Page 303 of Scorching the Alien Empire
“Youdarethreaten us, Imperator?” Krogoth growls, his purple eyes narrowing. “Without us, your entire fleet would’ve been devoured in the Scythian tide.”
“Was it not Consul Juliara who merely voiced her opinion?” Bulba replies, placing a hand to his chest. “We are an enlightened people, after all—opento all viewpoints. Not as... entertaining as yourKrak-Tok,I grant you.” He chuckles.
“The savage now claims sole credit for our fleet’s salvation,” Catokar huffs, flapping a dismissive hand as though shooing a nesting puffrio. “Dismissing your own brilliantly executed rear charge, Imperator.”
Bulba straightens, chest rising with self-importance. “Indeed, an exquisitely timed maneuver, if I do say myself. But let the artisans engrave our past glories. I’d rather speak of thefuture.”
He turns again to Catokar. “Where are we? A split vote? An inconclusive duel—interrupted with both combatants collapsed mid-battle?”
Catokar nods. “Yes, Imper—”
“Krogoth was the victor,” I growl. “He is the—”
“Silence!” Consul Juliara bellows, her voice cracking like a thunderclap through the gilded chamber. “You grotesque, disobedientbrute!”
“I AM THE WAR CHIEFTAIN!” I roar, fury erupting from deep within, a volcano loosed. Crimson mist coils in the air as I advance. “And I will have yourrespect—or I will crack open your ribcage and hang your spine from my belt!”
“Imperator’s tits!” Catokar yelps, stumbling back alongside Juliara. Their blue faces blanch in terror.
“Ohmy Gods, babes,” Princesa purrs, her pleasing curves draping over me. “That was so hot.”
“Well...” Bulba squeaks, then coughs and adjusts his robes. “Am I to understand you both retain your titles?” He glances between Krogoth and me, uncertainty wrinkling his weathered face.
“I will lead our proud warriors against the Scythians,” My voice is hard as tempered arcweave. “I will gift the victory your fragile heartsdesperatelycrave.”
“But—but—” Juliara stammers, cowering behind the balcony’s rail. “Krogoth has the vortex tech—!”
I seizeStormcleaver, slamming it down in a thunderous arc. Sparks scream as the axe cleaves the enormous conference table—fashioned from twisted Scythian alloy—in two.
With a snarl, I raise the axe, projecting what Arawnoth’s light remains.
A ring of spinning flame blossoms along the edge of the weapon, casting a blazing corona around me. The air shimmers like desert mirage, warping under the weapon’s molten heat. Nebians stagger back, stubby hands shielding their eyes—not just from the light, but from the scorching air that scents of Arawnoth’s domain.
My crimson-silver eyes blaze like molten suns, as I stare them down—unyielding. Eternal.
“Yay! Glowsticks!” Princesa exclaims, clapping her hands with glee. “I think they’re gettingbigger,babes,” she beams, eyes wide with delight.
Pride and fury surge in my chest, stoked by divine fire.
“Excellent!” Bulba claps. “Look at him, Consuls. He looks like he’s about toerupt.” He turns toward me, smiling. “I wouldn’t want to be a Fallen standing in your path.”
He breathes deep, eyes gleaming. “Yes, despite the chaos, this has worked outsplendidly. I will see your forces well-equipped—supported by my fleet.” A flicker of something older burns behind his Elerium gaze. “Then we’ll have our vengeance. And theTwin-Sunned Empirewill rise again.”
I nod, molten fire and Rush bubbling through my veins like rivers of lava. The Scythians’ annihilation is within reach—and it will beours.
Bulba turns to leave, robes swirling. Juliara lingers a heartbeat longer, her knuckles bleaching around the balcony rail. Until the Imperator halts in place.
“I must ask,” he says, voice quieting, almost reverent. “Leoxius’ First Principle demands it.” His eyes narrow, almost glowing. “These... abilities. These anomalies...” His expression sharpens, becomes something colder. “Truly—what is their source?”
“That’s easy,” Princesa purrs, stepping forward with a wicked grin, her laughter dancing like sparks off metal. She tilts her chinhigh, fingers tracing the glowing runes now flaring on her chest and throat.
“We’redivine.”
Chapter 55
Epilogue—Alexandra
The Cycle Burns Eternal
