Page 150 of Sold to the Alien Smugglers

He snorts bitterly.

“They thought they could fund a rebellion! The Toad Finger himself, Lord Oblog, has told us everything! Credits were being smuggled to the priests to fund a coup.”

The ships were empty on the way back from Colossus.

My triad wasn’t smuggling anything out.

They were smuggling money directly in – to fund the most dangerous movement in Aurelian history.

The crowds grow angry, looking from one another, and then to the three men standing in the middle of the arena

The huge, Aurelian Emperor continues.

“The Priests and the Separatists are fools. They are tools of the Toads, used to make us weaker. But we will not falter! Blood will be spilled to avenge this betrayal!”

My triad stands, tall and strong, but I’m wracked with worry.

Oh, Gods! Please don’t let it betheirblood which is spilled!

I’ve already nearly lost Quint.

I can’t feel them fade from my mind. Ican’twitness their execution.

Please. Please be okay.

Marcel looks up at me then – and it breaks my heart. I can see those two sapphire eyes gleaming from down below. I never want the light in them to die.

Do not mourn us. You have our seed.

His words stab a hot iron through my heart.

I can’t let them be executed. I look left and right. Is there anything I can do? Could I wrench an Orb-Blade from an Elite? They are stronger than bulls – but with the element of surprise and my Bond-enhanced speed…

Stay.

His voice is a command. Marcel faces his fate, and my throat closes.

Queen Jasmine points down to my three men.

“The three who stand before you uncovered the plot! They brought the very Toad responsible for it to justice, and they alone drew the blinding light of justice to the Priesthood!”

The crowd bays, cheeringformy men. I look to Queen Jasmine, incredulous, and Raegan steps up to speak again.

“They will have the honor of taking the Toads head.” The Emperor’s voice booms out.

The gates open.

Lord Oblog is pushed from inside. The gates close behind him. He staggers out into the area, frightened and alone.

He’d seemed so powerful when he’d been sitting at the top of his throne, back on the mothership. When he’d been surrounded by guards and Sentinels, he’d been arrogant and blithe.

But he was only powerful when he had the fate of women and men in his slimy hands.

Now, he stands alone.

Oblog stands in the traditional garb of a Toad Finger – wearing green robes and a crown on his head, to demonstrate his status.

He will die wearing it - as a symbol of the treachery of the Toads.

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