Memoirs of Your Local Small-time Villainess

Scarlett watched as Rosa prepared to channel her Heartstone’s power, the bard glancing at her.

“So, how exactly do you want me to handle this?” Rosa asked. Her voice echoed with a strange resonance, like a whisper drifting through an empty hall.

Scarlett gestured to a section of the garden where the intricate arrays and runes carved into the ground formed a circle, now glowing faintly beneath the moonlight. “I have prepared an anchor to aid you. Simply stand within the circle.”

Despite the vast wealth of knowledge left behind by Thainnith through the legacy, she was far from an expert on the workings of demonic entities and their abilities. Even with what was likely decades or centuries of wisdom distilled and crammed into her mind, there were limits. Fortunately, Rosa’s connection to the Heartstone’s power was intuitive — so long as Scarlett provided the proper framework, the bard could likely navigate the rest herself.

Rosa stepped into the centre of the array, studying it with interest. Scarlett followed, withdrawing a polished, red-black stone and placing it in Rosa’s hand before stepping back. The seemingly inert gemstone reacted at once to Rosa’s touch, its surface pulsing with an ominous light, as if recognising the energy coursing through its new bearer.

In the back of Scarlett’s mind, the Loci stirred at the surge of foreign power within its domain. She soothed the house spirit as best she could, keeping its agitation in check as Rosa began. A ripple of forbidding force spread from the bard, raising the fine hairs on Scarlett’s arms. Fynn, watching nearby, furrowed his brow but said nothing.

Under normal circumstances, Scarlett would have hesitated before allowing Rosa to unleash her abilities so freely like this. There were always risks — prying eyes, unwanted attention, and the like. But this time, plenty of precautions had been taken. Several of the arrays Scarlett had set up were specifically to ensure that no trace of Rosa’s power would escape the garden, and with the Loci’s awareness, Scarlett had a clear view of the entire estate. If anyone approached, she would know.

Rosa stood motionless, eyes closed, as more and more energy gathered. The runes beneath her feet darkened, their glow dimming until, one by one, they flickered out. Then, her eyes snapped open—dusk-coloured irises traced with violet—just as the stone in her hand cracked with a sharp snap. Her hair lifted as the air around her warped, distorting as if reality itself was bending. Darkness condensed around her, swallowing the light.

Fynn stepped forward, but Scarlett raised a hand. “Give her a moment.”

The unnatural dark churned, writhing as colour bled back into its depths. Slowly, a new landscape took form — a twisted amalgamation of the Loci’s vibrant garden and something more grotesque. Glowing flora under a piercing blue sky merged with a realm of torment, where rivers of blackened, boiling blood cut deep through the ground like festering wounds.

An artificially constructed interstitial space, bridging the Material Realm to the Blaze of Anguish.

Such a feat should have been virtually impossible, even for major arcane factions like the Rising Isle. The Blazes were isolated from the Material Realm, and opening even a sliver of a pathway was far from easy. But through Rosa—an incarnate with a connection that pierced the veil between the realms—something like this wasn’t quite as unthinkable. Compared to conjuring Anguish’s citadel in the Material Realm, this was even somewhat mundane. And considering the Loci, a being rooted in the Wandering Realm, was helping out, it was even less surprising.

It was a good thing nobody else would ever hear about this. Scarlett was aware she wasn’t exactly beating the allegations of her having dealings with demons when she was quite literally opening a gateway to their realm in her own backyard.

She glanced at Fynn. “I assume you are joining us?”

He studied the gateway, wary, then nodded once, resolve firming on his face.

Scarlett allowed herself a small smile. Bless that steadfast nature of his. She’d fill him in on more of the details once they were done here.

Together, they followed Rosa through the threshold the woman had created. The moment they crossed, the cool night air vanished, replaced by something else. Something oppressive. It wasn’t simply heat. The very air here seemed to carry the sensation of raw pain, woven into its fabric like a living weight pressing against their skin. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was distinctly unsettling.

Behind them, the space shimmered, distorting as if the world they had left behind existed only as a fragile reflection.

Rosa stood a few paces ahead on a patch of vivid green grass, poised at the edge of a bubbling current of blood. She turned slowly, eyes scanning the half-nightmarish landscape. Tension shadowed her features, and under the vast blue sky, Scarlett saw sweat glistening on her brow.

Even with the Loci’s help, creating this space must have taken a toll.

Eventually, Rosa turned to them, and a light smile formed on her lips. “Well, we’re not dead. Maybe I’ve got a knack for inter-realm traversal after all.”

Scarlett studied her carefully. “…Are you okay, Rosa?”

The woman blinked. “Why do you ask?”

“Your smile does not seem entirely genuine.”

Rosa paused. Then, with a quiet sigh, the mirth drained from her expression. “This place…brings back memories I’d rather forget.”

Scarlett’s gaze moved towards the rivers of blood and the visceral agony that seemed woven into parts of the very earth.

So that’s what it was…

For years, Rosa had been tormented by the visions forced upon her by Anguish. Now, standing in a realm influenced by the Vile’s domain, it was no wonder those horrors clawed their way back.

“I wish I could help,” Scarlett said, “but I fear there is nothing I can offer.”

Rosa raised her hands. “No, really, I’m fine. I just…wasn’t prepared.” She gave a dry chuckle. “Bit stupid, considering what we’re doing here.”

Scarlett regarded her for a moment longer before offering a short nod. “Very well. But if it becomes too much, tell me.”

This interstitial space was only temporary, so if all went according to plan, they wouldn’t have to stay here for long.

A few meter ahead, the air wavered, splitting into a swirling mass of black and crimson. From the shifting void, figures emerged — towering, malformed creatures with jagged limbs and twisted horns. Some had elongated, insect-like faces. Others were hulking, quadrupedal beasts, their teeth needle-sharp and gleaming in the harsh light. At their front stood a woman in flowing black robes, wild silver hair framing a pale face and piercing, uncanny green eyes that locked instantly on Rosa.

Malachi.

Something dark and unreadable flickered in her gaze as she studied Rosa. After a few seconds, her attention shifted.

“Baroness Hartford,” she rasped, her voice carrying easily across the space. “And the incarnate.”

A low chorus of growls and guttural snarls rippled through the demons flanking her. Some bared their fangs. A few licked their lips, eyes gleaming with hunger as they stared at Rosa.

Scarlett frowned.

“The ‘incarnate’ has a name, as it happens,” Rosa said lightly, yet another smile present on her lips. Whatever lingering discomfort she’d shown earlier was entirely gone, replaced by her usual easygoing demeanour. “A beautiful one, some might even say.”

Malachi regarded her for a moment, then looked away, unimpressed. She stepped forward. Rosa, unbothered, moved to stand beside Scarlett as the two groups faced off. Malachi lingered, her gaze focusing on Scarlett, as though trying to peer past flesh and into something deeper.

Scarlett simply met her stare.

A sudden crack split the air.

One of the demons—a hunched, hyena-like creature with gnarled limbs—had crept too close to Rosa. It didn’t make it far. Fynn slammed it into the ground with brutal force, a dull shockwave pulsing from the impact. The creature’s neck twisted at an unnatural angle, its legs twitching beneath Fynn’s grip.

The other demons bristled, snarling in response.

Scarlett cast a cool glance at the crumpled corpse, then looked back to Malachi. “I would have thought a demon had enough intelligence not to invite its own demise,” she said. “And that you would exercise more control over your pets.”

Malachi didn’t so much as blink. If anything, she looked vaguely bored. “The lesser ones are slaves to their impulses. Sometimes, no matter how much you break them, they can’t resist the urge, even when it costs them their lives.” She tilted her head slightly. “I would prefer to make use of the smarter ones, but most are either rebelling or have already sworn fealty to the other Viles. I have learned to tolerate these ones’ stupidity.” She glanced at the twitching demon under Fynn. “They are easily replaced.”

“Is that so?” Scarlett raised a hand. A lone flame sparked to life above her palm. “Then I assume you would not object if I burn all should they continue to eye Miss Hale in that manner?”

Malachi studied her for a beat, then slowly raised her own hand. Dark green energy coiled around her fingers like smoke before she slashed it downward.

Instantly, every demon in her entourage collapsed, pinned to the earth by an unseen force. Growls turned to strangled snarls as their claws strained against the pressure forcing their heads into the dirt.

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“Better?” Malachi asked flatly.

Scarlett glanced at Rosa, who signalled that she was alright. Then she turned back, letting her hand drop and the flame fade. “Yes.”

Malachi folded her arms. “Then let’s not waste time. I’ve been waiting. I expected you to answer me sooner.”

Scarlett arched a brow. “I believe I ought to say the same. It has been quite some time since we last met at Mistress’ base.”

She had assumed the stone left outside her estate a few days prior had been Malachi’s attempt at reaching her. But installing the first of the necessary upgrades to the Loci’s garden in preparation for this meeting had taken time. Meanwhile, Malachi had only contacted her after almost an entire month had passed.

“I had no reason to speak with you before now,” Malachi said bluntly.

“But you do now?”

“I do.”

Scarlett suppressed a flicker of irritation. Even if Malachi hadn’t seen a reason to meet sooner, she was fairly certain that, given the chance, she could have made her see one. Still, she supposed the woman had her own matters to deal with. The Blaze of Anguish was likely in a state of turmoil at the moment.

Which begged the question — what had changed?

“Let us skip the pleasantries, then,” Scarlett said. “What is this about?”

Malachi breathed out, as if she found going over it tiresome. “I have few informants left in the Material Realm, but I’m aware that forces are moving within the empire.” Her green eyes gleamed faintly. “The war with the Tribe of Sin and the Cabal has escalated.”

“Indeed,” Scarlett replied. “The Hallowed Cabal is wielding an artifact capable of controlling monsters. They have been using it to target settlements across the empire on a large scale.”

Malachi nodded, then added, “Something larger is coming. From what I’ve heard, a Zuverian ruin is about to be unearthed.”

Scarlett’s eyes narrowed slightly. “…I presume you are referring to Beld Thylelion.”

“That may have been its name.”

“What of it?”

Malachi lifted a hand and pointed a long, clawed finger at Scarlett. “I have been told you’ll likely be involved. And if what happened with Anguish—” she spoke the name as if it were venomous, “—is any indication, you will play a far greater role in the outcome than you have any right to.”

Scarlett frowned. Who told her that?

Before she could speak, Malachi turned the same finger towards Rosa. The bard, for her part, simply squinted at it.

“She is proof of your abilities,” Malachi went on. “And so, I seek a deal. With you. There is something I need within those ruins.”

“…And what would that be?”

“The Tribute of Dominion.”

Scarlett’s expression cooled, her eyes narrowing even further. “Then I will not help you.”

The Tribute of Dominion was what everyone wanted from Beld Thylelion. And Scarlett wouldn’t hand it over to anyone — least of all a pseudo-Vile whose trustworthiness was, at best, questionable.

Malachi’s face darkened, a trace of anger passing across her features. The demons she’d previously restrained suddenly broke free, rising with low growls and hostile intent. Scarlett barely spared them a glance, her gaze staying locked on Malachi.

“Do not mistake me for someone you can intimidate, Malachi,” Scarlett said, voice flat and sharp. “There is nothing you can do to me here.”

To the side, Fynn shifted, one hand still holding a demon down, translucent claws beginning to form on the other. Scarlett prepared herself as well.

“Hold on, wait just a second,” Rosa cut in, stepping forward with both hands raised. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves to the point where heads start rolling, yeah? I don’t know much about this ‘Tribute of Dominion’ myself, but since none of us actually have it, maybe let’s not start killing each other over it yet?”

Malachi’s intense gaze moved to the bard, staying on her for a while. Then she turned back to Scarlett. “…I need the Tribute of Dominion.”

“Then retrieve it yourself,” Scarlett said. “But you cannot, can you? Your ability to traverse the Material Realm is not what it once was.”

Malachi’s expression twisted even further, fury creeping into the sharp lines of her face. Scarlett studied the reaction, then cast a brief glance at Rosa, who gave her a look — the kind that silently but very clearly asked if she could maybe dial it back a notch. After a moment, Scarlett exhaled quietly before shifting her attention back to Malachi.

“First,” she said, “tell me how you learned about the Tribute of Dominion.”

From what Scarlett had gathered, knowledge of it was rare, even among scholars. Most who had heard its name knew little, if anything, about what it truly was or what it could do. So how, then, did Malachi know she needed it?

The woman was silent for several seconds, seemingly weighing whether or not to answer.

“…Its existence has long been known to the inhabitants of the Blazes,” she finally said. “They don’t know how or where to find it, but whispers persist of what it can do.” Her chapped lips pressed into a tight line. “The other Viles think me weak prey. They believe they can take what has become rightfully mine. I intend to show that they can’t.”

“With the Tribute of Dominion?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“I will use it to sever their Authority.”

Scarlett’s eyes widened slightly.

That…was certainly an application she hadn’t considered before. In theory, though, it could maybe be possible.

The Tribute of Dominion had no single, definitive function. Each faction that sought it wanted it for different reasons.

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The Hallowed Cabal desired it because it was the only means of fully freeing the Anomalous One and striking down the gods. Even without the Seals of Thainnith, the entity would remain trapped within the confines of this world unless the Tribute was used.

The Undead Council sought it for its potential to grant them dominion over the divine, to usurp the gods themselves.

And Scarlett…she needed it because it was the only weapon she knew of that could directly affect the Anomalous One, among other things.

By comparison, Malachi’s ambitions—while not trivial—lacked the same world-breaking scale.

“I cannot give you the Tribute,” Scarlett said after a pause. “However… I may be able to lend you its power.”

It was hard to read Malachi’s thoughts from just her face, but it was at the very least clear that she didn’t favour that answer. She remained quiet for a long time, though, seeming to consider the offer. Meanwhile, her demons and Fynn continued their quiet standoff, the tension between them simmering just below the surface.

“…Fine,” Malachi eventually replied, even if it sounded more like a bitter concession than an agreement. “If you secure the Tribute, I will accept that.”

Scarlett gave a slight nod. “The question, then, becomes what you can offer me in return.”

Malachi’s green eyes narrowed. “What do you want?”

Scarlett watched her closely. The wild, unkempt hair, the dark robes concealing the energy seething beneath her skin, the way her fingers curled slightly, as if ready to lash out. Malachi was a woman who could appear eerily emotionless when at ease but ruthlessly fierce and unhinged when anything threatened to come between her and what she desired.

“…I want you to relinquish more of Anguish’s Authority to Rosa,” Scarlett eventually said.

This was an opportunity she didn’t want to waste. Strengthening Rosa would only serve their interests.

Malachi’s expression shifted violently.

“Never,” she spat.

“Why not?”

“It is mine.”

“You stole it,” Scarlett said calmly. “And now claim it solely as your own? I recall Rosa playing a rather pivotal role in helping you acquire it.”

The demons snarled at her words, their hungry, predatory gazes snapping towards her. Scarlett only wrinkled her nose at their grotesque appearances.

“You intend to use the Tribute of Dominion to strip the other Viles of their Authority, do you not?” she continued. “If that succeeds, you will no longer have any need for Anguish’s Authority. A worthwhile trade, I would say — one that grants you even greater power.”

Not to mention that it would rid the world of more Viles. Scarlett wasn’t particularly concerned about what Malachi could or would do with that power. That could be dealt with in time.

Malachi’s lips curled slightly, her glare cutting. But she didn’t immediately argue the logic behind Scarlett’s words. After a long moment of tense silence, she set her jaw. “…Fine.”

Scarlett was about to give a nod in acknowledgement when a thought struck her. She turned to Rosa. “Is that…agreeable to you?”

She had just made a deal to pump Rosa full of even more of Anguish’s power — without even consulting her first. It was entirely possible the bard neither wanted nor could handle that.

Rosa didn’t answer right away. Her gaze dropped at first, then returned to Scarlett’s. Her brows drew together slightly, shoulders tensing. She took a slow, steady breath — the kind someone takes when they’re not sure, but trying to be.

It wasn’t a no. But the hesitation was enough to make Scarlett regret not asking earlier.

“If you so wish, we can end these negotiations here,” Scarlett said. “Or I can request something else.”

Rosa looked at her, her lips parting slightly as if to speak, but then stopping. She was silent for another few seconds before she shook her head. “No. I think…it’s fine. If this will help you, then I’m up for it.”

Scarlett frowned. “Are you certain?”

Rosa’s tension eased as she squared her shoulders, adopting a more resolute expression. “Yeah. Don’t mind me, Red. Haven’t I told you before? I already owe you my life and more.”

Scarlett held her gaze for a moment longer, then turned back to Malachi. The half-demon didn’t look particularly pleased with their exchange, but Scarlett ignored that.

“Then we have a verbal agreement. I believe it is best to avoid binding pacts until the time comes to finalise matters.”

She’d prefer not to walk around with a pact bound to her soul unless absolutely necessary.

Malachi eyed her for a bit, then gave a curt nod of her own. “Fine,” she said again, though the edge in her tone had dulled.

“With that settled,” Scarlett continued, “I want to return to something you mentioned earlier. You said you were told I would likely be involved in Beld Thylelion’s opening. Who, exactly, told you that?”

Malachi’s gaze darkened. “Mistress.”

Scarlett’s brows lifted slightly. “Mistress?”

She supposed that tracked. Mistress would have been foolish not to assume Scarlett would involve herself by this point. She must have mentioned it to Malachi the last time they met. Speaking of…

“What did the two of you discuss after I left?” Scarlett asked.

Malachi clicked her tongue. “It was a waste of conversation. She wished to establish a network of arrays across my Blaze.”

“Arrays? For what purpose?”

“I don’t know. She offered valuable materials and secrets in exchange and claimed it would not affect my rule.”

“Did you agree?”

Malachi snorted. “No. You know as well as I do that she isn’t to be trusted.”

“Wise,” Scarlett said. “Had you agreed, I doubt the outcome would have been as you expected.”

Malachi eyed her closely. “Do you know what she intended?”

“I do not. However, I can make an educated guess, given what I know of Mistress’ ambitions.”

“And that would be?”

“That whatever arrays she wished to place would serve to facilitate the destruction of your Blaze — as well as the other five.”

Malachi stilled, scrutinising her and searching for any deception. “Why would she do that?”

Scarlett met her gaze without hesitation. “Because that is her ultimate goal. Mistress desires nothing more than the complete eradication of the six Blazes.”

Malachi looked unconvinced. “In all the years I have known her, she has never shown any hatred towards demons.”

“Because she does not hate them,” Scarlett replied. “Her hatred is directed at the Blazes themselves. In fact, it is not mere hatred — it is something deeper. That woman has long since willingly abandoned reason. She lives for that singular goal.”

In the game, Mistress could be considered a neutral party. She neither actively worked to save nor destroy the Material Realm, instead manoeuvring herself within key events for some vague and seemingly innocuous purpose. But in truth, she would do anything to destroy the Blazes, and everything was a means to that end.

The fact that she harboured no animosity towards demons or the Viles, nor had anything to gain from their destruction, was irrelevant. Her hatred was not purely rational, and she knew that herself.

That was why she wanted the Seals of Thainnith. With them, she could release the Anomalous One herself and ensure its emergence would obliterate the Blazes specifically. The collateral damage this would cause to the other realms—in particular the Material Realm—was of little consequence to her.

She was still a better alternative than the Hallowed Cabal. But only by a slim margin.

The only advantage Scarlett had was knowing that Mistress required time. Even if she acquired all three Seals, the woman still needed to complete her own preparations before acting. And, most importantly at the moment, Mistress had no interest in Beld Thylelion or the Tribute of Dominion.

Malachi still looked skeptical, but Scarlett didn’t particularly care.

“Believe what you will,” she said — and would’ve moved on, if not for the sudden ripple in the space around them. A subtle disturbance, like a stone dropped in still water.

At the same moment, something brushed against her mind — a whisper of unease, abstract yet insistent. The Loci. It was alerting her to something. Something outside.

Her expression hardened. “We will have to continue this discussion another time.”

Malachi scowled.

Rosa turned to her. “What? What’s happening?”

Scarlett didn’t answer immediately, already moving towards the gateway. “We need to leave.”

Fynn’s posture shifted at once, readying himself.

Rosa’s brows drew together. “Scarlett—?”

“I do not know what is happening,” Scarlett said, her steps quick as she reached the gateway’s threshold, “but I intend to find out.”