Page 141 of Star Claimed Omega
After she found out her father had glassed the three habitats in retaliation, to avenge a rival, killing millions, she sent his location and proof of his crimes to Signet in secret.
Weeks later, she watched a holo news broadcast in satisfaction that stated Signet had found Varnok, ambushed, and caged him away.
Vern, his brother, guessed she was behind the leak and hunted her, and for a few more years she remained hidden.
Until he found her.
She clenched her jaw in remembrance.
At how her Uncle Vern tore her out of her bed, cuffed and blindfolded her.
Her fingers curled into a fist as she lost herself in agonizing reminiscing.
‘Your life belonged to me now,’ he screeched then. ‘Your body, your will, is mine. And you will bring him back to us, like a good daughter.’
Her gaze drifted to the holo again of Alina now with Raissa, two young women laughing and carefree with their lives before them.
Alina’s smile flickered in soft blues and golds.
‘I’m so sorry, Mama, Raissa. I tried my best to avenge you both.’
She sat for a long time, knees pulled to her chest, the screen’s light glowing in her eyes, as the pirates cheered below and her mother and aunt’s images rotated, endless and unreal.
Then her neural node buzzed.
Static crackled, then her uncle’s voice slurred into her mind like oil over gravel.
‘Scarlet, sweetheart. Join us. The prodigal bastard is home, and you brought him, which elevates you from the Red Queen to Scarlet Empress, love. Don’t be shy, come so we can crown you.’
She tensed, every muscle clenching. ‘I’m not feeling well,’ she muttered. ‘I just need -.’
Pain.
A spike of white hot torment erupted through her wrist, shooting to her shoulder, then her stomach, then her spine.
Invisible claws dragged down her nerves.
She gasped and dropped to one side, forehead hitting the floor.
‘Don’t make me ask twice, Scarletta,’ he crooned, voice syrupy and cruel. ‘You’re one of us now. Don’t turn your back on family.’
She bit down, tasting blood. ‘Sawa,’ she whispered. ‘I’m coming.’
The agony faded. She remained prostrate for a moment, breath harsh, cheek pressed to the cool metal.
With care, she pushed herself upright.
Her hands trembled as she scrubbed at her face, smearing away the streaks of tears and sorrow.
Her reflection in the narrow alloy panel caught her eye: smudged, sunken, but not broken.
Not yet.
She rose, straightened her spine, and tugged her collar into place.
She paused, then rushed in, grabbed her holo frame treasure box, and shoved it into her coat.
With an inhale, she walked to the door.
