Arcane: Red Sands

----The Present, Noxus.------

The Medarda estate in Noxus was quiet, as if the weight of its occupants' burdens pressed the air itself into silence. Behind its fortified walls, the world seemed distant, though the faint hum of industry and the clamor of distant drills from the city below whispered reminders of the empire's unrelenting march forward.

Ambessa Medarda sat in her study, a room carved from dark stone and furnished with unadorned elegance. The light of the crackling hearth danced across the cold walls, casting fleeting shadows that mirrored the memories haunting her thoughts.

The Colar of Kino, her son, rested on the mantle, glinting faintly in the firelight. Her dark eyes lingered on it, unblinking, as if staring long enough might conjure something more than pain.

She reached for the goblet of Noxian wine on her desk, the liquid untouched. Her hand trembled slightly as she lifted it, her grip tightening to still the motion. She had faced countless battles, but this one—this quiet, unyielding grief—was a different kind of enemy.

"General."

The voice pulled her from her thoughts, and she turned to see Rictus standing in the doorway. His presence was like a fortress wall—steady, unyielding, and built to withstand the storms that battered those around him.

"You're early," Ambessa said, her voice cold but not unkind.

Rictus approached, his boots clicking softly on the stone floor. In his hand was a sealed letter. "This arrived earlier today. From Captain Su'Rhaal, stationed in Bel'zhun."

At the name, Ambessa's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of recognition breaking through her mask of control. "Su'Rhaal," she repeated, as if testing the weight of the name on her tongue. "I remember him."

She held out her hand, and Rictus placed the letter in her palm. "You've taken an unusual interest in that one, haven't you?"

"He's not like the others," Rictus said simply.

Ambessa smirked faintly, breaking the seal on the letter. "Coming from you, that's rare praise. I assume this is the same Su'Rhaal you convinced me to arm with those blades?"

Rictus nodded. "The same."

She scanned the letter, her eyes narrowing as she read:

To General Ambessa Medarda,

From Captain Su'Rhaal of the Third Company, Desert Raiders:

**General,

The situation in Bel'zhun has grown precarious. The Suns of Bel'zhun grow stronger, their support from the local population increasing as unrest spreads. General Dorrik's leadership has been... lacking. Morale falters, and every victory we achieve feels fleeting without proper resources and direction.

I humbly request reinforcements and any additional supplies your house may provide. The Desert Raiders stand ready to serve Noxus—and your will.**

Ambessa folded the letter and set it on her desk, leaning back in her chair. "Lacking," she said dryly. "That's one way to describe Dorrik."

"I've heard worse," Rictus replied.

Ambessa's fingers drummed against the desk. "And you think Su'Rhaal is worth all this effort? Pulling Favors with Darkwill for those blades wasn't exactly easy."

"You've read his record," Rictus said. "The man's a weapon. Brutal, efficient, loyal. He doesn't just fight for Noxus—he fights for results."

Ambessa studied him for a moment. "And if he fails?"

"Then we know where we stand," Rictus replied, unflinching.

Ambessa's gaze flicked to the dagger on the mantle. "You said he's loyal. Loyal to Noxus?"

"Loyal to his Soldiers," Rictus said without hesitation. "That's why I brought him to your attention in the first place. Those Mages may have their shadows, but Su'Rhaal is a sword. He cuts through the chaos. If anyone can stabilize Bel'zhun, it's him."

At the mention of the Black Rose, Ambessa's hand tightened around the edge of her desk. Her voice dropped, low and venomous. "They won't escape me forever, Rictus. The ones responsible for my Son's death… they'll pay."

Rictus remained silent. He had seen Ambessa's grief manifest in many ways—rage, cold calculation, even moments of crippling stillness. But this was different. This was a promise.

"You think Su'Rhaal can help with that?" she asked, her tone sharp.

"I think Su'Rhaal is exactly what you need right now," Rictus said. "He's a soldier who hasn't forgotten what loyalty means."

Ambessa exhaled slowly, her gaze returning to the letter. "Hextech," she muttered. "There have been reports of a massive Airship Arriving in Bel'Zhun."

"We can't ignore it," Rictus finished for her. "If Piltover has the power to shape the battlefield, we need someone like Su'Rhaal to give us an edge."

Ambessa stood, her commanding presence filling the room. The firelight glinted off her armor, a reminder of her countless victories.

"Prepare the men," she said. "We leave for Bel'zhun immediately."

Rictus arched an eyebrow. "You're going personally?"

"Of course," Ambessa replied, her tone resolute. "If Su'Rhaal is worth the investment you claim, I want to see it for myself. And if he isn't…" Her lips curled into a dangerous smile. "I'll remind Bel'zhun what happens when someone wastes my time."

Rictus allowed himself a small smile. "Understood."

As he turned to leave, Ambessa's voice stopped him.

"Rictus," she said, her tone softer than before.

He turned, his expression curious.

"Thank you," she said simply. "For still being here."

Rictus nodded, the weight of her words unspoken but understood.

As the door closed behind him, Ambessa returned her gaze to the letter, her mind already calculating the steps ahead. She would not let her grief paralyze her. She would use it—sharpen it into a blade aimed at those who thought they could control her.

Bel'zhun would be the first step.