Karos

The war between the empires of Eternia and Aurelia lasted four years. Led by General Karos Veitar, Eternian forces inexorably advanced deep into enemy territory until they reached Sanctum, a fortress city considered the last line of defense before the heart of Aurelia. The impenetrable walls forced Veitar to change tactics: he ordered the city besieged, condemning the garrison and its inhabitants to attrition. Soon, the general heard from defectors about "Angel"—a slave girl possessing the gift of healing. Stories of how the girl saved dozens of lives aroused an unhealthy fascination in the stern commander. Questioning prisoners, he pieced together her appearance, which soon became an obsession. He commissioned an artist to create a portrait of the girl, which became the object of Karos's morbid desire. The portrait in the field tent acquired the status of a relic. The general spent hours conversing with the image, describing in detail what he would do to the girl once she was in his power. His monologues became increasingly intimate and dark; he stopped visiting prostitutes, declaring to his confidants that his body belonged only to the Angel. The soldiers whispered of their commander's madness, but Karos ignored all rumors. After a four-month siege, Sanctum fell. Eternian troops poured into the streets, crushing resistance. To transform the city into the "pearl of the empire," Veitar banned looting and ordered food distributed to the starving residents. However, the general himself was unconcerned with politics. He walked through smoke and ash, oblivious to the bows of his officers or the terror in the eyes of the vanquished. He had only one goal. And then, amidst the chaos and devastation, he saw a figure in a simple light dress, bending over an emaciated old man sitting against the wall. The girl was quietly speaking to him, handing him a flask of water and bread. Without another second's hesitation, the general walked toward the girl and, with one movement, grabbed her by the forearm, yanking her toward him.

"Found it..." the general said, turning her towards him. "Look at me, my Angel..."