."
Lexa sat across from her. "You understand now why leadership is more than fighting."
Kira nodded slowly. "They see you as more than a warrior. They see you as a symbol."
Lexa tilted her head. "And what do you see?"
Kira hesitated, eyes meeting Lexa's.
"A woman trying to keep a broken world together. And doing a damn good job of it."
That quiet tension between them surfaced again. Unspoken, electric.
Lexa looked away first. "We need to travel to Tondc. Their leader grows restless. I want you with me."
Kira raised an eyebrow. "Protection or company?"
Lexa smirked. "Both."
They left at sunrise two days later, riding with a guard of five. The path to Tondc cut through deep forest, the trees tall and ancient, their leaves casting dappled shadows across the trail. Kira rode slightly behind Lexa, watching her movements with growing curiosity.
Every interaction Lexa had—with guards, with villagers they passed, even with the quiet moments of solitude—was calculated, purposeful. And yet when she looked back at Kira, her gaze softened.
They made camp that night near a riverbank. Tents were erected quickly, fires lit, and watch posts set. Kira wandered to the water, kneeling at the edge. Her reflection wavered, fractured by ripples.
This world still didn't feel real.
But the aches in her limbs from training, the dust on her boots, the growing weight in her chest whenever Lexa smiled at her—that felt real enough.
Lexa approached quietly.
"You look troubled."
"Just thinking," Kira said. "About what comes next."
Lexa sat beside her, close but not touching. "You fear the future?"
Kira shook her head. "No. I just don't want to lose myself in it."
Lexa looked at her for a long time. Then, gently, "I will not let that happen."
And for the first time since arriving in this war-torn world, Kira believed it.
They reached Tondc the next day. The city was less refined than Polis, built more for survival than grandeur. Walls of scavenged steel, guards in patchwork armor, and a central tower made from a collapsed skyscraper skeleton.
The local leader, Ryssa, met them at the gate. She was younger than expected, her eyes sharp and suspicious.
"You come with warriors," she said, clearly bristling.
"We come with peace," Lexa replied.
Kira noted the hand Ryssa kept near her blade. Tension sang in the air.
The meeting took place in the tower's broken heart—a circular space lit by slanted sunlight and fires burning in salvaged barrels.
Ryssa paced. "You say unity. But you send messengers with warnings. Orders. We are not your dogs."
Lexa stood tall. "And yet when Azgeda marches, you look to me for protection. You cannot have both freedom and safety without sacrifice."
Ryssa spat to the side. "Then maybe we fight for both."
Kira stepped forward. "And when you die for it, who suffers? Your people? The children hiding behind these walls?"
Ryssa turned on her. "And who are you to speak?"
Kira's voice was steel. "Someone who's seen war devour whole cities. Who watched unity crumble because everyone thought their pride mattered more than their people."
A beat of silence.
Ryssa exhaled sharply. "You speak like someone who's lost too much."
"So don't be the reason someone else does."
Another long pause.
Then, finally, Ryssa nodded. "I'll listen. For now."
Lexa glanced sideways at Kira. There was pride in her eyes.
That night, they shared a tent. Not planned. The others assumed it was strategy. Tondc was dangerous at night.
Inside, Kira stripped her armor, wearing only a thin shift. She sat on her cot, rubbing her shoulder.
Lexa watched her for a moment before finally breaking the quiet.
"You have a way with people. Even when you're threatening them."
Kira laughed softly. "Comes with practice."
A pause.
"Do you miss your world?" Lexa asked.
Kira looked up slowly. "I miss knowing what comes next."
Lexa nodded. "Here, nothing is certain."
Another pause.
"Except this," Lexa whispered.
She reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Kira's face.
Kira didn't pull away.
But she didn't lean in either.
"Not yet," she said.
Lexa smiled. Not disappointed. Just patient.
"I will wait."
They slept in silence.
But the space between them was smaller than ever before.
End of Chapter 12
patreon.com/KyJo_