On the other side of Myrta, Selena walked quickly down the stone steps of her residence. The remainder of her people moved behind her, some wounded, others carrying civilians pulled from the rubble. Fires still raged in the distance, and the western sky burned red.
A soldier ran up to her, breathless. He stopped and gave a quick salute.
"Lady Selena! Report from the west. A group of mages is attacking from that direction. They're not wearing Myrta colors, and there are quite a few of them." He paused. "The one leading them directly... Duke Giorno Javelin."
Selena's step faltered. She turned to the soldier, one brow lifting slightly.
"Giorno?" She repeated the name slowly, as if tasting something bitter. "He's attacking us directly?"
She turned toward the west. There, between smoke and flame, a figure in armor stood atop the rubble, surrounded by mages ready to fire. Duke Giorno Javelin, with a small Javelin Squad banner fastened to his back.
Selena narrowed her eyes.
