ã€ŠBaron of Drakara (Sci-fi Slice-of-life story)ã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Ceremony and Duty

    The sword whistled past my face, barely missing. I felt the rush of air and watched as a few stray hairs drifted to the ground. I gritted my teeth, pushing off my back foot and twisting my body to parry the next strike. Steel clanged, and my arms vibrated with the impact.

    ¡°Stop thinking with your head and use your training,¡± my instructor¡¯s voice barked from somewhere to my left.

    He was right. I could feel myself overthinking every move, and it was slowing me down. But I couldn¡¯t shake the thoughts swirling in my head. Today wasn¡¯t just any day¡ªit was my eighteenth birthday, the day I would finally prove myself. I¡¯d trained for as long as I could remember for this moment. I was already accepted into Valerius, the most prestigious military academy in the system. Centron Prime, a planet entirely dedicated to training the empire¡¯s best. It was one of five planets that orbited Alpha Centauri B, as close to the core worlds as one could get without clearance.

    I spun and deflected another blow, but the strike was sluggish. I was distracted.

    ¡°Hold!¡± my instructor called.

    We both froze and bowed, a sign of respect that was drilled into us from the beginning, even in practice. I wiped the sweat from my brow and straightened, waiting for what came next.

    My instructor, a scarred veteran with a permanent scowl, limped toward us, his walking stick tapping against the duracrete training ground. ¡°That¡¯s enough, guardsman Gregory. You¡¯re dismissed. Alexander, you¡¯ve got other duties today. We¡¯ll continue later.¡±

    I gave him a small bow, stifling the annoyance that prickled beneath my skin. The training was cut short again. The last time I hadn¡¯t shown respect, I earned a backhand that left a welt for days. The memory brought a ghost of a smile to my lips.

    I caught a glimpse of Gregory grinning beneath his helmet, clearly pleased with himself. I knew the guards enjoyed any opportunity to put us ¡°stuck-up nobles¡± in our place, but Gregory was the best sparring partner I¡¯d had. Besides, he¡¯d earned this one.

    As I passed him, Gregory couldn¡¯t resist a parting jab. ¡°Stay sharp, Lord Alexander. You won¡¯t have time to think on the battlefield.¡±

    I ignored the comment, though I could have had him reprimanded for it. Losing my best sparring partner over a petty insult wasn¡¯t worth it. Today wasn¡¯t about bruised egos anyway. It was the culmination of everything I¡¯d worked for¡ªmy chance to prove to the Dravens, to my adoptive father, Lord Marcus Draven, and myself that I wasn¡¯t just a name. I was ready for Valerius. Ready to step out of the shadow of the family name and carve my own path.

    The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden light over the courtyard as I strode across it. Normally, I would have taken a moment to appreciate its warmth, but not today. Today, everything hung on the outcome of my birthday ceremony.

    I had aced every test, topped every class, and trained harder than any of my so-called siblings. After today, no one could doubt my worth.

    The sound of armoured boots clanking against the duracrete announced his arrival before I saw him. Cedric Draven. The eldest of the Draven family, my adoptive brother, and a thorn in my side since the day I set foot in this house. At twenty, Cedric was already a cadet at Valerius, and he¡¯d ensured I knew my place every step of the way.

    ¡°Still alive, I see,¡± Cedric sneered, his eyes scanning me with a mocking glint.

    I stiffened but held my tongue. Cedric was everything I wasn¡¯t: confident, ruthless, and already entrenched in the Draven legacy. Every insult, every jab was calculated to remind me of my place. To him, I was nothing more than a threat to his inheritance.

    ¡°I thought you might¡¯ve taken a beating out here today,¡± he continued, stepping into my path. His hand rested lazily on the hilt of his sword, a show of casual dominance. ¡°But it seems they¡¯re still going easy on you.¡±

    I stared back at him, unblinking. ¡°Training was cut short,¡± I said flatly. ¡°I have other duties.¡±

    He smirked, taking a step closer. ¡°Duties, is it? Or are you just biding time before they realise sending you to Valerius was a mistake?¡±

    I clenched my fists at my sides but kept my expression neutral. Inside, anger simmered, but I wouldn¡¯t let him see me break. ¡°I earned my place.¡±

    Cedric chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. ¡°Earned it, did you? Don¡¯t fool yourself. You¡¯re just a charity case, Alexander. A nobody. You think father really cares whether you succeed?¡±

    I swallowed the anger building in my throat. Every word he spoke was designed to undermine me, to remind me that I wasn¡¯t truly part of this family. But I wouldn¡¯t let him see me break.

    Cedric took a step back, satisfied with the damage he¡¯d inflicted. ¡°Good luck with your¡­ duties,¡± he said, the words dripping with condescension. ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll be very impressed with whatever small task they¡¯ve given you today.¡±

    I watched him walk away, my jaw tight. Cedric always knew how to twist the knife just enough. But today, his words didn¡¯t matter. I was ready. Today was the day I would finally prove them all wrong.

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    I walked into the barracks, using the direct access as a shortcut through to the main house. The only people around who would have noticed my shortcut were the servants. And they wouldn¡¯t dare say anything to one of the Draven family.

    I sighed, knowing that today was my chance to prove my worth. No matter what Cedric or anyone else thought, I was ready.

    A voice calling out brought me back from my thoughts. ¡°Lord Alex.¡±

    I looked around and spotted Jax leaning against the doorway, a smirk playing on his lips. ¡°Taking shortcuts again, Lord Alex?¡± he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Jax¡¯s presence was a comforting reminder of our shared past, and the countless times he¡¯d had my back.

    ¡°Just trying to save some time,¡± I replied, walking over to him. Jax pushed off the doorframe and fell into step beside me, his usual confident stride matching mine.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re on time for once, and let''s be honest. You need all the time you can get,¡± Jax said, his tone light, but I could tell he was worried. He patted the small toolkit hanging from his belt, something I had learnt he did to calm himself.

    ¡°Thanks, Jax,¡± I said as he dropped back a set behind me. I knew that could only mean he had spotted someone. I was constantly reminded that the servants were never to walk as equals to nobles.

    ¡°Alexander. Come here, please.¡± Called my mother, Lady Elara Draven. I groaned inwardly. Facing my adoptive mother was the last thing I wanted, especially today. She was a vacuum, sucking all the joy from the world.

    I hurried over to where I could see her waiting. Bowing before her, I grimaced as I spoke. ¡°Hello, Mother. How wonderful to see you today.¡±

    I watched as her eyes narrowed. ¡°Don¡¯t be vulgar, Alexander. It doesn''t suit a Draven. And while you represent our family, you will act as a member of the Draven household.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mother. I am sorry if I upset you.¡± I replied quickly. ¡°How can I help you today?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to know why you are not ready yet.¡± She started. I could see the sneer on her face. ¡°The ceremony is in 1 hour. Yet I find you still in your training clothes. Why are you not ready?¡±

    I looked at her for a second. The ceremony wasn''t supposed to start for another 3 hours. I turned to Jax. He shook his head. It seemed he wasn''t aware of this either.

    ¡°My apologies, Mother. It seems I was told a different time. If you will excuse me.¡± I turned and waved for Jax to follow.

    ¡°Be sure you don''t embarrass us today, Alexander.¡± Said Elara. ¡°You wouldn''t like what happens.¡±

    I felt my ears turn red as I struggled to get away from her any faster than a quick walk. It was frowned upon if members of the Draven house were seen running around. I always found the rule stupid.

    ¡°This way, Alex.¡± Waved Jax as he opened the door leading into my room. I looked around and stepped into the room. The bed was still the way I had left it earlier. I let out a breath I hadn¡¯t realised I had been holding. The maids hadn''t been to this part of the house yet. They always had to start with my parent''s side first.

    I pulled out a small slice of cake from the bedside drawer. Setting it down on the bed. It was wrapped in paper, the best I could do without raising questions. It was Betty¡¯s birthday today as well. She hadn¡¯t realised that I had overheard her talking with one of the other maids.

    Jax watched me, shaking his head. ¡°You spoil them, Alex.¡±

    I ignored him. Putting the card I had made with the cake. ¡°You know that she won''t get any recognition from the household. This is the least I can do for her.¡±I smiled. That would do. She was sure not to miss it. I hoped. ¡°When did they move the ceremony, Jax?¡± I asked as I stood up and pulled off my jacket.

    ¡°I¡¯m looking that up now. It wasn''t changed yesterday. Something must be driving this. The time and date have been set for months.¡± Replied Jax. His hand swiped across in the air. He had the projected holographic implant. Allowing him to see a screen in front of him. It was a logical choice for what his role was. As my personal assistant, Jax would always be with me. He had taken a lifelong oath.

    I pulled the rest of my clothes off walking into the bathroom. Well, I wasn''t sure it could be called a bathroom. In the orphanage, we had a shared bathroom. It wouldn''t even have been as big as the cupboard the towels were in. The bathroom that was mine could have housed all of the children at the orphanage.

    It really was that stupidly oversized.

    Jax walked back in as I stepped out of the shower. I smirked as he stopped and ran his hand down his face. ¡°Honestly, Alex. Can you please put something on? No one wants to see your parts ok. I hate to tell you this, but sometimes you have to tell the people you care about.¡±

    Ignoring his antics again, I walked out of the bathroom, crossing the bedroom to the wardrobe. Honestly, if the bathroom defied logic, the wardrobe was just overkill. Ignoring most of the room, I aimed at the only part I ever used. Two hanging racks housed all the clothes I ever wore.

    Growing up in the orphanage made me realise just how wasteful the Nobel houses were. Jax had ground up there with me. We were both 9 when we were adopted. Or, well, I was adopted, Jax was taken and trained to be by my assistant.

    ¡°Alex. I have the information you wanted.¡± Said Jax as he cleared his throat.

    I waited for Jax to continue. Getting dressed as the seconds ticked by before I finally sighed. Waiting was never my strong point. ¡°Well, don''t keep me in suspense. Why the sudden change?¡±

    I watched as Jax¡¯s shoulder slumped. ¡°Promise you won''t yell at me.¡± Said Jax. ¡°I didn''t have anything to do with this.¡±

    ¡°Just tell me, Jax.¡± My patience was starting to run thin.

    ¡°It seems the emperor has arrived. He will be overseeing your birthday ceremony.¡± Rambled Jax quickly.

    I stared at him for a long time before I finally responded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what.¡±

    ¡°It seems that¡­¡± Started Jax again. This time slower.

    I snapped. ¡°I know what you said, Jax. I¡¯m struggling to understand the why.¡±

    Jax looked at me sadly. He knew something but wasn''t telling me. ¡°What is it, Jax,¡± I asked. Almost scared to hear his answer.

    ¡°If I¡¯m reading this right.¡± Started Jax quietly. ¡°It doesn''t seem that you are going to Valerius. The Emperor is here to give you a title.¡±

    I stared at him, I could feel my mouth moving, but there was nothing coming out. To give a title was in line with shipping that person out to some new region of the galaxy. Surely, my adoptive parents wouldn¡¯t go that far.

    I would mean that they were pushing to expand their area of control. It would make me the start of a sub-branch family. I shook my head. No, my father had put too much time and expense into moulding me to be a military commander.

    Jax was watching me. I could see him wanting to talk. ¡°Jax,¡± I said slowly. ¡°Could you be wrong about this?¡±

    ¡°Possibly¡­¡± Said Jax as he turned his head. He couldn''t look me in the eyes.

    I let out the breath I had been holding. ¡°Come on,¡± I called back over my shoulder as I shuffled the coat to sit correctly. ¡°Let''s go if the emperor is really here. We don¡¯t want to keep him waiting.¡±

 Chapter 2 - Everything I had planned

    The Great Hall of the Draven household was a sight that never failed to take my breath away. Every time I stepped inside, I had to pause for a moment just to absorb the sheer grandeur of it all. It was as if the entire room was designed to overwhelm the senses, a testament to the Draven family¡¯s need to outshine everyone else.

    Massive columns of polished obsidian lined the walls as the ceiling soared high above, a vast expanse of shimmering crystal panels that caught the light and scattered it in a dazzling array of colours.

    The floor was a mosaic of rare gemstones, each piece perfectly placed to form a grand tapestry underfoot. Enormous chandeliers hung from the ceiling, crafted from the finest metals and encrusted with precious stones, casting a brilliant light that illuminated every corner of the hall. Along the walls, enormous tapestries depicted the Draven family¡¯s victories and conquests.

    The Great Hall was more than just a room; it was a statement. A declaration of the Draven family¡¯s unmatched wealth and influence. Every visitor who entered was reminded of their place in the grand hierarchy, and the Dravens could bask in their own glory.

    Someone once told me that each house¡¯s great hall was a room similar to a pissing contest. Each person wanted to be seen as the best. I wasn''t sure who had told me. But they had hit the nail square on the head.

    As I stood at the entrance, staring in. My hand kept shaking at the thought of what was to come. Everything I had been working towards would either play out as planned or crumble. I looked around for where Jax had gone. I found him standing at the side. He wasn''t stupid enough to behave as I allowed him here. Not with so many different houses waiting in the hall. I noticed the figure I knew all too well stand beside me. I felt the weight of his hand land on my shoulder.

    The room felt suffocating as the reality of the moment began to press down on me. The banners of House Valerius were draped across the walls in a grand display as I looked down the length of the hall. I clenched my hand, trying to get it to stop twitching.

    I noticed the golden armour of the Emperor¡¯s guard gleaming beneath the immense chandelier above, at the far end, just as my adoptive father nudged me forward, and I felt my feet move almost on instinct. The eyes of the ruling houses were on me¡ªDukes, Grand Dukes, Lords, and their entourages. I caught a few of their stares. Each one evaluating and weighing my potential. It was as if they were all measuring how a boy like me could possibly have warranted a gathering like this. Emperor Valerius stood at the far end of the hall, his presence alone commanding silence. His face, carved with the years of galactic rule, was unreadable. I¡¯d seen him in holos before, but seeing him here, the gravity of the galaxy in his gaze, was something else entirely.

    "Today, we honour duty," the Emperor¡¯s voice rang out, deep and unwavering. "Duty that transcends the individual, that binds us to the stars, to our families, and to the very galaxy we serve."

    I tried to steady my breath. His words cut through the silence like a blade. Each syllable felt like it was directed at me. Duty. Sacrifice. Those were words I thought I knew¡ªbut now, in the face of the Emperor, they felt like chains being fastened to my soul.

    "It is this duty that calls upon us to make sacrifices," the Emperor continued, his gaze sweeping across the chamber before settling on me. "The sacrifices of youth, of personal desire, for the greater good."

    I swallowed hard. The murmurs in the room had died completely. My heart was pounding. The tremble that I hadn''t gotten to stop came back in full force.

    "And today," he said, his tone shifting into something more formal, "we name Alexander Draven, son of House Draven, as Baron of Drakara."

    The words hit me harder than any blow I¡¯d taken in training. *Baron of Drakara*. Drakara¡ªa world I knew little of, but it would be mine. Responsibility weighed down my shoulders, heavier than my father¡¯s hand had ever been.

    "You will serve your house, your emperor, and the galaxy," Emperor Valerius said, his piercing gaze locking with mine. "Drakara is now yours to govern, to cultivate, and to protect. You will do so with the honour of House Draven."

    I felt my father¡¯s pride like a force beside me. My heart, though, was entirely somewhere else¡ªburied beneath the confusion, weight, and sense that I was losing something precious.

    "And with this title," the Emperor continued, "comes an alliance."

    The air seemed to thicken around me. I¡¯d heard rumours about political marriages before, but I never thought¡ªno. I struggle to stay standing. I was meant to go to the academy. Marriage was not something I had planned for. I had no idea how to even interact with a woman.

    "Lady Seraphina Valtor, step forward." said the Emperor.

    I turned my gaze to where the Emperor¡¯s voice carried, and for the first time, I saw her. Lady Seraphina.

    She stepped forward with a grace that seemed almost unnatural, her slender frame moving with a confidence that I could only admire. Her long, dark brown hair was swept back into an intricate braid, revealing the sharp lines of her face¡ªdelicate, yet powerful. Those emerald green eyes¡­ they caught me, locking onto mine with a kind of intensity I wasn¡¯t expecting.

    There was no emotion in her face, nothing to reveal what she thought of this moment. She had learnt to hide her emotions and feelings well. I swallowed. I couldn¡¯t draw my eyes from hers. I noticed there was a stillness in her posture, something that seemed like it was calculated and measured.

    "Lady Seraphina," the Emperor said, "shall be your wife, Baron Alexander."

    The words echoed in my head. Wife. Marriage. Seraphina Valtor. All I could do was stand there, trapped between the eyes of the court, my father¡¯s pride, and this future that had just been thrust upon me.

    I stepped forward, feeling the cold stare of the ruling houses at my back. My father¡¯s grip tightened on my shoulder for a moment before he released me as if pushing me out to face the wolves alone. My heart was hammering in my chest like a crazed mount. I had trained for years¡ªendless drills, rigorous studies, hours of physical conditioning¡ªall with one goal: to attend Valerius, the finest military academy in the galaxy, and earn the military NeuroCore Nexus. But now, with each passing second, it became clear that that future was gone.

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    The Emperor¡¯s gaze bore down on me as I approached, standing beneath the immense throne. His presence was like a weight pressing the air from the room, his posture straight, his face hard, and his voice colder than I had imagined. ¡°Duty requires sacrifice, Alexander Draven,¡± he said, his voice echoing through the chamber. "You will not be attending Valerius Academy as you may have expected."

    ¡°You will also not receive the standard NeuroCore Nexus designed for military personnel,¡± he added, his tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°Instead, you will be fitted with a Nexus that is more suited to your new role as Baron. Its enhancements will aid you in governance, diplomacy, and the management of planetary affairs.¡±

    I could feel the blood draining from my face. The Nexus I had trained for¡ªdreamed of¡ªwasn''t just a tool, it was a symbol of strength, of honour. And now I was being denied that. Instead, I was to receive something else¡ªsomething lesser, something for rulers who hadn¡¯t trained for war. The room seemed to tilt, the weight of disappointment and confusion pressing against my chest. As I struggled to breathe.

    Movement In the corner of my eye caught my attention. My adoptive brother Cedric stood near the back of the crowd, his lips twisted into a smug smile. Livia and Thalia were beside him, snickering behind their hands. I could almost hear their taunting voices in my head¡­ ¡®Look at him. A baron? He''s not even one of us. Father must have plans to use him.¡¯

    They had always treated me like an outsider, a tool my parents had adopted out of duty, not love. And now, their glee was unmistakable. I clenched my fists, trying to ignore the burning humiliation rising in my throat. They must have implemented this plan months ago or even years ago.

    ¡°Lady Seraphina,¡± the Emperor¡¯s voice commanded, pulling my attention back to the ceremony. The Emperor¡¯s voice droned on about duty and sacrifice. All I could think was, What the hell am I supposed to do now?

    I shook my head slightly. It wasn''t just me who was affected by this announcement. I had forgotten about her. What were her thoughts on this? She was being told that she was to marry a stranger. Someone she didn''t even know. For a split second, I wondered if she felt as blindsided as I did. Or if she had known all along.

    I stared at her out of the side of my vision, unsure what to say or feel. My future was unravelling before me in ways I hadn¡¯t expected. I wasn¡¯t going to be a soldier. I wasn¡¯t going to Valerius. I wasn¡¯t even getting the Nexus I had spent my life training for. And now, I was going to marry someone I had never met, rule a planet I knew nothing about, and somehow manage to live up to the expectations of an empire.

    Everything I had planned was gone. I could feel the part of me that had hoped for a future I could control slowly fading away. The Great Hall seemed to close in on me, its grandeur now a suffocating weight.

    The Emperor¡¯s words echoed in my mind, and I struggled to process the sudden shift in my fate. Baron of Drakara. A title that carried both privilege and burden. I had dreamed of military glory, of earning my place at Valerius Academy, but now those dreams were shattered.

    As the ceremony continued, I felt the eyes of the court upon me¡ªthe assessing glances, the whispered speculations. I was no longer just Alexander Draven, the ambitious young man with a promising future. I was Baron Alexander, bound by duty and tradition. And now, Lady Seraphina Valtor was part of that equation¡ªa stranger, yet my future wife.

    Her last name wasn¡¯t lost on me either. I knew who she was only from her last name. The third daughter of the Nobel house of Valtor. She was a duke''s daughter. They had been trying to align themselves with the Draven house for years.

    The Emperor¡¯s voice droned on, but my attention wavered. I scanned the room, searching for Jax. But after a few minutes of searching, I gave up. He was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he had slipped away, knowing that this moment would change everything.

    As the Emperor¡¯s speech concluded, I found myself dismissed. Stepping back, I quickly escaped from where the throne was, away from the weight of expectation. The assembly of nobles began to break up, and I saw Lady Seraphina again. She stood in the same place she had been for the announcement, composed and regal, her gaze steady, never wavering. I wondered what she thought of all this¡ªof me, of our forced union.

    Before I could dwell on it further, Jax appeared at my side. His eyes held a mix of concern. He knew what this would mean for all the plans I had laid. ¡°Alex,¡± he said, his voice low, ¡°what¡¯s our next move?¡±

    I glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. ¡°Plan C,¡± I whispered. ¡°Enact it now. I will have the nexus I was meant to have. They still owe me that much.¡±

    Jax nodded, slipping away into the crowd. I watched him go, knowing he would carry out our contingency plan. But then, as I turned to leave, I noticed her¡ªLady Seraphina¡ªwalking beside me. I hadn¡¯t even noticed her presence until now. She moved silently, her steps graceful, and a lady in waiting followed closely behind.

    I turned to her, keeping my voice low once we were out of the hall. ¡°Lady Seraphina,¡± I said, ¡°are you happy with this arrangement? Did you know it was going to happen?¡±

    She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, her lady-in-waiting stepped forward. Her stern expression bore into me. ¡°Baron Alexander,¡± she said sharply, ¡°Lady Seraphina is not something to be pushed around.¡±

    I frowned, taken aback by the reprimand. ¡°And who might you be?¡± I asked.

    I am Lady Seraphina¡¯s lady-in-waiting.¡± Came her reply. ¡°Her right-hand woman, if you like. You can call me Lady Elara.¡±

    I looked at Lady Seraphina. Her face was calm, but her hands trembled slightly. She was not unaffected by this forced marriage. I needed to know more.

    ¡°Lady Seraphina,¡± I said, my voice softer, ignoring the murderous eyes Elara was giving me, ¡°do you accept this arrangement?¡±

    She hesitated, her gaze flickering to Elara before returning to me. ¡°Acceptance is irrelevant,¡± she replied. ¡°We have a duty to our houses, to the empire. Our personal feelings are inconsequential.¡±

    I wanted to argue, to protest that we were not mere pawns. But the weight of tradition and expectation was pressing down on me just as much as it would be on her. I sighed as I looked into her eyes. I saw something there¡ªa vulnerability, a flicker of fear. Perhaps she was not as unaffected as she claimed.

    ¡°Lady Seraphina,¡± I said, ¡°do you know anything about the planet Drakara?¡±

    She blinked, surprised by the question. ¡°Only what I¡¯ve read in reports,¡± she admitted. ¡°It¡¯s a remote planet, rich in resources but plagued by political unrest. Our marriage is meant to stabilise the region.¡±

    ¡°And what of us?¡± I asked quietly. I could shake the growing pit of fear that had become my stomach. ¡°Are we meant to stabilise each other?¡±

    Her lips curved in a wry smile. ¡°Perhaps,¡± she said. ¡°Or perhaps we¡¯ll both drown in the undertow.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°You have a way with words.¡±

    She nodded. A small smile on her lips. I turned, motioning for her to follow. Elara looked like she was about to explode, but I noticed Seraphina make a small hand movement, and she nodded before stepping back.

    As we walked together, I noticed her trembling again. This time, it wasn¡¯t just fear. It was something deeper, something raw. I reached out, my fingers brushing against hers. She flinched, surprised by the contact.

    ¡°Seraphina,¡± I said, using her name for the first time, ¡°we may not have chosen this path, but we can choose how we walk it. Let¡¯s find a way to make this alliance work¡ªfor our future together. But I would not force you if you are not willing.

    Her tears welled up, and for a moment, the fa?ade cracked. ¡°I never wanted this,¡± she whispered.

    ¡°I know,¡± I said. ¡°But sometimes, duty demands sacrifices we never anticipated.¡±

    Just as I was about to turn, a crazy idea popped into my head. Without thinking, I leaned down and kissed her¡ªa soft, tentative press of lips.

 Chapter 3 - Weight of responsibility

    Seraphina¡¯s eyes widened in shock, but she didn¡¯t pull away. The world around us seemed to fade for a brief moment, leaving just the two of us in that fragile, stolen moment. But then, reality came crashing back.

    A sharp gasp cut through the air, followed by a sudden, forceful shove. I stumbled back, breaking the kiss, and found myself face-to-face with an enraged Elara. Her eyes blazed with fury, and she stepped between Seraphina and me, her stance protective, her movements sharp.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± she hissed, her voice trembling with barely contained anger. ¡°You have no right to touch her like that!¡±

    I raised my hands, palms up, trying to calm her down. ¡°Elara, listen¡ª¡±

    ¡°Save it.¡± Her glare cut through my words. ¡°Lady Seraphina is not yours to claim. An arranged marriage doesn''t give you permission to force your affections on her.¡±

    Still visibly shaken from the kiss, Seraphina gently placed a hand on Elara¡¯s arm. ¡°Elara, please,¡± she said softly, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±

    Elara turned to her, her expression softening just a fraction, but her voice was still taut. ¡°My lady, you don¡¯t have to endure this. You deserve better than... this.¡±

    Seraphina''s eyes flickered toward me, confusion clouding her usually composed demeanour. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came. Instead, she swallowed hard, a slight tremor in her hand as she lowered it from Elara¡¯s arm. ¡°I know,¡± she finally said, her gaze meeting mine, a mixture of uncertainty and something else¡ªsomething I couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°But we must find a way to make this work. Our future depends on it.¡±

    Elara¡¯s eyes flashed with a renewed hardness as she turned back to me, her voice cold. ¡°If you ever try something like that again, Baron Alexander, you¡¯ll answer to me. Understood?¡±

    I nodded, feeling the weight of her words press down on me. ¡°I understand. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    But as I watched them walk away, Seraphina¡¯s steps were slower than usual, her head tilted slightly downward. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this wasn¡¯t the end. She hadn¡¯t pushed me away¡ªwhether out of shock or something deeper, I didn¡¯t know. Not yet, at least.

    A faint chuckle escaped me at the absurdity of it all. Whatever this was between Seraphina and me, it was far from simple. But there wasn¡¯t time to dwell on it. I reminded myself of the next step. The spaceport. Now that they were gone, I needed to act fast.

    ***

    Elara muttered under her breath, her words barely audible as her boots clicked sharply against the stone floor of the corridor. The cold walls of the Draven house seemed to absorb the sound, yet Seraphina''s focus was elsewhere¡ªon the warmth still lingering on her lips. She touched them lightly, her fingers brushing the delicate skin as if trying to preserve the fleeting sensation of Alexander¡¯s kiss. Her heart fluttered, caught between confusion and something deeper she couldn¡¯t quite grasp. How should she feel about it? The kiss had surprised her, but she wasn¡¯t entirely sure whether that surprise was good or bad. Was it fear that had frozen her? Or something else¡ªa whisper of curiosity, of something that made her heart beat faster despite herself?

    They continued down the long, dimly lit hallway, the ornate sconces casting flickering shadows along the marble floor. Seraphina¡¯s mind wandered back to the day before, replaying her father¡¯s visit to the estate like a scene from a play she couldn¡¯t escape. He had come unannounced, his voice heavy with the weight of responsibility and family duty. His eyes, colder than usual, never wavered as he spoke of honour, duty, and expectations¡ªwords that had been drilled into her since childhood.

    At first, she pushed back, demanding to know what he wasn¡¯t telling her. His stern gaze finally faltered when he admitted she was to be engaged, and the announcement would come the next day. She remembered the tightness in her chest, the way her breath had caught in her throat. When she asked whom, his answer was even worse than she could have imagined: the Draven house.

    The name alone had been enough to ignite a flame of dread in her heart. Seraphina had immediately set Elara to investigate. What they found was far from reassuring. They both had assumed the engagement was to Cedric Draven, the eldest son of the house. Elara¡¯s research had only deepened Seraphina''s unease.

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    Cedric had a reputation, and none of it was good. Cruel, sadistic, and driven by his own twisted desires, he was a manipulator who thrived on the misery of others. Elara¡¯s protectiveness grew with every piece of information she uncovered. Seraphina had completely trusted her judgment, leaning on Elara¡¯s quiet strength through the ordeal. It was one of the few things she could count on.

    ¡°Elara,¡± Seraphina said, breaking the tense silence. ¡°What do you make of Alexander?¡±

    Elara spun on her heel, her eyes flashing with the remnants of her earlier fury. "He kissed you, Sera," Elara said, her voice taut. "Without permission. Do you think that¡¯s a sign of kindness? He is no better than the one we thought you would be married to. Just like Cedric! You haven¡¯t even been courted for a day, and he dared.¡±

    Seraphina blinked, taken aback by the venom in Elara¡¯s tone. The intensity of her anger caught her off guard. Elara had always been protective, but this felt different¡ªalmost personal. What was it about Alexander that had provoked such a fierce reaction?

    She remained silent, her mind circling back to the kiss. Alexander had been impulsive, reckless even. But there had been something in his eyes, something raw and desperate that set him apart from the cold calculation she had seen in men like Cedric. Was he like Cedric?

    Seraphina wasn¡¯t sure. And that uncertainty, perhaps, troubled her most of all.

    Seraphina followed Elara in silence, her thoughts swirling in a whirlwind of uncertainty. The gardens around them were quiet, though the distant hum of the spaceport engines echoed faintly, a reminder of the cold reality awaiting her. The evening light bathed the stone pathways in a warm, golden hue, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly before her.

    She touched her lips again, unable to shake the feeling of Alexander¡¯s kiss. It lingered, not just in sensation but in her mind, pulling her back to the moment. She had expected coldness calculation from her arranged marriage, yet Alexander¡¯s kiss had been... impulsive. Genuine, perhaps? The surprise of it still left her unsure. Elara¡¯s words, though protective, gnawed at her. ¡®Is he truly like Cedric? Or was there something different in his touch?¡¯

    Elara¡¯s voice snapped her back to the present. ¡°Seraphina, do you truly want my opinion?¡± She had stopped, her expression unreadable.

    Seraphina hesitated, still grasping for her own feelings. ¡°Yes, Elara, I need to know.¡±

    Her friend¡¯s eyes softened, but her tone remained sharp. ¡°Alexander is no different. He might have some measure of charm, but his actions speak louder. He kissed you without your consent¡ªwhat does that tell you?¡±

    Before Seraphina could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them.

    ¡°Seraphina,¡± Lady Isolde¡¯s voice was firm but kind as she approached from the arched entrance to the inner gardens. Her mother moved with grace, as always, her dark hair pulled into an elegant knot, and her gaze rested lovingly on her daughter. But the company she brought sent a shiver through Seraphina¡¯s core.

    Lord Dedric walked at their mother¡¯s side, his military posture stiff, face etched with a permanent frown of disapproval. His broad shoulders seemed to carry the weight of his family¡¯s expectations, and his eyes, though caring, were cold with practicality. Behind him strode Lady Elara Valtor, the family socialite, her beautiful features marred by a look of calculated concern. Their father had clearly sent them.

    Dedric was the first to speak, his voice as rigid as his stance. ¡°You¡¯re not going to screw this up, are you, Sera?¡±

    Seraphina blinked, the warmth of her mother¡¯s presence barely a comfort under the intensity of her brother¡¯s tone. ¡°I¨CI didn¡¯t intend to,¡± she stammered, feeling the sudden pressure from all sides.

    ¡°We need this marriage,¡± Elara said smoothly, her tone indifferent, as though they were discussing business rather than her sister¡¯s future. ¡°The Dravens hold the mining contracts on Drakara, and once you¡¯re settled in, the Valtor name could gain control of significant planetary holdings. This is bigger than just you, Sera.¡±

    Isolde placed a gentle hand on Seraphina¡¯s shoulder, her touch comforting but her eyes serious. ¡°I know it¡¯s difficult, my dear, but your father and I expect you to do your part. This alliance will elevate us.¡±

    Seraphina clenched her hands at her sides, her heart pounding. ¡°I understand, Mother, but¡ª¡±

    ¡°There are no ¡®buts,¡¯¡± Dedric interrupted, his voice harsher than ever. ¡°You¡¯re a Valtor. Duty above all.¡±

    Isolde nodded, her gaze softening just enough to remind Seraphina that this was still her mother, though the weight of the family¡¯s future was ever-present in her eyes. ¡°I know it¡¯s not easy, Sera, but Alexander may be kinder than we expected. And you... you can make this work if you try.¡±

    Dedric¡¯s voice grew low, a dangerous edge creeping into his words. ¡°Just remember, Sera. No matter what happens, you have a role to play. If you fail this family, Sera, don¡¯t think there won¡¯t be repercussions for a second," Dedric said coldly, his gaze piercing hers.

    Elara¡¯s soft sigh seemed to lighten the air slightly. ¡°Look, I know it¡¯s not what you wanted. None of us have had perfect matches. But this... this is the path set before you.¡±

    Seraphina looked to Elara for some kind of relief, but even her sister, distant though she was, seemed to echo the same sentiment.

    Torn between the weight of her family¡¯s expectations and the echo of Alexander¡¯s kiss, Seraphina felt a crack in her resolve. ¡®Am I nothing more than a tool for the Valtor legacy?¡¯

 Chapter 4 - Holding together

    I watched as Jax spoke with the pilot. The craft in front of us looked worse the longer I examined it¡ªpatches of metal covering its hull like a wounded animal barely stitched together. It was a far cry from anything my family would ever be seen in. Draven nobility had standards, and this... this was a rust bucket. I caught myself wondering if it could even fly, let alone make it to the capital without breaking apart.

    I let out a slow breath, shaking my head. I didn¡¯t need luxury right now; I needed speed. This heap only had to get me to the medical centre in the capital. Despite being one of the less-developed planets in the system, Dravius had the best of everything. Being the homeworld of Draven nobility had its perks, even outside the core planets.

    I couldn¡¯t help but smile, remembering how many people flocked to Dravius for its medical facilities, especially the NeuroCore Nexus installation. It was the only place in the system where people could get the procedure done, apart from the Emperor¡¯s military academy on Centron Prime. I still had no idea how the Draven family convinced the Emperor to allow it. Maybe it was a deal brokered long ago¡ªone of those unspoken arrangements that only the highest-ranking nobility knew about.

    Whatever the reason, I was grateful. I''d visited the MedTech Nexus Hub too many times over the past few years, making sure I was fully compatible with the interface. This wasn¡¯t going to be just any implant; it was supposed to be my ticket into the military academy. But now? Now, I had to race the clock, hoping the bureaucrats hadn¡¯t yet processed the stupid nexus change paperwork.

    I still had a chance to control my own fate. At least, that¡¯s what I told myself.

    Jax waved me over as the pilot, who had introduced herself as Zara Quinn. If I had heard her right, I strode up the boarding ramp before us. I took a moment to size her up. Short, tousled hair poked out from under a worn cap, and a tattoo of a star constellation snaked across her forearm.

    She carried herself with the kind of reckless energy that screamed ¡®trouble,¡¯ yet somehow... competence. Her flight suit looked as battered and rugged as the ship, and her confident strides told me she was someone who thrived in chaos.

    ¡°She agreed to take us,¡± Jax said, walking alongside me. ¡°But it¡¯ll cost more than we planned. Apparently, she¡¯s taking a huge risk. The Emperor¡¯s arrival has grounded most travel and thrown everything into disarray.¡±

    I smirked. ¡°Let¡¯s hope the chaos works to our advantage.¡±

    Zara¡¯s voice rang out from inside the ship, quick and sharp, as she busied herself with the preflight check. ¡°Hope? You don¡¯t need hope. You need credits. And from what I hear, you¡¯re about to owe me a lot more of them.¡±

    I raised an eyebrow as I followed her inside. The interior of the ship was just as rough as the outside. I was half-expecting the whole thing to fall apart mid-flight. Wires hung loosely overhead like veins, barely keeping a dying body alive. This was no Draven craft¡ªit was chaos. Zara didn¡¯t even glance back as she continued talking, her hands flying over the controls.

    ¡°You''re in luck. Not many pilots are willing to fly right now with the Emperor looming over our heads, but me? I¡¯ve never been one to follow the rules.¡± She flashed me a wide grin, pausing just long enough for me to catch her blue eyes¡ªsharp, bright, and full of mischief. ¡°Besides, I get bored easily.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t help but return the grin. Zara had the kind of energy that pulled you in, a restless, reckless streak that probably landed her in trouble more often than not. I shook my head. That recklessness might get us killed. But right now, it was exactly what we needed.

    Her confidence was almost contagious. It was a sharp contrast to the rigid, predictable world of the Draven household that I had spent years adapting to. Part of me wondered how long it had been since I¡¯d been around someone like her¡ªor if I ever had.

    Chuckling to myself, I let out a breath I hadn¡¯t been aware I was holding. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll make sure we compensate you for the risk,¡± I said, already calculating how much more this little adventure was going to cost.

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    She shrugged, turning her attention back to the control panel. ¡°As long as you get me out of the mess if this all blows up. I don¡¯t plan on becoming the Emperor¡¯s next plaything.¡±

    ¡°Deal,¡± I replied, though I wasn¡¯t sure how much I could guarantee anything at this point.

    Jax nudged me, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. ¡°We¡¯ve got a good one here, I can tell.¡±

    Zara¡¯s loud, infectious laugh echoed through the ship. ¡°Damn right, you do. Now strap in. This is going to be one hell of a ride.¡±

    I buckled myself into the co-pilot seat before casting one last glance at the landing bay. Time was running out. Everything hinged on getting to the medical centre before anyone could change my future. This wasn¡¯t just about avoiding having the wrong Nexus implanted. It was about holding onto the last shred of control I had over my life.

    I hoped Zara was as good as she claimed because I couldn¡¯t afford any mistakes. Too much of my future was riding on this. I couldn¡¯t afford to rest. My hand started shaking as I tried to push the thoughts of failure away.

    Zara tapped a few more buttons, her hands moving with the quick confidence of someone who''d done this a thousand times. She leaned forward, pressing a comms button. ¡°Control, this is the Razorwing, requesting clearance for takeoff. Cargo transport to Dravius Capital.¡±

    The reply came almost immediately, crackling over the comms. ¡°Razorwing, all flights are grounded until further notice. No exceptions.¡±

    Zara didn''t skip a beat. ¡°Say again, Control. Can you please repeat your last? We¡¯re having some¡ª¡± she slammed her hand against the panel beside her, cutting off the transmission mid-sentence. ¡°Oops,¡± she muttered with a smirk, flipping the receiver off entirely. She glanced over her shoulder at me and Jax. ¡°Hang on.¡±

    Before I could respond, Zara jammed the throttle forward. The ship roared to life, launching off the landing platform with a force that slammed me back into my seat. My stomach dropped, and for a brief moment, it felt like the whole ship was rattling apart. Jax grunted beside me, his hands gripping his harness tight as the Razorwing climbed at an angle that had no regard for comfort.

    ¡°Hell of a launch,¡± Jax muttered through gritted teeth.

    Unaffected by the g-forces pinning us back, Zara glanced at a blinking light on her control panel. ¡°Ah, just what I wanted to see.¡±

    I strained to look over at her screen, my curiosity piqued. ¡°What is it?¡±

    She snorted. ¡°We''ve got company. Two patrol ships. Probably the Emperor¡¯s fleet. If they catch us, there¡¯s no telling what kind of mess we¡¯ll be in.¡± She glanced sideways, a mischievous grin still plastered on her face. ¡°Time to see if this rust bucket¡¯s got any fight left in her.¡±

    Before I could protest, the ship lurched to the side, sending me crashing into the side of my seat. Outside the viewport, I saw the industrial landscape of Dravius rushing past us¡ªfactories and storage facilities blending into a blur.

    The ship groaned as it twisted between towering structures. My hands gripped the seat tighter. Everything was falling apart. Zara¡¯s ship, this mad escape, even my carefully laid plans. I needed control. Over my future, over my life. But with every lurch of the Razorwing, that control slipped further away.

    Jax muttered as he forced his eyes closed. ¡°I knew this was going to be a mistake.¡±

    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± I shouted, gripping the armrests as she clipped the corner of a nearby building. The ship rattled violently as sparks flew from the impact, throwing us further off balance. ¡°You''re going to tear this thing apart!¡±

    Zara''s laughter filled the cabin. ¡°Relax! She¡¯s got more patches than the original hull, but I¡¯ve flown through worse. Just don¡¯t think too hard about the engineering behind it.¡±

    The Razorwing bucked as she cut a sharp turn, the warning lights on the console flashing in quick succession. I suddenly understood why this ship looked like it had survived a war zone¡ªit probably had. Each lurch and rattle of the hull felt like it was holding together by sheer willpower, as Zara pushed it far beyond its intended limits.

    The proximity alert blared, cutting through my thoughts. Before I could process the full weight of what that meant, Zara¡¯s voice broke through¡ªexcited, almost gleeful. ¡®Hold on, boys. This is where the fun really starts.¡¯

    ¡°They¡¯re getting closer!¡± Jax shouted, his eyes darting between the radar and the rear view.

    Zara glanced at me, her grin still in place but her voice softer for just a second. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ve got this.¡±

    Her grin might have been infectious to start with, but I couldn¡¯t help the nagging thought in the back of my mind¡ªhow much of this was luck, and how much was skill?

    I watched in horror as Zara threw the ship sideways.

    My stomach lurched as the Razorwing twisted through a barrel roll, and the sudden shift slammed me against my seat. The internal dampeners failed as my vision swam, dark spots creeping into the edges. I clung to the armrests, silently willing the ship to hold together. This wasn¡¯t flying. This was survival.

    Zara let out a shout as her hands moved across the control board faster than I could follow, I felt the dampeners kick back in. I had never felt so grateful for them to be working again.

    Zara¡¯s flying was completely different to anything I had experienced. Well, almost completely different. The kiss I had with Seraphina certainly was up there with the craziest thing I had done today.

 Chapter 5 - The edge of breaking

    Zara yanked hard on the control stick, and the Razorwing shot upward, forcing my body into the seat as we climbed at a ridiculous pace. Overhead sparks showered from a failing system, and the ship shuddered violently beneath us. Somewhere in the distance, a muffled explosion rocked the hull.

    ¡°Shit,¡± Zara muttered through clenched teeth. ¡°They are not happy. We might have¡­ a problem here.¡±

    A glance at her told me all I needed to know¡ªsweat beaded on her brow, her knuckles white as she gripped the controls. This was bad, worse than I¡¯d thought. Jax¡¯s voice cracked the silence as I opened my mouth.

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®problem¡¯?¡± His voice wavered, teetering on the edge of panic.

    ¡°They just fired a warning shot,¡± Zara replied, her voice tight with fear as she fought to keep the ship steady. The panic beneath her words was unmistakable.

    Warning shot? My pulse spiked. This wasn¡¯t just a game anymore. The cold weight of reality settled in my stomach, heavier with each second.

    ¡°You have to land,¡± I shouted, desperation creeping into my tone. ¡°These guys will blow us out of the sky, Zara. Jax, tell her!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t!¡± Zara snapped, her voice cracking.

    Jax¡¯s face twisted with rage, his fear rapidly morphing into anger. ¡°What do you mean you can¡¯t? You got us into this mess, you better land this damn ship!¡±

    ¡°I just can¡¯t do it. Okay?¡± Zara¡¯s voice wavered, her confidence unravelling before our eyes.

    Jax¡¯s frustration exploded. ¡°You¡¯re kidding me, right? We¡¯re seconds away from getting blasted, and you¡¯re worried about¡ª¡±

    I raised a hand, cutting him off before he could say something that would only make things worse. ¡°Zara, why can¡¯t you land? Is it the ship?¡±

    Zara¡¯s silence was deafening. The Razorwing lurched forward, twisting downward, and I saw the tears streaking down her face now. This wasn¡¯t just about the ship malfunctioning. Something deeper was going on.

    ¡°Zara,¡± I pressed, trying to keep the rising fear from my voice, ¡°please, talk to us. Why can¡¯t we land?¡±

    She glanced at me, her eyes wide with terror. The cool, confident pilot I¡¯d met earlier had vanished, replaced by someone on the edge of breaking. ¡°If we land¡­ they¡¯ll arrest me. Take my flight permits. I¡¯ll be grounded¡­ for life.¡± Her voice cracked with sobs, the words barely coherent between the gasps.

    Grounded for life? My mind raced. So this is about her career. But that didn¡¯t matter right now. None of it did. We were seconds from getting obliterated, and Jax¡­ well, his patience had just run dry.

    ¡°You think we give a damn about your permits right now?!¡± Jax exploded, his fists clenched in the tight space of the cockpit. ¡°You¡¯ve put us in this position, and now we¡¯re¡ª¡±

    I cut him off again, though I could feel his anger simmering beside me like a storm ready to break. I let out a sigh, knowing what I had to do. It wasn¡¯t what I wanted, but Zara had put herself on the line for me. If I was going to get us out of this mess, I had to do something.

    ¡°Zara¡­ turn the comms back on. Let me talk to them.¡±

    Her hands shook as she flipped the switch on the console, and the voices from the other side flooded in immediately. They weren¡¯t playing around¡ªeach one of them demanding we land, or they¡¯d open fire. My heart pounded in my chest. Why haven¡¯t they fired yet? Whatever had delayed the order was the only reason we were still alive.

    ¡°This is Lord Alexander Draven,¡± I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tension gripping my throat. ¡°I¡¯m currently testing my new pilot¡¯s flying abilities. Please, stand down weapons.¡±

    Silence stretched for what felt like an eternity. Then, a new voice crackled over the comms. ¡°Lord Alex? Explain why you ordered your pilot to flee from security and why communications were turned off.¡±

    I groaned inwardly. That voice¡ªit was one of my father¡¯s personal commanders. Of course, it had to be him. I resisted the urge to glance at Zara, who had gone pale beside me. She clearly hadn¡¯t checked who her passengers were before getting us into this mess.

    ¡°I ordered her to show me her skills,¡± I replied, hoping I sounded convincing. ¡°It just so happened that your security ships provided an excellent test. I thank you for the assistance, Commander. It¡¯s allowed me to make an informed decision on whether to employ her.¡±

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    As the words left my mouth, I felt the sting of irony. Who am I kidding? I wasn¡¯t even sure I¡¯d survive this, much less employ anyone. The slim chance of securing the Nexus I wanted was probably dead by now. Still, I couldn¡¯t afford to show weakness¡ªnot when I was so close to everything I¡¯d been fighting for.

    The comms crackled again, a different voice this time¡ªfemale, but heavily modified by voice filters. ¡°Please state your destination. We have you on a flight path to the capital.¡±

    Zara looked at me, and I nodded. She took a deep breath, her hands steadying on the controls. ¡°Affirmative control. The flight path is confirmed. Requesting permission to land.¡±

    ¡°Landing at Docking Platform 1759. Security will be on standby for your arrival,¡± the voice responded.

    Zara exhaled slowly, relief washing over her face. ¡°Thank¡­ thank you, control. Razorwing out.¡±

    As soon as the comms cut out, silence settled thickly in the cockpit. No one said a word. Zara focused on the controls, her hands steady but her expression tight. The Razorwing straightened out, gliding through the atmosphere as the capital loomed closer. Jax sat tense beside me, his anger still simmering beneath the surface, but even he kept quiet. I could feel the weight of his frustration pressing down on the already tense air between us. And me? My thoughts raced¡ªabout the Nexus, about what just happened, and what could still go wrong.

    I hated this. The whole situation felt like it was spiralling out of control. And worst of all, I was starting to realise that no matter how much I fought against it, I¡¯d have to pull the Draven family card again. Just thinking about it made my stomach churn.

    We descended toward the capital, the landing platform drawing closer. Docking Platform 1759. My heart pounded as I spotted a small group of security officers waiting below. They were armed and ready, their stance screaming ¡®trouble.¡¯ Zara¡¯s hands tightened on the controls again as she brought the ship down gently, its landing gear settling onto the platform with a low hiss.

    For a few beats, none of us moved. The Razorwing¡¯s engines powered down, the hum of the ship fading into a tense, oppressive quiet. Outside, I could see the security team already moving, approaching the ship with a determined pace.

    ¡°They¡¯re coming,¡± I muttered under my breath.

    Zara¡¯s face was still streaked with tears, her earlier panic replaced by something colder, more distant. I could tell she was bracing herself for what was about to happen. Part of me wanted to tell her it would be fine, that I had this under control, but I wasn¡¯t even sure if I believed that.

    The boarding ramp lowered with a dull thud, and moments later, the officers stormed in, their boots loud against the metal floor.

    ¡°By order of the Imperial Security Corps, you are under arrest,¡± one of the officers barked, pointing at Zara without hesitation. He stepped forward, reaching for her arm.

    I moved before I could think, stepping between them and Zara. ¡°Hold on,¡± I said, my voice hardening. ¡°You¡¯re not touching her.¡±

    The officer paused, his eyes narrowing at me. ¡°Step aside, Lord Draven. This pilot is under arrest for evading Imperial security and endangering the lives of civilians.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m aware of the charges,¡± I replied, my voice sharper than I intended. ¡°But I¡¯m telling you to back off.¡±

    I could see the uncertainty flicker in his eyes as he glanced at his fellow officers. They were trained to follow orders but knew when to pick their battles. Unfortunately for them, I wasn¡¯t going to make this easy.

    ¡°You¡¯re obstructing an official arrest, Lord Draven,¡± the officer said, but his voice lacked the conviction from before.

    ¡°I¡¯m not obstructing anything,¡± I shot back, stepping closer to him. ¡°I¡¯m informing you that you will not be arresting my pilot.¡±

    The officer¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Your¡­ pilot?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± I snapped, the words tasting bitter in my mouth. I hated this. I hated pulling the Draven name, but I hated how it made people react even more. But there was no way I was letting them drag Zara off for something that was partly my fault. ¡°She¡¯s under my employ, and if you have any further issues, you can take them up with my father, Lord Draven. But I can guarantee you, he won¡¯t be happy if he hears his son¡¯s pilot was arrested over a minor misunderstanding.¡±

    As the words left my mouth, I felt the weight of my name settle like a noose around my neck, tightening with every syllable. How many times had I vowed not to rely on it, only to betray that promise when the walls closed in?

    There it was. The ugly truth. And I hated that I had to wield it like a weapon, but the effect was immediate.

    The officer hesitated, his authority wavering in the face of my family name. His comrades exchanged uncertain glances.

    ¡°Fine,¡± he said after a long pause, lowering his hand. ¡°But we¡¯ll be filing a report. This won¡¯t just go away because of your title, Lord Draven.¡±

    I nodded, already tired of the whole situation. ¡°Understood. Now, leave us. I¡¯ll handle it from here.¡±

    The officers exchanged looks but finally relented, backing off as they filed out of the ship. The tension in the air didn¡¯t dissipate until the door slid shut behind them, and even then, it lingered like a bad aftertaste.

    ¡°Jax,¡± I said, turning toward him. ¡°Get on the communicator. Have Zara registered as my personal pilot. Make it official.¡±

    Jax¡¯s eyes were still blazing, but he nodded, pulling out his comm device and muttering into it. He was pissed at Zara. That much was clear, but I knew he¡¯d do what was needed. Right now, all of our lives were tangled together, and we didn¡¯t have the luxury of letting tempers run wild.

    I turned to Zara. She hadn¡¯t moved, standing there frozen, her eyes downcast. The confident, sharp-tongued pilot was gone, replaced by someone else entirely¡ªsomeone lost, unsure. I could see the weight of what just happened hanging on her like chains.

    ¡°Follow me,¡± I said, my voice gentler now.

    She didn¡¯t speak or even look at me as she nodded and followed in silence. The words she wanted to say, the explanations or apologies¡ªI could feel them hovering in the air between us, but they never came. Maybe she didn¡¯t have the strength to speak. Maybe she didn¡¯t know how to explain what she was feeling. Whatever it was, I wasn¡¯t going to push her. Not now.

    As we stepped off the Razorwing and into the capital¡¯s bustling terminal, I could feel the weight of it all crashing down on me. The Nexus, my family¡¯s expectations, the arranged marriage, the mess we were now tangled in¡ªit all pressed in like a vice. And for the first time, I wasn¡¯t sure how long I could keep pretending to be in control.

 Chapter 6 - The damned family crest

    The terminal dock loomed ahead, an enormous sprawl of polished metal and glass reaching for the sky like it had something to prove. The sheer scale of it was overwhelming¡ªships of every size and class docked in rows, their hulls gleaming under the harsh, artificial light. Everything about this place screamed efficiency. Workers in crisp uniforms moved in practised patterns, security officers keeping watch with an air of silent authority.

    I could hear the steady hum of engines reverberating through the floor beneath me, mixed with the low chatter of voices drowned out by the constant mechanical noise. Overhead, giant holo screens flickered, flashing updates on arrivals and departures, ads for luxury cruises, and political broadcasts. The smell¡ªsterile but with a sharp edge of burned fuel¡ªhit me the moment we stepped off the ship.

    Jax didn¡¯t waste any time. The second we were on solid ground, he was already leading the way, weaving through the crowd with a sense of purpose that didn¡¯t leave room for hesitation. The first set of security scanners was just up ahead, and I could already see the guards stiffening as we approached. Not because of me, though¡ªbecause of him.

    As soon as Jax flashed his ID, their expressions shifted. They barely gave us a second look, waving us through like we weren¡¯t even worth the hassle. ¡°Lord Draven,¡± one of them muttered, nodding in a way that made my stomach twist.

    I bit down hard, forcing myself to stay quiet. This was going to be a long walk.

    Jax kept us moving, cutting through the lines like a knife through water. Every time we hit a checkpoint, the same thing happened¡ªhe¡¯d show the ID, the Draven name would flash on their screens, and just like that, doors opened. No scans. No questioning. No delays. I watched the whole process unfold, and with each effortless pass, the knot of frustration inside me tightened.

    I¡¯ve never liked using the name. Sure, it made things easier and got me through doors that would otherwise slam shut in my face, but that wasn¡¯t how I¡¯d built myself. I earned what I had, scraped and fought for every inch of it. The Draven name wasn¡¯t mine to claim¡ªit was just a shortcut, a cheat code to a game I refused to play by anyone else¡¯s rules.

    But today, I couldn¡¯t argue. We needed speed; the name was the fastest way to cut through all the red tape. Still, that didn¡¯t stop the irritation from bubbling up every time Jax casually dropped it like a trump card.

    ¡°Move along, Lord Draven,¡± another officer muttered as we passed, not even bothering to look up from his console. I clenched my jaw, the words cutting deep. There was nothing personal about it, but that only made it worse. They didn¡¯t care who I was or what I¡¯d done¡ªjust that name.

    Jax glanced back, catching my expression. ¡°You know this is necessary, right?¡± he said under his breath. ¡°It¡¯s not like we can stand around arguing with every checkpoint.¡±

    He was right, of course. Arguing wasn¡¯t going to get us anywhere, and we couldn¡¯t afford to waste time. But that didn¡¯t stop the resentment from building with every step we took. It was the kind of bitter pill I hated swallowing.

    As we finally pushed through the last set of security barriers, emerging into the main terminal, I forced the tension in my shoulders to relax. This wasn¡¯t the time to let old grievances distract me. We had bigger things to worry about than my discomfort with the Draven name.

    But that didn¡¯t mean I had to like it.

    We boarded one of the sleek hover transports that hovered just above the city streets, its engines humming softly as it waited for passengers to fill its cabin. The doors slid open with a mechanical hiss, and Jax motioned for to wait. He stepped in, checking the inside of the transport. Before stepping back out. He nodded for me to step inside.

    I quickly settled into one of the back seats while Jax and Zara followed close behind. The cabin was well-lit, with wide windows offering a panoramic view of the sprawling capital outside, but the moment we sat down, I could feel the weight of eyes on me.

    I hated the attention. The way people would stare as if they knew something about me that I didn¡¯t want to share. Maybe they did. The damned Draven name carried weight everywhere, even if I wished it didn¡¯t. I shifted in my seat, trying to focus on the view outside as the other passengers boarded, whispering among themselves, their gazes flitting in my direction. I ignored them as best I could.

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    Zara fidgeted beside me. "I should probably get back to my ship," she muttered, breaking the silence. "I need to check on a few things, make sure everything¡¯s in order."

    Before I could respond, Jax cut in, his tone firm but not unkind. "You¡¯ll have to stay with us for now. It¡¯s too risky to go back. We need to keep a low profile, and that means sticking together."

    Zara opened her mouth to protest, but Jax¡¯s look silenced her. She glanced at me, her eyes searching for some kind of confirmation. I just nodded. As much as I wanted to give her an out, Jax was right.

    After a few moments, she sighed and leaned back in her seat. ¡°Fine,¡± she muttered. Then, more softly, ¡°Thanks, by the way. For getting me out of that mess.¡±

    I glanced at her, then back at the window. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± I said, though my voice sounded quieter than intended. After a pause, I added, ¡°I know what it¡¯s like to get kicked when you¡¯re down.¡±

    Zara looked surprised, her brows knitting together as if she were about to argue, but Jax quickly interrupted her. "Just listen," he said quietly, a glance toward me telling her she needed to hear this.

    I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, my voice low enough that only she and Jax could hear. ¡°I didn¡¯t grow up with the Draven name,¡± I started, my throat tightening as the memories surfaced. ¡°I was adopted. Pulled out of an orphanage when I was nine.¡±

    Zara¡¯s eyes widened in shock. "You? Adopted?"

    I gave a short nod, staring down at the floor. ¡°The Dravens weren¡¯t my family. Not by blood. But they took me in. They needed to have a second son. The Emperor is quite strict about keeping to his traditions. I was insurance. Insurance if something went wrong with the first born son. That didn¡¯t make things easier, though. Life was still... complicated. Tough, even. I had to prove myself every day, and the name didn¡¯t always open doors back then.¡±

    Jax, leaning back in his seat, chimed in. ¡°I was in the orphanage with Alex,¡± he said, his voice calm but edged with the same gravity I felt. ¡°When he was adopted, he convinced his new father to take me as well. It took some effort, but he got it done. They trained me and made me part of the staff. Eventually, they gave me a position as his assistant. But before that, we were in the same place, same struggles.¡±

    Zara looked between the two of us, her expression a mixture of surprise and something else. Empathy, maybe. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat as if she didn¡¯t quite know what to say.

    "You don¡¯t have to explain," she murmured, her voice hesitant.

    "I do, though," I said, meeting her gaze. "Because I understand what it¡¯s like to feel trapped. To have everything go wrong when all you¡¯ve ever done is try your best. It¡¯s easy to think that no one¡¯s been through what you have, but I¡¯ve been there, too. So I get it. I get why you fight so hard to keep control of what¡¯s yours.¡±

    Zara¡¯s eyes softened, and for the first time since we boarded, she looked down, her hands twisting in her lap. ¡°I didn¡¯t know...¡± she started, but her voice trailed off.

    I offered a small, strained smile. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have. It''s not readily available public knowledge. And to be honest. I don¡¯t talk about it much.¡±

    Jax placed a hand on Zara¡¯s shoulder. ¡°He¡¯s been through a lot, but that¡¯s why we¡¯re here. We¡¯ve all got a past, Zara. You¡¯re not alone in that.¡±

    She looked up at him, then at me, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nodded, a quiet understanding passing between us.

    The hum of the hover transport engines filled the silence that followed as it weaved its way through the endless traffic. I kept my gaze fixed on the view outside, watching the sprawling skyline unfold before us. The MedTech Nexus Hub rose into the sky like a gleaming monolith. The building was impossible to miss. Massive, with sharp, clean lines that reflected the light. Its surface was flawless chrome and glass, casting harsh reflections across the nearby streets. It looked like it belonged to a future that hadn¡¯t yet arrived, towering over everything with a presence demanding attention.

    I could see the Draven family crest stamped into each side of the building as we neared. As we exited the Transport and stepped through the front doors of the building, the stark white of the main foyer was almost blinding. Every wall, every surface was immaculate, pristine, as if no one had ever dared touch it. The damned family crest was etched into the marble floors, walls, and even the high ceilings. It made my stomach churn.

    Jax led the way through the lobby, cutting through the throngs of people waiting for appointments or check-ins. His confident stride parted the crowd without a word, and they moved aside instinctively, eyes darting toward the crest on his jacket. I kept my head down, following closely behind, trying to ignore the stares and whispers that followed us. I looked back. Giving Zara a small smile in an attempt to get her to relax.

    "MedTech Nexus Hub," Jax announced as we approached a secured corridor, tapping into the console with practised ease. ¡°This is where we need to be.¡±

    I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of everything that came with being here. The Nexus was the heart of our family¡¯s influence in medical technology, the place where I would finally be fitted with the NeuroCore Nexus implants. I only hoped that I would be able to get the standard military one.

    "Ready?" Jax asked, his voice cutting through my thoughts.

    I nodded, ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with.¡±

 Chapter 7 - Custom-designed

    Jax stepped through the door first, Zara shooting me a confused glance as I hung back. He returned a few moments later, a subtle nod from him confirming it was safe. I followed him into the waiting room, a luxurious space that mirrored the opulence of the foyer we had just passed through, though the presence of armed security and staff here made the atmosphere feel heavier.

    I straightened my posture, feeling their eyes on me, and walked toward the sleek seating arrangement near the centre of the room. The doctor¡ªwho could have easily passed for a model in one of those pristine medtech ads¡ªstood waiting for me by the holo-table. Her platinum hair was twisted up in an intricate style, and her gaze was sharp and calculating like she could read everything in my file just by looking at me.

    "Baron Draven," she said smoothly, extending a hand, "I''m Doctor Veshra. It''s an honour to meet you."

    I gave her a short nod, not bothering with pleasantries, as I shook her hand. "Let''s just get this over with."

    She didn¡¯t seem fazed by my tone. Most likely due to her having a medical Nexus installed. "Of course. We¡¯ve received updated requirements from the emperor¡¯s office regarding your NeuroCore Nexus. Given your new position, your previous request for the standard military model has been... superseded."

    Her words hung in the air for a moment, and I felt my stomach twist. All the training and the years I¡¯d put in to ensure I¡¯d qualify for that model are gone in an instant. My expression must have shown more than I intended because Veshra¡¯s gaze softened.

    "It¡¯s not what I wanted," I muttered, clenching my jaw. "I¡¯ve trained for this, earned it. And now I¡¯m supposed to just... accept whatever they think suits a baron?"

    She gave a sympathetic smile, though it felt more like she was placating me. "I understand the frustration, but this isn¡¯t a downgrade. Your options are far more advanced than the standard issue."

    She tapped the holo-table, and a series of projections sprang to life, showing various Nexus models, each one with a list of capabilities, enhancements, and features. "These," she gestured, "are the governing-class Nexuses available to you."

    I scanned the floating displays. Each Nexus seemed custom-designed for nobility¡ªenhanced cognitive processing, political strategy modules, and negotiation matrices. None of it was what I wanted. I crossed my arms, frowning as I flipped through them.

    ¡°Is there any chance I can still get the military model?¡± My voice sounded strained, even to my own ears. I already knew the answer. I just needed to hear it...

    Veshra''s gaze dropped slightly, her voice softening. "I¡¯m afraid not. But..." she paused, her fingers hovering over the interface before pulling up another projection. "We can create a custom Nexus for you based on the features you select from the available models. You¡¯ll have full control over the design."

    I let out a frustrated sigh, but the idea of customizing it caught my interest. "You¡¯re saying I can pick and match? Take pieces from these and get something close to the military one?"

    Her lips curled slightly into a knowing smile. "Yes. You¡¯ll still have to comply with the nobility restrictions, but there¡¯s flexibility. You¡¯ll retain most of the combat functionality while integrating the required administrative modules."

    I stared at the models again. It wasn¡¯t exactly what I wanted, but it was something I could work with. Maybe. "Alright," I said, finally. "Let¡¯s see what we can put together."

    Veshra nodded, tapping more commands into the holo-table, her long fingers lingering for a moment. The screen illuminated with rows of options, each one representing a different Nexus configuration, tailored for the elite.

    ¡°These are the primary options approved by the Emperor¡¯s staff for planetary governance,¡± she said, her voice clinical but with an underlying softness. "Each model offers a distinct blend of enhancements¡ªstrength, intellect, sensory augmentation¡ªeverything needed to rule efficiently."

    I scanned through them, my eyes flicking from one specification to the next. Most of it was designed for nobles who wanted to spend more time on luxury than leadership. One focused on communication and diplomacy upgrades, another on longevity and resilience. But I wasn¡¯t interested in hosting endless banquets or sitting on a throne until I was two hundred years old. I needed power, the kind you could feel in your bones.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start with this one.¡± I tapped on the ¡®Strength and Agility Enhancer¡¯. It promised a 30% increase in muscle density and heightened reflexes. I needed speed and power, the kind that would help me if, or rather when, Drakara became a war zone.

    The doctor glanced at my selection and nodded, her lips pressing into a thin line of approval. ¡°The ¡®Strength and Agility Enhancer¡¯ is a popular choice among governors who expect more¡­ direct challenges to their authority.¡±

    I didn¡¯t need her to tell me that.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take the ¡®Cognitive Boost¡¯ too,¡± I added, selecting the upgrade. It claimed to enhance processing speed and memory retention by 20%, which would help when dealing with political plots and logistical nightmares.

    The doctor smiled, though it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Good. Increased neural capacity will aid in making critical decisions under pressure, especially during planetary crises.¡±

    I wasn¡¯t done. I scrolled further down the list and added the ¡®Executive Function Enhancer¡¯. It offered boosts in reasoning, strategy formulation, and problem-solving. Ruling wasn¡¯t just about muscle, after all.

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    ¡°What about this one?¡± I asked, selecting the ¡®Diplomatic Aptitude Enhancer¡¯. It improved emotional regulation and persuasive communication. I didn¡¯t need the charm of a diplomat, but something that kept me calm and controlled during high-stakes negotiations could be useful.

    ¡°An excellent choice, especially for someone in your position,¡± the doctor said. ¡°Governors are expected to manage their people and emotions with poise.¡±

    I looked at the list again, eyeing a few other upgrades¡ªthere were options for sensory enhancements, long-range visual acuity, and even upgrades that aided in environmental adaptation. But I needed to stick to the essentials. Drakara wasn¡¯t a place for indulgence.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s it,¡± I said, leaning back. I wasn¡¯t exactly thrilled to be here. I still would have preferred the standard military Nexus, but at least this setup would give me what I needed.

    The doctor gave an approving nod. ¡°A well-rounded selection. We¡¯ll be able to fuse those elements into a single custom Nexus for you. You¡¯ll retain all the base abilities of planetary governance, but your enhancements will ensure you maintain both physical and mental superiority.¡±

    I exhaled. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Follow me.¡± The doctor stood, smoothing out her pristine white coat, and led the way through a side door. I glanced back at Zara and Jax. Zara gave me a quick, lopsided grin. Jax folded his arms, his expression unreadable.

    ¡°You two can wait in the adjacent room,¡± the doctor said as we passed through the hallway. ¡°This procedure requires some time, but you¡¯ll be notified once it¡¯s completed.¡±

    Zara shrugged. ¡°No rush, mate. Just don¡¯t come out with any extra arms or anything.¡±

    ¡°Not planning on it,¡± I muttered, following the doctor into the sterile white room off to the side.

    ***

    Zara plonked into the seat beside where Jax had sat down. ¡°How long does this normally take?¡± she asked, glancing toward the door Alex had just disappeared through.

    Jax leaned back, arms crossed. "Depends. Some of these upgrades are quick. Others..." He tilted his head, eyeing her. "It can take hours. How long it takes isn¡¯t the worst part. He has to be completely awake whilst they do this."

    Zara shifted in her seat, her fingers drumming against the armrest. ¡°Hours? Seriously? And all while he¡¯s wide awake?¡±

    Jax nodded. ¡°It''s a different kind of pain, I¡¯m told. Takes a different kind of pain tolerance. The Nexus fuses with the nervous system. Everything in him will fight it at first.¡±

    She frowned, her eyes darting to the closed door. "And I suppose you''ve seen it done before?"

    "Yes. Too many times," Jax replied, his tone calm but weighted. "It¡¯s brutal, but Alex is tough. He can handle it."

    Zara sighed, then leaned forward, clasping her hands. ¡°So, what exactly does being his personal pilot mean? Like, what am I supposed to do? Just shuttle him from planet to planet?¡±

    Jax shook his head as he chuckled. "You¡¯re not just shuttling him. You¡¯ll be his right hand in warzones, tight extractions, keeping him alive when things go south. You need to anticipate his moves, read him better than anyone.¡±

    ¡°No pressure, then," Zara muttered. ¡°Sounds like more than just flying. I''m only a pilot. Not even a very good one at that.¡±

    ¡°Alex wouldn¡¯t have chosen you if he didn¡¯t think you could do it,¡± Jax reassured her. ¡°He¡¯s got a good eye for people, even if he doesn¡¯t show it.¡±

    Before Zara could respond, a sudden, gut-wrenching scream pierced the air, echoing from the direction Alex had gone. Zara shot up, her heart racing. ¡°What the hell was that?!¡±

    Jax was on his feet in an instant, but his hand landed firmly on Zara¡¯s shoulder, pushing her back down. ¡°It¡¯s part of the process.¡±

    ¡°Part of the¡­ Are you hearing him?!¡± She tried to shrug off his grip, but Jax held firm. Zara¡¯s stomach twisted at the sound of his screams, her body instinctively leaning forward like she could somehow help.

    ¡°I know it sounds bad," he said, his voice steady, "but this is how it works. The Nexus has to merge with him while he¡¯s awake. It¡¯s... invasive.¡±

    Zara¡¯s breath hitched as another agonized scream cut through the air, but she forced herself to stay seated. ¡°How can they make someone go through this?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no other way," Jax replied, his gaze fixed on the door. "The Nexus has to bond with every nerve, every muscle, and it won¡¯t work if he¡¯s sedated. This is the price for what he¡¯s getting. Alex knew the risks. He has been training for this day. It has always been his dream to go to the academy.¡±

    Zara clenched her fists, staring hard at the floor. "I mean, I haven¡¯t known him that long, but... bloody hell. No one deserves this. Not Alex. Not anyone."

    Jax sighed. ¡°Maybe. But he¡¯ll need it if he¡¯s gonna survive whatever¡¯s coming for him.¡±

    Zara stayed quiet, her chest tight as Alex¡¯s muffled screams cut through the silence again. They twisted her insides like a knife, and her usual impulse to crack a joke to lighten the tension felt wrong. Useless. What was she supposed to say? ¡®Hey, chin up, mate. Only a few more hours of torture to go!¡¯ Yeah, no.

    She bit her lip, her fingers fidgeting against the armrest. What the hell was she doing here? She wasn¡¯t built for this kind of thing. A pilot¡ªsure. A bit of banter¡ªeasy. But this? This was something else. It wasn¡¯t just about flying Alex around like some glorified taxi driver. She was supposed to be his backup, his lifeline when things went sideways.

    But¡­ why her? What did Alex see in her that she didn¡¯t?

    ¡®What if I screw this up? What if I can¡¯t keep him safe?¡¯

    The thought hit her like a punch to the gut, guilt creeping in fast. Zara had spent most of her life avoiding situations like this. Messy, life-or-death, serious stuff. She wasn¡¯t exactly leadership material. Hell, she wasn¡¯t even a great pilot. Decent, sure, but not great. And now she was supposed to be the one keeping Alex alive?

    Another scream tore through the air, and she flinched. Her heartbeat picked up, thudding in her chest as she forced herself to stay seated, knuckles white from gripping the chair.

    "How can they make someone go through this?" she muttered, voice quieter than usual. Her usual spark was dulled by the sheer wrongness of it all.

    Jax didn¡¯t look at her, his eyes fixed on the door. "It¡¯s just how it¡¯s done. The Nexus has to merge with every nerve and every muscle. This is the price for what he¡¯s getting."

    The price. Yeah, she got that. But still, the weight of it all sat heavily on her chest. This wasn¡¯t what Alex had signed up for. She didn¡¯t care if he knew the risks; hearing him scream like that wasn¡¯t something anyone could prepare for.

    Her mind was in turmoil. ¡®And if I fail him?¡¯

    The doubt clawed at her, but then Jax¡¯s words echoed in the back of her mind. "Alex wouldn¡¯t have chosen you if he didn¡¯t think you could do it."

    Zara sighed, a small smirk pulling at her lips despite the weight she felt. Alex. Silent, brooding, all about business¡ªhad actually put his faith in her? The girl who usually preferred to keep things light and stay out of serious stuff unless she had to? The thought was almost funny.

    ¡®He trusts me... so maybe I should start trusting myself too.¡¯ she mused before letting out a slow breath, unclenching her fists.

    The truth was, she wasn¡¯t sure she could handle this. But Alex believed she could, and for now, that had to be enough. She¡¯d be there for him. Even if it meant putting aside her usual bravado, she wasn¡¯t going to let him down. Not when it mattered most.

    She shot a quick glance at the closed door, biting her lip. ¡®Just hang in there, Alex. I¡¯ve got your back.¡¯

    Zara leaned back, folding her arms tight across her chest. She wasn¡¯t used to waiting¡ªhell, she wasn¡¯t used to feeling this. But if Alex could handle the pain, she could handle her fear.

    She just hoped that he¡¯d still be the Alex she knew when he came out of that room. Because, like it or not, they were in this together now.

 Chapter 8 - To hear me scream

    I groaned as something beeped overhead. My whole body felt like it was on fire, every muscle aching like I''d just gone ten rounds with a heavy mech. Slowly, I opened my eyes. The light above was blinding, sharp, piercing through the haze still gripping my mind. My throat felt dry as sand, and I shifted, groaning again as the pain pulsed through me.

    "Welcome back," a smooth voice cut through the fog. I blinked, focusing on the figure standing beside the bed. Dr. Veshra, still looking pristine, her expression unreadable.

    I tried to push myself up, but my arm jerked awkwardly, swinging up and¡­ Smack. My palm collided with my face, hard. "Shit!" I gasped, the sting surprising me more than the pain.

    Dr Veshra was at my side in an instant, her hands hovering near my face like she was worried I''d knock myself out. "Easy," she said, her tone clipped. "Your motor functions are still adjusting to the Nexus integration. Reflexes will be... unpredictable for the next few hours."

    I glared at her, lowering my arm slowly this time. "Unpredictable?" I growled. "A little heads up would¡¯ve been nice."

    She raised a brow, completely unfazed. "I was about to give you one."

    "Yeah, well, too late." I swung my legs over the side of the bed, wincing as another wave of pain shot through me. My whole body felt heavy, like it wasn''t quite mine anymore. I flexed my fingers, watching them tremble as they responded. Everything felt... off.

    "I¡¯m administering suppressants now," she said, pressing something cold against my neck. There was a soft hiss, and the fire in my muscles immediately dulled, the tension easing. "The pain will subside within minutes. The muscle spasms, too. But you''ll need to take it easy for at least 48 hours. No sudden movements or strenuous activity."

    I glanced over at her, frowning. "How long was I out?"

    "Four hours."

    Four hours. It felt like longer. Like I''d been gone for days. My head still buzzed with static, and my limbs tingled from the aftereffects of the Nexus integration. I reached up, touching my temple, half-expecting to feel wires or something foreign beneath my skin. But there was nothing..

    "You¡¯ll need to undergo regular monitoring over the next few days to ensure the Nexus is settling properly," Veshra continued, crossing her arms. "This isn''t like a military-grade model. The administrative protocols integrated into your Nexus will take longer to stabilize."

    I clenched my jaw. "I didn¡¯t want this version," I muttered.

    She met my eyes, unflinching. "You didn¡¯t have a choice, Baron Draven."

    I winched at the name. Before I could respond, the door slid open, and Jax stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room before locking onto me. "You¡¯re awake," he said, relief flickering across his normally impassive face. "Good. We need to move."

    "Move?" I echoed, my voice rough. "What¡¯s the rush?"

    ¡°I would advise against that,¡± Veshra said as she stepped forward. ¡°We would normally run a series of tests. Baron Draven needs longer to fully adjust.¡±

    Jax ignored the Doctor as he continued to look at me. "You¡¯ve been summoned." His tone was flat, but there was an edge to it. I knew that edge. He was not happy about the demand, but he would follow it out anyway. "Your family expects you at the estate. Immediately."

    I groaned, running a hand through my hair. Of course, they did. The Nexus wasn''t even fully integrated, and they were already pulling me back into their world. No chance to breathe. No time to figure out how this... thing inside me worked.

    I stood up, the pain more bearable now but still present, a dull throb in the back of my mind. The suppressants were kicking in, but the strain from the procedure hadn¡¯t left me entirely.

    Veshra stepped in front of me. Her face betrayed her feelings just for the slightest second before the calm, neutral expression returned. ¡°Please do not push yourself. Or you will be back here. Next time, though. The pain, it will be much worse.¡±

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    I nodded at the Veshra.

    "Get dressed," Jax said, stepping aside as I reached for the black uniform folded on the nearby chair. "You know your father doesn''t like to be kept waiting."

    "No kidding," I muttered under my breath, wincing as I tugged the shirt over my head. Every movement felt stiff, as if my body was still trying to remember how to work. But I pushed through it, biting back the pain.

    As I finished dressing, Jax was already waiting by the door, his arms folded across his chest. "Ready?" he asked, his tone a little softer this time.

    I nodded, pulling my jacket tight. "Let¡¯s get this over with."

    Zara rushed forward, her arms wrapping around me before I could react. I grunted, biting back a curse as pain radiated from where her grip tightened. Her hair brushed my face, smelling faintly of something sweet and familiar. I glanced over at Jax, but he just shook his head.

    I sighed. ¡°Zara. Not so hard, please. I¡¯m still hurting.¡±

    Zara jumped back like she had been zapped. ¡°Oh my. I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t think. I just¡­ I¡­¡± She stammered out, Looking at the floor as she twisted her hands back and forth. ¡°I just couldn''t stand hearing you scream like that.¡±

    I looked at her for a long time before I started to speak. ¡°You... you heard me?" My voice cracked, the words catching in my throat. I never wanted anyone to hear me scream, not again. Jax had told me a few times that I still screamed in my sleep, but this? This was different. Zara hearing me... it felt like a fracture in the walls I¡¯d spent years building.

    ***

    As we stepped out of the sterile confines of the medical hub, the transition hit me like a punch to the gut. My head swam, the cool air brushing against my skin, doing little to shake the lingering ache in my body. The foyer ahead was bustling, a maze of people moving in every direction, but as soon as Jax stepped forward, the crowd began to part. Whispers followed us like shadows.

    I caught snippets. Murmurs of ¡°It¡¯s a Draven,¡± ¡°the Nexus,¡± and ¡°Rotten nobles.¡± It didn¡¯t help that my legs felt like jelly, every step a reminder that my body was still adjusting, fighting to keep up with the flood of new sensations the Nexus had unleashed inside me.

    Zara, walking close by, nudged my side playfully. ¡°You¡¯re like a celebrity,¡± she teased, her voice light in contrast to the tension knotting my chest. ¡°Enjoying the attention?¡±

    I shot her a look, half a smirk pulling at the corner of my mouth. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s exactly what I wanted, you know. Public humiliation thanks to the family name.¡±

    She grinned, unfazed. ¡°Think of it this way. At least you haven¡¯t done anything worthy of the attention. Like¡­ Hmm¡­ Oh, like urinating on yourself in public¡±

    I winced. ¡°Thanks... That was oddly specific.¡±

    Zara looked away as I stared at her. I shook my head and tried to keep up with Jax.

    Jax, as always, led the way through the crowd with an almost unnerving calm. His eyes stayed fixed ahead, scanning the perimeter like he was expecting trouble. The onlookers watched us, their hushed voices growing louder the further we walked. I hated it. The stares, the whispers. I could feel them like a physical weight, dragging me down, every step harder than the last.

    By the time we made it outside, I was practically gasping for air. The bright sunlight hit me like a wall, and I squinted against it, pulling my jacket tighter around me. My head pounded, the strain of trying to keep myself together gnawing at the edges of my sanity.

    ¡°Jax,¡± I said through gritted teeth, ¡°tell me we¡¯re not walking all the way.¡±

    He didn¡¯t respond right away, but then I saw it. The sleek and black hovercraft hovering just off the ground at the platform''s edge. Jax gave me a cheeky wink. ¡°Private transport. We¡¯ll be at the landing pad in a few minutes.¡±

    Zara let out a low whistle. ¡°Nice ride, Jax. You always travel in style?¡±

    ¡°Function over form,¡± he replied without missing a beat. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s move.¡±

    We climbed into the hovercraft, and as it lifted off, the hum of the engines was oddly soothing. The cityscape of the capital blurred past, and I sank back into the seat, trying to breathe through the aches that lingered in my muscles. The suppressants were working, but barely. It was like a dull roar in the background, always there, always reminding me that I wasn¡¯t whole. Not yet.

    Zara was practically bouncing in her seat, her excitement infectious as we neared the landing pad. Her eyes sparkled when the hovercraft touched down, and I knew why even before I saw it. Her ship, the Razorwing. The same rust bucket that had carried us here. Stood waiting.

    She jumped out of the hovercraft as soon as the doors opened, her face lighting up like a kid seeing their favourite toy after months apart. ¡°There she is!¡± she cried, running a hand over the patched-up hull like it was the most precious thing in the universe.

    I could only shake my head. ¡°You¡¯re still excited about that thing?¡±

    Zara shot me a playful glare, one hand on her hip. ¡°Don¡¯t insult my baby, Alex. She may not look like much, but she¡¯s all I have.¡±

    Jax raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t comment, waiting patiently as I dragged myself out of the hovercraft. The sight of Zara¡¯s ship. Patched and worn as it was, it brought a strange sense of familiarity.

    Zara practically skipped ahead, her giggles filling the air as she threw open the hatch and disappeared inside. ¡°Come on, you two! You¡¯ll see. We¡¯ll be back in no time!¡±

    I sighed, following her. The weight of everything still hung heavy on my shoulders, but as Zara¡¯s laughter echoed through the ship for a moment, I let myself forget.

    Just for a moment.

 Chapter 9 - Another piece in the puzzle

    The flight back was thankfully a lot calmer than the chaotic trip to the capital. The Razorwing hummed smoothly under Zara¡¯s care, though I still had doubts about its durability. The patched-up rust bucket didn¡¯t exactly inspire confidence, but here we were. Alive and intact, which was more than I could have hoped for.

    I leaned back in my seat, eyes half-closed, trying to push past the constant ache in my muscles. The suppressants dulled the worst of the pain, but the Nexus integration was like a slow burn at the back of my mind, an itch I couldn¡¯t scratch and couldn¡¯t ignore, and sometimes, it felt like that itch was tugging at my thoughts, pulling them just out of reach. Somehow they had failed to mention this part of the procedure in all the documents about the damned thing.

    Zara, of course, was practically bouncing in her seat, the controls of the Razorwing moving under her nimble fingers like extensions of herself. She didn¡¯t need to say it, but I could tell she was thrilled to be flying her ship again.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be landing in just a few minutes,¡± she chirped, not bothering to turn around.

    ¡°Great,¡± I muttered, rubbing my temples. The idea of facing my father while my head felt like it was being slowly crushed by a vice wasn¡¯t exactly appealing.

    As we approached the estate, the familiar sight of the Draven family grounds spread out below us, pristine and sprawling. The gleaming towers of the main estate stood out against the lush greenery that surrounded it, every blade of grass perfectly manicured, and every building held a cold elegance that my family prided itself on. Even after all these years, the sight of it still felt suffocating. The weight of responsibility and expectation hung over this place like a storm cloud that never lifted.

    The Razorwing touched down softly on the private landing pad, The poor ship was a sharp contrast to the sleek and brand new ships that sat on the other pads.  Zara cut the engines, a satisfied smile playing on her lips as she unbuckled herself.

    ¡°Right,¡± I said, forcing myself to stand despite the dull throb in my limbs. ¡°Zara, go find the maintenance crews. They¡¯ll help you with any repairs the Razorwing needs.¡±

    Her eyes lit up. ¡°Seriously? They¡¯re gonna help fix her up?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll do more than help,¡± I said, glancing over at Jax. ¡°Make sure she has everything she needs.¡±

    Jax nodded, his expression unreadable as usual. ¡°Consider it done.¡±

    I swear that some days, Jax was more robotic than the previous. The man never seemed to relax much anymore. I turned back to Zara, meeting her gaze. ¡°And Zara... pack everything. I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be staying here much longer if I¡¯m right about what¡¯s coming.¡±

    She raised an eyebrow but, for once, didn¡¯t ask questions. Instead, she nodded, a rare seriousness settling over her face. ¡°Got it.¡±

    As she moved toward the open hatch, already buzzing with ideas about upgrades and repairs, I caught Jax¡¯s eye again. ¡°Give her whatever help she needs. I want this ship better equipped than a battlecruiser. I don¡¯t want any delays when we leave.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the FTL class on your ship, Zara?¡±

    She hesitated. ¡°Uh... Class 5. Why?¡±

    I turned to Jax, ignoring her. ¡°Upgrade it to a Class 2 or 3. Whatever it takes.¡±

    I heard Zara suck in a breath as Jax nodded his head. ¡°Understood,¡± he said, his tone flat, but there was a faint flicker of something in his eyes. Concern, maybe. Or wariness. I couldn¡¯t tell.

    Just as I was about to step out of the ship, Jax spoke again, his voice lower this time. ¡°One more thing. Seraphina Valtor has requested your presence in the garden... after you meet with your father.¡±

    I froze, my grip tightening on the doorway. Seraphina. I hadn¡¯t seen her in what felt like a lifetime. She was one of the Emperor¡¯s surprises. Our engagement had been arranged before I could even think of a way out of it.

    Yet another part of the grand plan that I had no idea about. Seraphina¡­ she made me uneasy. She was another reminder of how little control I had over my own life.

    ¡°Of course she has,¡± I muttered under my breath, forcing my expression to remain neutral. ¡°Thanks, Jax.¡±

    I nodded, stepping off the Razorwing and onto the landing pad. I could hear Zara behind me saying something to Jax. I chuckled. I knew that she had no idea what to make of me. But I still needed her ship ready if I needed it for a quick getaway. I only hoped that the rust bucket would survive a space run.

    The estate loomed ahead, an immovable monument to the Drave house¡¯s need for control and duty. With each step forward, the weight of years under my father¡¯s watch settled in my chest, a familiar ache I¡¯d never quite shaken.

    I could already feel the tension building in my shoulders, the memories of every argument, every expectation, every moment I¡¯d failed to live up to my father¡¯s impossibly high standards. And now, with this Nexus integration, I could only imagine how much worse the scrutiny would be.

    As I walked through the grand entrance, the polished marble floors gleaming beneath my boots, I couldn¡¯t shake the sense of dread building in my chest. The estate was silent, the kind of silence that only existed in places where control was absolute.

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    I walked down corridor after corridor before my father¡¯s study doors finally loomed ahead, heavy and ornate. I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before pushing them open. The room was just as I remembered. Dark, cold, and meticulously organized. Every book, every piece of furniture, every detail was perfectly placed, just like the man who ruled over it.

    And there, behind the massive desk, was my adoptive father.

    Duke Marcus Draven.

    He looked up as I entered, his cold, icy blue eyes, didn¡¯t even see me as a person. To him, I was just another piece in the puzzle he¡¯d been building for years. A necessary cog. His presence filled the room, even without him saying a word. The silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity before he finally spoke.

    ¡°You¡¯re late.¡±

    I clenched my jaw. Of course, I was. I would still have been late even if I had known about this meeting hours ago.

    ¡°I had a procedure,¡± I said, my voice steady despite the tension building in my chest. ¡°The Nexus.¡±

    He waved a hand dismissively like it was of no consequence. ¡°You had years to prepare for that. You should have been better prepared.¡±

    My jaw clenched. I had a dozen responses ready, but I kept my mouth shut. It wouldn¡¯t matter. In my father¡¯s eyes, weakness. Real or imagined. Was the ultimate failure. My father wasn¡¯t interested in excuses, and he sure as hell wasn¡¯t interested in my pain.

    ¡°I trust you are ready,¡± he said, his tone cold and calculating. ¡°The Emperor¡¯s demands will not be lenient. And the Draven name cannot afford any weakness.¡±

    I met his gaze, refusing to back down. ¡°I¡¯m ready. Even if this wasn¡¯t what I planned for¡­¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about your plans. You will carry your new role as Baron with Honor.¡± He snapped, cutting me off.

    My adoptive father leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning me like he was assessing a piece of machinery. ¡°The military academy would never have suited you. Cedric made that clear,¡± he said quietly. ¡°The Emperor wanted me to arrange a suitable ruler for Drakara. Your coming of age came at the perfect time. But let me remind you. If you fail... you won¡¯t just lose your place in this family. You¡¯ll lose your life.¡±

    The words hung in the air, heavy and final.

    I nodded once, forcing the tension in my body to stay hidden. There was nothing more to say. Nothing that would change the unspoken threat hanging between us.

    ¡°Fine. Go,¡± he said, turning his attention back to the reports on his desk. ¡°Seraphina is waiting for you. Do not stuff that arrangement up.¡±

    Without another word, I turned on my heel and left the room, fighting the urge to scream and shout at him. I hated that man so much that it was making my head worse.

    ***

    The heavy doors to Duke Draven''s study had barely clicked shut behind Alex before they were flung open again. Cedric stormed in, his boots striking hard against the polished marble floor, his face flushed with barely contained fury. The Duke didn''t look up from the report in his hands, his demeanour as cold and unreadable as ever.

    ¡°You¡¯ve given it to him?¡± Cedric¡¯s voice was sharp, laced with anger. ¡°You¡¯ve allowed him to rule. Alex? The title, the planet. Everything?¡±

    The Duke calmly set down the report, finally raising his icy gaze to meet Cedric¡¯s. ¡°Close the door.¡±

    Cedric hesitated, his chest rising and falling in sharp breaths. He kicked the door shut behind him but remained standing, glaring at his father as if daring him to explain.

    ¡°You think he¡¯s ready for this?¡± Cedric spat, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. ¡°Alex? With no leadership experience, no sense of duty to this family, and you¡¯re handing him one of the most valuable planets the Empire currently has?¡±

    Duke Draven¡¯s expression remained neutral, his fingers drumming slowly on the desk. ¡°Watch your tone, Cedric. You may be my son, but I will not tolerate this kind of insubordination in my office.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s jaw clenched, but he remained silent, though the fire in his eyes didn¡¯t diminish. The Duke stood slowly, pacing to the window that overlooked the estate grounds.

    ¡°You¡¯re angry,¡± Duke Draven continued, his voice quiet but unyielding. ¡°But your anger clouds your judgment.¡±

    ¡°My judgment?¡± Cedric scoffed, his voice rising. ¡°It¡¯s my judgment that kept this family¡¯s influence intact while he,¡± he jabbed a finger toward the door Alex had just left through, ¡°has been off playing pretend soldier, ignoring his responsibilities.¡±

    ¡°And now,¡± Duke Draven said, turning back to face his son, ¡°Alex has accepted his responsibility. He will be the Baron of Drakara, and that will be the end of this.¡±

    Cedric laughed bitterly. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. That planet is on the edge of collapse. The people are restless, and half the military factions planet side are loyal to no one. Civil war is inevitable, Father. And you¡¯re going to throw Alex into that chaos? He¡¯ll fail. And when he does. It will bring down that failure on our name.¡±

    For a brief moment, the Duke¡¯s eyes darkened. He stepped toward Cedric, his voice dropping to a tone that sent a chill through the room.

    ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know the state of Drakara?¡± Duke Draven¡¯s words were cold, each one measured. ¡°The Kragthar are only one system away, their fleets preparing for an assault that could begin at any moment. The planet¡¯s defences are stretched thin, and you¡¯re right. Civil unrest is at its breaking point.¡±

    Cedric stared at his father, taken aback by the sudden shift. ¡°Then why? Why put Alex in charge? You know he can¡¯t handle this.¡±

    Duke Draven¡¯s gaze sharpened, locking onto Cedric with a piercing intensity. ¡°Because Alex is exactly who the Emperor wants in that position. This is no longer a matter of what we want, Cedric. The Emperor¡¯s plans are in motion, and Alex is a crucial part of those plans.¡±

    Cedric took a step forward, frustration boiling over. ¡°And what about me? After everything I¡¯ve done. Keeping our alliances intact, holding the family¡¯s name above the Emperor¡¯s whims. What do I get for it? Nothing?¡±

    The Duke¡¯s expression softened slightly, though the hard edge of his voice remained. ¡°This is not about fairness or rewards. It¡¯s about survival, Cedric. Our family¡¯s survival.¡±

    Cedric''s eyes flashed with indignation. ¡°You think Alex will keep this family safe? He barely understands what¡¯s happening around him, let alone how to navigate the politics of a planet on the verge of civil war! When Drakara falls, what then?¡± Cedric asked, his tone bitter

    ¡°You will take the steps needed if he fails,¡± Duke Draven said, stepping closer, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°You will arrange whatever is needed for when that eventuality happens.¡±

    Duke Draven turned back toward his desk, the conversation clearly over in his mind. ¡°If Alex fails¡­ we¡¯ll deal with it. And when that time comes, I trust you¡¯ll know exactly what to do. After all, the Emperor won¡¯t tolerate failure in the Draven''s name. Neither will I. But know this, Cedric. Whether you like it or not, this is the Emperor¡¯s will. You will do your duty, as will Alex. Or we will all burn.¡±

    Cedric stood there for a moment, breathing hard, his mind racing with frustration, anger, and helplessness. His father had decided, and there was no changing his mind now.

    Without another word, Cedric stormed out, fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white. He was done watching from the sidelines. If Alex stumbled. Even once. He would be ready to do what should have been done from the beginning.

    Duke Draven stood in silence, staring out the window as the tension in the room settled. His face remained impassive, but in the silence, there was a flicker of something¡ªa calculation, a doubt, or perhaps something darker.

 Chapter 10 - Something about him

    I found Seraphina in the garden, standing amidst the vibrant blooms and sunlight filtering through the leaves, a stark contrast to the tension clinging to the air. Elara stood a short distance away, arms crossed, eyes sharp as ever, and projecting her usual air of unspoken hostility. She didn¡¯t bother hiding her glare as I approached; for once, I didn¡¯t blame her.

    Seraphina, however, greeted me with a faint smile, though I caught a flicker of something more guarded in her gaze.

    "Baron Alexander," she said, a formality that felt heavy on her lips.

    "Lady Seraphina," I replied, offering a strained smile. My head throbbed in time with my heartbeat. The Nexus integration was wreaking havoc on my senses. Each step now felt like a battle to stay upright.

    Her eyes narrowed slightly at the way I addressed her. "It¡¯s Sera," she corrected, her voice sharp, betraying her irritation. "If we are to be partners in this¡­ arrangement, then you can at least call me by my name."

    Caught off guard, I blinked. "Sera," I corrected myself, the name feeling almost intimate, strange on my tongue, but for some reason, it also felt oddly right.

    Elara made a disapproving noise from the sidelines, stepping forward, but Seraphina held up a hand before she could speak. ¡°Elara, please,¡± she said with a tired edge in her voice. ¡°Let me handle this. I get that you want to protect me all the time. But I need you to trust that I can make my own decisions.¡±

    Elara''s mouth tightened, but she stepped back, crossing her arms and glaring at me as if I had personally offended her entire lineage.

    It was clear she wasn¡¯t going to make this easy, not that I had expected otherwise, but I had never known a personal assistant to be so confrontational. Maybe it was because she shared the same name as my mother¡­ maybe all people with Elara as the name were difficult. It was my best guess, anyway.

    Seraphina¡¯s gaze softened as she turned her attention back to me. She noticed the way I grimaced, the way my hand instinctively went to my temple to rub away the ever-present pain. ¡°You¡¯re not well,¡± she said softly, stepping closer, concern flickering in her eyes. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be up. The procedure¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I cut her off, though the words came out more laboured than I¡¯d intended. ¡°Just... adjusting.¡±

    My vision blurred for a moment, the garden spinning before snapping back into focus as I blinked rapidly. The edges of my world were hazy as if I were seeing it all through heat waves.

    She didn¡¯t buy it for a second. ¡°You¡¯re pushing yourself too hard.¡± Seraphina¡¯s hand brushed my arm, and everything settled again, the sound of her voice grounding me in the moment. There was something in her voice. Her touch. Gentle yet grounding. It made it difficult to keep pretending. ¡°Sit. Please.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, she guided me to a bench beneath one of the large, ancient trees that shaded the garden. The cool stone felt like a relief against the heat building inside me, and I sank into it with a heavy sigh. Sera sat beside me, her eyes scanning my face, clearly assessing my state.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how you can keep going like this,¡± she said, her voice softer now. ¡°You¡¯re in pain.¡±

    ¡°Pain¡¯s part of the job,¡± I said, trying to sound nonchalant, though the pounding in my head begged to differ.

    She shook her head, a frustrated sigh escaping her lips. ¡°You don¡¯t always have to be strong, Alex. Not with me. I promise you can always turn to me.¡±

    Her words struck a chord I hadn¡¯t expected. I had been carrying the weight of duty for so long that letting someone else in. Letting her in felt foreign and uncomfortable. But as I looked at her, I saw something I hadn¡¯t seen before. She wasn¡¯t just doing this out of obligation. There was something deeper, a willingness to share this burden.

    Sera hesitated for a moment as if weighing her next words carefully. ¡°I know this wasn¡¯t what you wanted,¡± she began slowly. ¡°And it wasn¡¯t what I wanted either. But I¡¯m... I¡¯m glad it was you.¡±

    I blinked, and my heart skipped a beat. ¡°Glad?¡± What was she trying to say? I couldn''t focus on anything because of the pounding my headache gave me. Intimacy always made me feel uncomfortable. It was much easier to keep everyone at arm¡¯s length. Less painful in the long run.

    Sera¡¯s gaze dropped to the ground, her fingers nervously tracing the lines of her dress. ¡°When my parents told me I was to be married into the Draven family, I thought...¡± She trailed off, swallowing hard as if the words were too difficult to form. ¡°I thought it would be Cedric. And I was terrified.¡±

    At the mention of Cedric, her hands trembled slightly, and I didn¡¯t need her to say more to understand the fear behind those words. I forced myself to stay still. It wouldn¡¯t do Sera any good to see me rage simply because of a name. Even if it was him. Cedric Draven was notorious. A name that evoked dread for anyone who knew of his cruel tendencies. The idea that she had thought she would be bound to him... It made my stomach twist. He would never have treated her right.

    ¡°But then they told me it was you,¡± she continued, her voice soft but steady. ¡°And I felt... relief. Conflicted, but relieved.¡±

    ¡°Relieved?¡± I asked doubt in my voice. ¡°I¡¯m not exactly anyone¡¯s idea of a perfect match.¡±

    She smiled faintly, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. ¡°Maybe not. But you¡¯re not him. You seem to be someone much better. More real. More understanding.¡±

    There was a weight behind those words, a silent gratitude that left me momentarily speechless. I hadn¡¯t thought about what this marriage meant for her, the kind of terror she might have felt before she learned my name instead of Cedric¡¯s. It was a reminder of the burdens we both carried, different but heavy all the same.

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    Sera took a deep breath, steadying herself before continuing. ¡°I¡¯m trying to do what¡¯s right, Alex. What my parents asked of me. I¡¯ve been raised to believe in duty, in family, in doing what¡¯s necessary even if it means sacrificing personal happiness.¡± Her voice faltered for a moment, then grew stronger. ¡°But with you... Maybe¡­ Maybe it doesn¡¯t have to be just duty.¡±

    Something in her words struck deep, and for a moment, I wasn¡¯t sure how to respond. This woman, who had been thrust into a future she hadn¡¯t chosen, was standing here telling me she was willing to try. Willing to make this work not just for the sake of duty but for us.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for this either,¡± I admitted, the truth spilling out before I could stop it. I always struggled to open up. But for some reason, Sera was just easier to talk to. ¡°But you, Sera... you make it easier.¡±

    Her eyes softened, and for a brief moment, the weight of everything: our families, the future, the looming responsibilities. It all faded, leaving just the two of us in the garden, sitting side by side, connected by something more than just an arrangement.

    Elara, of course, chose that moment to step forward, her protective instincts kicking back in. ¡°Lady Seraphina, perhaps we should return inside. The baron needs rest.¡±

    Sera shot her a look, one that was full of quiet authority. ¡°Elara, I said I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    Elara blinked, clearly taken aback by the sharpness in Sera¡¯s tone, but she didn¡¯t argue. With a stiff nod, she stepped back, though I could still feel the tension rolling off her in waves.

    Sera turned back to me, Giving me a small apologetic smile before her expression softened once more. ¡°We¡¯re in this together, Alex. You don¡¯t have to carry it all by yourself.¡±

    I managed a smile, a real one this time. ¡°I¡­ I¡­ Um¡­¡± Let out a breath before finally getting out what I wanted to say. ¡°Thank you... Sera.¡±

    The name felt intimate and familiar right now, just like how she looked at me. For so long, I had believed that carrying the weight of duty meant bearing it alone. But now, as Sera sat beside me, offering her hand and her trust, something in that belief began to crack. Perhaps it didn¡¯t always have to be this way.

    For the first time in a long while, I felt something other than the crushing weight of duty.

    I felt hope.

    ***

    ¡°I need that bandage, now!¡± Lyra shouted over the deafening sounds of battle, her hands pressed firmly against the man¡¯s abdomen, trying to stem the flow of blood. The wound was deep¡ªtoo deep. She could feel the warmth of his life slipping through her fingers as she struggled to stay focused. Another explosion rocked the ground, nearly knocking her off balance, but she gritted her teeth and held on.

    ¡®Not now.¡¯ She cursed to herself.  ¡®Not another one.¡¯

    The bandage was thrust into her hand, and she immediately started wrapping the gaping wound. Blood soaked through the fabric before she even tied it off. She knew it wasn¡¯t enough. They were too far from a medical centre; all she had was this basic med kit. It felt useless, like trying to put out a wildfire with a cup of water.

    The man coughed violently, spitting blood, and tried to sit up. ¡°Stay still, damn it!¡± she barked, pushing him back down with more force than she intended. He needed to stop moving. Why couldn¡¯t they ever stop fighting her?

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to save you,¡± she muttered under her breath, though part of her doubted whether she could. His pulse was weak beneath her fingertips, fading with every passing second. She tightened the bandage and hoped it would hold, even if she knew it wouldn¡¯t.

    The man grunted, his muscles tensing beneath her grip. He shoved her hands away, surprising her with a sudden surge of strength. Lyra fell back, landing hard on the cracked dirt. ¡°Get off me!¡± he growled, staggering to his feet despite the blood still dripping from the wound she¡¯d barely managed to wrap.

    ¡°Dammit,¡± she hissed, pushing herself up from the ground. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you people?¡± Anger flared in her chest, hotter than the fires around them. ¡°I¡¯m trying to help! Why are you so intent on dying?¡±

    The man swayed on his feet, each movement a struggle, yet he refused to stay down. He looked back at her, his face pale and sweat-soaked, but there was a fire in his eyes. ¡°Thanks, doc,¡± he rasped, his voice rough and weak. ¡°But you shouldn¡¯t waste your supplies on me.¡±

    Waste? The word echoed in her mind, stinging more than the dust in her eyes. She watched in disbelief as he stumbled away, clutching his stomach like he had someplace better to die.

    Lyra¡¯s thought struggled to process the scene before her. ¡®Is this what war does to people? Turns them into walking corpses who don¡¯t even care if they live or die?¡¯

    She let out a breath.  ¡°Why are you people so set on killing each other?¡± she muttered to herself, though she knew the answer. She had seen it too many times. Pride, revenge, desperation. There were always reasons, and none of them were good enough.

    Her hands shook as she wiped the blood off on her trousers, but no matter how hard she scrubbed, the stain remained. It was everywhere. On her skin, under her nails, on her clothes. And it wasn¡¯t just blood. It was a failure.

    She grabbed her medical pack and swung it over her shoulder. The weight of it felt heavier now, filled more with the lives she couldn¡¯t save than the tools inside. She glanced over at the person who was supposed to be guiding her to the medical centre. A kid, really. Far too young for this.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Lyra demanded, trying to shake off her frustration. ¡°Where¡¯s the damned centre?¡±

    The kid flinched, their small voice trembling as they responded. ¡°S...S-sorry. This way.¡±

    Lyra blinked, surprised by how scared they sounded. Something felt wrong. ¡°Wait.¡± She stepped closer, reaching out to tug at the makeshift headwrap they wore. ¡°How old are you?¡±

    The figure recoiled, backing away quickly. ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Their voice cracked with fear. ¡°Please, don¡¯t... don¡¯t send me back. I need this. I have to feed my family.¡±

    Lyra froze, her outstretched hand falling to her side. A child. Of course, they were using children. That¡¯s how desperate it had become. She swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing herself to stay calm. ¡°I¡¯m not going to send you back. I just¡­ I need you to show me the way. That¡¯s all.¡±

    The kid¡¯s eyes, wide with fear, darted between her and the surrounding chaos. For a moment, she thought they might run, but instead, they nodded¡ªa small, hesitant movement. Lyra let out a breath she hadn¡¯t realized she was holding. ¡®These kids shouldn¡¯t be here. None of us should. But this is the world now, isn¡¯t it? Drakara¡¯s sun always sets early, and so does everyone¡¯s damn future.¡¯

    She cast a glance at the darkening sky. Its dusky light filtered through the smoke rising from distant explosions. Time was running out. For everyone. ¡®If we don¡¯t get to the med centre soon¡­¡¯

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said, her voice softer now. She gestured for the kid to lead, trying to hide her own rising anxiety. The pain of the injured, the weight of the war¡ªthey were all piling on her, pushing her down with every passing second. And still, she moved forward because stopping wasn¡¯t an option.

    The kid began to move, and Lyra hurried after them. Her mind raced with calculations¡ªhow long until the next blast, how many wounded could she still reach, how far they were from safety.

    But no matter how much she tried to focus, one question kept bubbling to the surface. ¡®What¡¯s the point of saving lives if they¡¯re just going to throw them away?¡¯

    Her jaw clenched as the bitter and cold thought settled in her mind. But it didn¡¯t stop her. It never did. She wasn¡¯t here to understand why they fought. She was here to save whoever she could. Even if it felt like a losing battle.

    As the sound of distant gunfire echoed through the evening air, Lyra gripped her med kit tighter and followed her young guide into the growing shadows, hoping against hope that it wouldn¡¯t be too late.

 Chapter 11 - The mask of duty

    Seraphina sat quietly beside Alex, her gaze lingering on his pale features for a long time. The wind blew gently as she watched the clouds float by. Looking down at Alex, she could see the way his body fought to remain upright. His usual strength seemed strained to the breaking point. The Nexus integration had taken what Seraphina could only guess was a heavy toll on him, more than he let on.

    Even now, the mask of duty he wore didn¡¯t fool her. She knew the look all too well. Each moment was always being watched and assessed. Never getting a moment''s rest. No matter how hard they tried.

    She reached out, her hand hesitating just for a moment before settling gently on his arm. The heat that she felt coming off his arm was startling. "Alex," she said softly, her voice laced with concern. "Let me help. You''re burning up. Let me take you to your room. You need rest."

    Alex opened his mouth to protest, but no words came. Instead, a pained grimace flickered across his face, and he nodded almost reluctantly as though he couldn¡¯t find the energy to resist. She helped him to his feet with a bit of effort, and his weight as he leaned against her caught her off guard. He was heavier than he looked, though she bore his weight with surprising strength for someone of her slender build.

    Elara, standing nearby, took a step forward, her sharp eyes flashing with disapproval. "My lady,  please let me. It¡¯s not your place to¡­"

    Seraphina cut her off, her tone firm but not unkind. "If we are to marry, Elara, I will be expected to support my husband. This is part of that. If I can''t be there for him when he needs me, what¡¯s the point?"

    Elara opened her mouth to argue further, but Seraphina silenced her with a single look. It wasn¡¯t often that she wielded her authority so directly with her lady-in-waiting, but now wasn¡¯t the time for her arguments. Elara¡¯s protectiveness, while well-intentioned, wasn¡¯t what Alex needed right now.

    "Go find Jax," Alex rasped, his voice strained as he struggled to get the words out. "Please¡­ Tell him I need him."

    Seraphina looked at Elara pleadingly. ¡°Please.¡± She said, ¡°Go find him. Tell him I will get Alex to his room.¡±

    Elara, though clearly unhappy with the situation, gave a stiff nod. ¡°If you harm one hair. I swear¡­.¡± She cast one last lingering glance at Seraphina before turning on her heel and stalking off into the corridor, her footsteps echoing through the stone halls.

    With Elara gone, the tension in the air seemed to ease slightly. Seraphina gently guided Alex forward, her arm steadying him as they made their way toward his room. They walked down corridor after corridor. Seraphina was shocked that she hadn¡¯t found any of the house''s servants. Normally, they could be seen everywhere. It seemed something was off, but she couldn¡¯t put her finger on what.

    The journey felt longer than it should have been, Alex¡¯s weight becoming heavier with each step, though Seraphina would not let it show. She could feel his body tense with each laboured breath; the effort of walking clearly taxed him more than it should have been.

    ¡®How long has he been fighting this.¡¯ Thought Seraphina ¡®They should never have let him leave the procedure room. Alex is barely even aware of his surroundings now.¡¯ She grunted as she shifted Alex¡¯s weight around. While passing a vase on her left, Seraphina noticed the tall single flower. Her mind wandered back to the gardens, and she wondered why Elara kept interrupting. ¡®I¡¯ve never had to tell Elara off before. I don''t know what has gotten into her.¡¯ Her brow scrunched in thought. ¡®She clearly has something against Alex.¡¯

    Finally, after what felt like ages to Seraphina, they reached his room. Each step was now sending a wave of nausea through Alex as the door to his room slid open with a soft hiss. The doorway revealed a sprawling chamber far grander than any room she had ever seen.

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    It was opulent, even by noble standards¡ªrich tapestries lined the walls, and the bed itself was massive, draped in silken sheets and plush pillows. Artifacts from across the galaxy decorated every surface, making the room feel more like a museum than a personal space.

    Seraphina raised an eyebrow, her voice light with amusement despite the situation. "This room is... over the top," she said, glancing around. "Do you need a map to find the bed?"

    Alex let out a weak chuckle, though it quickly dissolved into a low groan as Seraphina guided him to where the bed was. He sank onto the edge of the enormous bed. "It¡¯s... a bit much, isn¡¯t it?" he muttered softly, rubbing his temple. The pounding in his head seemed to intensify as a shake made its way through his body. Alex groaned once again. ¡°It¡¯s so cold in here.¡±

    Seraphina knelt beside him, her hands gentle but firm as she helped him ease back onto the bed. His body sagged into the soft mattress, and she could see the way the tension left his muscles, though the pain still lingered in his eyes. After a moment''s hesitation, she propped a pillow beneath his head before sliding onto the bed beside him, lifting his head off the pillow to rest it on her lap.

    For a moment, neither of them spoke. The quiet hum of the estate¡¯s systems was the only sound, a soft, constant buzz in the background. Seraphina¡¯s fingers began to slowly trace through his soft hair, a soothing gesture she hadn¡¯t even realised she was making. His hair was soft, slightly damp from the sweat beading on his brow, and she brushed it back from his face with care.

    As she looked down at him, something inside her slowly shifted. He looked so vulnerable like this. So different from the confident, reckless man who had kissed her hours before. She found herself wondering what had driven him to want the Nexus integration so badly in the first place, to push himself to such extremes. Was it duty? Pride? Or something deeper, something more personal?

    Her mind drifted back to her family, to the heavy conversations that had brought her to this moment. She had been raised on duty. She knew it intimately. Every action and every decision is shaped by the expectations of the House Valtor. Her parents had meticulously planned marriage, alliances and her very future. She was the obedient daughter, the one who had never questioned the path laid out before her.

    And yet, here she was, sitting on a bed with a man¡¯s head in her lap. A man who had been thrust into her life through an arrangement she had no say in. A man who, despite his flaws, despite how much she had initially hated the idea, was becoming more than just an obligation.

    There was something about him. Something in the way he fought through the pain, the way he had kissed her with such raw, unfiltered emotion. That emotion now made her wonder if this wasn¡¯t just about duty anymore.

    "I never expected this," she murmured, more to herself than to him. "Any of this."

    Alex¡¯s eyes fluttered open slightly, though they were heavy with exhaustion. "What do you mean?"

    She hesitated, choosing her words carefully, as she always did. "I mean... I never thought I¡¯d be in this position. Arranged marriages are... they¡¯re meant to be about politics and alliances. But with you..." Her voice trailed off, and she shook her head slightly. "It¡¯s different. I don¡¯t know how to explain it."

    He didn¡¯t respond right away, but his hand moved slowly, weakly, to rest on hers where it lay against his chest. The simple gesture sent a warmth through her, a connection that neither of them had asked for but was undeniably real.

    "I never wanted this either," he said quietly. "But maybe... maybe we can make it work. Maybe we can¡­" Alex drifted off before he could finish the sentence.

    She smiled faintly, a soft, almost wistful smile. "Maybe we can. Only time will tell."

    The silence between them stretched out, comfortable now, as she continued to gently stroke his hair. She heard him whimper as he slept Before he started letting out unintelligible words. He groaned again as Seraphina softly stroked his head. She listened to him begin pleading with someone. Begging them to stop something.

    She looked down at his face with concern. ¡°What the¡­ What did they do to you?¡± She whispered softly. Worry bit at her. She felt he needed her, maybe just as much as she needed him.

    At that moment, with Alex resting in her lap, Seraphina felt something shift within her. For the first time, she allowed herself to think beyond her family''s expectations, beyond the rigid structure of duty that had defined her life for so long.

    Maybe, just maybe, there was a future with Alex that she could shape for herself. A future not just of obligation but of choice. Of possibility. Of something that might even, one day, be love.

    For now, though, she was content to sit here, holding him, knowing that, at this moment, she wasn¡¯t just fulfilling her duty.

    She was finally being herself

 Chapter 12 - Bitter aftertaste

    I slowly felt myself wake. My eyelids felt heavy as my body slowly returned to consciousness. My muscles ached from the previous day, the poorly explained Nexus integration, the fever, and Sera¡¯s gentle hands cradling my head. The pounding in my head had dulled a little, something I was grateful for; it was now a manageable throb. Still, The aches in my limbs constantly reminded me how much my body had been put through.

    Blinking, I tried focusing on the faint light filtering through the top of the bed cover. I moved slightly, noticing the bed felt emptier than I remembered. Looking around, I noticed that Sera was gone.

    Jax sat slumped in a chair by the bed. His familiar presence was oddly comforting. He looked up as he heard me stir, his brow furrowing slightly in concern before relaxing as he saw my eyes open.

    ¡°Good Morning, Alex,¡± Jax said in his usual gruff tone, though his voice had an undercurrent of relief. ¡°Feeling better?¡±

    ¡°Better,¡± I replied, my voice was still hoarse, though the burning in my throat had subsided. ¡°Where¡¯s Sera?¡±

    Jax shifted in his seat, his expression briefly unreadable. ¡°She left earlier. She said to tell you she had to return to her family¡¯s home planet. Urgent business, apparently.¡±

    I felt my heart sink at that, though I wasn¡¯t surprised. Her absence left a hollow ache in my chest. I¡¯d known she had other obligations, but I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there was more to her sudden departure, but I pushed the feeling aside. I knew I would see her again soon.

    "She said she¡¯ll see you on Drakara," Jax added, standing and reaching into his coat pocket. ¡°Here.¡± He tossed a small silver case onto the bed beside me. ¡°Suppression blockers. Take the two now, and they¡¯ll help with the Nexus integration. It won¡¯t solve the whole problem, but they¡¯ll keep the changes at bay until you''re fully adjusted. I had the doctor arrange them for you.¡±

    I looked at the case before I picked it up, Lifting the lid to reveal two blue tablets inside. I sighed and popped the tablets into my mouth, swallowing them dry. The bitter aftertaste made me wince as a tingling sensation spread across my tongue. ¡°How long until¡­?¡±

    ¡°Your father¡¯s waiting to meet with you,¡± Jax interrupted his voice firm but not unkind. ¡°Figured you¡¯d want to get cleaned up before facing him again.¡±

    I nodded, ignoring my protesting muscles, as I swung my legs over the side of the bed, only to end up facing the wrong way. With a quiet curse, I steadied myself and stood, my legs shaky but stronger than the day before. I smiled. My limbs still protested but held steady as I forced them into motion. It was an improvement, a small one, but an improvement nonetheless. Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself as the feeling of responsibility pressed back onto my shoulders.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be ready soon,¡± I muttered, glancing toward the adjoining room where the shower waited.

    Jax gave a short nod. ¡°I¡¯ll be outside.¡±

    I watched as Jax left before I made my way to the oversized bathroom. I think I complained about the absurdity of the bathroom size every time I had to use it. Turning on the shower, I slowly peel off the rumpled clothes I had slept in. I groaned as the hot water washed over me, soothing the sore muscles and clearing the remaining fog from my mind.

    As the steam filled the room, I gave myself a moment of calm clarity. My thoughts drifted to Sera, to how she cared for me without hesitation. Something had shifted between us, and I felt it deep down, though I couldn¡¯t quite grasp what had changed.

    But sadly, there wasn¡¯t time to dwell on that now. Not with my adoptive father waiting for me.

    After dressing in fresh clothes, I wore dark military-style pants and a simple shirt that fit snugly against my frame. I stepped out of my room, nodding to JAx as he fell in behind me again.

    I needed to find out what my mother had said to him. His new behaviour was frustrating. It was like he was afraid to talk to me like we used to. I shook my head. I¡¯d file it away for the future if I ever had the time to revisit it.

    I headed straight for my dammed father¡¯s office. The grand corridors of the estate echoed with each step, the weight of the situation looming over me like a shadow. Every time, I had been summoned to his office. It was never good news. Always something or another that I had done wrong or needed to see. It never changed.

    I arrived at the door to my adoptive father, Duke Marcus Draven¡¯s office, pausing briefly to straighten my shirt before entering. The room was as imposing as ever; my father stood by the large window overlooking the estate¡¯s sprawling gardens. His back was to me. I noticed his hands were clasped behind him as he gazed at me.

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    ¡°Father,¡± I greeted him, Trying to keep my voice steady as I closed the door behind me.

    Duke Draven turned slowly, his sharp eyes scanning over my form with a mixture of appraisal and something unreadable. ¡°Alex. You look... well, considering.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I replied, though both knew it wasn¡¯t entirely true. I was anything but fine.

    The Duke gestured for me to sit, his expression softening momentarily before the look of disappointment I knew so well came back. ¡°There are matters we need to discuss. Drakara¡¯s situation has grown¡­ complicated.¡±

    I tensed. I already knew where this conversation was headed. And I wouldn¡¯t say I liked it one bit. Jax had told me on the walk that Drakara¡¯s population were starting to attack each other.

    ¡°There have been civil unrests,¡± the Duke continued, calm but carrying an undeniable weight. ¡°Fights breaking out between the cities. Some factions are dissatisfied with the transition of power, questioning your right to lead.¡± His eyes locked with mine. ¡°It¡¯s not unexpected. You have not been to the planet yet. We need to correct this.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for this,¡± I muttered, frustration bubbling up. ¡°Why not just send the military to control the population if it¡¯s that serious?¡±

    The Duke¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°You don¡¯t have a choice. Drakara is your responsibility now, whether you like the idea or not. It¡¯s time you took control. The people need to see you as their leader.¡±

    I clenched my jaw, my mind racing as I tried to find a way out. I had known this was coming, but its weight still felt overwhelming. My father¡¯s words echoed in his head. Drakara is your responsibility now.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be leaving within the hour,¡± the Duke continued, walking back to his desk and picking up a data pad. ¡°The Vanguard, your new ship, is waiting for you in the hangar. You¡¯ll depart immediately for Drakara.¡±

    ¡°The Vanguard?¡± I said as I raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ not the ship I was expecting.¡± Something about this new ship felt off. It wasn¡¯t just a gift; it was bait. A lure toward something I wasn¡¯t ready to face.

    ¡°Consider it an upgrade,¡± the Duke said dryly, his eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°I expect you¡¯ll use it wisely.¡±

    I wanted to argue, to protest that I wasn¡¯t ready to take on such a monumental task, but the look in my father¡¯s eyes silenced my protests. There was no room to argue. No room for hesitation, no room for doubt. My adoptive father had laid out where he stood, and I knew better than to try to change his mind now.

    ¡°Fine,¡± I muttered As I pushed up from the chair. ¡°I¡¯ll leave within the hour.¡± I turned to leave, but the Duke¡¯s voice stopped me. ¡°Alex.¡±

    I paused, glancing back over my shoulder. My father''s face was hard as he nodded. ¡°You were raised for this. Don¡¯t let me down.¡±

    I felt my anger rise as I struggled to contain it. Raised for this? He always said that my future had been decided before I knew who I was. With simple nod, I left his office, my mind was spinning as I tried to process the weight of my father¡¯s expectations. I knew I had been kidding myself that I could somehow get out of this. I had gotten a nexus designed with the hope that I still could. I found Jax waiting for me just outside the door as I closed it behind me.

    ¡°Check if Zara¡¯s ship, the Razorwing, is ready,¡± I said as I walked away from the door.

    Jax nodded. ¡°It will be. Everything¡¯s set.¡±

    I let out a long breath, preparing myself for the road ahead. Drakara was waiting, and with it, the unknown challenges that would test me as both a leader and a man.

    Jax cleared his throat, his sharp eyes scanning Alex¡¯s face as he fell into step beside him. ¡°I don¡¯t know if your father mentioned it, but the Vanguard is waiting for you. But it isn''t planet side. It is docked in orbit, on the station.¡±

    A groan escaped me as my expression tightened. ¡°Of course it is,¡± I muttered under my breath. My dammed father never did things the simple way. ¡°I¡¯m not taking it.¡±

    Jax gave him a sideways glance. ¡°What do you mean? It¡¯s a new frigate. State-of-the-art, from what I¡¯ve heard.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± I snapped as we made our way down the corridor. ¡°I want to take Zara¡¯s ship. Can you find out if it¡¯ll be ready to leave within the hour?¡±

    Jax raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t argue. ¡°Alright,¡± he said, pulling out his comm and tapping in the frequency for the landing pad crew. He took a few steps away from me, speaking into the comm as he waited for a response.

    As Jax spoke into the device, I caught the faint sound of raised voices on the other end. It didn¡¯t take long before Zara¡¯s distinct tone cut through the static. I couldn¡¯t make out the exact words, but Zara¡¯s sharp tone hinted at something else, a frustration that felt like it ran deeper than the usual rush-job chaos.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I know,¡± Jax grumbled into the comm, clearly trying to calm whatever chaos Zara was in the midst of. He glanced at me and gave me a half-hearted shrug as if to say, This is just Zara being Zara.

    We hadn¡¯t known Zara long, but I knew one thing for sure. It was that she knew her ship, and she knew how it ran.

    After a few more terse exchanges, Jax finally disconnected the call, tucking the comm back into his jacket pocket. ¡°Well, that was... lively,¡± he said with a smirk. ¡°Zara¡¯s not thrilled about the rush job, but the ship will be ready. She¡¯ll meet us in the hangar.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± I smiled as I replied. I glanced out the large windows lining the corridor, my eyes drifting up toward the sky, imagining the space station and the Vanguard floating in orbit. Something about the new ship and my father¡¯s insistence on it didn¡¯t sit right with me.

    ¡°We¡¯ll send the Vanguard ahead,¡± I said, taking Jax by surprise. ¡°Let them scout the path to Drakara. We¡¯ll follow behind in the Razorwing.¡±

    Jax folded his arms, giving me a knowing look. ¡°You don¡¯t trust him, do you?¡±

    I shook my head. ¡°Trust him? I don¡¯t trust anything about this. The ship, timing, and plan are all too convenient. No. I¡¯m not walking into whatever trap he¡¯s setting.¡±

    Jax let out a low hum of agreement. ¡°Can¡¯t blame you. The Vanguard might be top of the line, but the Razorwing... that¡¯s Zara¡¯s ship. It¡¯ll get you where you need to go, no questions asked.¡±

    I nodded. ¡°Exactly.¡±

    Jax clapped a hand on my shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll let the crew know to prep the Vanguard for the jump to Drakara, then. We¡¯ll follow once they¡¯re clear.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± I replied. My mind was already racing ahead, and I was planning the next steps. Whatever was waiting for me on Drakara. Civil unrest, rebellion, or something far worse, I wouldn¡¯t trust my father¡¯s ship or his father¡¯s plan. Not now or ever. I would do this my way.

 Chapter 13 - Stabilizers should hold

    The landing pad hanger buzzed with activity as Jax and I stepped into the chaos. Workers scrambled over the Razorwing''s hull, sparks flew from welding torches, and the rhythmic clanging of tools created a hectic symphony. The air was thick with the smell of fuel and burnt metal, and the hum of machinery reverberated across the expanse.

    Zara stood by the Razorwing, barking orders to the maintenance crew. Her dark hair was pulled back into a loose braid, revealing a face that was all hard lines and focused determination. She folded her arms, her expression an unreadable mask of annoyance as we approached.

    "Cutting it close, aren¡¯t we?" she said, her tone dry as she gestured to the work being done on the ship. "The upgrades you requested aren''t even finished yet, and now you want to leave within the hour. I¡¯m not a miracle worker, Alex."

    "Close is better than late," I replied, stopping a few feet away from her. "You think she''ll be spaceworthy?"

    Zara shot me a look that bordered on offended. "The Razorwing is always spaceworthy, but pushing this hard, this fast... there''s no guarantee everything will be running at one hundred percent. If something goes wrong, don''t blame me."

    "I won''t," I assured her. "I just need her functional enough to reach Drakara."

    A small smirk tugged at Zara''s lips, though it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "Functional, I can do," she said with a nod. "The shield emitters are being recalibrated as we speak, and the weapon systems are receiving a final diagnostics check. The FTL drive¡¯s a bit temperamental, but it should hold."

    Jax tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. "Temperamental, huh? That doesn''t exactly inspire confidence."

    "Do you want me to lie and say it''s perfect?" Zara snapped, her eyes narrowing. "We¡¯re lucky to have gotten the parts we needed on such short notice. But if Alex wants to take this ship to Drakara, then he¡¯s going to have to make do."

    I felt a sense of relief despite Zara''s words. There was a sort of reassurance in the way she took pride in her ship, even when faced with impossible demands. The Razorwing might not be the Vanguard, but it was far more trustworthy in my mind.

    "We¡¯re taking the Razorwing," I said as I glanced over to Jax. "Let the Vanguard know to jump in 40 minutes. Zara, did they get you a class 2 FTL drive?"

    ¡°Yes.¡± Replied Zara almost instantly. Her eyes lit up. ¡°They pulled it from a military assault cruiser. Can you believe it? I have Military tech onboard.¡±

    Jax shook his head as he scratched at his chin, giving a thoughtful hum before turning to me. "You know the Vanguard¡¯s captain isn''t going to be thrilled about this. They were supposed to be your personal escort to Drakara."

    "He can fume all he wants," I said, dismissing the concern with a wave of my hand. "We¡¯ll rendezvous with the Vanguard in orbit around Drakara once they¡¯ve scouted the jump route. For now, I want to keep some distance between us and anything my father set up."

    Zara¡¯s eyes flickered with interest as she listened to the exchange. "You really don¡¯t trust your old man, do you?"

    My jaw tightened. "Not when he insists on handling things his way. I¡¯ve learned to expect hidden motives."

    She studied me for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Alright. We¡¯ll push to get everything done. It should be able to lift off in forty-five minutes. If you¡¯re coming, make sure you¡¯ve got everything you need."

    With that, she turned back toward the maintenance crews, barking another set of orders.

    Jax made his way toward the Razorwing¡¯s open cargo ramp as I followed behind him. The hum of the ship¡¯s systems gradually rose in pitch as the modifications continued. The interior of the Razorwing was vastly different from the last time We had flown. It had been a worn-down mess of missing panela and a slap-happy collection of wires hanging everywhere.

    No. Now everything was cleaned. Wires no longer crisscrossed the walls and roof. Most of the panels had been replaced. Almost making the interior look like a normal ship. A faint smell of oil and metal hung in the air, mixing with the subtle scent of the recycled atmosphere.

    I found a place near the main hold to sit, letting out a breath that I hadn¡¯t realized I was holding. My mind was a whirl of thoughts about Drakara. About what awaited me there. Civil unrest, the factions questioning my legitimacy, and the uncertain path ahead weighed heavily on me.

    I could feel Jax¡¯s gaze on me. He wouldn¡¯t say it, but I knew he was worried. My adoptive father¡¯s words echoed in my mind. ¡®You were raised for this. Don¡¯t let me down.¡¯

    "Got that look in your eyes again," Jax said, leaning against a bulkhead with a rare casualness that didn¡¯t quite match the concern in his voice. "The kind that says you¡¯re thinking too much."

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    "Just... wondering what¡¯s waiting for us on Drakara," I admitted, not looking up. "If the situation¡¯s really as bad as my father says, we¡¯re heading straight into a powder keg."

    Jax grunted. "Well, if it¡¯s anything like he described, there¡¯ll be no shortage of people who want to take a shot at you. Best be prepared for things to get messy."

    "That¡¯s why I¡¯m taking Zara¡¯s ship," I replied, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. "If we¡¯re going into a mess, we might as well do it with style."

    Jax chuckled, pushing off the bulkhead. "If you can call this style. But hey. I can¡¯t think of an argument against it."

    As the minutes ticked by, the Razorwing¡¯s engines finally roared into life, filling the landing pad with a deep rumble. Zara emerged from the cargo hold, wiping grease from her hands with a rag. "She¡¯s as ready as she¡¯s going to get," she announced, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "The diagnostics came back clean enough, and the FTL drive''s stabilizers should hold. We¡¯re good to go."

    "Then let¡¯s get moving," I said, pushing myself up. "Drakara¡¯s not going to wait."

    Zara gave me a sidelong glance as she started up the ramp toward the cockpit. "You sure you¡¯re ready for this, Alex? Going to Drakara isn¡¯t just about showing your face. Once you¡¯re there, you¡¯re in it for the long haul. There¡¯s no walking away."

    I hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of her words sink in. Jax must have talked to her. I let out a sigh as I nodded. "I know. But if I¡¯m going to do this, I¡¯ll do it on my own terms."

    Zara¡¯s expression softened, a rare moment of approval crossing her features. Almost like she knew exactly what I meant. "Ok then. I''m packed. I didn¡¯t really have anything holding me here. Let¡¯s go make some noise.¡±

    With the engines roaring to life and the ship trembling beneath my feet, I made my way to the cockpit. The seat beside Zara was waiting for me. As I strapped myself in, I felt a jolt of nerves hit me again. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.

    The Razorwing shuddered, lifting off the landing pad with a groan as if protesting the strain. Once we were clear of the pad and hanger, we climbed rapidly, the ship rattling against the atmosphere''s pull, and for a heartbeat, I wondered if it would hold.

    Zara''s voice cut through the comms chatter as she spoke with flight control, her tone steady as the ship breached the clouds and the vast blackness of space came into view. I glanced out at the stars, feeling anticipation and dread knotting in my chest. This was it. I couldn¡¯t run from this anymore. The academy option was completely closed to me now.

    I let out a long, slow sigh, the breath misting faintly in the cool, recycled air of the cockpit. Drakara was waiting on the other side of this jump¡ªa powder keg ready to blow. Civil unrest, factions questioning my legitimacy¡­ my father¡¯s voice echoed in my head again, a nagging reminder: ¡°You were raised for this. Don¡¯t let me down.¡±

    The Razorwing gave a final lurch as we broke free of the atmosphere, the ship settling into the smooth glide of orbit. I could feel my pulse quickening, the weight of everything pressing down like gravity still clinging to me. Then, Jax¡¯s voice cut through the tension, pulling me back to the present.

    ¡°Well, look at that,¡± he said with a dry chuckle as he unbuckled and stood leaning against a bulkhead, his arms crossed. ¡°We actually made it to orbit without the ship giving us any attitude. I owe you a drink, Zara.¡±

    She shot him a sharp look, the corner of her mouth twitching into what might¡¯ve been a smile. Or is it just a twitch? ¡°Shows how little you know,¡± she said with a trace of mock indignation. ¡°The Razorwing¡¯s got more grit than you give her credit for. She just likes to keep you on your toes.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well, let¡¯s hope she¡¯s done keeping us guessing,¡± Jax shot back, glancing at the console lights with a sceptical eye. ¡°Last thing we need is a temperamental ship when we¡¯re neck-deep in an FTL jump.¡±

    Zara¡¯s gaze softened, her fingers tapping the edge of the controls as she finished her check. ¡°She¡¯ll hold together,¡± she said, her voice low but firm. ¡°But don¡¯t get too comfortable. If something goes wrong, you¡¯ll be the first I let you know. I mean, somebody will have to fix it. And guess what? You just volunteered.¡±

    Jax raised his hands in mock surrender. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t expect anything less,¡± he quipped, then turned his gaze toward me, a sly grin spreading across his face. ¡°See? It¡¯s not just you who¡¯s sweating bullets.¡±

    I huffed out a short laugh, the tension in my chest easing a fraction. ¡°Good to know I¡¯m in such confident company,¡± I replied, the sarcasm in my tone cutting through the lingering unease.

    ¡°Confidence has nothing to do with it,¡± Jax said, giving the Razorwing¡¯s hull a light tap as if to reassure himself. ¡°We¡¯re all just doing our best not to fall apart.¡±

    Zara muttered under her breath. But I managed to catch it. ¡°I¡¯ll give you ¡®not fall apart¡¯.¡±

    I shook my head as The comms crackled. Zara started to speak to whoever it was as she set a lazy course out to space. ¡°Ok. We are clear to jump. Heading to the Jump point now.¡±

    I looked out the front viewport as the stars seemed to stretch and shimmer against the dark void like a sea of shattered glass waiting to swallow us whole. The Razorwing¡¯s engines hummed beneath me, a low vibration that ran through my bones.

    "Jump coordinates locked," Zara said, her voice calm but her hands moving with a practised urgency over the controls. The ship''s systems buzzed, building a charge that seemed to pulse in the air around us.

    Jax slid back into his seat, his grin replaced by something closer to determination. "No turning back now," he said, and for once, there was no hint of sarcasm in his tone.

    "Never was," I replied quietly, my gaze fixed ahead. The jump point loomed in the distance, a flashing beacon against the black void, the gateway to whatever awaited us on Drakara. My pulse quickened, matching the rhythmic thrum of the ship as we accelerated toward it.

    The Razorwing gave a final shudder, and the stars outside blurred into streaks of white as we breached the jump. It was like stepping into a storm, the ship vibrating as though it were about to tear apart, and then everything snapped into stillness, and we were adrift in the endless dark.

    I let out a breath I hadn¡¯t realized I was holding. The weight of our course settled firmly on my shoulders. The academy was behind me. Drakara lay ahead, a storm I had no choice but to walk into. But at least now, I was moving forward.

    ¡°Next stop, Drakara,¡± Zara murmured, breaking the silence.

    The Razorwing surged onward, and I braced myself for whatever waited on the other side.

 Chapter 14 - A trail of light

    The Razorwing jolted violently as it tore from FTL space, the sudden deceleration slamming me against my harness. The ship groaned under the strain, and the air was forced from my lungs as the dampeners struggled to compensate

    The stars outside the viewport snapped back into fixed points; their sudden stillness was enough to make me queasy as my gut twisted around itself. I gripped the armrest with white-knuckled hands, struggling not to bring up the remains of the last meal I''d eaten as alarms blared throughout the cockpit.

    ¡°What... the hell?¡± I muttered, barely audible over the blaring alarms. I glanced at Zara. She was slumped forward in the pilot¡¯s seat, her hands limp on the controls, her head tilted at a disturbing angle. Cold and sudden, fear shot through me, gripping my chest like a vice. My thoughts were going hardwire as I pleaded to whatever passed as a goddess out here. Please be ok.

    I looked around the cock pit as I tried to calm the panic that I felt rising. I focused on my breathing. Slowing down each breath as I counted. After a few moments. I felt some of the tension leave me.  Opening my eyes, I noticed Jax was sprawled on the floor behind us, groaning as he tried to push himself up. A red streak marred the side of his forehead, trailing down toward his jaw. His fingers trembled as he reached for support from the cockpit equipment. His skin had gone a sickly shade of pale.

    ¡°Jax!¡± I yelled, fumbling with the harness before I finally got it released. I tumbled out of my seat. The deck tilted beneath me as the Razorwing continued to drift, like a leaf caught in an unseen current, and my legs buckled as I hit the floor hard. The metallic taste of bile continued to burn at the back of my throat, but I forced the nausea down and crawled over to Jax, my hands shaking as I reached out to steady him.

    ¡°Still in one piece¡­ mostly,¡± Jax groaned, wincing as he touched the wound, blinking rapidly as he tried to clear his vision. His voice was slurred, but his lips managed to twist into a strained grin. ¡°You¡­ look like you¡¯re about to throw up.¡±

    I Ignored the way his words wobbled in my ears as I searched for the medkit. After a few frantic seconds passed, I finally grabbed the medkit that was stowed near the bulkhead, tearing it open and pulling out the bandages and antiseptic.

    ¡°Stay still. You¡¯ve got a nasty cut,¡± I said, fumbling to tear open the sterile packaging. ¡°Hold still, dammit.¡± I pressed the cloth against his head, trying not to think too much about how much blood there was. ¡°What happened? We were mid-FTL jump, and then¡­¡±

    ¡°Then we dropped out,¡± he rasped, his brow pinching as I taped a bandage over the wound. ¡°Dropped out hard. What the hell, Alex? Did we hit something?¡±

    ¡°Not sure. Possible that something went wrong with the FTL drive,¡± I said, glancing over my shoulder at Zara. She still hadn¡¯t moved. I watched her for a second, letting out a slow breath as I could see the slow rise and fall of her chest, faint but steady. I swallowed, my throat tight. ¡°Must¡¯ve malfunctioned.¡±

    Just as I was about to crawl my way over to Zara, she stirred, her head jerking up with a sharp gasp, her eyes flying open in a moment of panicked clarity. ¡°What¡­ what was that?¡± She groaned as she rubbed the back of her neck, blinking rapidly to clear the fog from her mind. ¡°The drive¡­ did it malfunction?¡±

    ¡°Seems like it,¡± I said, my voice taut with lingering adrenaline. ¡°We dropped out, but we¡¯re not dead, so there¡¯s that.¡± I tried to make light of it, but the joke fell flat in the sterile air.

    Zara shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she turned toward the console. Her fingers hovered over the console for a few moments before she shook them. Zara took a deep breath as her hands flew over the controls, this time running diagnostic checks and system sweeps. She bit down on her bottom lip.

    ¡°No, this wasn¡¯t the drive. The drop wasn¡¯t triggered by anything inside the ship,¡± she said, her voice dropping to a low murmur. Her brow furrowed as she stared at the data streaming across the screen, her expression growing grimmer with each passing second. ¡°Something external interfered¡­ some kind of distortion. I¡¯ve never seen anything like this before.¡±

    A shiver rippled through me as I glanced out the viewport, the void of space seeming darker and more oppressive than usual. We were in an unfamiliar sector, with no visible suns, planets or known routes to give us any clue as to where we were. For all I knew, we¡¯d been thrown halfway across the galaxy, stranded in some uncharted region where no one would ever find us.

    Before Zara could finish her thought, the comms crackled to life, cutting through the tense silence with a burst of static, followed by a voice that dripped with venomous contempt. ¡°Attention, unidentified vessel,¡± it spat, the words slow and mocking. ¡°You are within the borders of Lord Dower. Power down your engines and prepare to be boarded. Comply, and we might let you keep your lives.¡±

    Zara¡¯s eyes hardened, her lips curling back in a snarl as she switched the comms over to broadcast. ¡°Come and try, and we¡¯ll see who dies today,¡± she snapped, her voice like ice. Her fingers moved swiftly across the controls, rerouting power to the shields and pulling up the targeting systems. ¡°You want this ship. You¡¯re going to have to come take it.¡±

    Outside, the darkness lit up with the glow of enemy engines closing in from all directions. There were half a dozen ships at least, their hulls battered and scarred from countless battles. They formed a loose perimeter around us, weapons charging and locking onto the Razorwing.

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    ¡°Alex, get to the turret,¡± Zara ordered, her voice tense but steady as she pulled the ship into a hard bank. ¡°Jax, see if you can get the weapons online. We don¡¯t have time to sit around.¡±

    As I scrambled toward the turret ladder, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the air had grown colder and heavier. It wasn¡¯t just the outlaw ships surrounding us¡ªit was the fact that something had pulled us out of FTL. Someone out here had the power to reach into the currents of hyperspace and yank us back into real space like we were nothing more than a drifting piece of scrap. And that meant they had more control, more knowledge than we did.

    The Razorwing strained as Zara yanked us into a sharp bank, engines protesting. I was still scrambling into the turret when I spotted it. A flash of light cut through the void. Recognition slammed into me. It wasn¡¯t just the outlaws out here.

    The Vanguard.

    The military cruiser dominated the battlefield, a behemoth of armoured plating and powerful weaponry, cutting through the enemy fleet like a razor. Its turrets spat out bolts of searing plasma, each one leaving a trail of light across the void as they slammed into the outlaw ships, tearing into their hulls.

    Even from this distance, I could see the devastation it was unleashing, the way its sleek, deadly form danced between incoming fire with an agility that seemed impossible for a ship of its size. A surge of hope coursed through me, mingled with a cold, determined edge.

    ¡°Where the hell did they come from.¡± Shouted Jax.

    Zara¡¯s hands were a blur over the controls, jerking the Razorwing into a spiral to evade a burst of laser fire that streaked past, close enough to leave scorch marks on the outer plating. ¡°Alex, we¡¯re in deep here,¡± she called out, the strain evident in her voice as the ship shuddered from a near-miss. ¡°What¡¯s the play?¡±

    Before I could answer, the comms crackled to life again, this time with the familiar, commanding voice of Captain Thorne. ¡°Razorwing, this is Captain Thorne of the Vanguard. We¡¯ve intercepted the outlaws, but there are too many to handle at once. Requesting permission to let loose and fully engage.¡±

    ¡°Permission granted,¡± I replied instantly, my grip tightening on the turret controls as the Razorwing¡¯s engines roared, propelling us headlong into the chaos. ¡°Do what you have to.¡±

    The Vanguard¡¯s engines flared with a sudden surge of power, and in the blink of an eye, the massive cruiser executed a precision jump. It vanished from its position as though snuffed out, only to reappear behind one of the outlaw ships, its turrets already blazing. A barrage of plasma fire tore through the outlaw vessel¡¯s shields, shredding the hull in an explosion of fire and twisted metal. The ship disintegrated, fragments scattering like confetti across the darkness before vanishing into the void.

    "Did they just¡ª?" Zara''s voice trailed off, her eyes wide as she took in the maneuver.

    ¡°Jump drive,¡± Jax said, his tone a mix of awe and apprehension. ¡°Military-grade tech. Allows the Vanguard to jump short distances within a combat zone. They can reposition faster than anyone can counter.¡±

    The sheer tactical advantage of the jump drive hit me like a shockwave. The Vanguard was a phantom, appearing and disappearing at will, striking with devastating force before the enemy even knew where to aim. I watched as the cruiser executed another jump, flickering out of existence only to reappear directly above an outlaw cruiser.

    It was like watching a predator drop onto its prey from above. The Vanguard¡¯s plasma turrets unleashed a punishing salvo, hammering the outlaw ship¡¯s shields. The energy barriers flared a blinding white before collapsing, and then the plasma bolts punched through the unprotected armour, tearing the cruiser apart in a fiery detonation that lit up the whole sector.

    The Razorwing bucked as Zara threw it into a sharp dive, narrowly avoiding a pair of missiles that streaked past, leaving a trail of debris and embers in their wake. I swung the turret around, targeting the closest hostile. A raider ship banking to line up its shot. I squeezed the trigger, sending a burst of red-hot projectiles slicing through space, and was rewarded with a less-than-satisfying picture as the raider¡¯s shield absorbed the shot.

    ¡°Damn it, Alex, fire again! Hit ''em before they get another shot!¡± Jax called out, but there was no time. Zara twisted the Razorwing around, barely missing the raider¡¯s twin laser burst. I could hear the ship¡¯s metal groan and shriek as Zara pushed Razorwing to its limits. It wasn''t enough. The raider¡¯s ship swooped in low, its pulse cannons hammering at the Razorwing¡¯s shields, making the entire ship shudder with each impact.

    ¡°Zara, we need to shake them off!¡± I yelled, struggling to keep the turret aimed at the target.

    ¡°Working on it!¡± Zara growled, throwing the Razorwing into a gut-wrenching spin. The maneuver flung me sideways in the turret, but it disoriented the attacker just long enough for the Vanguard to intervene. The military cruiser appeared above the rogue ship with another blinding flash, unleashing a withering storm of plasma that tore through the raider¡¯s defences. The outlaw ship didn¡¯t even have time to flee; it erupted in a furious blaze of molten metal and vaporized circuitry.

    The Vanguard surged forward, punching a hole in the outlaw formation as it executed yet another jump, reappearing behind a cluster of three smaller ships. The cruiser¡¯s broadside lit up like the wrath of a god, plasma and railgun fire stitching across space and raking through the outlaws. One ship disintegrated almost instantly, its hull split apart by the relentless bombardment. The other two tried to scatter, but they didn¡¯t make it far before the Vanguard¡¯s pinpoint accuracy reduced them to drifting wreckage.

    The battlefield was now a storm of debris and explosions, a chaotic symphony of fire and metal as the outlaws fell one by one, outmatched and outmaneuvered. Every time an outlaw ship tried to regroup, the Vanguard would appear at an unexpected angle, cutting them down with terrifying precision. It was like watching a masterful swordsman dismembering a mob of attackers, each strike perfectly calculated, each blow fatal.

    The Razorwing continued to weave through the debris, Zara guiding us clear of the destruction. But I could feel something drawing at my insides. The outlaws had underestimated the Vanguard¡¯s capabilities, and now they were paying the price, but had we underestimated the outlaws?

    One of the last enemy ships broke away, retreating in a desperate scramble. The Vanguard¡¯s turrets tracked them for a moment longer before falling silent. The comms crackled again. ¡°Razorwing, this is Captain Thorne. It appears to be all of them. Do you require a¡­¡±

    The Vanguard jolted violently as a heavy impact slammed into its side. ¡°There¡¯s still one left!¡± Zara shouted. ¡°Oh, hell... that¡¯s a destroyer. We need to move. Now!¡±

 Chapter 15 - Like a spear into the heart

    Captain Thorne¡¯s voice cut through the chaos on the bridge like a blade. ¡°Jump! Jump! Intercept that ship!¡±

    The Vanguard surged into the fray, materializing in the space between the Razorwing and the raider vessel, hammering it with fire. Plasma bolts screamed across the void, shredding the raider¡¯s defences. Under the continuous storm of energy, their shields collapsed, and the ship crumpled under the barrage, detonating into a burst of debris and burning metal.

    ¡°Captain, the jump drive¡¯s straining. We can¡¯t keep making jumps like this!¡± shouted one of the maintenance officers. ¡°The drive can¡¯t handle the load!¡±

    Thorne didn¡¯t bother to acknowledge the warning. His gaze was already locked on the tactical display as he turned to the flight and weapons officers. ¡°Charge railguns. Target that cluster of three ships. Jump!¡±

    The Vanguard shot forward again, flinging itself through space with another desperate leap. The deck shuddered beneath the strain, the ship¡¯s dampeners barely compensating for the brutal acceleration. Thorne could feel the vibrations humming through his boots, the strain of an untested frigate being pushed beyond its limits. But he had his orders, and he wasn¡¯t about to falter now. Not with Duke Draven¡¯s expectations hanging over him like an executioner¡¯s blade.

    ¡°One down,¡± reported the weapons officer, his voice steady amidst the chaos.

    ¡°They¡¯re breaking formation,¡± called out the flight officer. ¡°Splitting up!¡±

    ¡°Hold position,¡± Thorne ordered, his voice calm and steady. ¡°Target both ships. Railguns only.¡± He knew his crew. They wouldn¡¯t miss the shot. This might be a new ship, but these were seasoned hands. Veterans of countless engagements. They knew their roles as well as he knew his.

    The bridge pulsed with activity as his crew carried out their tasks, voices overlapping in a controlled frenzy. Thorne allowed himself a small, grim smile as they executed another jump. The few remaining outlaw ships didn''t stand a chance against the coordinated precision of the Vanguard. One by one, they were torn apart in fiery bursts, leaving the black void littered with the wreckage of a shattered fleet.

    ¡°Sir, all remaining hostiles have been dealt with. Orders?¡± Thorne''s second-in-command glanced back at him, awaiting the next directive.

    Thorne exhaled, letting out a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he was holding. ¡°Open a channel to the Razorwing.¡±

    ¡°Channel open,¡± the comms officer confirmed.

    ¡°Razorwing, this is Captain Thorne. The field¡¯s clear for now. Do you need a¡­¡±

    The Vanguard lurched violently, sending a shockwave through the bridge.

    ¡°Shields at eighty per cent!¡± someone shouted, tension edging their voice.

    ¡°What hit us?¡± Thorne demanded, his tone sharp as a knife. ¡°I want answers now. Turn us around. Full scan. All power to shields!¡±

    A tense silence fell over the bridge as the crew scrambled to comply. Seconds dragged by, each one feeling like an eternity. Then, a voice rang out, breathless and tight. ¡°I¡¯ve got it, sir. Destroyer. It must have been lying in wait and just jumped in.¡±

    ¡°Class?¡± Thorne¡¯s question was instant, reflexive. His mind was already calculating odds, assessing the grim reality of the situation. A destroyer meant they were outmatched in a head-on fight.

    ¡°Disruptor class, sir. It¡¯s the Gravity Hammer,¡± came the dreaded response.

    Captain Thorne''s hands clenched into fists as the name sank in. The Gravity Hammer. A destroyer with a reputation as dark as the void, infamous for wielding the only known surviving gravity well generator in this sector. It was a weapon that could pull ships out of FTL, disrupt jump drives, and tear smaller vessels apart with raw gravitational force.

    The last time it had shown its face, it had abandoned its comrades in the Empire¡¯s darkest hour. Now, it had reappeared, and Thorne could feel the weight of its menace pressing down on the bridge like a leaden hand.

    "Incoming fire!" someone shouted.

    The Vanguard shuddered as a volley of disruptor blasts slammed into the shields, each impact rattling Thorne''s teeth. The view on the main screen filled with flashes of light and streaks of energy as the destroyer bore down on them, an armoured behemoth with rows of glowing cannons and a prow like a dagger poised to strike.

    "Shields down to 65 per cent!" yelled the tactical officer. "They''re focusing fire on us!"

    "Keep them at full power," Thorne ordered his voice like iron. "Flight control, evasive maneuvers. We can''t give them a clean shot."

    The Vanguard banked hard, engines flaring as the ship twisted away from the incoming fire, weaving through the debris field left by the earlier battle. The gravity well¡¯s pull made it feel like they were dragging the ship through sludge, every turn taking more effort than it should. It was an invisible enemy, tightening its grip with every passing second.

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    ¡°Sir, we¡¯re getting interference from the well,¡± the navigation officer called out, voice strained. ¡°It¡¯s disrupting our maneuvering thrusters. We can¡¯t get enough distance.¡±

    Thorne gritted his teeth. He could feel it in his bones. If they didn¡¯t do something soon, they would be crushed like a tin can beneath the Gravity Hammer''s heel. His eyes narrowed as he considered their options. He hadn¡¯t fought in a dozen campaigns to roll over and die just because some cowardly warship decided to grow a spine.

    ¡°Target the gravity well emitter,¡± he ordered. ¡°Railguns, full charge. No. Overload the railguns. And prepare for another jump.¡±

    ¡°Sir?¡± The weapons officer hesitated, glancing back at him with a hint of doubt. ¡°The drive''s already unstable. Another jump could¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s either we risk it or we die now, Lieutenant,¡± Thorne snapped. ¡°Jump as soon as the railguns are ready.¡±

    The bridge hummed with tension as the crew sprang into action, hands flying over controls and voices rising in clipped commands. The Vanguard surged forward, its railguns aligning on the emitter. A metallic whine grew in intensity as the weapons charged well past the standard safety thresholds, the ship¡¯s frame groaning under the strain.

    ¡°Ready, sir!¡± the weapons officer called out.

    ¡°Execute the jump,¡± Thorne ordered, his jaw set.

    The Vanguard vanished in a burst of light, reappearing almost instantly in a position that flanked the Gravity Hammer. The destroyer''s silhouette loomed large on the screen, an iron mountain blotting out the stars. The railguns fired in tandem, spears of kinetic energy lancing toward the emitter. For a heartbeat, the rounds tore through the void uninterrupted, streaking toward their target.

    The destroyer¡¯s point defence turrets sprang to life, unleashing a hail of intercepting fire. One of the railgun rounds was deflected off course, but the other found its mark, smashing into the emitter with a bone-rattling explosion. The impact sent a shockwave rippling across the Gravity Hammer¡¯s hull, and for a moment, the gravitational drag on the Vanguard lessened.

    ¡°Direct hit!¡± shouted the tactical officer. ¡°The emitter¡¯s damaged.¡± The damage spread like a spiderweb across the emitter''s housing, with sparks and vented gases spilling from the ruptured sections. But it was still active,

    ¡°Damn it,¡± Thorne muttered. His hand hovered over the command interface, torn between desperation and grim resolve. If they didn¡¯t act fast, the gravity well would crush them. There was only one way out now. It was a choice no captain wanted to make, but for Thorne, it was already decided. He wouldn¡¯t let the Razorwing die here He would complete his duty..

    Thorne took a calming breath. He had known the odds had been against them from the start, but he''d hoped for a different outcome. One last time, he placed his faith in his crew. ¡°Engineering, prepare the reactor for overload,¡± he said, voice steady despite the cold pit in his stomach. ¡°We¡¯re going to take out that emitter once and for all. We will avenge the fallen. The traitors aboard this ship will pay.¡±

    A stunned silence fell over the bridge. Someone whispered a curse. The engineering officer turned slowly to face him, eyes wide. ¡°Sir, with all due respect. But that¡¯ll¡­¡±

    ¡°I know what it¡¯ll do,¡± Thorne interrupted, his tone hard but not unkind. ¡°But it¡¯s the only way to shut down the gravity well. We have a duty to carry out. Get it done.¡±

    The crew exchanged grim looks, but there was no hesitation as they moved to carry out the order. Thorne¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the screen, where the Gravity Hammer was recovering from the railgun strike, its cannons swinging around to target them again.

    ¡°Flight control. Can we jump again?¡± Thorne asked. He already knew the answer.

    ¡°No, Captain. The drives done for.¡±

    ¡°Fine, plot a collision course for the emitter,¡± he replied. ¡°Full speed.¡±

    The Vanguard surged forward, engines roaring at maximum thrust. The destroyer loomed larger with each passing second, its cannons unleashing a torrent of fire that battered the Vanguard¡¯s failing shields. The deck shuddered, lights flickering as explosions rocked the hull. Reports of damage poured in from all sections, but Thorne didn¡¯t waver.

    ¡°Captain, the Razorwing is signalling. Alex is asking what we¡¯re doing!¡± the comms officer said, voice tight and urgent.

    ¡°Tell them this is their chance. They have to get out of here. No matter what.¡± he said softly.

    Thorne allowed himself a brief moment to close his eyes as memories flashed through his mind. Moments that had seemed insignificant at the time but now stood out with startling clarity.

    He remembered Lieutenant Harlan¡¯s booming laugh that could lift the spirits of even the most weary crew member, echoing through the mess hall after a hard-won victory. Ensign Darrin, his face flushed and hands trembling as he asked Thorne for advice on proposing to his partner, had always carried a shy optimism despite the war raging around them. Chief Engineer Voss had always been the first to crack a dry joke after a close call, his gruff voice a constant source of reassurance.

    They weren¡¯t just his crew; they were family.

    He had made a promise to Duke Draven to protect his son, but it was more than that now. It was about honouring the sacrifices of those who trusted him to lead them and repaying the debt to those who had already given everything. He had to ensure that their courage would not be in vain.

    The weight of it all pressed on his chest, but there was no room for doubt. He would give Alex and the Razorwing a chance to escape, even if it meant paying the ultimate price. ¡°All hands,¡± he said, his voice steady, ¡°brace for impact.¡±

    The bridge crew strapped in as the Vanguard raced headlong toward the Gravity Hammer. The destroyer''s cannons spat fire, but it was too late. The Vanguard¡¯s engines flared with a final surge, propelling the frigate like a spear into the heart of the emitter.

    The Gravity Hammer loomed closer, its armoured hull filling the screen like a wall of black steel. Every second seemed to stretch, the distance between them shrinking at a terrifying pace. The bridge trembled under the strain as alarms blared and damage reports flooded in. Thorne¡¯s voice cut through the noise like a lifeline. ¡°Steady, all hands.¡±

    For a fraction of a second, there was silence. Then, the Vanguard struck home. The explosion swallowed the bridge in a burst of searing light. For a heartbeat, everything was consumed by blinding whiteness and a silence so deep it seemed to stretch on forever. Then, the darkness of the void returned, filled now with the drifting remains of the Gravity Hammer, its cracked and shattered hull slowly disintegrating into pieces. The echoes of the Vanguard¡¯s last stand faded, leaving only the emptiness behind.

    Captain Thorne felt a strange calm settle over him in the final seconds. He had done his duty. He had kept his promise. Whatever awaited him beyond the stars, he would face it knowing they had not died in vain. With that, he let go.

    Amidst the chaos, the Razorwing shot forward, free from the well¡¯s influence. Alex¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, calling out to Captain Thorne. But there was no reply. Only the fading echoes of the Vanguard¡¯s last stand

 Chapter 16 - Trembling with a rage

    I stared out the front of the cockpit, the stars streaming past in silent, indifferent streaks. "Why... Why?" I asked, my voice barely whispering, not expecting an answer.

    Jax shifted in his seat beside me, his jaw tight as he looked ahead. ¡°Captain Thorne made his choice, Alex. He knew what it meant.¡± His voice was gruff, but there was a note of respect in it. ¡°They all did.¡±

    I shook my head slowly, not sure if I was trying to clear my thoughts or reject the idea altogether. ¡°But¡­ all those lives. The Vanguard was a new ship. They could have made it out. We could have¡­¡±

    ¡°They didn¡¯t throw their lives away,¡± Zara cut in. Her voice was hard. She had turned in her seat to face me, her expression hardened by experience. "It was a sacrifice, yes," she said, her voice firm, ¡°but it was far from a waste. They made sure we could escape. Made sure you could escape.¡±

    I clenched my fists, heat rising as my chest tightened. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for that,¡± I said, my voice trembling. ¡°I didn¡¯t want anyone to die for me.¡±

    Zara''s gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°It¡¯s not about what you wanted, Alex. It¡¯s about what was necessary.¡±

    Jax nodded in agreement. ¡°Captain Thorne knew the stakes. It wasn¡¯t about saving a ship or a few lives. It was about giving you and the Razorwing a chance to make it through. That¡¯s why he did it.¡±

    I turned away, unable to meet their eyes. I watched the endless darkness of space pass by instead, feeling hollow. It felt wrong as if some part of me was supposed to have felt different when we made it out. It''s like there was supposed to be some kind of victory. But all I felt was the weight of what we¡¯d left behind.

    ¡°So that¡¯s it?¡± I asked, my voice low. ¡°Just accept that people are going to throw themselves on the pyre whenever I¡¯m in danger?¡±

    Zara sighed, the faintest flicker of sympathy in her eyes. ¡°As long as you¡¯re in line for the Draven title and the ruler of Drakara, there will always be people who are willing to make that choice for you. And there will always be those who see it as their duty.¡±

    ¡°Not everyone¡¯s going to agree with it,¡± Jax added. ¡°Hell, you may never feel right about it either. But out here¡­ sometimes that¡¯s what it takes.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want it to be that way,¡± I murmured, my throat tightening. ¡°I don¡¯t want people to die for me. If that¡¯s what it means, then¡­¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯d better get used to being disappointed,¡± Zara interrupted sharply. ¡°You don¡¯t get to choose who makes sacrifices for you, Alex. You just have to decide what you¡¯re going to do with what they¡¯ve given you.¡±

    Her words hit like a slap. I knew she was right, but it didn¡¯t make it any easier to accept. I had heard the conviction in his voice when he ordered us to escape. And yet, I couldn¡¯t help but feel as if I had somehow failed him. Failed all of them.

    The cockpit fell into an uneasy silence, the only sound the low hum of the ship¡¯s systems as we sped away from the wreckage left behind. I forced myself to look forward, even though all I wanted to do was shut my eyes and wish it all away.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    The Vanguard¡¯s last stand haunted me, a ghost at the edge of my thoughts. It loomed in the darkness, a question I didn¡¯t know how to answer. But I knew one thing with painful certainty: that choice had been theirs. And now, what I did next would be mine.

    ***

    Cedric Draven threw the tablet across the room, the glass shattering against the stone wall. ¡°Damn it!¡± His voice echoed through the chamber like a roar, raw and furious. He gripped the edge of his desk, knuckles white, his entire body trembling with a rage that he could barely contain.

    The veins in his neck stood out, his breaths coming fast and ragged. He could barely keep himself from tearing the entire room apart. How could they have failed? How could he have escaped?

    The room was dimly lit, a stark contrast to the blaze of anger in Cedric''s eyes. He paced back and forth, the heels of his boots striking the floor in sharp, rhythmic beats. The Gravity Hammer¡ªone of his finest assets¡ªhad been obliterated, and that upstart whelp had lived to tell the tale. The entire operation had been planned down to the last detail. Every possible outcome accounted for¡­ or so he¡¯d thought.

    But Alex had survived. Again. Like a curse that refused to be broken.

    He slammed his fist onto the table, the impact rattling the scattered papers and datapads. ¡°Useless!¡± he spat, disgusted at the thought of how much he had invested in this failed mission. His mind seethed, a torrent of fury and frustration boiling over. He had underestimated the boy for the last time.

    Cedric stormed over to his communication console, jabbing the interface with a shaking finger. ¡°Get me Baelor on Drakara,¡± he growled at the comm officer. ¡°Now.¡±

    The screen flickered to life a moment later, revealing the shadowed face of a man in a dimly lit room. Baelor¡¯s grizzled features were barely visible in the darkness, but the gleam in his eyes showed a readiness that Cedric was counting on.

    ¡°The mission failed,¡± Cedric said bluntly, his voice like ice. ¡°Alex lives. I want you to accelerate the plan.¡±

    Baelor arched a brow, though he didn''t seem particularly surprised. ¡°Accelerate?¡± he repeated after a few moments, his voice rough and gravelly. ¡°Are you certain? The situation in Drakara is already volatile. Pushing further now could¡ª¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care what it could do!¡± Cedric snapped, his expression twisted with contempt. ¡°I want every fire stoked. The riots, the sabotage, everything. I want the people to scream for change. To beg for it.¡±

    Baelor hesitated, but only for a moment. ¡°Very well,¡± he replied, letting out a breath as he inclined his head slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll see to it that the unrest is¡­ intensified.¡±

    Cedric¡¯s lips curled into a thin, joyless smile. ¡°Good. And make sure they know who to blame. I want Alex¡¯s name burned into their minds.¡±

    Baelor gave a short, wordless nod, and the screen went dark. Cedric turned away, his mind already racing with his next move. The boy might have escaped this time, but it didn¡¯t matter. The pressure was mounting on all fronts, and soon, even Alex wouldn¡¯t be able to hold it together. Cedric would see to that personally.

    He drew in a breath and pulled up another comm channel, this time to a different contact. The figure that appeared on the display wore a formal military uniform, the lines of his face sharp and severe, his eyes betraying a keen intelligence. The connection was secure, and Cedric spoke with a cold determination.

    ¡°General Atria,¡± he said, his tone lower but no less dangerous. ¡°We need to meet. It¡¯s time to move forward with your proposal.¡±

    The general¡¯s expression did not shift. ¡°You¡¯ve decided, then?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Cedric answered, his voice hard as iron. ¡°Alex is a threat to everything we¡¯ve worked for. If we¡¯re going to secure the Empire¡¯s future, then we need to crush him¡ªnow. There can be no more waiting.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± General Atria replied, a hint of grim satisfaction in his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for a meeting. You¡¯ll have my full support.¡±

    Cedric ended the call, and his anger was not diminished but channelled. There was no room for half-measures anymore, no time to play it safe. If it took the Empire itself burning to bring Alex down, then so be it.

    Cedric stood in the dimly lit room, the shattered remains of the tablet still scattered across the floor. He picked up a shard of the shattered tablet and squeezed it. Blood dripped from his closed fist. He would see Alex Draven broken, one way or another. The boy¡¯s every victory would be turned to ash.

 Chapter 17 - Parading that thing around

    The spaceport around Drakara loomed ahead, stretching out like a titan¡¯s arm grasping at the planet below. The sheer size was impressive, but I reminded myself it was primarily a mining hub, not a civilian port. Drakara¡¯s rare elements fueled the Empire¡¯s war machines, each shipment powering the industries that kept the military alive.

    As we neared the station, Zara leaned over her comms panel and hailed for clearance. ¡°This is the Razorwing requesting clearance to Drakara¡¯s surface,¡± she said smoothly, fingers tapping out an additional authorization code for good measure. The speakers crackled in reply, each second of silence amplifying a feeling of unease none of us could ignore.

    After a moment, a clipped voice broke through. ¡°Razorwing, your clearance to the planet is currently on hold. You are redirected to docking bay A-4 on Station Praxus for immediate debrief.¡±

    Zara frowned, shooting me a quick glance as she pressed the comms again. ¡°This is Captain Zara, requesting an explanation for the hold on our descent.¡±

    There was a pause, and then the same dispassionate voice replied, ¡°Landing clearance to Drakara¡¯s surface is suspended under current lockdown protocol. You will be met upon arrival.¡±

    Zara muttered under her breath, casting a wary look out the viewport as we closed in on the docking bay. She cut the comms, her jaw tight. ¡°Redirected to the station? Lockdown protocols don¡¯t usually stop officials from entering the planet.¡±

    Jax glanced at Zara before looking at me. ¡°No. The Razorwing is registered now as Alex¡¯s personal ship. They¡¯d know that. Something doesn¡¯t feel right.¡±

    The docking bay doors yawned open, welcoming us into a cold, cavernous space. Zara guided the Razorwing down with practised precision, but the unsettling silence made my skin prickle. I glanced at Jax as he moved toward a hatch, where he pulled it open and retrieved a sword, a plasma rifle, and¡ªa Gauss rifle. The electromagnetic coils along the barrel gave it away, and Zara¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°By the Emperor¡¯s balls¡­ when did you smuggle these on board? Jax, do you really think parading that thing around here is smart? A Gauss rifle? That¡¯s military-grade! You know the Empire traces these. Her voice came across as low as if talking too loud would get us caught. ¡°How the hell did you get your hands on that? That¡¯s restricted tech!¡±

    Jax rolled his eyes and smiled as he checked the weapon. Zara took a step back, shaking her head as she kept staring at the rifle. ¡°So, what¡¯s your secret? Some backroom deal I should know about?¡±

    Jax smiled at Zara with a slightly unhinged, lopsided grin, twirling the rifle for emphasis. ¡°I have friends, Zara. Besides, mentioning Alex¡¯s name tends to make people generous.¡±

    Zara¡¯s simply stared at Jax in disbelief. ¡°And these ¡®friends¡¯... Are you sure they don¡¯t report to the Empire? Because that weapon makes us a walking target if someone recognizes it.¡±

    Jax shrugged, his smirk fading slightly. ¡°Nothing gets traced back. We¡¯re safe. I¡¯ve¡­ taken precautions.¡±

    Zara¡¯s eyes narrowed, giving him a scrutinizing look. ¡°For all our sakes, I hope you¡¯re right.¡±

    Jax scratched the back of his head, smirking again. ¡°Jax¡­¡± I started, but he raised a hand, cutting me off as he offered me the sword.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep the Gauss rifle,¡± he said, his grin not fading. ¡°Zara, you take the plasma rifle. We consider everyone on this station as a potential enemy. I¡¯ve got a Nexus installed, so I¡¯m ready. Alex, don¡¯t push your Nexus, okay? We¡¯re still suppressing it for a reason.¡±

    Zara huffed, clearly not done with the argument, as she looked at me. ¡°You really think no one¡¯s going to notice that on an Empire-controlled station?¡±

    I shrugged as I strapped the vibrosword around my waist, feeling its weight settle against me like a silent reminder. Taking a steadying breath, I gave a nod, ignoring Zara''s glare. ¡°All right. Let¡¯s see what¡¯s going on.¡±

    We stepped out into the bay, met by the chilly, grey light and a solitary officer waiting for us. The wide-open space felt calculated as if they wanted us exposed. Zara¡¯s fingers twitched, her gaze sweeping the empty bay with barely concealed suspicion, while Jax¡¯s smile faded into something darker. No guard detail, no welcoming party¡ªjust this officer, standing stiffly with an air of weary restraint.

    He approached, his expression severe but clearly exhausted. ¡°Welcome to Drakara, Baron Alex Draven,¡± he said with a curt nod. ¡°Apologies for the change in protocol. We¡¯re currently under lockdown following a recent security breach.¡±

    ¡°Security breach?¡± I asked, a frown settling between my brows. Jax¡¯s jaw clenched, and I could feel Zara tensing beside me, her gaze flicking to the room¡¯s exits.

    ¡°There was an attempt to sabotage the station,¡± the officer replied, his voice neutral and measured; I caught the quick glance he gave the weapon Jax was holding. ¡°We intercepted the threat, but protocol requires full lockdown until we can ensure security.¡±

    The officer¡¯s tone stayed neutral, too polished. Jax¡¯s face showed his barely contained rage as he stepped forward. ¡°You let us land without a word of warning? An active sabotage threat and you¡¯re only telling us now?¡±

    The officer¡¯s mouth twitched, almost apologetically, before his face settled back down. ¡°Our security protocols ensured there was no immediate threat during your approach. Your safety remains a priority, but please understand that tensions are high. We advise remaining alert.¡±

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    I caught Zara¡¯s gaze flicking back to the Razorwing, a wary glint in her eye as though expecting something to happen the moment our backs were turned. She nodded once, her look cautious yet ready.

    With a final glance, I squared my shoulders and walked forward, my footsteps echoing in the hollow silence of the hangar. Jax and Zara fell into step on either side of me as we followed the officer.

    For some reason, my idea of what a station should look like was far from reality. A maze of grey corridors greeted us. Each turn was identical to the last. The overhead lighting strips flickered as we passed, casting a sterile glow over the dull, metallic walls. The officer¡¯s footsteps echoed sharply, setting a brisk pace as though he wanted this to be over as soon as possible. After a few minutes, he gestured us to a plain door at the end of a narrow hallway.

    ¡°In here,¡± he said, nodding at the door. ¡°The station commander will meet with you shortly. Please wait.¡±

    He turned and left, leaving the three of us in silence. The door clicked shut behind us, and I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something wasn¡¯t right.

    Jax tilted his head, scanning the room with a narrowed gaze. ¡°They¡¯re stalling us,¡± he muttered, his voice a low rumble. He took a few steps, crouching to inspect a section of the wall. ¡°You see these marks?¡± He traced faint scratches and dents. ¡°Signs of struggle. And look here.¡± He gestured to a faint smear of what looked like charred metal near the floor. ¡°Blaster residue. This place was hit recently, maybe even today.¡±

    I pointed up towards the ceiling as I silently mouthed, microphone? Jax shook his head. ¡°No. They do not even bother to mask the blaster residue. They want us nervous¡­¡±

    Zara¡¯s brow furrowed as she looked back at the door. ¡°Why didn¡¯t they just tell us the truth?¡±

    Jax shrugged, glancing around the empty room. ¡°Because they don¡¯t want us leaving,¡± he said, a slow smile spreading across his face. ¡°It¡¯s a trap. Just for us.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s not sit around waiting to be caught,¡± I said with a chuckle. I knew how much Jax loved being able to let loose. I rubbed my hand on my leg, feeling the weight of the vibrosword move where it rested at my side. Zara approached the door and tried the handle, but it didn¡¯t budge. She grunted in frustration, leaning her shoulder against it as if willing to open.

    ¡°It¡¯s locked,¡± she said, casting a look back at Jax. ¡°You got any ideas?¡±

    Jax lifted the Gauss rifle without a word, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He squared himself to the wall, adjusted his grip, and pulled the trigger. The rifle let out a low hum, followed by an explosion that shook the room. The wall crumbled under the force, leaving a jagged, smoking hole large enough to step through.

    Jax took a moment to admire his handiwork, chuckling as he stared at the breach. ¡°Oh¡­ oh oh oh. I like this.¡±

    Jax and Zara stepped through the hole and into the corridor beyond. After a quick check of the surroundings, Jax motioned for me to follow, eyes sharp as he assessed every shadow, every corridor. I sighed. I understood their approach. They were taking point, and it was better to let them lead in a situation this tense. Goddess knows how I would be scolded if I tried to argue with them on this.

    The air was thick with the acrid stench of scorched metal, faint scorch marks dotting the walls. Each sign of damage told its own story, confirming just how close a battle had come to tearing this station apart. Following the clues of recent conflict, we pushed forward: debris scattered across the floor, streaks of something dark smeared along the walls, and the occasional clatter of distant movement.

    Zara¡¯s gaze snapped to the intersection of the corridor, her eyes narrowing at a faint clatter echoing just ahead. Signalling Jax with a warning even before two figures appeared around the corner. She didn¡¯t wait for Jax¡¯s signal. Raising her plasma rifle with practised ease, she took aim, her breath measured as her shot hit dead centre.

    ¡°Stay sharp,¡± she muttered, her focus unwavering. Beside her, Jax''s hand tightened around his Gauss rifle as his Nexus-enhanced reflexes surged to life, making him a blur of movement. Jax moved before the guards could act. His Nexus gave him the edge he needed as he darted forward, his movements impossibly fluid like he was cutting through the very air itself

    He ducked under a volley of blaster fire in one swift motion, his Gauss rifle already raised. He fired a single shot that blasted through the chest of the first guard in front of him, sending what was left of the man crashing into the wall with a lifeless thud.

    ¡°Zara!¡± Jax called, sidestepping another shot with unnatural ease.

    Zara shook herself as she fired again, the shots hitting her targets dead centre. The next guard around the corner tried to dodge, but she tracked him effortlessly, her shots burning clean through his armour. He staggered back, dropping with a look of surprise frozen on his face.

    More guards rounded the corner, drawn by the sound of gunfire. Jax''s eyes gleamed with anticipation. His Nexus-enhanced reflexes kicked in, and he moved in a blur, instantly reaching the closest guard.

    With brutal efficiency, he slammed the rifle butt into the guard¡¯s face, the force knocking him out cold before he could react. Jax turned and fired at the next guard.

    Zara backed him up, her plasma rifle never wavering as she took out two more guards in rapid succession, clearing the path ahead. Her expression was one of steely focus, her eyes scanning every angle, her instincts sharp as she covered Jax¡¯s six.

    With the immediate threat neutralized, Jax checked the bodies before we moved deeper into the corridor, the sounds of our footsteps heavy in the silence.

    It didn¡¯t take long before Jax held up his hand. He held up one finger and then made a motion just around the corner. Great, only one guard this time. They grabbed a quick glance. The guard in question was just around the corner. It looked like he was guarding a door. His posture was tense as he clutched his weapon.

    I let out a breath before and moved. before Jax or Zara could react. I surged forward, my vibrosword glinting as I closed the distance in a heartbeat. The guard¡¯s gaze lifted just in time to meet mine. There was a flicker of recognition. A heartbeat of awareness before my blade cut down, slicing through him without resistance. He slumped in two silent halves, crumpling against the wall as Jax looked at me, approval mixed with a hint of irritation.

    I grunted as my body ached. Jax gave me a look of concern before he nodded, reaching for the door. With a quick jerk, he wrenched it open.

    Inside, the station staff were huddled in a tight group, their eyes wide and full of panic. One of them clutched a half-burned datapad to her chest like it was a lifeline, her gaze darting between us and the bloody blade at my side. She was shaking, lips moving soundlessly as if she were praying.

    As we entered, the staff¡¯s eyes widened further, flicking to the dead guard behind us. I held up a hand to reassure them, but the woman¡¯s gaze remained on my sword, her fear growing by the second. Zara lowered her weapon, giving the crew a quick once-over and assessing them. Jax¡¯s posture was tense, his hand lingering near the rifle trigger. He looked at me, brows furrowed, as if to say, What now?

    I took a slow step forward, keeping my tone calm. ¡°We¡¯re not here to hurt you. But we need your help. Can any of you tell us what''s going on?¡±

    One of the staff hesitated, glancing nervously between us. ¡°The lockdown isn¡¯t about you, is it?¡±

    A chill ran through me as I shook my head. Whatever had them so terrified was a lot closer than we thought.

 Chapter 18 - Breathe through the frustration

    It took us longer than I thought it would to calm the station crew we found locked in what turned out to be a conference room. Jax found out they had the station¡¯s commander locked away in a room off the main control centre. After a lot of discussion, Zara, JAx and I decided to head there next. One of the officers offered to show us where we needed to go.

    Outside, the corridor was silent, save for the low hum of the lights overhead, casting a pale, sickly glow against the walls. My boots echoed with each step. Behind me, Zara and Jax moved in lockstep, weapons ready, eyes sweeping their surroundings. The air was thick with tension, the faint scent of burning metal drifting from deeper within the station.

    We stumbled across the holding cells first. Certainly wasn''t planned, but the half-dozen station guards, battered and bruised, restrained behind flickering containment fields, were so happy to see us. Well, not us. But they were happy to see the officer that was guiding us.

    The guards looked up at the officer, relief flickering in their eyes. One of the guards, a wiry man with a blood-streaked face, staggered to his feet, fingers gripping the bars as if they were his only tether to hope.

    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta get us out,¡± he rasped, voice raw with urgency. ¡°Rebels from Drakara stormed in. Overpowered us and took control of the station. They¡¯re planning¡­ hell, they¡¯re planning to use it against the Empire.¡±

    My eyes narrowed, my mind racing. ¡°How¡¯d they even get in?¡±

    The guard¡¯s gaze hardened, understanding darkening his expression. ¡°People are calling you a rebel leader, Draven. Stories spreading across Drakara like wildfire. They say you¡¯re here to free us all, to break the Empire¡¯s chains.¡± The man¡¯s voice cracked, a desperate edge creeping in. ¡°They believe in you, and now¡­ now they¡¯re rallying around that lie.¡±

    A cold weight settled over me. ¡°Don''t call me Draven.¡± I growled, ¡°That is not my name.¡± My hands tightened into fists. I glanced at Zara. Her face remained void of any emotion, though her eyes mirrored my anger.

    ¡°Rumors or not,¡± Jax muttered, his voice was low, ¡°they¡¯ve made it our problem now.¡± He turned to Zara and me. ¡°This place is ours to reclaim. We¡¯re not leaving until this station is back under control. The empire¡¯s control. We are not leading a rebellion.¡±

    Zara stepped closer to me, her voice barely a murmur. ¡°Alex, don¡¯t take all this on yourself. The lies aren¡¯t your fault.¡±

    I looked away, my lips pressed into a grim line. ¡°Fault or not, I¡¯m the reason they¡¯re fighting. They think I¡¯m leading some crusade for them. If they keep believing that, more people will die.¡±

    Jax touched my shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll get the rebels off the station, Alex. Together. You¡¯re not alone in this.¡±

    I nodded as I took off down the corridor. The growing pressure in my chest. The sense that each passing moment allowed the rebels to sink their claws further into the station drove me forward.

    We moved through the maze of hallways. Each turn was revealing more and more signs of battle. Scorched walls, shattered glass, and blood spattered on the floors like a trail leading us forward. The station lights flickered in sporadic bursts, casting the place in an eerie half-darkness. The shadows would flicker just a moment too long every so often, setting our nerves on edge.

    After minutes of walking, we could hear muted whispers from somewhere ahead. The sound of scraping of boots against metal. Jax held up a hand, signalling for silence as we edged forward. He peered around the corner to find a group of rebels, a motley collection of hardened fighters and wary civilians wielding salvaged weapons. This group looked vastly different from the group we had fought earlier.

    They were waiting, crouched low behind overturned crates, weapons trained on the entrance. As Jax watched, one of the rebels. The leader, judging by his stance. Gestured for silence, eyes darting toward our direction.

    Soundlessly, Jax moved back, gesturing to Zara and me. He held up his hand, fingers splayed before curling into a fist. Eight. There were eight rebels. We nodded in sync, and on his count, we surged forward.

    The ambush was brutal, a chaotic mess of motion. Zara¡¯s plasma rifle hissed, cutting a searing arc as two rebels dropped in one shot, the heated scent of scorched flesh filling the air. Jax moved like quicksilver, his Nexus-enhanced reflexes fluid and precise. He dropped low, pivoting to line up his Gauss rifle with the rebel leader, the weapon thundering as the top half of the man¡¯s torso blew away in a splatter of gore.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    I broke through their defensive line as they scrambled, sword flashing as I moved for the nearest rebel. But as I swung, the inhibitor on my Nexus stuttered. My speed jolted into a brief surge, then staggered as my body reacted unpredictably, each strike either too fast or too sluggish. My blade cut close to the rebel¡¯s neck, just shy of where I¡¯d aimed. The man dodged, eyes wide with surprise, and took aim, weapon trembling in his hands.

    My Nexus flared again, giving me just enough speed to dodge his shot, but the shift threw me off balance, and I stumbled, barely recovering my stance. I could feel the inhibitor failing to content the Nexus enhancements with each heartbeat, a prickling warmth that sank into my nerves, making my bones ache and making my movements uncertain.

    A rebel lunged from the side, his weapon raised. But before I could even turn, Jax stepped in. He was a blur as his shot ripped through the attacker¡¯s shoulder. The rebel collapsed with a scream, and Jax shot me a hard look.

    ¡°Stay sharp, Alex,¡± he muttered, his gaze flicking over me, his tone tight. ¡°The inhibitor is wearing out. Your nexus is trying to work like normal.¡±

    I grimaced, forcing a nod. ¡°I know,¡± I ground out, the frustration gnawing at my control.

    Zara pressed forward, her rifle releasing precise bursts of plasma that lit up the darkness of the corridor, her gaze darting between targets with lethal precision. Another rebel fell, a smouldering wound in his chest, and I lunged at a nearby attacker, trying to keep pace. But my Nexus jolted again, shifting wildly between bursts of speed and a crawling drag.

    I swung, but my strike was too slow this time, and the rebel saw the opening. He raised his pistol, the barrel aimed straight at me. My muscles tensed, but my Nexus failed out again, my body unresponsive.

    In that split second, Jax stepped in. He shoved me aside with a force that nearly sent me sprawling, his gauss rifle thundering. The rebel¡¯s head snapped back as Jax¡¯s shot struck home, his body crumpling to the floor, lifeless.

    ¡°Focus, damn it!¡± Jax barked, his eyes fierce, but underneath, there was a glint of concern.

    I swallowed hard, gripping my sword tighter. ¡°Thanks. This Nexus is...¡±

    He nodded, his expression hardening. ¡°I know. Just don¡¯t let it take you down with it.¡±

    There were still rebels left, scattered now, their ranks broken, but they fought on, more desperate. Another aimed his blaster at Zara, but before he could fire, she turned, her plasma rifle snapping off a shot that cut through his side. He went down with a strangled cry, his weapon clattering uselessly to the floor.

    The last rebel charged, screaming, his blade raised high. I tried to counter, but my Nexus jerked my body into an awkward lunge, throwing off my balance again. The rebel¡¯s blade grazed my arm, a sharp, burning line of pain.

    Instinctively, I brought my sword up, letting the blade slide under his guard. I countered, my Nexus granting me one clear moment to slide my blade deep across his chest. He fell, his body twitching before he lay still.

    As silence settled, I let out a breath, gripping my arm where the blade had cut me. The inhibitor continued to cut in and out erratically, the warmth in my nerves spreading, gnawing at the edge of my control. I tried to force myself to stay calm and breathe through the frustration clawing at me, but it felt like I was holding back a storm ready to tear me apart.

    ¡°Your Nexus¡­¡± Zara¡¯s voice was low and steady as she looked at me, a concern in her eyes that she rarely let show. ¡°It¡¯s acting up, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    I nodded, flexing my hand, feeling the tingle as each stutter of the Nexus sent a new ache through my bones. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s unpredictable. Each burst feels like it could either kill or save me.¡±

    Zara¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°If it gets worse, tell me. We don¡¯t need you going berserk on us in here. Let¡¯s keep you grounded.¡±

    I forced a smirk, but the tension was visible in my face. ¡°Grounded¡¯s the least of my problems right now,¡± I muttered, flexing my hand to shake off the tingling.

    The constant battles continued. Another corridor, another fight. Every rebel we encountered seemed more ferocious than the last, as though they were steeling themselves against me personally as if their very cause depended on it. The officer guiding us hung back well behind us. I couldn¡¯t her, though. A stray blaster shot had almost killed her. After that. She stayed well away.

    With each new firefight that we were forced into. I felt that fire inside me rage hotter, threatening to break free. It felt like I was straining against my own skin, against the fractured control I¡¯d fought so hard to maintain. This wasn''t what I had wanted for my life. I was meant to be at the academy. Not fighting to regain control of a dammed station around a planet that I hadn''t wanted.

    When we finally reached the main corridor that led to the command centre, we stopped, crouching against the wall. I closed his eyes, forcing myself to take a slow breath, letting the air fill my lungs and push back against the anger. The rage that was festering in my chest. I could feel Zara watching me, her silence speaking volumes..

    ¡°Let it go, Alex,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible above the hum of the station. ¡°We¡¯ve got this.¡±

    But I shook my head. My voice hard. ¡°Not this time, Zara. They¡¯re here because of me. They¡¯re here because they think I can save them. And if I don¡¯t¡­ what happens then?¡±

    Jax reached out, his grip firm on my shoulder, almost in an attempt to ground me. ¡°You¡¯re here, Alex. That¡¯s enough. We do this one step at a time. That¡¯s all we need.¡±

    I nodded, though the weight of their words felt hollow, distant. I was told for as long as I had lived in the Draven household that I wasn''t good enough. I could do better. Cerdic was always pointing this out. Each reminder, each reassurance only sharpened the truth that had settled into my mind like a jagged edge: this was my problem to deal with, and only I could end it.

 Chapter 19 - Fighting for a fantasy

    We crouched, the command centre doors just ahead of us. The corridor bore scars of a recent fight, burn marks, and bullet holes marred every surface. Streaks of blood that still looked wet didn¡¯t help to quell the rage that was doing its best to break free. I took a deep breath, trying to calm it. My Nexus was causing my hands to shake; I struggled to control each movement as the inhibitor Jax gave me was almost worn off. It was barely holding the flood of energy in check now.

    Jax nodded as we reached the door, which was slightly ajar. The faint murmur of voices filtered through, low and tense. Jax and Zara exchanged glances before we slipped in, moving cautiously. Inside, the space was makeshift¡ªwhat had likely been an officers¡¯ lounge now served as a triage centre. Beds and medkits were hastily set up, injured soldiers lying in rows, their uniforms dark with blood, and their faces pale with shock. The stale air smelled of antiseptic and iron.

    Looking around, I noticed a woman standing in the centre of it all. She wore a white coat, and though it was smeared with blood, it still screamed out a doctor. Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, her hair tied back. She moved with swift efficiency, a deep frown creasing her face as she worked over a soldier. Across from her stood a military commander, judging from the uniform, his gaze fixed on the doorway we¡¯d just come through with steely coldness as if he¡¯d been expecting us.

    The doctor looked up, her gaze drilling into me the second she noticed me. I watched as she took a steadying breath, clenching the medical instrument in her hand so hard her knuckles whitened. She cast a sharp look down at the soldier beneath her care; he winced, but I couldn¡¯t tell if it was from the pain or her tense energy. She finished wrapping his bandage with almost mechanical precision, her eyes flicking back to me every few seconds like she was daring me to say something.

    Once she¡¯d finished, she straightened, her shoulders taut, and let the instrument drop to the nearby tray with a harsh clink. She crossed the room quickly. ¡°You,¡± she hissed, her lips pressed into a thin line. Her voice was low and controlled but brimming with fury. Her hands found their way to her hips, fingers digging in as if holding herself back.

    Hearing the hate in her voice hit like a punch. Her tone dripped with accusation, and she didn¡¯t bother to hide the anger in her eyes. ¡°Do you even realise the mess you¡¯ve created? The station overrun, citizens hurt, and now rumours and lies paint you as some kind of hero for the Drakara rebellion.¡± She crossed her arms, jaw clenched.

    I didn¡¯t flinch, but her words bit deep, each one slipping beneath my defences. ¡°I didn¡¯t cause this. I have never even been to the planet¡¯s surface,¡± I replied, my voice low. ¡°I came here to take up my post as ruler. I found that the station was under attack. I am not here to lead a revolution. Why would I want to have a revolution against myself?¡± My gaze dropped to a wounded officer lying nearby. His face twisted in pain as he clutched his injured leg. ¡°I never asked for any of this.¡±

    She shook her head, disbelief etched in every line of her face. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you asked for, Baron,¡± she spat. ¡°They believe in you. The people of Drakara have been fed stories about you, about a warrior who¡¯s come to free them from the Empire¡¯s chains. And whether you like it or not, they¡¯ve put their faith in that lie.¡±

    I wanted to snap back, to tell her she didn¡¯t understand, but the truth settled heavily in my stomach. I met her gaze, the resentment in my chest simmering alongside the rage that was still there. ¡°You think I wanted this? The false hope, the lies? I don¡¯t need to be some ridiculous symbol to people I don¡¯t even know.¡± The words were quiet and raw, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to back down.

    The commander watched us with a stony expression, his arms folded across his chest. He stepped forward, his voice cold. ¡°You¡¯re no liberator, Baron. As far as I am concerned, you¡¯re a threat. And you¡¯re exactly what these rebels want: a figure to rally behind, a name that ignites their anger.¡± His eyes narrowed, his voice filled with quiet anger. ¡°I don¡¯t trust you. And if I had it my way, you wouldn¡¯t be within ten light-years of this station.¡±

    I held up my hand to stop Jax as he stepped forward. The commander¡¯s words had set him off. I shook my head at him before turning back to the two. The accusation had stung, but I forced myself to keep my voice steady. ¡°I didn¡¯t come here to stir a rebellion. I came to take up the position that the Emperor gave me,¡± I replied, though the words sounded hollow, even to me.

    The doctor¡¯s gaze softened slightly, though her jaw stayed tight. ¡°Useless,¡± she said, almost a whisper. ¡°You want to help, then own up. Stand in front of the masses and explain. Explain that you are not the one calling for revolution. Otherwise, the chaos that is currently happening on the planet''s surface? It¡¯s only going to get worse. As far as I¡¯m concerned, you¡¯ve caused it. Don¡¯t hide from what they believe you to be. You can¡¯t ignore this.¡±

    For a moment, silence settled over us, broken only by the muffled sounds of the injured soldiers and the station''s distant, almost mechanical hum. Her words hung in the air, pressing down on me, rooting me to the spot.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    I clenched my fists, trying to find a balance between the rage and the guilt that gnawed at me. ¡°You don¡¯t understand,¡± I said quietly, barely able to meet her gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t want them looking at me as some kind of saviour. I¡¯m just trying to keep everyone alive. Do you know what the Emperor will do once he learns that the planet is trying to revolt? I can tell you. He will wipe the planet. Orbital bombardment. Complete and utter destruction.¡±

    The commander scoffed, turning his back to us, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Then maybe it¡¯s time you start telling the citizens of Drakara that you are not leading a revolt. Because right now, this place is teetering on the edge of collapse, and every second you waste trying to clear your name, these rebels dig their heels deeper.¡±

    Jax stepped in, his voice tense but steady. ¡°Look, whether or not you think he¡¯s responsible, Alex is the only one here with a shot at taking this station and the planet back. The rebels aren¡¯t fighting for a cause. They¡¯re fighting for a fantasy.¡± He shot me a quick glance, his expression hard. ¡°But if we stand any chance of retaking control, we¡¯ll need everyone working together.¡±

    The commander¡¯s eyes flicked over Jax, and finally, he gave a short nod, crossing his arms. ¡°Fine. But I won¡¯t have him or my soldiers. He¡¯s nothing but a tool for their propaganda.¡± His gaze shifted to me as he leaned forward. ¡°And I¡¯ll be damned if I let that cost me any more.¡±

    I gritted my teeth, nodding, though the anger still simmered. ¡°Then let¡¯s get to work,¡± I said, turning toward the doors we had walked through. ¡°We need to regain control of the operations control room, right? I¡¯ll handle the rebels there and prove to you that I¡¯m here for the people and planet of Drakara. Not for the cause of these rebels.¡±

    I watched as the doctor said something to the commander before she turned. ¡°I¡¯ll show you the way.¡± I followed her toward the door. Just as we reached it, the commander called out behind us.

    ¡°Wait.¡± He shouted, walking towards us. ¡°Lyra. I¡¯ll go with you. I don¡¯t trust these three.¡±

    The commander¡¯s eyes held a distrust as he fell in step beside Lyra. I kept my jaw tight, ignoring his lingering glare, and we all moved into the dim, narrow corridors of the station as I noticed the constant hum of the station vibrating through the floor.

    After a few minutes, we heard the distant echo of gunfire growing louder. Jax and Zara sped up as I moved to follow them. A couple of corners later, we found a group of soldiers huddled behind makeshift barricades constructed from supply crates and twisted metal. Their faces were taut with exhaustion. I could only guess how long they had been here fighting. Their uniforms were wrinkled and smeared with blood, fresh injuries visible on a few of them as they braced themselves against the cover, rifles at the ready.

    The commander raised a hand as he called out to them. They shifted their weapons toward us, then relaxed. Until their eyes settled on me. One of the soldiers, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, gave me a hard, pointed glare as if he could see through every lie the rumours had painted about me. He didn¡¯t flinch, didn¡¯t even try to hide his contempt. The others stared, and one muttered under his breath, not bothering to conceal his scorn.

    I clenched my fists, willing myself to stay steady. Jax shot me a look, a silent question. Holding him back with a raised hand, I shook my head, though my patience was wearing thin.

    The commander stepped forward, addressing his soldiers. ¡°Report. What¡¯s the situation here?¡±

    The soldier with the scar glanced at me again, a sneer still tugging at the corner of his mouth, then back at the commander. ¡°Heavy fire from the rebels down that hallway, sir. They¡¯ve fortified their position in front of the ops centre. They have set up barricades just like ours.¡± He hesitated, eyeing me. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest, sir, morale is low here. Even worse, now we have him here. Most of the men think¡­¡± He trailed off, his gaze flicking between me and the commander, a question lingering unspoken.

    ¡°Enough,¡± the commander snapped. ¡°Your job is to hold this station, not gossip. We push through, and you follow orders.¡±

    A glimmer of hesitation crossed the soldier¡¯s face, but he nodded, muttering a stiff ¡°Yes, sir¡± as he turned back to face the corridor.

    I nodded as Jax took a step forward, hefting the Gauss rifle onto his shoulder with a casual confidence that bordered on crazy. He glanced down the hall, narrowing his eyes as he caught sight of the barricade on the other end. ¡°Ready to stop wasting time?¡± he asked, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. Without waiting for a response, he raised the rifle, bracing his shoulder as he aimed down the length of the corridor.

    With a sudden whirr, the Gauss rifle charged, a soft glow building at the muzzle. Then, a deafening crack split the air as a screaming noise launched down the hall, piercing straight through the enemy barricade with a burst of searing energy. The clatter of gunfire from the other side fell silent.

    For a moment, there was nothing but the eerie quiet of the hallway. One of the soldiers muttered from behind. ¡°Fuck me¡­ Where did they get a Gauss rifle? Aren¡¯t they normally only issued to elites?¡±

    I ignored them as Zara stepped forward with Jax. Both of them moved forward as the soldiers behind us looked on with respect and maybe a flicker of unease as they glanced between me and Jax. The scarred soldier threw a final look my way, the sneer gone, replaced by an uncertain glare.

    Lyra moved ahead, not caring, as she raced down the corridor. Her gaze was cold but steady as she took in the scene at the opposite end. ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving,¡± she ordered finally, not waiting for any acknowledgment as we advanced carefully. Each step measured, our breaths quieted, and we finally neared the heavy doors of the operations control centre.

    The commander stopped, exchanging a final, wary glance with his soldiers. Then, nodding at me, he signalled to push forward. I took a deep breath, fingers tingling as I felt the faint stir of Nexus energy slipping past the weakened inhibitor.

    We hit the button, and the door slid open with a soft whoosh. A voice from within the room called out. ¡°Finally. Baron Alex. I see you have decided to grace me with your presence.¡±

 Chapter 20 - Barely a whisper beneath the roaring storm.

    Jax and Zara raised their hands, trying to block my path. I ignored them, slipping past with a jerky step. My Nexus flared for a second, causing me to stumble. I grabbed a nearby chair to steady myself. I couldn¡¯t predict when the inhibitor would fail again.

    I was going to either get myself injured or worse. Pushing up, I finally got a look at the only person in the room. I could hear Jax hiss behind me, muttering something that I didn''t catch. I knew he would be pissed that I put myself in front of him.

    The man who had spoken had a towering presence and shoulders that gave off a menacing stillness that set my nerves on edge. He wore a uniform that had the marking of an officer of the Empire. However his uniform had the crest torn off it, It was an impressive cut on his figure with sharp lines and dark material tailored to perfection. His eyes, a cold, steely grey, flickered with a glint of recognition and amusement as they settled on me. His face bore several scars, and a faint shimmer of light along the thin lines on his neck hinted at his own military-issued Nexus.

    ¡°Ah, Baron Alex.¡± His voice was a smooth, mocking drawl. ¡°I see you¡¯ve decided to grace us with your presence after all. I figured you would have run away, but the rumours about you aren''t all true. haha.¡±

    The words dripped with malice, but I held my ground. Holding my head up in defiance. Jax and Zara tensed beside me, their hands hovering near their weapons. I hadn¡¯t noticed they had moved beside me. I opened my mouth to speak but was beaten to it by the commander as he stepped forward.

    ¡°You.¡± Spat the commander. ¡°This is what you threw it all away for. You turned your back on the very people you swore to protect. To this?¡±

    ¡°Ah. Yes. Commander Theon. I expected more from you.¡± replied the rebel leader as he let out a growl. ¡°The famous commander of Drakara. The man who single-handedly defeated the incursions and saved the planet. You are not what I had hoped for. Disappointing, really.¡±

    My rage boiled, threatening to consume every ounce of control I had left. I struggled to rein it in, the voice of reason barely a whisper beneath the roaring storm. I knew from my training that charging in blindly, without assessing an opponent¡¯s skills, was suicide. Every lesson I¡¯d ever been taught screamed at me to keep a level head and to think strategically.

    But none of that mattered now.

    The anger I was barely holding back surged through me, feeding the Nexus energy that clawed to be set free. Each deep breath felt like stoking a fire I could no longer contain. My hands trembled, not with fear, but with the overwhelming urge to strike, to tear this man apart for everything he¡¯d done. Every life lost on this station, every innocent caught in his web of lies, screamed in my head.

    I ignored it all. Every voice, every warning, every ounce of reason. I let the anger take over.

    ¡°Hey!¡± I shouted, my voice raw, echoing through the room like a thunderclap. The rage boiling over, spilling out with every word. ¡°What gives you the right? You attacked this station and killed countless people for what? For some twisted game? Some sick fantasy of power?¡± My chest heaved as I stepped forward, the heat and power of the Nexus coursing through my veins like molten metal.

    I pointed a shaking finger at him, my voice rising with each syllable, unbridled fury spilling out. ¡°Did you organize the attack on our way here, too? Did you sit back and laugh while good people died? People better than you, they died for your stupid little idea of what? Freedom? Chaos? What is it you¡¯re trying to prove, you coward?¡±

    The words cut through the tension in the room like a blade, and for a moment, everything was still. My breathing was heavy, and my fists clenched so tight I thought my bones might snap. I didn¡¯t care. I could feel Jax and Zara¡¯s eyes on me. Commander Theon''s mouth moved wordlessly.

    The rebel tilted his head, his cold, grey eyes watching me with amusement as though my rage was exactly what he wanted. His lips curled into a slow, mocking smile, and that look only poured more fuel onto the fire burning inside me.

    ¡°The rebellion on Drakara? Chaos spreads faster than you think, Baron. A few whispers, a nudge, and the people were already hungry for someone like you.¡± His eyes glinted with triumph as he took a slow step forward. ¡°And what a hero you turned out to be, their supposed liberator.¡±

    I clenched my fists, feeling the Nexus casing my muscles to heat up, almost like they were burning beneath my skin.

    ¡°Who¡¯s pulling your strings?¡± I growled. ¡°Why Drakara, and why me?¡±

    The rebel chuckled, low and dark. ¡°You think this is about you?¡± He took a slow step forward, his cold eyes locked on mine.

    ¡°No, Baron. This is bigger than your petty crusade. Although one of our members has a grudge against you.¡± The rebel paused before deciding to continue. ¡°No, my dear Baron. This is a piece of something far larger, a game orchestrated by minds far more capable than yours.¡± His gaze sharpened. ¡°I serve someone who sees beyond the stars. But My current master is waiting for you. Yes, you see, he is waiting for you on the surface. And he has plans for Drakara¡­and for you.¡±

    I barely had time to process everything the rebel leader had said before the Nexus-enhanced rebel shifted his weight, eyes narrowing as he stepped forward. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t if I were you. Do you know how dangerous it is to fire that Gauss rifle on a space station?¡±.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    Jax met his gaze head-on, that cocky smirk twisting his mouth as he hefted his Gauss rifle. ¡°Yeah, I do know. The difference is I don¡¯t care as long as it takes you down first. Now. Let¡¯s see how long that smug face lasts,¡± he muttered, aiming right at the rebel¡¯s chest.

    Jax fired, the Gauss rifle roaring to life. The shot tore through the air, but the rebel twisted impossibly fast, dodging the round with a blur of motion. The impact scorched the wall behind him, leaving a large, jagged hole that hissed with residual energy.

    ¡°Nice try,¡± the rebel sneered, already closing the gap.

    Jax didn¡¯t back down. He fired again; his aim was accurate, but his opponent was faster, weaving like a phantom. Before Jax could pull the trigger a third time, the rebel lunged forward, slamming the rifle out of his hands with a brutal downward strike.

    The weapon clattered to the floor, and Jax barely managed to duck the follow-up blow, a vicious arc of the rebel¡¯s elbow that would¡¯ve shattered bone.

    Jax countered, his Nexus-enhanced reflexes kicking in. He spun low, sweeping a leg toward the rebel¡¯s knees, but the man leapt back, his movements eerily smooth. Jax darted in, his fist driving toward the rebel¡¯s ribs in a blur of motion, but the rebel parried with a flick of his wrist, then countered with a ferocious backhand.

    The impact snapped Jax¡¯s head to the side. He staggered but kept his balance, his jaw clenched tight as he wiped blood from his lip.

    ¡°Still standing? Impressive,¡± the rebel taunted, circling like a predator sizing up wounded prey. ¡°But let¡¯s see how long that lasts.¡±

    Jax didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he feinted left, then drove forward with an uppercut aimed at the rebel¡¯s jaw. The rebel moved to block, but this time, Jax was faster. His fist connected with a satisfying crunch, and the rebel stumbled back, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯re not invincible,¡± Jax growled, advancing.

    But the rebel recovered quickly. He tilted his head, smirking through the blood on his lip. ¡°Neither are you.¡±

    The next exchange was a blur of motion. Jax fought with raw determination, his strikes rapid and relentless. The rebel countered each one with precision as if anticipating every move. A brutal knee to Jax¡¯s ribs knocked the wind from his lungs, followed by a sharp elbow that sent him crashing into a nearby console. The glass surface shattered under the impact, spraying shards across the floor.

    Jax groaned, pushing himself up on trembling arms. His breaths came in shallow gasps, and pain radiated from his side.

    ¡°You¡¯re good,¡± the rebel admitted, his voice casual, almost bored. ¡°But not good enough.¡±

    Jax didn¡¯t wait for him to strike again. With a desperate burst of energy, he lunged forward, tackling the rebel to the ground. The two rolled across the floor in a flurry of fists and knees, each trying to gain the upper hand. Jax managed to land a solid punch to the rebel¡¯s temple, but the rebel responded with a savage headbutt that left Jax dazed.

    The rebel was on top in a flash, pinning Jax to the floor. His hand closed around Jax¡¯s throat, squeezing with Nexus-enhanced strength.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve stayed down,¡± the rebel hissed.

    Jax clawed at the rebel¡¯s grip, his vision blurring. He could feel the strength leaving his limbs, the fight slipping away.

    ¡°Jax!¡± Zara¡¯s voice cut through the haze. Her plasma rifle raised, but she hesitated, the chaos of the fight making a clear shot impossible.

    The rebel glanced toward her, distracted for a fraction of a second. It was all Jax needed. Summoning the last of his strength, he drove his knee into the rebel¡¯s stomach, forcing him to release his grip. Jax rolled away, coughing and gasping for air.

    The rebel stood, brushing himself off with infuriating calm. ¡°This is getting boring,¡± he said as Jax staggered upright.

    The rebel smirked as he landed a devastating kick to Jax¡¯s chest, sending him skidding across the floor. Jax gasped, clutching his ribs as he struggled to rise, but it was clear he was outmatched.

    The rebel turned, his gaze locking onto me. His grin widened, cold and predatory, as he stepped toward me.

    ¡°Your turn, Baron,¡± he said, his voice like a knife twisting in my gut.

    My legs felt rooted in place. Every instinct screamed at me to move, to strike, to do something, but I couldn¡¯t. My mind spun through every combat drill, every sparring session, useless. None of it prepared me for this. For the reality of standing face-to-face with someone who didn¡¯t just want to win but to kill.

    My heart was pounding, and a deep, erratic thud echoed in my ears. The air felt like it was almost too thick, pressing in against my chest, making it hard to breathe. This wasn''t the same for all my training, simulations, and drills. This wasn¡¯t controlled. This wasn¡¯t safe.

    I glazed over at where Jax was struggling to get up. I swallowed. I¡¯d talked big, sure. Shouted words meant to provoke, to defy, but now, staring at the rebel¡¯s cold, amused eyes, I felt the truth clawing its way up my throat: this was real. The stakes were real. One wrong move, and I wouldn¡¯t just fail; I¡¯d die. Or worse, someone else would.

    The Nexus roared power through my veins, a force I could no longer hold back. Heat surged under my skin, blurring the edges of my vision. My pulse thundered in my ears, drowning out every voice but one: Protect them. I took a step forward, my muscles taut, burning with a power I didn¡¯t fully understand.

    The rebel turned, recognition flashing in his eyes, and for the first time, his smirk faltered for a second. But despite everything, I still hesitated. I¡¯d felt this before. What if I couldn¡¯t pull it back this time? What if it wasn¡¯t enough? What if I wasn¡¯t enough?

    My hands trembled, but not from the energy. From me. From the fear I couldn¡¯t bury. The voice in the back of my mind whispered cruel truths: You¡¯re not ready. You¡¯ve never been ready. The training wasn¡¯t real, and this. This is death waiting for you.

    I let out a shaky breath. I knew that this was it. That there was no holding back now.

    ¡°Alex!¡± Zara shouted, rushing forward. She got a single shot off before the rebel whipped around, striking her with a backhand that sent her sprawling across the floor.

    Shaking my head as I heard Zara cry out. My eyes snapped to her crumpled form, Lyra dragging her to safety, and something broke loose inside me. The fear still clawed at my chest, but another voice rose louder again: Protect them. Don¡¯t let them down.

    The rebel¡¯s head snapped back to me, his lips curving into a grim smile as he chuckled. ¡°Ah,¡± he breathed, flexing his fingers in anticipation. ¡°Finally, the real Alex Draven.¡±

    I surged forward, the Nexus finally breaking free of the inhibitor like a dam bursting under pressure. My movements were faster and stronger than they should¡¯ve been, but they felt wild, untamed. The rebel¡¯s grin faltered for a fraction of a second, just enough to give me a glimmer of hope.

    But the fear I felt as I closed the distance didn¡¯t disappear.

 Chapter 21 - Youéˆ¥æª™e not ready.

    My fists crackled with energy as we met in a collision. I ducked under his fist, bringing my sword up in a tight arc. The rebel jumped back before the blade caught and cut into his side. His grin was gone, replaced with a dark scowl.

    ¡°I see... Why don''t you drop the sword.¡± He muttered, holding his arms outstretched. ¡°Fight me on even footing. No weapons. No interference. Just you and me. What do you say, hmm?¡± The rebel pulled a laser handgun and threw it away.

    I could hear Jax trying to say something, but I ignored it. I knew the rebel leader was trying to get me to fight in a way that would most likely give him the advantage. I knew it was stupid, but the challenge of an even fight was issued. And I¡¯d be damned if I wasn¡¯t going to accept.

    ¡°Ok. No weapons.¡± I said, throwing my sword to the side. ¡°I Accept your request.¡±

    The Rebel laughed as I spoke. ¡°Oh. You are just as they described. It''s so formal and far too accepting. You will learn.¡±

    Our first exchange was raw and chaotic. I threw a punch aimed at his jaw, and he sidestepped, countering with an open-palmed strike that sent a wave of numbness down my arm as I blocked. The force pushed me back a step, but I recovered quickly, pushing forward to keep the pressure on. I stepped and jabbed, trying to get him to engage again.

    The rebel leader stepped back just enough to keep out of range, his scarred face twisted into a smug grin that made my blood boil. His confidence oozed through every movement, each dodge, and sidestep calculated, designed to frustrate me.

    ¡°Is this it?¡± he said, his tone mocking, like he wasn¡¯t even breaking a sweat. ¡°The so-called Baron Alex Draven? The man they whisper about in the dark corners of Drakara? You¡¯re a disappointment.¡±

    His words ignited something raw inside me. ¡°You talk too much,¡± I growled, surging forward.

    He didn¡¯t flinch. He didn¡¯t even brace himself. His grin widened, and he was already gone when I swung, moving faster than I could track. My punch met empty air, and his fist slammed into my side before I could recover. The impact sent me stumbling, the force rattling my ribs.

    ¡°Too slow,¡± he said, circling me like a predator sizing up its prey.

    I shook my head, trying to clear the ringing in my ears. My Nexus surged as my muscles worked overtime to let me react. Even though I couldn¡¯t fully control myself. I adjusted my stance, forcing myself to focus. Timing. My timing was off. I had to get a rhythm and anticipate his movements, but he wasn¡¯t giving me a chance.

    He lunged, a blur of motion, and I barely managed to duck in time. His boot pushed off against the wall behind me as he turned, swinging his leg down with a vicious kick aimed at my head. I raised my arms to block, the impact driving me to one knee. My arms ached from the blow, pain shooting down them as I struggled.

    ¡°You¡¯re trying so hard,¡± he said, his voice dripping with scorn. ¡°But you¡¯re just a shadow of what you could be. It¡¯s almost sad.¡±

    Ignoring the pain in my arms, I pushed up and swung again. This time, I connected. Or at least, I thought I did. My fist grazed his shoulder, but before I could capitalize on it, he twisted, grabbing my wrist and using my momentum against me.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    I was on the ground before I even knew what had happened. His knee pressed into my chest. I gasped, struggling to breathe as he leaned in close.

    ¡°Pathetic,¡± he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.

    With a surge of strength, I threw him off me, rolling to my feet as he landed gracefully a few meters away.

    ¡°Better,¡± he said, brushing imaginary dust from his jacket. ¡°But not good enough.¡±

    I charged again, feinting left before swinging a wild right hook. He ducked and countered with a kick that caught me square in the stomach. The force sent me crashing through the hole that Jax had blown in the wall earlier, debris raining down around me as I hit the floor of the adjoining room.

    The rebel leader followed, stepping through the hole like he had all the time in the world. ¡°You¡¯re really making a mess of this place, Baron,¡± he said, his tone light, almost playful.

    I pushed myself up, my body aching, and grabbed the nearest thing I could find, a chair that had been knocked over in the chaos. Without thinking, I hurled it at him.

    He dodged easily, the chair shattering against the far wall. ¡°Is that the best you¡¯ve got?¡±

    I didn¡¯t answer. Grabbing another chair, I swung it like a club, forcing him to step back. He ducked under my next swing, then spun and kicked the chair out of my hands, the impact sending it skittering across the floor.

    ¡°Every move of yours is a textbook example of failure. It¡¯s almost endearing, really,¡± he said, his voice a low growl. ¡°Someone trained you well, but they didn¡¯t teach you to adapt.¡±

    I lashed out with my fists, each punch becoming more desperate than the last. He dodged, parried, and countered with brutal efficiency. Every blow he landed felt like a hammer striking an anvil, and I broke under pressure.

    The room around us was in shambles, with broken chairs, a table was split in two, and even the walls had marks from the fight. We traded blows back and forth, though it was more that he was the only one landing blows.

    ¡°Give up,¡± he said, catching one of my punches and twisting my arm behind my back. Pain shot through my shoulder, but I refused to cry out. ¡°You¡¯re outmatched, outclassed. Just accept it.¡±

    ¡°Never,¡± I spat, twisting free and landing a wild elbow to his ribs. He grunted the first real sign of pain I¡¯d seen from him, and it gave me a glimmer of hope.

    But it was short-lived. He recovered quickly as he slammed a knee into my stomach and sent me sprawling.

    I tried to get up, but my limbs felt heavy, and my energy was fading, but the rage inside me burned hotter than ever. I was losing control, and he knew it.

    ¡°Face it,¡± he said, standing over me. ¡°You¡¯re not ready for this. You¡¯ve never been ready.¡±

    His words bit deep. My thoughts raced back to the first few years after I was adopted. I was being trained by my old trainer. I had never bothered to learn his name. But he had constantly told me that I wasn''t ready with every mistake I made. I would never be ready.

    I opened my mouth to reply. A chime echoed through the room as he reached for something at his belt. He froze, his expression darkening as he scowled, closing his fist for a second before he answered the comm device.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he said, his voice clipped. I couldn¡¯t hear the other voice, but the frown on the rebel¡¯s face grew as he listened. After a few moments passed before he nodded. ¡°Understood. We will move forward with the shipment. No. I¡¯ve achieved what I needed here.¡±

    He turned back to face me, his smug grin returning. ¡°Looks like our time is up, Baron. But don¡¯t worry. This isn¡¯t over.¡±

    I struggled to my feet, my vision swimming, but he didn¡¯t move to stop me. Instead, he stepped back, his gaze cold and calculating.

    ¡°I look forward to our next meeting,¡± he said, his tone laced with mockery. ¡°Maybe by then, you¡¯ll be worth the effort.¡±

    With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the corridor. His voice echoed as he walked away. ¡°This was just a taste, Draven. Next time, you¡¯ll see what real power looks like.¡±

    The metallic tang of blood filled my mouth as I staggered to my feet, my legs barely holding me up. I leaned against the wall for support. The fight was over, but the humiliation lingered, gnawing at the edges of my pride.

    I clenched my fists, my rage flickering and fading as exhaustion took over. This wasn¡¯t over, not by a long shot.

 Chapter 22 - This dark hole.

    The hallways of the Valtor estate were adorned with large golden frames, each holding portraits of long-dead ancestors whose stares bore down on all who passed, almost as if they were silently judging everyone.

    The light streaming through stained-glass windows cast fragmented colours across the marble floor, but the scene''s beauty was lost on Seraphina. She stood at the centre of one of her family''s gathering rooms, her shoulders tense, her hands clasped tightly in front of her to keep them from trembling.

    The air was tense as her father''s voice echoed off the high ceilings. Each word landed like a slap to the face.

    "Do you even understand the significance of this, Seraphina?" Duke Alaric Valtor''s voice was low but commanding, and his tone left no room for argument. "This marriage isn''t a suggestion, Seraphina. It''s your duty to secure the Draven contracts on Drakara and cement this family''s future."

    Sera''s throat tightened, but she nodded, her voice small. "I understand, Father."

    "You understand?" Her brother Dedric stepped forward, his tone dripping with disdain. "If you understood, we wouldn''t have to waste time explaining this to you. You are a Valtor. You don''t get the luxury of questioning orders. You act. This is your duty to your house and your family."

    Her mother, Isolde, placed a delicate hand on her husband''s arm to temper his anger. "Seraphina, we know this isn''t easy for you. But the quicker this union is finalised, the sooner we can secure the Drakara contracts and bring stability to our house. Alexander Draven may be young, but he is a baron with significant influence, even if he doesn''t realise it. It is your role to ensure this alliance succeeds."

    Sera felt her heart sink further. Each word pressed down on her, dragging her spirit down like the weight of the family crest emblazoned on the walls. A sigil she''d been born into, with expectations she had never dared question.

    "Do you understand what we''re asking of you, Sera?" Dedric pressed, his cold eyes narrowing. "You''re not just marrying him; you''re securing him. You will push for this marriage to happen quickly, and once it does, you will ensure that the mining rights on Drakara fall under Valtor''s oversight. This is non-negotiable."

    "And if I don''t succeed?" The question slipped out before she could stop it, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Her father''s expression darkened, and for a moment, the silence in the room was deafening, feeding Sera''s fear of the suffocating silence. Dedric cleared his throat before speaking.

    "Failure isn''t an option, Seraphina," Dedric said, his voice cold and unyielding. "Every hesitation you show pushes us closer to ruin. Is that what you want? To see the Valtor name dragged through the mud because you couldn''t do what was necessary?"

    "No," Sera said quickly, her voice trembling.

    "Then you know what you must do," her mother said softly. "Alexander will respond to kindness. Play the part of the dutiful fianc¨¦e, win his trust, and secure the contracts. You''ve been trained for this, my dear. You know how to be a Valtor."

    Sera nodded again, though her stomach churned.

    As the meeting ended, her family left the room one by one, their parting glances lingering with expectation. Only Elara stayed behind, her arms crossed as she leaned against the far wall.

    "I can''t believe them," Elara muttered, her voice low but fierce.

    Sera looked at her, surprised. "You''re not going to defend them?"

    Elara pushed off the wall, her dark eyes meeting Sera''s with an intensity that belied her usually calm demeanour. "They¡¯re vultures. They don¡¯t care about you. They care about what you can do for them. It¡¯s disgusting.¡±

    For a moment, Sera thought she might cry. She didn¡¯t, though; she simply nodded and let Elara pull her into a rare, protective embrace.

    ¡°I¡¯m here for you,¡± Elara whispered. ¡°I¡¯ll always be here for you.¡±

    Sera closed her eyes, savouring the brief comfort. But it was shattered moments later when raised voices echoed from the corridor outside.

    ¡°The Draven boy was attacked,¡± someone hissed, the words cutting through the air like a dagger.

    Sera stiffened, pulling back from Elara. ¡°What did they say?¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Elara frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Stay here; I¡¯ll find out¡­¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Sera said, her voice breaking. ¡°I need to know. This is too important. I need Alex.¡±

    She pushed past Elara, her heart pounding as she followed the sound of hurried whispers. Two servants stood at the end of the hall, their expressions pale as they exchanged hushed words.

    ¡°...barely survived,¡± one said. ¡°His ship was attacked on the way to Drakara. The reports just came through.¡±

    Her chest tightened. Without thinking, she stepped closer, her voice trembling as she spoke. ¡°What happened to Baron Alexander?¡±

    The servants flinched at her sudden appearance, one bowing quickly. ¡°Lady Seraphina, we... We aren''t certain of the details; this is all hearsay, but there was an attack. The baron¡¯s ship was ambushed near Drakara. Reports say he survived, but he¡¯s gravely injured.¡±

    The world seemed to tilt, and Sera reached out to steady herself against the wall. Panic surged through her, an intense panic that caught her off guard.

    ¡°Leave us,¡± Elara commanded, her tone coming out harder than she had intended. The servants hurried away, leaving Sera and Elara alone in the corridor.

    Elara placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. ¡°Sera, breathe. He¡¯s alive. That¡¯s what matters.¡±

    Sera shook her head, her hands balling into fists at her sides. ¡°They did this,¡± she whispered, her voice trembling with anger.

    Elara frowned. ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°My family.¡± The words came out in a rush. ¡°They pushed for this alliance, forced me into this role, and now he¡¯s...¡± She trailed off, struggling to find the words for the emotions swirling inside her.

    Elara¡¯s expression softened. ¡°You can¡¯t blame yourself for what happened to him, Sera. This wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    But Sera wasn¡¯t so sure. She shuddered to think what her family would do to her if Alex were to die before she was married. Her mouth watered as she swallowed. Beads of sweat broke out on her forehead.

    ¡°We need to go to Drakara. I should have never left his side.¡± Whispered Sera. Not trusting her voice. ¡°I need him, Elara. Drakara is my chance. The only one I have.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ok, Sera. You can¡¯t blame yourself.¡± Replied Elara. ¡°Your family ordered you back here. They can¡¯t blame you for not being there with him.¡±

    Sera shook her head. ¡°No. You know as well as I do. They would blame me.¡±

    Elara sighed. ¡°Sera. I''ll arrange for our travel to Drakara, ok. Just breathe. Relax. Alex isn¡¯t dead.¡± She said as she bowed to Sera. ¡°I¡¯ll get you away from here before your family can do anything. I¡¯ll handle everything. Trust me.¡±

    Sera could only nod in reply. Her mind raced as she swallowed hard, her breath catching as Elara¡¯s voice faded. The words barely registered.

    Instead, a cold memory clawed its way to the surface unbidden.

    The silence. The dark. The void that had swallowed her whole.

    They put me in the chamber, her mind whispered, and the world around her blurred. She could feel it again, the suffocating stillness, the weight of isolation pressing down on her chest like a vice...

    ¡®The sound of boots echoed softly in the empty corridor outside Sera¡¯s rooms. As Sera lay curled up on the edge of her bed, knees drawn tightly to her chest, staring blankly at the far wall as a voice called out to her.

    ¡°Sera?¡± Elara¡¯s voice was soft and testing, as if she feared a louder tone might shatter her. She approached slowly, sinking to her knees beside her.

    Sera flinched. Her eyes darted to Elara, wide and bloodshot as if she¡¯d been pulled from another world entirely.

    ¡°They put me in the chamber,¡± Sera whispered hoarsely, the words trembling as they fell from her lips. ¡°Two days. No light, no sound... nothing.¡± She clenched her fists tightly, her nails biting into her palms. ¡°I thought... I thought I¡¯d die there.¡±

    Elara¡¯s hand hovered uncertainly before resting gently on Sera¡¯s arm. ¡°You¡¯re here now,¡± she said. ¡°You¡¯re out.¡±

    Sera let out a strained laugh that was more of a choke. ¡°Out? I¡¯m never out. Not really. The silence¡­ the dark¡­ it¡¯s still inside me.¡± Her hands shook as she pressed them to her temples. ¡°I kept hearing things that weren¡¯t there. Whispers, screams. And then... nothing again.¡± She shut her eyes, her breathing uneven. ¡°Do you know what it¡¯s like to feel your mind turning on you? To forget who you are, if you even exist?¡±

    Elara frowned, fighting the anger bubbling beneath her calm exterior. ¡°Those monsters,¡± she muttered. ¡°How could they do that to you?¡±

    Sera shrugged weakly, her voice dropping to a flat monotone. ¡°It¡¯s just what they do. It¡¯s how they remind me¡­ that I¡¯m theirs.¡±

    Elara gripped her shoulders firmly. ¡°No, Sera. You¡¯re not theirs. You¡¯re stronger than they¡¯ll ever understand. And I swear I¡¯ll get you away from here, anywhere but this place.¡±

    Sera nodded slowly, her expression distant, her body still trembling. She knew Elara meant every word, but right now, her mind was too fractured to process hope.¡¯

    ¡°Sera¡­ Sera¡­  Hey, Sera.¡± Called a voice as Sera felt herself being shaken.

    ¡°Wha¡­ What?¡± Sera muttered, shaking her head to clear away the memory.

    Elara stood before her, her hands gripping Sera¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Hey. Are you back?¡±

    Sera breathed in deeply, slowly letting the breath out before replying. ¡°Y¡­ Yes. I''m ok.¡±

    Elara stared into her eyes for a moment before nodding to herself. ¡°Ok. I''ve managed to arrange our transport. We won¡¯t be able to go the normal way. I¡¯m worried about what will happen if your family finds you leaving, especially with the news about Alex. I''ve arranged to bribe the guards we can, but any others will require us to sneak past them. We are leaving this dark hole of a planet. Come Sera, I have a shuttle waiting.¡±

    Sera nodded as Elara turned and started walking out of the room. Looking around the gathering room one last time, Sera nodded to herself before turning to follow Elara out. She knew this was her chance to escape her family''s control, and finally, all she needed to do was get Alex to agree.

 Chapter 23 - A broken metal rod.

    The Iron Spire towered over the city below it like a jagged blade thrust into the sky, its rust-streaked metal frame groaning under the relentless weight of freight pods climbing towards orbit. The colossal structure buzzed with ceaseless activity, workers shouting commands over the grinding of machinery while the low hum of hover-lifts echoed as they ferried crates of freshly mined minerals from Drakara¡¯s depths.

    At its base, the sprawling underbelly of the Spire was a labyrinth of forgotten alleys and makeshift shanties where the unlucky and unwanted struggled to survive. For Nolena, this place wasn¡¯t just home. It was her whole world.

    ¡°Give it back!¡± Nolena¡¯s voice cracked as she lunged forward, her hands outstretched.

    A lanky boy danced out of her reach, clutching a threadbare teddy bear. The fabric was matted and worn, one button-eye hanging by a thread, but to Nolena, it was everything.

    ¡°Come on, Nolena,¡± the boy taunted, holding the bear above his head. ¡°It¡¯s just junk. Why do you even care?¡±

    The other children encircled them, a mix of jeers and laughter echoing in the dimly lit alley. They were all survivors of the Spire¡¯s shadow, hardened by hunger and the daily fight for scraps. But tonight, Nolena wasn¡¯t thinking about food. She wasn¡¯t thinking about survival. She was thinking about the bear.

    ¡°It¡¯s mine!¡± she shouted, her voice trembling with desperation.

    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± The boy grinned, his yellow teeth glinting. ¡°Then come get it.¡±

    Nolena didn¡¯t hesitate. She darted forward, her bare feet slapping against the cracked pavement. The boy tried to dodge, but she was faster than he expected, slamming into him with her full weight. They both tumbled to the ground, the bear flying from his hand and landing a few feet away.

    Scrambling on all fours, Nolena reached for it, but another child kicked it aside. ¡°Not so fast!¡± a girl sneered, stepping between Nolena and the bear.

    Nolena rose to her feet, her small frame trembling with exhaustion and anger. Her copper hair hung in tangled strands around her face, and her green eyes burned with defiance. She clenched her fists, the faint metallic glow beneath parts of her skin casting faint shadows in the dim light, though none of the children noticed.

    ¡°Move,¡± she said, her voice low and steady.

    The girl smirked but didn¡¯t budge. ¡°What¡¯s so special about that stupid toy, anyway? It¡¯s not like it¡¯s food or credits.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s mine,¡± Nolena repeated.

    The tension crackled in the air, the circle of children tightening as they sensed a fight brewing. The boy who had started it all scrambled to his feet, brushing dirt off his ragged shirt. ¡°Just give it up, Nolena. You¡¯re always acting like you¡¯re better than us.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m better,¡± she shot back. ¡°I just don¡¯t let people take what¡¯s mine.¡±

    With a growl, the boy lunged at her. Nolena sidestepped, her movements surprisingly quick and fluid for someone so malnourished. She brought her elbow up, catching him in the ribs, and he doubled over with a wheeze.

    The girl stepped forward, swinging a broken metal rod as a makeshift club. Nolena ducked, the rod whistling past her ear, and countered with a sharp kick to the girl¡¯s shin. The girl yelped and stumbled back.

    The bear was close now, lying forgotten in the dirt. Nolena darted for it, her fingers brushing the worn fabric.

    A heavy weight slammed into her from behind, knocking her to the ground. She cried out as the boy pinned her, his knees digging into her back. ¡°You¡¯re gonna regret that!¡± he snarled, raising a fist.

    Time seemed to slow. Nolena¡¯s vision blurred, her head pounding as her chest heaved. But a flicker of something else stirred somewhere deep inside, a cold, sharp instinct.

    Before the boy could bring his fist down, Nolena twisted beneath him, her movements almost mechanical. Her arm shot up, blocking his strike with a precision that startled even her. Using his momentum, she shoved him off balance and rolled away, snatching the bear as she scrambled to her feet.

    The other children hesitated, murmuring among themselves. Something about the way Nolena had moved wasn¡¯t normal. It was too fast, too precise.

    Clutching the bear tightly to her chest, Nolena glared at them, her breathing ragged. ¡°Stay away from me,¡± she said, her voice shaking but firm.

    For a brief moment, no one moved. Then, the girl with the club spat on the ground. ¡°You¡¯re a freak, keep the stupid bear,¡± she muttered, turning and walking away. One by one, the others followed. Their interest was gone now that the fight was over.

    The boy was the last to leave, rubbing his ribs as he shot Nolena a venomous glare. ¡°Just you wait, freak, this isn¡¯t over,¡± he hissed before limping off after the others.

    Nolena stood alone, her small frame silhouetted against the flickering light of a nearby neon sign. She looked down at the bear in her arms, its button-eye dangling precariously. Gently, she smoothed its fur, her fingers trembling.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°I won¡¯t let them take you,¡± she whispered.

    The memory was faint, like a dream she couldn¡¯t quite grasp. A warm hand placed the bear in her tiny arms¡ªa soft and kind voice telling her to hold onto it, no matter what.

    But she didn¡¯t know whose hand. Whose voice?

    Her chest ached with the weight of not knowing the gaping hole where her past should have been. She sank to the ground, pulling her knees to her chest as she cradled the bear.

    The sounds of the Spire rumbled around her, indifferent to her struggle. Freight pods groaned as they ascended, and the distant shouts of workers carried on the wind.

    Nolena closed her eyes, the cold metal beneath her skin humming faintly, a sensation she didn¡¯t understand but had learned to ignore. It had been with her for as long as she could remember, which wasn¡¯t all that long.

    Nolena looked down at the worn bear, the fur rough under her fingers. She smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek.

    Someday, she thought. Someday, I¡¯ll find out who I am.

    For now, though, she had the bear.

    And that was enough.

    ***

    The overhead lights seemed almost to bight as Zara watched Lyra check over Alex¡¯s vitals. The soft hum of the monitor filled the room but was too quiet in contrast. What little Zara could make from the readouts told the same frustrating story: Alex was fine. Medically, at least. There was nothing visibly wrong with him, nothing that explained why he hadn¡¯t woken in five days.

    They had found him after the Rebel leader, Reuben, left. Alex was slumped to his knees with his head bowed. At first, Zara thought he¡¯d been catching his breath or slipping into some meditation, but when Commander Theon touched his shoulder, Alex had crumpled to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.

    And now, here they were, still waiting.

    Zara turned her attention to Jax. He was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window that made up the far wall of the hospital room. The capital city of Zenara sprawled beyond the glass, alive with activity. A shuttle roared past, its engines leaving a faint tremor. Jax didn¡¯t flinch. He just stood there, one hand resting against the window frame. His fingers twitched, barely perceptible, but Zara noticed.

    "If he doesn¡¯t wake up soon, we¡¯ll have to inform the Empire that the Baron is unable to rule,¡± came Commander Theon¡¯s voice from across the room, his tone sharp.

    Jax didn¡¯t turn. He didn¡¯t move. He kept staring at the city, his reflection ghostly in the glass.

    Zara leaned against the back of a chair, her arms folded as she glared at Theon. ¡°You know full well what¡¯ll happen if we do,¡± she said flatly. ¡°They¡¯ll send the army. And when they see the protests, they¡¯ll burn the planet to crush the uprisings. Drakara won¡¯t recover from that.¡±

    ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that?¡± Theon snapped, his voice rising. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it before. The planets turned to ash. People were slaughtered for the Empire¡¯s convenience. Do you think I stayed in their service out of loyalty? I left because I couldn¡¯t stomach it anymore!¡±

    ¡°The advisors are already asking when Alex will attend the meetings,¡± Lyra interjected, her voice soft but firm as she returned to the monitors. ¡°The people need a leader, Theon. They¡¯re scared. If we can¡¯t give them Alex, we¡¯ll lose them.¡±

    She tapped at the screen, pulling up Alex¡¯s brainwave data. ¡°But right now, he¡¯s fighting inside his mind. Look at this.¡±

    Zara and Theon stepped closer as Lyra brought up two screens side by side. She gestured to the lines and pulses on the left. ¡°This is Alex¡¯s current brain activity.¡± Then she pointed to the right. ¡°And this is the scan of a normal dream state. Do you see the similarities?¡±

    Zara squinted, the two displays blurring together in her tired mind. Lyra continued, her voice tinged with frustration. ¡°He¡¯s not unconscious, not really. His brain is active like he¡¯s dreaming, but it¡¯s¡­ too structured. Almost like he¡¯s trapped in a memory or reliving something.¡±

    Zara turned back to Jax, who still hadn¡¯t moved. ¡°Jax,¡± she said quietly, trying to draw him into the conversation. ¡°You¡¯ve known him longer than any of us. Does this¡­ make sense to you?¡±

    His hand trembled again, the twitch a little stronger this time. Zara¡¯s chest tightened.

    ¡°Jax.¡± Her tone sharpened, her concern laced with irritation now. ¡°You¡¯ve been standing there for days. Say something.¡±

    Jax exhaled heavily, his breath fogging the glass. ¡°You don¡¯t know what he¡¯s carrying,¡± he said finally, his voice low. ¡°I¡¯ve known him for as long as I can remember. Something happened when he fought. Something was said or happened¡­ It broke whatever strength Alex was holding onto.¡±

    Zara frowned, glancing at Theon and Lyra, who both paused to listen.

    ¡°Alex isn¡¯t just dreaming,¡± Jax continued, his voice steady but raw. ¡°If it¡¯s anything like the last time¡­¡± He trailed off, shaking his head. ¡°Back at the orphanage, before he was adopted, there was a girl. She was younger than him, scrawny, and always trailing after him like a shadow.¡±

    Lyra turned away from the monitors, her brows furrowed. ¡°What happened to her?¡±

    Jax¡¯s hand clenched into a fist, his knuckles brushing the window. ¡°She looked up to him, trusted him. And one day, when he couldn¡¯t stop it¡­ she died¡ªsome fight over food or scraps. I don¡¯t even know the details. All I know is he blamed himself.¡±

    The room fell silent except for the hum of the monitors.

    ¡°He never talked about it much,¡± Jax continued, his voice barely audible. ¡°But it broke something in him. After that, he pushed people away, fought harder, and got angrier, like he had to make up for failing her over and over again. And if he¡¯s trapped in his mind now¡­¡± He finally turned, his eyes heavy with guilt. ¡°He¡¯s probably reliving it. Or every other time he thinks he¡¯s failed since. And trust me. Alex blames himself for alot of things.¡±

    Zara felt her throat tighten. She hadn¡¯t known. None of them had.

    Lyra spoke up, her voice soft but resolute. ¡°Then we have to get him out of it. Whatever he¡¯s fighting, he can¡¯t do it alone.¡±

    Zara glanced at Jax again. He looked smaller somehow, his usual confidence stripped away. For the first time since they¡¯d met, she also saw how much Alex¡¯s burdens weighed on him.

    ¡°Jax,¡± she said gently. ¡°We¡¯re not losing him. Not now.¡±

    Jax didn¡¯t respond, but his shoulders stiffened.

    Theon cleared his throat, breaking the tension. ¡°Then let¡¯s focus. If Lyra thinks he¡¯s trapped in his own mind, there has to be a way to reach him.¡±

    Lyra nodded, already scanning through the data. Zara stepped back, her mind racing. Whatever Alex was fighting, she just hoped he was strong enough to win

 Chapter 24 - Dark memories.

    The wind howled as I ran through the grey landscape that made up the city I had found myself in. The last thing I could remember was the rebel walking away from me after he had told me to get stronger.

    Everyone always told me I needed to be stronger. Shaking my head, I tried to clear my thoughts. I looked around at the grey city. No colour existed anywhere I looked. The flashing signs around me gave off only a slightly changing shade of grey.

    My breath came in ragged gasps as I ran. Sweat trickled down my neck as I glanced behind me, searching for the figure chasing me. It felt somehow familiar, as if I should know it.

    Each time I stopped to rest, though, it was there, trying to kill me. Blades slicing down as the thing attempted to take my head as it seemed to laugh. I had been running and hiding for days now. Or at least what I assumed were days passing. It was hard to tell in the sea of grey that made up everything. The sky never really changed. It always seemed to be the same continuous colour.

    I tracked the time by the shadows growing and fading. Each time they grew, the shadows released horrors I had to evade. Black, tentacle-like monsters came out of every dark corner. The only plus was that the figure chasing me also seemed affected by the tentacle horrors.

    Well, at least I hoped the horrors were affecting the figure.

    Turning a corner, I slid to a stop as the building before me came into view. I stared at it in horror as my heart pumped hard. I knew this building. I doubted I would ever forget it, if I were honest with myself.

    I jumped at a scraping noise behind me. My heartbeat sped up as the panic in me rose again. As much as I hated it, the building before me was a chance. As much as the orphanage I had grown up in before I was adopted could be called a safe place.

    I had too many dark memories; there was too much pain and regret.

    I swallowed as I ran through the iron gates of the fence line. The gates would normally be locked, so I was surprised they opened with little effort. Even the rusted hinges swung silently. The squeak I had been expecting was missing.

    ¡°Everything about this is wrong,¡± I muttered as I pushed open the front door.

    ¡®Alex.¡¯

    I spun around, looking for whoever had called out. My eyes flicked back and forth, but there was no one there. I let out the breath I had been holding as I turned and stepped through the doorway.

    The air inside the orphanage was heavy, almost suffocating. Each step I took echoed unnaturally, as though the walls themselves were mocking me for coming back. The familiar smell of damp wood and rust filled my nose, dredging up memories I¡¯d tried so hard to bury.

    Memories that I still couldn¡¯t let go of.

    The hallway stretched on longer than I remembered. Its edges were swallowed by the shadow that seemed everywhere in this place. My feet automatically took me in a direction I knew all too well: I was going to the storage room, where it had all happened so long ago.

    I hesitated as I reached the door, my hand hovering just above the handle. A chill ran through me, my breath catching in my throat. Somehow, I already knew what I¡¯d see on the other side.

    Swallowing hard, I pushed the door open.

    Inside, everything was as it had been that day. Large metal crates were stacked to the ceiling, and the scattered remains of broken tables and other discarded items littered the ground everywhere. The shadows were everywhere here as the only light filtered through the cracked window. But what froze me in place was the scene unfolding before me. It was the memory I had repeatedly played in my head for years. Though now it was brought to life, vivid and unrelenting.

    I saw myself as a younger, thinner, and angrier version. My hands clenched into fists, my expression hard as I argued with another boy. And there she was. The first mistake I had ever made, I couldn¡¯t just let go.

    Lina.

    She stood just behind me, clutching a small teddy bear, her frail figure almost swallowed by the shadows. Her wide, fearful eyes darted between us as the shouting grew louder.

    ¡°No,¡± I whispered, stepping forward. ¡°Stop, Alex, you idiot. Just stop.¡±

    But my voice didn¡¯t reach them. It was like I wasn¡¯t there at all.

    Desperation clawed at me as I tried to grab my younger self by the shoulders to pull him away from the fight, but my hands passed through him like smoke. ¡°Stop it!¡± I screamed, but they didn¡¯t hear me. ¡°You''re going to kill her.¡±

    The argument the younger version of me was in began to escalate as it had. I watched as the other boy shoved me, and I pushed back. We stared at each other as the shouting between us continued. The crate tower behind him wobbled, but we didn¡¯t notice.

    My hands clawed at the crates. My fingers slipped through them like mist. I shouted pleaded, but the scene moved on without me. I screamed for help. I looked around, but again, no one heard me.

    ¡°Alex, you can¡¯t change this.¡± Said a soft and gentle voice. It was achingly familiar. I turned, and there she was, Lina, but not as she had been. She glowed faintly, her outline shimmering as though made of light. Her green eyes met mine, calm and steady.

    Her eyes were the first colour I had seen in this place. Tears came running down my face as I stared at her. My hand started to reach out as she spoke again.

    ¡°You don¡¯t belong here,¡± she said.

    I staggered back, shaking my head and wiping the tears away. ¡°No. I have to stop it. I have to save you.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± she replied, her voice tinged with sadness. ¡°The past isn¡¯t something you can fight. What happened happened. You can¡¯t change what was.¡±

    I returned to the scene as the younger me grabbed Lina¡¯s hand, pulling her away from the fray. But it was already too late. The other boy stumbled, colliding with the unstable stack of crates.

    ¡°No!¡± I screamed as they tipped, the heavy metal crates tumbling down.

    I watched helplessly as Lina¡¯s small body was caught in the collapse. The younger me fell to his knees, frantically pushing, trying to lift the crates, but it was useless. Lina lay still, her broken teddy clutched in her hand.

    My legs buckled, and I sank to the floor, burying my face in my hands. ¡°It¡¯s my fault,¡± I choked out. ¡°I should¡¯ve been faster. I should¡¯ve¡­¡±

    ¡°No, Alex.¡± Her voice cut through my thoughts, soft but firm. ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    I looked up at her, my vision blurred by tears. ¡°How can you say that? I failed you. I let this happen.¡±

    She knelt beside me, her hand hovering just above mine, though we couldn¡¯t touch. ¡°You didn¡¯t let it happen. It wasn¡¯t something you could stop. The crates were going to fall no matter what. The fight wasn¡¯t caused by you, not by you or any of the others. We were all hungry. You can¡¯t blame yourself for the chaos of that place. You tried to protect me. You always did. Thanks to your efforts, I survived as long as I did.¡±

    I shook my head, the guilt twisting inside me. ¡°But you¡¯re gone because of me. Because I couldn¡¯t protect you. I wasn¡¯t strong enough.¡±

    Her expression softened, and the light around her seemed to brighten for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m free now, Alex. Free from the pain, from the hunger, from everything that hurt us back then. You¡¯ve carried this pain long enough, Alex.¡±

    Her words pierced through the storm of self-loathing that had followed me for so long. I stared at her, the weight in my chest shifting, though not entirely lifting.

    ¡°Let me go,¡± she said softly, a faint smile on her lips. ¡°Let me go so that you can be free too.¡±

    The memories around us began to dissolve. The walls of the orphanage crumbled into mist. Lina¡¯s form grew fainter, her glow fading into the grey world as the shadows returned.

    ¡°Wait,¡± I said, my voice breaking. ¡°I¡¯m not strong enough. I can¡¯t protect anyone. I¡¯m not ready.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be,¡± she replied, her voice echoing as the mist swallowed her. The shadows crawled towards where she was standing. ¡°But you will be, someday. You need to let me go¡­¡±

    And then she was gone.

    I let out a scream of pain as I was left alone in the grey world. The weight in my chest might have felt lighter, but it was still there, like a scar that would never fully heal.

    I felt pain course through my body as I let everything out. The hatred I had felt at myself, at everyone else. The loss of the one person that I had cared for. Lina had been everything to me for so long. My reason to keep fighting, to keep hoping.

    I sobbed for what felt like ages. Each tear that I cried only made my heart ache more. I let everything go. Tears of anger, pain, and loss fell from my eyes as I cried.

    After a long time, I finally looked up. The shadows around me didn¡¯t feel as oppressive anymore.

    For the first time in what felt like days, I didn¡¯t run.

    I just sat there, breathing, and let myself feel the quiet.

    A voice echoed again, sharp and urgent.

    ''Alex, wake up.¡¯

    I looked around, panicked at the voice. ¡°Who¡¯s there,¡± I shouted.

    The sound of broken glass behind me made the hair on my neck stand up. I slowly turned around and froze.

    Every nerve in my body screamed as I stared at¡­ me. My face, my scars, my haunted eyes. But something about the other me felt wrong, twisted, like a shadow wearing my skin. Its movements were just slightly off, too smooth, too deliberate. Its eyes held a hollowness as if they were windows into the void, and when it smiled, the shadows around it twisted like a living thing.

    My voice came out a hoarse whisper. "What the fuck is this?¡± I asked the other me. My eyes darted around as I tried to understand what I was seeing. The shadows danced along the other me¡¯s figure like they were a part of it.

    Again, the voice called out.

    ¡®Wake up, Alex.¡¯

    I looked around for where the voice was coming from again. But there was nothing around me. I shook my head, and I focused back on the figure of me. It smiled¡ªrows of needle-like teeth appeared, making sweat bead on my forehead as I swallowed the fear I felt rising.

    ¡°What are you?¡± I demanded, my voice trembling as the thing raised its hand, shadows coiling around its fingers as they curled into the shape of a gun. It pointed at me, the corners of its twisted smile stretching impossibly wide.

    Bang.

    The word wasn¡¯t spoken out loud. It echoed in my head. My legs trembled, rooted to the spot.

    I felt a grip tightened around my shoulder. I spun wildly, my heart hammering, but there was no one, just the suffocating silence of the orphanage. Shadows loomed closer, alive and watching.

    I turned back. The figure smiled again, its mouth stretched impossibly wide, rows of needle-like teeth gleaming like daggers. My stomach churned as the shadows around it writhed, crawling across the walls like living smoke.

    It raised a hand again, slowly dragging a finger across its throat. The gesture was deliberate taunting, and my feet still refused to move. Every nerve screamed at me to run, but I couldn¡¯t. My body was frozen, caught in the gravity of its presence.

    The figure stepped forward as it dissolved into smoke, its form rippling unnaturally until it reshaped into another face, my adoptive father¡¯s. His sneer cut sharper than any blade.

    ¡°You¡¯re a disgrace,¡± he spat, his voice dragging me back to every humiliating moment, every word I tried so hard to bury. ¡°Weak. Useless. I should never have picked you.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± I roared, my voice breaking. ¡°Shut up! Shut up!¡±

    But the figure only laughed, the sound reverberating in my chest like the tolling of a death knell.

    ¡°So pathetic,¡± it hissed before melting back into the image of me: my scars, haunted eyes, and failure reflected in its hollow gaze. The smile returned, wider now, the teeth almost luminous in the darkness.

    The shadows rose, encasing it in a writhing cocoon. Tentacles of smoke stretched out, twisting upwards before it vanished. The tendrils of smoke twisted into words, dark and ominous.

    You can¡¯t escape from me.

    My breath hitched, and I stumbled back, the world spinning. The words lingered in the air before dissolving, the room falling eerily still. A faint breeze brushed past me, chilling my sweat-soaked skin.

    A scream shattered the silence, a blood-curdling wail that tore through the walls, leaving them trembling. It was a sound of pure despair, one I couldn¡¯t place but felt deep in my soul.

    I covered my ears as the laughter started a few seconds later. Dark, guttural laughter layered with malice. It filled the room, overlapping the scream until it drowned everything else.

    I staggered forward, gripping the wall to steady myself. My voice was barely a whisper as I pleaded into the suffocating air.

    ¡°What... what the hell is happening?¡±

    The shadows writhed across the room, alive with laughter as dust fell from the ceiling above me as I heard the voice call out again.

    ¡®We need you, Alex. Please¡­ Wake up.¡¯

    I felt my body jolt forward as pain arched through my chest. I gasped as I collapsed. My head bounced off the floor.

    ¡°Ahh.¡± I groaned weakly as I felt another jolt shoot through my body. Darkness crept along the edges of my vision as I rolled over. The pain was coursing through my body entirely now.

    ¡°Why¡­¡± I croaked one last time before I finally let the darkness take me.

 Chapter 25 - barely holding together

    Everything was cold. The silence pressed in from all directions, suffocating. Then¡ª a beep. Distant. Relentless. Pulling me back. My lungs burned, my chest constricted like a vice, and when I finally inhaled, it was like dragging knives down my throat. I jolted upright, the sensation of drowning still clinging to me.

    Sterile white walls slowly blurred into focus, their stark brightness making my head throb. The faint hum of what I assumed was medical equipment filled the room. My chest heaved, sweat clinging to my skin as the fragments of the grey world dissolved like smoke. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled my nose, sharp and unforgiving...

    But despite everything, Lina¡¯s voice stayed with me, soft and bittersweet, carved into my mind: ¡°Let me go so that you can be free too.¡±

    Tears welled in my eyes as my mind replayed those final moments over and over. I had held onto it for so long. Hearing her words had brought me some sense of peace. It was like something inside me had finally been unchained. But without the anger, the pain¡­ who was I? They had been my driving force for so long. Without it, I didn¡¯t know what to do. If I was even still myself without it.

    I groaned, my throat raw as I forced out the words. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ free.¡± But was I? The moment the words left my lips, they felt hollow, like an echo in a cavernous void. My hands trembled, aching to hold onto something¡ªanything¡ªthat still tied me to Lina.

    I wasnt sure how to feel anymore, everything I had done, every action and response was because of that day. Because I never wanted to feel that pain again. I hoped I could accept her words. I guess only time would tell, and that was enough for now.

    I heard the room stir around me.

    Zara¡¯s breath hitched. She was at my side in seconds, her hand hovering just inches from mine¡ªalmost like she was afraid to touch me. ¡°Alex?¡± she said, her voice sharp but¡­ unsteady. ¡°Say something.¡± There it was again. Something in it I wasn¡¯t used to. Something trembling and raw. Almost like pain.

    I swallowed hard and nodded. ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± I croaked, barely managing the words.

    A sudden flurry of beeps erupted from the machines as Lyra leaned over me, her eyes darting between the monitors. ¡°Heart rate stabilizing¡­ neural activity normalizing¡­¡± Her voice was all clinical precision, but how her brow furrowed told a different story. She looked down at me, her expression tight. ¡°Alex, do you know where you are? Do you remember anything?¡±

    I blinked slowly, trying to push through the fog in my head. ¡°I... remember enough,¡± I muttered. My thoughts were still a blur. But I did remember the fight I had been in before¡­ That grey place. My body felt like it had been wrung out and thrown back together wrong.

    From the foot of the bed, Jax leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. ¡°Took you long enough,¡± he said. His tone was gruff, but the tension in his shoulders slowly let out. The corner of his mouth twitched, almost like he wanted to smile but didn¡¯t dare.

    At the doorway, Theon stood like a sentinel, his arms folded across his chest. ¡°About time, Baron. We¡¯ve got a situation,¡± he said, the words blunt but laced with quiet respect. He straightened, his face hardening. ¡°We¡¯ve got a lot to talk about. Including visitors.¡±

    ¡°Of course we do,¡± I muttered, slowly sitting up. The room spun briefly, and I felt Zara grab me to help. I closed my eyes as I took a deep breath. I sighed as I moved slowly, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. My muscles screamed in protest, but I ignored them. ¡°How long was I out?¡±

    ¡°Five days,¡± Zara answered as she stepped back. Her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her voice sharp again as it sliced through the haze. ¡°And in that time, the planet¡¯s gone from bad to worse. Protests are spreading, the capital¡¯s in chaos, and the Empire is breathing down our necks. If we don¡¯t act now, they¡¯ll send the army to do it for us.¡±

    Theon stepped forward, his tone grim. ¡°The ministers are done waiting. The Empire¡¯s envoy isn¡¯t here to talk, Alex¡ªthey¡¯re here to decide if you¡¯re worth keeping in charge. They¡¯ll install their own leader if they don¡¯t like what they see. And trust me, they won¡¯t pick anyone who is friendly to you. And to top it all off, your fianc¨¦e¡¯s here. Been pacing the halls constantly. She seems eager to see you.¡±

    I forced myself to stand. My legs trembled beneath me, muscles locking up in protest. White-hot pain lanced up my spine, and for a moment, the room blurred. Zara¡¯s hands steadied me before I could fall. ¡°Thank you, Zara. If they want action, we¡¯ll give the envoy something to see,¡± I said firmly, though my voice felt heavier than usual as my thoughts struggled to keep up with each new problem. I didn¡¯t understand why she was here¡­ I sighed and pushed her from my mind. Now wasn¡¯t the time.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Lyra stepped closer. Her datapad was clutched tightly in one hand. ¡°We still have options,¡± she said, her tone calm but insistent. ¡°If we can stabilize the situation at the Spire, we¡¯ll buy time. But there¡¯s another thing we care look into.¡± Lyra¡¯s gaze flickered to me.

    She hesitated, fingers tightening around her datapad. Her lips parted, then pressed into a thin line. A question lingered in her eyes, unspoken but heavy.

    She knew. Knew I had seen something. But now wasn¡¯t the time.

    She let out a quiet breath and looked away, her focus shifting back to the conversation. ¡°There is reportedly a place called the Crystal Caverns beneath the Spire. They¡¯re rumoured to hold rare minerals, but who knows what else? If we can tap into that potential...¡± She hesitated, her gaze flickering to me. ¡°And maybe¡­ just maybe, we can use it to get Drakara back on its feet. Stop some of these protests.¡±

    Zara shot her a sharp look. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, the Caverns are uncharted,¡± she said flatly. ¡°They could be more trouble than they¡¯re worth, especially with the situation at the Spire already falling apart. No one has explored them yet. There must be a reason.¡±

    I frowned as I held up my hand. ¡°Hold up. What has happened? The Spire? You mean the space elevator?¡±

    Theon nodded. ¡°To the locals, it¡¯s the Iron Spire. It¡¯s the backbone of our economy. Without it, we can¡¯t get the minerals off-world. The Empire loses its supply chain. No minerals, no war machine.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± I said, stretching and feeling a pop on my shoulders. ¡°Can someone explain what¡¯s happened?¡±

    Zara cleared her throat before anyone can speak, her expression darkened the moment she spoke. ¡°Alex,¡± said Zara, her tone clipped. She hesitated. Her fingers tightened around her sleeve like she was gripping something unseen. She glanced at the others, then finally met my gaze. ¡°Alex¡­ she¡¯s here.¡±

    My stomach tightened. ¡°Who?¡±

    Zara exhaled sharply. ¡°Lady Seraphina.¡±

    I exhaled slowly, running a hand down my face. Seraphina. Of all the times for her to show up, it had to be now. My body was barely holding together, and now I had to face her. Face the mess I made. I wasn¡¯t ready for this. For her. I thought I had more time. I had made a mess the last time we had met. I wasn¡¯t ready. But I couldn¡¯t turn her away¡ªnot now. ¡°She is outside right now?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and it seems not just for a courtesy visit,¡± Zara muttered, shifting her weight. ¡°She arrived two days ago, demanding to see you. Caused quite a stir, too.¡±

    Jax let out a low whistle, pushing off the wall. ¡°Didn¡¯t think she¡¯d risk defying her family by coming here alone.¡± He smirked, but there was something calculating behind his eyes. ¡°But, I must admit, I¡¯m curious what made her come out here. You two aren¡¯t married yet.¡±

    Zara shot him a glare. ¡°This isn¡¯t funny, Jax.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not laughing,¡± he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. ¡°I just think it¡¯s interesting timing, don¡¯t you? Alex gets himself nearly killed, and suddenly, his oh-so-loyal fianc¨¦e decides to come running?¡± He scoffed. ¡°Color me suspicious.¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t belong here,¡± Zara muttered, her fingers tapping against her arm in irritation. ¡°Either she¡¯s up to something, or her family sent her to clean up whatever mess they think you made.¡±

    I exhaled slowly, running a hand down my face. My body still ached, my mind was still sluggish, but this? This was another complication I wasn¡¯t ready for. ¡°Where is she now?¡±

    ¡°Waiting outside,¡± Theon answered bluntly.

    Zara¡¯s jaw tightened, her fingers twitching as if she wanted to reach for her weapon. She hated how Seraphina¡¯s presence made her feel like an outsider in Alex¡¯s life. She hadn¡¯t known Alex for long. But Seraphina¡¯s presence felt like a threat. ¡°She refused to leave until she saw you,¡± she said, her voice clipped.

    Jax chuckled. ¡°Elara¡¯s with her too. She¡¯s sharp and cautious about that one. Definitely not just a maid.¡±

    Jax¡¯s smirk didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes as he continued. ¡°I looked into her. There¡¯s almost nothing on record¡ªwhich is exactly what bothers me. Either she¡¯s got a past someone wiped clean, or she was never meant to exist on paper.¡±

    Theon perked up at Jax¡¯s comment, interrupting him. ¡°Are you suggesting that this Elara is a spy?¡±

    Jax shrugged. ¡°We¡¯ve spoken at the Draven estate¡ªshe¡¯s careful, calculating. And I¡¯d bet money she¡¯s not just a maid. Maybe a bodyguard, maybe a spy. Either way, she¡¯s more than she seems.¡± He glanced at me, his smirk fading slightly. ¡°You sure you want to deal with this now? You just woke up.¡±

    I let out a slow breath, ignoring how my ribs still ached over everything else. She came all this way¡­ I told myself. I should see what she wants. Should.

    But a part of me hesitated. Not out of fear but because I wasn¡¯t sure what I¡¯d see in her eyes when I finally faced her. Disappointment? Judgment? Something worse?

    I exhaled. ¡°Might as well see what she wants. Like you said, we are engaged to marry. I can¡¯t just turn her away.¡±

    Lyra¡¯s gaze lingered on Alex as the others talked to him, her brow furrowed with concern. She wanted to ask him about what he¡¯d seen but now knew that now was the wrong time still. Not with Seraphina waiting outside. She let out the breath she had been holding as Zara grunted.

    ¡°So that¡¯s it?¡± Zara¡¯s voice was sharp, but something was beneath it¡ªsomething unspoken. Her fingers curled into fists before she quickly relaxed them like she didn¡¯t want to show how much it bothered her. ¡°She shows up, and you just go running?¡± The bitterness in her voice was gone as fast as it appeared, masked beneath a carefully neutral expression. ¡°Fine. Do what you want.¡±

    ¡°This should be interesting,¡± Jax mused, stepping back toward the door.

    I exhaled slowly, forcing the tension from my shoulders. My ribs ached. My mind was still clouded. But this? This was something else entirely.

    Seraphina was waiting.

    And no matter how much I wanted to avoid it.

    I had to face her.

 Chapter 26 - The Emperoréˆ¥æªš bargaining chip

    I watched as Jax hit the panel on the side of the door. The soft hiss of hydraulics barely registered as my focus locked on the woman beyond it. Seraphina stood there, framed by the dim corridor light, her gown immaculate, her posture regal, her hair perfectly arranged, her expression unreadable. But beneath the surface¡ªsomething was off. A flicker in her eyes. A tension in her fingers, briefly clenching before smoothing out. A noblewoman¡¯s training, fighting against something real.

    Elara stood a step behind her, her sharp gaze scanning the room like a hawk. She was dressed in a simple yet elegant uniform, her posture relaxed but alert. Jax¡¯s assessment of her seemed accurate¡ªshe was more than just a maid. Her presence was too deliberate, too calculating.

    For a moment, no one spoke. The air between us felt charged, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension. I could feel Zara¡¯s eyes on me, her disapproval radiating like heat from a forge. Lyra lingered by the monitors, her gaze darting between Seraphina and me, her curiosity barely concealed. Jax leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, his smirk faint but present. Theon stood by the door, his expression unreadable, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.

    ¡°Alex,¡± Seraphina said finally, her voice soft but steady. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±

    I nodded, my throat dry. ¡°I am.¡±

    Her eyes searched mine, and for a moment, the mask slipped. I saw the worry there, the fear, the relief. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by the calm composure I¡¯d come to expect from her.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad,¡± she said simply. ¡°I was¡­ concerned.¡±

    I didn¡¯t know what to say to that. Concerned? For me? The last time we¡¯d spoken, I¡¯d been a mess¡ªphysically, emotionally, mentally. I¡¯d leaned on her, let her see me at my weakest. And now, standing here, I felt that vulnerability all over again. But this time, it was different. This time, I wasn¡¯t sure if I could trust her.

    ¡°Lady Seraphina,¡± Zara said, her tone clipped. ¡°What brings you to Drakara?¡±

    Seraphina¡¯s gaze met Zara¡¯s, calm and unwavering. Zara¡¯s shoulders stiffened ever so slightly, her fingers twitching at her side before she folded her arms, masking the movement. The air between them was razor-sharp, humming with unspoken words. Protectiveness was too soft a word¡ªZara was a soldier standing between an enemy and her captain. And Seraphina? She wasn¡¯t backing down...

    ¡°I came to see Alex,¡± Seraphina replied, her voice calm but firm. ¡°And to offer my assistance, if needed.¡±

    ¡°Assistance?¡± Zara raised an eyebrow. ¡°With what, exactly?¡±

    Seraphina¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn¡¯t rise to the bait. Instead, she turned back to me. ¡°Alex, may we speak privately?¡±

    I hesitated, glancing at the others. Zara¡¯s jaw tightened, ¡°I need to check the Razorwing anyway.¡± The words were sharp, clipped¡ªan excuse more than a reason. She wasn¡¯t looking at me. She was looking at Seraphina.

    Lyra gave a slight nod, her expression unreadable. Jax shrugged, his smirk widening. Theon remained silent, his hand still resting on his blade.

    ¡°Alright,¡± I said finally. ¡°Give us a moment.¡±

    Zara shot me a look, her eyes narrowing, but she didn¡¯t protest. I could almost see the inner battle waging behind her eyes. Why did she care so much? Why did Seraphina¡¯s voice and presence make her feel like she was standing in a war she hadn¡¯t meant to start? But instead of answering that unspoken question, she turned on her heel and strode out, her footsteps echoing down the hallway.

    Lyra followed, her datapad clutched tightly in her hand. Jax lingered for a moment, his gaze lingering on Elara before he, too, disappeared. Theon was the last to leave, his expression unreadable as he stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him.

    The room fell silent, the weight of their absence pressing down on me. Seraphina stood a few feet away, her hands clasped in front of her. Elara remained by the door, her gaze fixed on me, her expression unreadable.

    ¡°Elara,¡± Seraphina said softly. ¡°Leave us.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Elara hesitated, her eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°My lady¡ª¡±

    ¡°Please,¡± Seraphina interrupted, her voice firm but not unkind. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Elara¡¯s gaze flickered to me, and for a moment, I thought she might argue. But then she nodded, her expression tight, and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her.

    And then it was just the two of us.

    Seraphina exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing slightly. She took a step closer, her eyes searching mine. ¡°Alex,¡± she said softly. ¡°How are you?¡±

    I didn¡¯t know how to answer that. How was I? I¡¯d just woken up from what felt like a nightmare; my body was still recovering, and now she was standing in front of me, her presence both comforting and unsettling.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been better,¡± I said finally, my voice rough. ¡°But I¡¯ll live.¡±

    She nodded, her expression softening. ¡°I¡¯m glad. When I heard what happened¡­ I was worried.¡±

    ¡°Worried?¡± I echoed, slow, deliberate. Then, I let out a short, humourless laugh. ¡°Right. Because if I die, your family loses their precious alliance.¡±

    Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked hurt. But then she straightened, her composure returning. ¡°No,¡± she said firmly. ¡°Because I care about you.¡±

    I blinked, taken aback. My fingers twitched as I drew in a breath. ¡°You care about me?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± she said, her voice steady. ¡°I know this arrangement wasn¡¯t what either of us wanted. But that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t care about what happens to you.¡±

    I stared at her, my mind scrambling to reconcile her words with the woman I thought I knew. Seraphina, the noble pawn. The perfect daughter. The Emperor¡¯s bargaining chip. She wasn¡¯t supposed to care. That wasn¡¯t part of the equation. And yet¡ªher eyes held no calculation, no cold diplomacy¡ªonly raw, undeniable sincerity.

    ¡°Alex,¡± she said softly, taking another step closer. ¡°I need your help.¡±

    I stared at her, my mind racing. This wasn¡¯t what I¡¯d expected. Not even close.

    ¡°Seraphina¡­ what are you talking about?¡±

    She took a deep breath, her eyes locking with mine. ¡°My family¡­ they¡¯ve controlled every aspect of my life. They¡¯ve used me, manipulated me, forced me into this marriage. But I can¡¯t do it anymore. I can¡¯t live like this. I need to get away. And I need you to help me.¡±

    Something in my chest tightened. I need to get away.

    The words echoed in my head, sharper than they should have been.

    I swallowed hard, my voice quieter than I intended. ¡°From me?¡± I almost flinched at my tone. I cursed myself. I hadn¡¯t meant for it to come out like that. But it was too late now.

    Seraphina¡¯s eyes widened, panic flickering across her face. ¡°No! That¡¯s not what I¡ª¡± She stepped forward, hands reaching slightly before stopping herself. ¡°Alex, I didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡±

    She was flustered, caught off guard. For once, I saw past the perfect poise. I saw the raw desperation beneath it¡ªthe fear of being misunderstood. Her eyes held no calculation, no cold diplomacy¡ªonly raw, undeniable sincerity.

    For a heartbeat, something in me cracked¡ªthen I caught myself. No. This was a mistake waiting to happen. The words had already landed. And I wasn¡¯t sure if it was my pride or something deeper that made me retreat behind the familiar walls.

    I forced a smirk, but even I could hear the edge in my voice. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, My Lady. If you want out, I¡¯ll help you. I wouldn¡¯t want to keep you trapped in something you never wanted.¡±

    She flinched. Just barely.

    Something twisted in my gut, but I shoved it down.

    ¡°Alex, please¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± I stepped back, shoving my hands in my pockets, feigning an easy posture that didn¡¯t quite reach my chest. ¡°You need to escape? I¡¯ll make it happen.¡±

    She opened her mouth. Then closed it. For the first time since I¡¯d met her, she looked lost.

    I looked away before she could see anything I didn¡¯t want her to. ¡°Get some rest,¡± I muttered. ¡°We¡¯ve got a lot to figure out.¡±

    Turning again, I walked past her, leaving the silence to swallow whatever words she hadn¡¯t been able to say.

    The door slid open as I stepped past Elara. She glared at me, something dark and accusatory flashing in her eyes before she shoved past, disappearing inside.

    I hadn¡¯t meant to look back¡ªI should¡¯ve just kept walking.

    But I did. And there she was.

    Seraphina, on the floor. Her shoulders were shaking, her head bowed, and her hands curled into the fabric of her gown like she was holding herself together by sheer force of will.

    The sight struck something deep in my chest, sharp and unexpected. Leave. Keep walking. Don¡¯t do this to yourself.

    My foot moved forward towards her. Then stopped.

    A breath hitched from her lips, quiet and broken.

    I turned away.

    The knot in my stomach twisted tighter, but I forced myself to keep walking. I had a planet to rule¡­ and save. I didn¡¯t have time for this. And I sure as hell didn¡¯t have time to wonder if she was telling the truth...

 Chapter 27 - More than words.

    Memories flickered¡ªher father¡¯s sneer, Dedric¡¯s cold eyes, her mother¡¯s hollow comfort. You are a Valtor. Act like one. She¡¯d spent a lifetime burying every feeling and desire beneath layers of duty. But then¡ª

    Alex¡¯s voice, rough but earnest, cutting through the sterile silence of his room: ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend with me.¡±

    She¡¯d frozen, her fingers still tangled in his hair. No one had ever said that to her. Not Elara. Not her tutors. Not even herself.

    His hand brushed hers, calloused and warm, as he handed her a stolen pastry from the kitchens¡ªa ridiculous, childish gesture. ¡°Eat,¡± he grumbled, avoiding her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re too damn thin.¡±

    She¡¯d laughed, startled. Not the polished, empty laugh she¡¯d been trained to wield, but something raw. Real.

    Real.

    That word haunted her now. Alex had seen her¡ªtruly seen her¡ªin moments she hadn¡¯t even known she was hiding. When her mask slipped, he didn¡¯t flinch. Didn¡¯t demand she reassemble it. He¡¯d just¡­ stayed.

    And now he was gone.

    The door hissed. Boots clicked sharply against the floor.

    ¡°My lady¡ª¡±

    ¡°Leave me.¡± The words tore from her throat, ragged and broken.

    Elara didn¡¯t leave. She never did. Instead, she knelt beside Seraphina, her hands hovering uncertainty. ¡°Sera, look at me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Seraphina recoiled, scrambling backward until her spine hit the wall. Her breath came in jagged gasps, each hitching with a fresh wave of tears. ¡°Just¡­ don¡¯t.¡±

    Elara¡¯s expression flickered¡ªa rare crack in her stoic armour. ¡°You¡¯re not thinking clearly. Let me¡ª¡±

    ¡°What does it matter?!¡± Seraphina¡¯s voice shattered the air, sharp as glass. ¡°He thinks I¡¯m lying and that I¡¯m just another snake in his court! And why wouldn¡¯t he? That¡¯s all I¡¯ve ever been!¡±

    Her fists slammed against the floor, the impact reverberating up her arms. The pain was grounding, real, and she welcomed it. ¡°I told him the truth. I begged him. And he¡ªhe laughed¡ª¡±

    A sob choked her. She doubled over, forehead pressing into the cold floor, her body wracked with tremors. Memories surged unbidden¡ªAlex¡¯s head in her lap, his quiet trust as she stroked his hair. The way he¡¯d looked at her, really looked at her, like she was more than a title. Like she was human.

    Human. Not a Valtor. Not a bargaining chip. Her.

    ¡°You¡¯re not what I expected,¡± he¡¯d murmured once, half-delirious from fever, his fingers loosely curled around hers. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ better.¡±

    She didn¡¯t know what to say. Hadn¡¯t known how to explain that he was the unexpected one¡ªthe first person who hadn¡¯t recoiled from her sharp edges, who¡¯d met her silence with his own, who¡¯d made her feel¡­

    Alive.

    Now, that look was gone, replaced by cold dismissal.

    Elara¡¯s hands gripped her shoulders, firm but gentle. ¡°Sera, listen to me. You¡¯re not¡ª¡±

    ¡°I love him.¡±

    The confession spilled out, quiet and devastating. Not a revelation¡ªa surrender. To the truth she¡¯d buried beneath duty, to the ache she¡¯d called weakness, to the terrifying, exhilarating freedom of wanting something for herself.

    Elara froze.

    Seraphina laughed bitterly, the sound wet with tears. ¡°Pathetic, isn¡¯t it? The perfect Valtor daughter, undone by a man who hates her.¡±

    ¡°Sera¡­¡± Elara¡¯s voice softened, almost pleading. ¡°You can¡¯t mean that.¡±

    ¡°I do.¡± Seraphina lifted her head, her eyes blazing through the tears. ¡°I love him. And it¡¯s killing me because he¡¯ll never believe it. Not after everything my family¡¯s done. Not after¡­ me.¡±

    Elara stared at her, shock etched into every line of her face. For once, the unflappable protector had no words.

    Seraphina slumped back against the wall, her energy spent. ¡°Just go, Elara. There¡¯s nothing left to salvage here.¡±

    Silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. Then¡ªEnjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    ¡°No.¡±

    Seraphina blinked. ¡°What?¡±

    Elara¡¯s jaw tightened, her eyes hardening with resolve. ¡°You¡¯re not giving up. Not now.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡ª¡±

    ¡°I understand enough.¡± Elara seized her wrists, forcing her to meet her gaze. ¡°You think this is about him? It¡¯s not. This is about you. For once in your life, you¡¯re fighting for something real. So fight.¡±

    Seraphina shook her head, fresh tears spilling over. ¡°It¡¯s too late. He¡¯s gone.¡±

    ¡°Then make him see.¡± Elara¡¯s voice dropped, fierce and unyielding. ¡°You¡¯re not your family. You never were. Show him who you are.¡±

    The words hung in the air, sharp and electric. Seraphina¡¯s breath caught. For a heartbeat, the pain dulled, replaced by something hotter. Something alive.

    Show him who you are.

    Memories flashed¡ªher mother¡¯s voice, cold and clinical. ¡°Kindness is a weakness, Seraphina. Crush it.¡± The isolation chamber. Two days of silence, of screaming into a void until her throat bled. The weight of expectations, of a name that felt more like a cage.

    No.

    Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms. Her tears burned away, leaving only fire.

    Slowly, she pushed herself upright, her spine straightening with a resolve she hadn¡¯t felt since childhood¡ªsince the day she¡¯d vowed to survive her family. Elara watched, silent, as Seraphina rose to her feet, her gown rumpled, her face streaked with tears, her eyes¡ª

    Her eyes burned. Not with tears. With flames.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she whispered.

    Elara stood, a faint smile tugging at her lips. ¡°I usually am.¡±

    Seraphina didn¡¯t return the smile. Her mind raced, plans crystallizing with brutal clarity. ¡°I need to speak to Zara.¡±

    Elara raised an eyebrow. ¡°Zara? The woman who¡¯d sooner stab you than share air?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s loyal to him. She¡¯ll listen if it¡¯s for his sake.¡± Seraphina strode toward the door, her steps steady now, purposeful. ¡°He¡¯s heading to the Iron Spire now. I¡¯m going there. I need access to the schematics. There¡¯s something there. Something my family wanted hidden.¡±

    Elara fell into step beside her. ¡°You think it¡¯s connected to Alex?¡±

    ¡°I know it is.¡± Seraphina¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°And if I¡¯m going to earn his trust, I¡¯ll need more than words.¡±

    The door slid open, revealing the sterile hallway beyond. Seraphina paused, her gaze lingering on the path Alex had taken.

    I¡¯m coming for you, she vowed silently. And this time, I won¡¯t let go.

    *****

    Zara slammed the wrench down on the Razorwing¡¯s engine panel, the clang echoing through the hangar. The sound matched her mood¡ªsharp, violent, useful. Anything to drown out the memory of Seraphina¡¯s face as Alex walked away.

    Pathetic, she told herself. Since when have you cared about his love life?

    But she did. And that pissed her off.

    The docking door slid open.

    She expected Jax or Lyra¡ªsomeone who actually belonged here.

    Instead, Seraphina strode in like she owned the place.

    Zara tensed, fingers curling around the wrench. ¡°Oh, great. Just what I needed.¡± She hefted the tool onto her shoulder, her stance shifting to one of immediate hostility. ¡°If you¡¯re here to order me around, princess, save your breath.¡±

    Seraphina didn¡¯t stop. Didn¡¯t hesitate. Her emerald eyes burned with a focus that caught Zara off guard. ¡°Where is Alex?¡±

    Zara scoffed. ¡°Like I¡¯d tell you.¡± She stepped forward, blocking Seraphina¡¯s path. ¡°You don¡¯t get to waltz in here after what happened and act like you have a right to know.¡±

    Seraphina¡¯s jaw clenched, but her voice remained cold, sharp. ¡°I¡¯m not here to argue.¡±

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Zara folded her arms. ¡°Because that¡¯s all we ever do.¡± She tilted her head, smirking without humour. ¡°Or did you finally decide to drop the act and admit you¡¯re playing him?¡±

    Seraphina moved fast¡ªtoo fast. One second she was standing still, the next she had grabbed the front of Zara¡¯s jacket and shoved her back a step. The wrench clattered to the ground.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have time for your petty jealousy.¡±

    Zara snarled, shoving Seraphina¡¯s hands off her. ¡°Say that again.¡±

    Seraphina didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°You think I¡¯m the enemy? Fine. But Alex could be in real danger, and you¡¯re too blinded by your insecurities to see it.¡±

    Zara¡¯s fingers twitched toward her knife. She wasn¡¯t actually going to use it¡ªbut the instinct was there. ¡°You don¡¯t get to talk to me about Alex.¡±

    ¡°I love him.¡± The words came out hard, unshakable. ¡°And I will do whatever it takes to protect him.¡±

    Zara laughed, but there was no amusement in it. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s rich. You? Love him? You mean the same man you were forced to marry?¡±

    Seraphina¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°You think I wanted this? You think I had a choice?¡±

    ¡°Spare me the sob story,¡± Zara spat. ¡°Alex is finally starting to see you for what you are. A liar. A manipulator.¡± She leaned in, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. ¡°And I won¡¯t let you sink your claws into him again.¡±

    Seraphina didn¡¯t back down. ¡°You think you¡¯re protecting him, but you¡¯re not. You¡¯re just another obstacle in his way.¡±

    The air between them was razor-sharp, each breath a challenge.

    Elara finally stepped in.

    ¡°Enough.¡±

    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but it carried. A quiet, dangerous authority that cut through the tension like a blade.

    Zara barely flicked her eyes toward her. ¡°Stay out of this, Elara.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Elara stepped between them, her hand pressing lightly against Zara¡¯s chest¡ªnot pushing, but close enough to feel the rapid heartbeat beneath. Her gaze locked onto Zara¡¯s with iron resolve. ¡°Listen to her.¡±

    Zara scoffed. ¡°Why the hell would I¡ª¡±

    ¡°Because she¡¯s right.¡±

    That made Zara hesitate, just for a second.

    Elara pressed on. ¡°You don¡¯t have to trust her. You don¡¯t even have to like her. But she¡¯s trying to help Alex. And if you really care about him, you¡¯ll stop letting your emotions cloud your judgment.¡±

    Zara clenched her jaw so tightly it ached. Her fist trembled at her side¡ªrelaxing just slightly. ¡°And what? Just follow her lead?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Seraphina said. ¡°Work with me.¡±

    Zara turned back to her, anger still flashing in her eyes. ¡°Why?¡±

    Seraphina met her glare head-on. ¡°Because Alex is walking into something bigger than any of us. And if we don¡¯t stop it, he won¡¯t walk out.¡±

    A heavy silence hung between them.

    Zara hated this. Hated that Seraphina wasn¡¯t wrong. Hated that Elara had backed her up.

    Most of all, she hated the gnawing fear in her gut¡ªthe fear that Alex was in real danger and she was wasting time -  fighting the wrong battle.

    She exhaled sharply through her nose. ¡°Fine,¡± she muttered. ¡°But don¡¯t think for a second I trust you.¡±

    Seraphina gave a slight nod, tension still radiating off her. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to trust me. I need you to listen.¡±

    Zara folded her arms, her scowl firmly in place. ¡°Start talking, Sera.¡±

 Chapter 28 - Tinged red.

    The training hall stank of rust and body odour as my boots slid through someone else''s sweat puddles. Theon''s Morningstar-style flail whistled past my ear, close enough to kiss. Behind me, Mara''s twin daggers carved the air where my kidneys had been half a heartbeat before.

    "Eyes open, Baron!" Mara taunted, her braids leaving sweat streaks across leather Armour that creaked with every panther-quick movement. I twisted away from Theon, but Mara''s knee slammed into my spine. White fire exploded through me.

    I hit the reinforced mats shoulder-first, tasting copper. Theon''s shadow fell over me, his breathing ragged. "I''ve seen beggars throw a better punch," he growled, but the insult lacked bite. He knew I was still recovering from the fight on the space station and coma...

    Mara, his second, didn''t have such reservations. Her boot tip nudged my ribs. "Up, Baron. Lords don''t kneel." Her smirk faltered as she caught the tremor in my hands. The ghost of Seraphina''s last words slithered between us again. ''I need you'' spoken through tears. Tears that I had caused.

    I surged upward, my nexus pushing me forward as I spat blood on the mat between us. Theon''s flail became a silver blur. My training sword met it in a scream of sparking alloys. The impact jolted through my teeth. Mara struck low while I was staggered, her blunted dagger hilt cracking against my thigh again.

    "Pathetic," Theon snarled, but it wasn''t his voice anymore.

    The memory hit like a plasma round Fast. Unwanted.

    ''The rebel leader''s boot grinding into my chest, his breath reeking as he leaned down. "You''ll never be ready." His scar twisted like a live wire with every sneering word. Twelve years old again, trainer''s calloused palm cracking against my jaw. "Weak. Useless. Pathetic."''

    Present and past overlapped as Mara''s elbow connected with my solar plexus. I folded, retching acidic bile onto the mats. My arms felt leaden, my breath a rasp against my ribs. Theon came again¡ªtoo fast, too soon. His knee met my chin on the way down. Lights danced behind my eyes - not the hall''s harsh halogens, but memories flaring like a detonation. Seraphina''s choked sob echoed through my brain.

    "Enough." Jax''s voice cut through the haze. My chief guard stood silhouetted in the doorway, disapproval radiating from his crossed arms. "He''s due at the Meeting room in twenty."

    Theon ripped open his shirt as he gasped for breath. "You''re getting slower."

    Mara offered a hand up. Her palm felt like sandpaper against my bleeding knuckles. "We could tell the ministers you fell downstairs," she offered, thumb brushing the fresh bruise flowering across my jawline.

    I shook her off, staggering toward the weapon racks. My reflection in a dented wall panel showed a stranger - hair plastered with sweat and blood from split eyebrows, uniform tunic torn at the shoulder seam. A raw, trembling animal replaced the polished Baron Draven.

    Theon blocked my path, holding out a canteen. "Drink. You''re dehydrating."

    I smashed it aside. Liquid splashed across the mats, mixing with other fluids. "I don''t need-"

    "Stop this!" Theon''s roar rattled the rafters. Behind him, Mara exchanged a look with Jax. "That rebel nearly gutted you. He will again¡ªunless you fix whatever''s rotting your brain. You begged for this training, but all you''re doing is bleeding out. Fix it, Alex."

    Laughter tore from my throat, bitter as stim pills. "Fix it? How? You want to reboot me like one of your combat drones?" I gestured to the training drones, still smoking in the corner¡ªcasualties of my earlier rage.

    Theon''s eye locked onto mine. "Drones don''t bleed, Alex." He nodded at the crimson blossom spreading across my hip where Mara''s dagger had found flesh. "Your new guards report at 0800 tomorrow. Beta Team. You need better protection."

    Jax bristled at the comment but held his tongue.

    I leaned against the wall, suddenly aware of every throbbing welt. "Guards or jailers?"

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    Mara snorted. "Yes." I liked her. She was Theon''s right-hand woman, but she was so much more¡­ different from him. Fiery, fierce, and wouldn''t take shit from no one.

    Jax stepped forward, datapad glowing in his calloused hands. "Shower. Then the Finance and military Ministers want to discuss colony tariffs and army funding." His nose wrinkled at my stench. "You do reek."

    The walk to the Shower stalls felt longer than the battle. One of Mara''s daggers still quivered in the wall where I''d thrown it after drawing first blood. Theon''s final words chased me through the door - "They''ll eat you alive if you give these ministers any ground."

    I stripped down, pain causing me to winch as I stepped into the shower. Steam enveloped me, but no amount of scalding water could purge Seraphina''s face from behind my eyelids. Her hands clenched in her dress, shoulders shaking. The way she''d whispered "I choose you" like a last hope¡­

    A fist hammered on the stall, making me jump. "Five minutes!" Jax barked.

    I turned my face into the spray, letting the roar of water drown out the scream building in my chest. When I emerged, Dried and presentable, the mirror showed Baron Draven - crisp uniform, damp hair combed back, every bruise hidden beneath cosmetics. Only the eyes betrayed me, twin fractures in the mask.

    "Better," Jax grunted, handing me a painkiller vial.

    I Shook my head, knowing I would regret not taking it, but I still felt the need to punish myself more... "The pain focuses me."

    Jax sighed. "Whatever you want, Alex. Come on. Let''s get this over with.

    I followed Jax as he hurried along, twisting through the hallways and empty rooms. I had no idea how he already knew where he was going. Every new corner only made me uneasy, the sense that I was lost, growing more and more.

    After what felt like hours, we stopped before a set of golden double doors. People hurried past us, not even giving me a look.

    I rolled my shoulders, suppressing a wince as fresh bruises protested beneath my uniform. My ribs ached with every breath, and the faint taste of blood still clung to my tongue. But weakness wasn''t an option, not before and especially not now.

    "In here, Alex.." Motioned Jax as he opened the doors.

    As I entered, one of the ministers steepled his sausage-like fingers, his scowl barely concealing his disdain. "Your indisposition has cost us dearly, Baron," he sneered, his voice slick with faux sympathy. "The Iron Spire''s output is down thirty per cent. The Empire''s envoy will skin us if¡ª"

    I knew I had to be hard. Stand firm. Jax had prepped me on all this. "The envoy isn''t here yet," I cut in, slamming my hands onto the obsidian table. The crack was deafening. Pain spread through my knuckles, but I didn''t flinch. I wouldn''t. Not in front of them, keeping my glare locked on Baelor as if the pain didn''t exist.

    "And the Spire''s collapse isn''t due to indisposition. It''s due to your neglect. Your inspectors ignored the safety reports. Your greed let the infrastructure rot. Minister Baelor."

    Baelor''s face purpled. "How dare y¡ª"

    "Enough." General Varek, the Military Minister, leaned forward, his cybernetic eye whirring as it focused on me. The jagged scar running down from his temple to his collarbone pulled taut as he spoke. "The Spire''s instability is a security threat. If production halts, the Empire''s legions will take Drakara from us, not negotiate. We need solutions. Now."

    I met his gaze, my voice cold. "I''m going to the Spire today. We''ll stabilize operations and. As I have been told they might hold a new source of revenue, we will investigate the Crystal Caverns."

    Baelor snorted. "The Caverns? Superstitious nonsense. We need credits, not fairy tales."

    Varek''s eye narrowed, the mechanical iris clicking as it dilated. "The Caverns are a tactical risk. If rebels are hiding there¡ª"

    "Then I''ll handle it," I snapped, my knuckles whitening against the table''s edge.

    Silence fell. Baelor exchanged a glance with Varek, smugness oozing from his pores.

    "We will await your findings, Baron Draven," Baelor said, his voice straining against his teeth.

    I looked at Varek, but his face didn''t give anything away. He had one hell of a poker face. I nodded at them, turning to leave as Baelor spoke again. His voice couldn''t hide his sneer.

    "I heard that the esteemed Lady Seraphina Valtor is here now. I hope you are still going ahead with the wedding, Baron. We would not want any more cause for the Empire to remove you from power."

    I didn''t reply as I clenched my fists until my nails bit the skin. Seraphina. The ministers. The Empire. They all wanted something from me. A leader. A husband. A pawn.

    Maybe it was time to stop being what they expected and start being something else.

    I stepped out of the room, Jax closing the door behind me. "Alex¡­" He started as I slammed my fist into the wall opposite. The dent tinged red as pain exploded through my knuckles.

    Jax exhaled, rubbing his jaw, debating whether to say more. "Look, I get it. But you need to be smart about this, Alex. You can''t just¡ª"

    I rounded on him. "Can''t just what? Make them afraid?"

    He held my gaze for too long, then shook his head. "No. Can''t just throw yourself at the fire and expect not to burn."

    I heard Jax sigh again as I stormed down the hallway. They thought that I was someone they could push around. They thought I was weak.

    I''d make them regret it.

 Chapter 29 - His eyes burned

    The distant groan of freight pods ascending into the smog-choked sky matched the bleak backdrop for the Iron Spir¡¯s underbelly. Nolena pressed herself against a corroded wall, her threadbare teddy bear tucked securely under her arm. The air reeked of oil and desperation.

    She¡¯d been tracking a few of the older scavengers for hours, waiting for them to ditch their haul and the right moment to snatch the prize.

    Their latest prize: a half crate of protein paste cans looted from a derailed hover-lift. Should be Three cans, she calculated. Enough to trade for a week¡¯s worth of filtered water. Enough to survive.

    But nothing stayed simple in the Spire¡¯s underbelly before Nolena could even think... Her opportunity was gone, after all. Survival had claws.

    A shadow shifted to her left. Nolena froze. The lanky boy from days prior slunk into view, flanked by two hulking figures. Gang tattoos snaked up the arms of the two hulks, their eyes sharp with malice.

    ¡°Told you she¡¯d come crawling back,¡± The boy sneered, nodding at the bear. ¡°Still clinging to that trash?¡±

    Nolena backed away, her grip tightening. ¡°Stay back.¡±

    One of the thugs cracked his knuckles. ¡°Cute toy. Bet it¡¯ll burn nice.¡±

    They lunged.

    Nolena darted left, her bare feet skidding across greasy metal. The pipe whistled past, clipping her shoulder. Pain flared, but she twisted with it, driving her elbow into his ribs. He hit the ground, wheezing.

    The larger thug grabbed her arm, yanking her off balance. ¡°Feisty little rat¡ª¡±

    A metallic hum vibrated beneath her skin. Her veins flickered silver.

    Move.

    The command wasn¡¯t hers. It was deeper. Instinct.

    Her body twisted, impossibly fluid. The thug¡¯s grip slipped as she pivoted, her palm striking his sternum. He flew backward, crashing into a pile of scrap.

    The second thug froze. ¡°What the hell are you?¡±

    Nolena didn¡¯t know.

    The boy scrambled up, pipe raised. ¡°Freak!¡±

    She blocked the blow, the pipe clanging against her forearm¡ªno, through it. Her skin shimmered, molten steel rippling where flesh should split. The gangsters stared, horrified.

    ¡°Abomination,¡± one whispered.

    Nolena staggered back, her breath ragged. The glow faded, leaving her trembling. What¡¯s happening to me?

    A voice cut through the gloom. ¡°Enough.¡±

    The thugs turned. A man stood at the alley¡¯s mouth, silhouetted by flickering neon. Tall, broad-shouldered, his face scarred and stubbled. He wore a militia jacket, frayed at the seams, but his posture screamed discipline.

    The boy spat. ¡°This ain¡¯t your business, old man.¡±

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    The man moved¡ªand he was there in the space of a blink. One moment, distance. The next, inevitability. His movements weren¡¯t just fast. They were unmatched. ¡°Run.¡± He growled.

    They ran. The boy and his two thugs tripped over each other in an attempt to get away.

    Nolena backed against the wall, bear clutched to her chest. The man¡¯s gaze locked onto her, sharp as a blade. ¡°You¡¯re not from the Spire,¡± he said.

    She bristled. ¡°I¡¯m nobody.¡±

    ¡°Nobody? Well nobody. I¡¯m Reuben¡± He nodded at her arm, still faintly gleaming. ¡°That¡¯s military-grade biotech. Or something worse.¡±

    Her heart raced. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    He crouched eye level with her. ¡°You want to find out? Or keep hiding in the dark?¡±

    The offer hung between them. Nolena¡¯s throat tightened. Someday, I¡¯ll find out who I am.

    ¡°Why?¡± she whispered.

    He pulled a faded photo from his pocket¡ªa child with copper hair and green eyes, strapped to a med-table, wires snaking from her arms. Nolena¡¯s breath hitched.

    ¡°Because,¡± Reuben said, ¡°you¡¯re one of theirs. And I¡¯m gonna burn their Empire to the ground.¡±

    ****

    The flickering amber glow of a single desk lamp cast dancing shadows on the walls as  Minister Baelor leaned back in his leather chair¡ªthe creak drowning in the silence. Outside, thunder growled as lightning arced across the sky. His fingers drummed a restless rhythm on a report detailing the Iron Spire¡¯s plummeting output¡ªnumbers stained red as warning lights.

    The holo-comm on his desk erupted abruptly, a jagged chime slicing through the quiet. Baelor¡¯s jaw tightened. He knew the frequency.

    He loathed answering, but he knew better. He accepted the call.

    Cedric Draven¡¯s hologram materialized, fractured at the edges by static. His image wavered, half-consumed by darkness, but his eyes burned¡ªtwin coals in a furnace of fury.

    ¡°You promised me results,¡± Cedric hissed, his voice a blade honed by venom. ¡°Yet the boy still breathes. The Spire still stands. Drakara is still not mine.¡±

    Baelor¡¯s throat went dry, but he kept his tone polished and diplomatic. ¡°The sabotage in the lower sectors has tripled riots. The envoy¡¯s arrival is days away. When they see the chaos¡ª¡±

    ¡°Chaos?¡± Cedric¡¯s laugh was a serrated thing. ¡°You think a few broken windows and screaming peasants will suffice? Alex parades through Drakara like a king while you dither.¡± The hologram flickered as Cedric slammed a fist into something unseen. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t he been buried in some nameless hole?¡±

    Baelor¡¯s pulse thrummed. ¡°The Baron¡¯s people are watching everything. He¡¯ll follow the blood trail right to our door if we move too soon.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about traces!¡± Cedric¡¯s image lunged forward, pixelated rage contorting his features. ¡°You¡¯ve had weeks to bleed him dry. Weeks to make the Empire¡¯s boot hover at his throat. Yet every report is excuses wrapped in cowardice.¡±

    Lightning flashed outside, throwing skeletal shadows across the room. Baelor gripped the edge of his desk, the wood biting into his palms. ¡°The General¡¯s forces monitor every move. One misstep and Varek will have my head on a spike before you can¡ª¡±

    ¡°Let me be clear.¡± Cedric¡¯s voice dropped, low and lethal. ¡°Fail me again, and it won¡¯t be Varek who comes for you. I¡¯ll carve Drakara apart myself. Starting with you.¡±

    The threat hung, thick as smoke. Baelor¡¯s mind raced¡ªSeraphina¡¯s looming presence, the Spire¡¯s decay, the numerous secrets that Drakara held. He forced a nod. ¡°I know of a place out in the plains¡­ there¡¯s an old outpost. If the Baron finds it, he could rally support. But if it were to¡­ vanish¡­with him¡­¡±

    Cedric¡¯s smile was a predator¡¯s. ¡°See that it does. And Baelor?¡± The hologram leaned closer, static clawing at its edges. ¡°If Alex survives the week, you won¡¯t.¡±

    The transmission died.

    Alone again, Baelor stared at the space where Cedric¡¯s image had been. Rain lashed the windows now, howling in sync with the storm in his chest. He opened a drawer, withdrew a vial of amber liquor, and drank until his hands steadied.

    Baelor made another call. It connected almost instantly. This time, he only said a few words.

    ¡°Alex Draven. Make it clean. Make it final.¡±

 Chapter 30 - clutching at the air

    The hangar hummed with tension, sharp as ion engines cycling up. Seraphina stood at the centre of it, her tactical gear still smelling of fresh polymer, her hands clasped tightly behind her back to hide their tremor.

    Elara, as always, flanked her, a statue of cold steel, while Zara leaned against a nearby fuel drum, arms crossed, her glare hot enough to melt steel. Lyra hovered near a holographic schematic of the Iron Spire, her fingers dancing over the flickering data streams like a conductor orchestrating chaos.

    ¡°The Spire¡¯s structural decay isn¡¯t just mechanical,¡± Lyra said, her voice clinical but edged with unease. She zoomed in on a jagged fissure snaking through the lower levels. ¡°These stress fractures align with seismic activity. Someone is purposefully trying to bring the spire down.¡±

    Seraphina stepped forward, her boots echoing. ¡°Do we know who? Or why?¡±

    Lyra hesitated. ¡°Your father¡¯s signature is on a dozen classified reports about ¡®energy anomalies¡¯ in the Caverns below the spire. Whatever is down there, they buried, it¡¯s tied to the damage and potential Spire collapse.¡±

    Zara shoved off the drum. ¡°So the Caverns are a bomb, and Draven¡¯s walking straight into the blast zone. Great. Why are we still here?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re not going.¡± Seraphina¡¯s voice cut through the hangar.

    Zara let out a sharp, humourless laugh. ¡°You think I will stand here while you play hero?¡±

    ¡°Alex needs you here,¡± Seraphina said, forcing herself to meet Zara¡¯s searing gaze. ¡°The ministers are circling. If they suspect he¡¯s vulnerable, they¡¯ll tear him apart. You¡¯re the only one he trusts fully out of us four.¡±

    Zara¡¯s laugh was brittle. ¡°And you¡¯re the one he doesn¡¯t trust. So what¡¯s your play, Lady Valtor? Redemption? Or another scheme?¡±

    Seraphina flinched. The family title hung over her head like a curse.

    Elara stepped in, her tone blade-sharp. ¡°The play is survival. For all of us. Or does your pride matter more than his life?¡±

    Zara¡¯s hand twitched toward her knife.

    ¡°Enough.¡± Lyra¡¯s hologram flickered as she slammed a fist on the console. ¡°We¡¯re wasting time. Seraphina¡¯s right¡ªthe Caverns have to be the key. But if we¡¯re doing this, we do it smart.¡±

    Elara nodded. ¡°I''ve procured Two additional guards. Veterans from the outer rim. They know the Spire¡¯s underbelly.¡±

    Seraphina opened her mouth to protest, but Elara silenced her with a look. ¡°This isn¡¯t a negotiation. You¡¯re not dying on my watch. Unlike Alex, I am not letting you walk into a potential trap without extra security. This isn''t up for debate, Sera.¡±

    Zara bristled, memories flashing back to the space station. ¡°Now wait a¡ª¡±

    Elara cut her off with a glare. ¡°That wasn¡¯t a shot at you. Alex is¡­¡± She hesitated, then exhaled sharply. ¡°He¡¯s impossible to guard. You did the best anyone could.¡±

    ¡°Ah.. thanks?¡± Replied Zara. Her confusion wasn¡¯t alone. Seraphina and Lyra stared at Elara.

    Lyra shook herself for a second before turning back to a screen. ¡°Ok. Everyone rest and get ready. We are leaving First thing tomorrow morning. Zara. Keep Alex safe.¡±

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    Zara nodded before walking off, making her way back to the Razorwing. Seraphina nodded and left shortly after. Elara followed her silently.

    Seraphina was glad it was only a short walk to her quarters. Her mind was a mix of half-baked plans and things she needed to do.

    The door hissed shut behind her, sealing Seraphina in silence. She slumped against the wall, her resolve crumbling.

    Alex¡¯s voice, raw with betrayal: ¡°You¡¯re just another snake in my court.¡±

    She pressed her palms to her eyes as if she could crush the memory¡ªa knock.

    ¡°Go away, Elara.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± Zara¡¯s voice, grudging.

    The door slid open. Zara stood framed in the corridor¡¯s harsh light, her arms crossed, her posture rigid. ¡°You¡¯re wrong, you know.¡±

    Seraphina didn¡¯t move. ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°Him.¡± Zara¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°He does trust you. Or he did. That¡¯s why it gutted him.¡±

    Seraphina¡¯s breath hitched. A voice, sharp as a knife, echoed in her mind. ¡°Trust is a blade, girl. You let them close enough to wield it; you deserve the wound.¡± Her father¡¯s grip crushed her shoulder¡ªhis breath, thick and reeking, coiled around her like a noose.

    She swallowed the phantom bitterness. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m not you.¡± Zara turned to leave. Her face held a pain that Seraphina knew all too well. ¡°Don¡¯t make him regret it twice.¡±

    Seraphina stared as the door slid shut. Her mind replayed the conversation repeatedly, each repetition sharpening the ache. She dared to hope. To believe.

    ¡°Alex¡ª¡±

    It came tumbling out as Seraphina sank back to the ground and cried.

    The floor¡¯s chill seeped into her bones, dragging her back to another cold surface¡ªthe isolation chamber¡¯s metal slab. Her fists were bloodied from pounding on the door. Her mother¡¯s voice through the vents: ¡°Tears won¡¯t unlock this door. Control will.¡±

    Alex¡¯s voice, cutting through the sterile silence of his quarters: ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend with me.¡±

    She¡¯d frozen, her fingers still tangled in his hair. No one had ever said that to her. Not Elara. Not her tutors. Not even herself.

    His hand had brushed hers, calloused and warm.

    Seraphina reached out, her hand clutching at the air before her as another memory slammed home.

    -her mother¡¯s manicured nails digging into her chin, forcing her to meet those icy eyes. ¡°You will marry. You will smile. You will not disgrace us.¡±

    ¡°I am not a Valtor¡± " she whispered to herself. ¡°I am me. And I will... I will give everything to prove it.¡±

    Seraphina repeated the line repeatedly as she finally fell asleep on the floor. Her dreams haunted her.

    When the door opened the following morning, She was ready. Her mask was back in place as she swept past Elara. Making her way to the Hanger again. She had a focus and knew Letting go wasn''t an option.

    The shuttle¡¯s ramp lowered with a groan as Seraphina paused at the hanger threshold, her gaze sweeping the space. Lyra chattered nervously with the guards, Elara running a final systems check.

    A hand gripped her arm.

    ¡°Wait.¡± Zara thrust a pulse pistol into her hands. ¡°Come back whole. Or don¡¯t come back at all.¡±

    Seraphina met her glare. ¡°I will.¡±

    As the shuttle ascended, Lyra leaned over, her voice low. ¡°I intercepted a transmission from the Spire¡¯s under levels. Someone¡¯s down there¡ªsomeone not on our roster.¡±

    The screen flickered. A grainy image: a girl with copper hair and glowing veins, flanked by a scarred man in militia gear.

    Seraphina¡¯s pulse spiked. ¡°Who is she?¡±

    Lyra zoomed in on the girl¡¯s metallic shimmer. ¡°Whoever she is, she¡¯s got tech that shouldn¡¯t exist.¡±

    She glanced at Seraphina. ¡°And they are already ahead of us.¡±

 Chapter 31 -Boots held together with fraying tape.

    The Razorwing''s engines hummed, ready for departure. I stood at the ramp, my knuckles bleaching white around the guardrail. Below, the hangar buzzed, mechanics barked orders, fuel lines hissed, and I caught Jax and Zara talking in hushed tones through the chaos. Their secrecy pricked at me like a needle.

    I turned away, storming into the ship''s belly to slump into a passenger seat, looking out the Front viewport. My two new guards stood next to the ramp as I signed and tried to turn them out. They were the Beta team that I had been promised. But I hadn''t known they would be cyborgs. Grotesque patchworks of flesh and chrome, their eyes glowing with the cold blue of machine compliance.

    I shook my head again. I hated these things. I''d seen one march through a crumbling building once, its targeting systems coldly marking civilians as obstacles. It didn''t hesitate. It just walked through them¡ªno orders to stop. No hesitation. Just death.

    The military used them as expendable elite cannon fodder. It surprised me that there was even one on Drakara. They were incredibly expensive for anyone outside of elite military command. They were created by getting death row prisoners and subjecting them to forced modification.

    A mishmash of brain and computer made them aware but completely obedient. Following these commands to the letter. No matter the cost. Needless deaths had been only the starting point for these things.

    Jax walked over, staring at the two cyborgs. "Are they necessary, Alex?"

    I smiled weakly. "They are apparently my new guards. Courtesy of our friend Theon."

    Jax bristled that they were my guards before his face returned to a false calm. "Very well. Moving on. It seems we have a situation at the Spire. Someone has entered a restricted area and tampered with key structural components. Lyra has been monitoring it. We will investigate after meeting with the spire management."

    "Have we sent a team there to stop any more attempts of¡­"

    Zara cut in before I could finish, her voice sharp. "Lyra''s already en route with a team. She''ll report findings soon."

    I frowned. "Since when do doctors inspect structural sabotage?" The words hung like a challenge. Jax and Zara exchanged glances that spoke of secrets piled between them."

    "Lyra¡¯s more than a doctor," Jax said with a half-smile. "She¡¯s an engineer and scientist. She has a team with her¡ªthey¡¯ll assess the damage and handle repairs."

    "Ok," I answered. "If you say so." They were hiding something from me. And if they didn''t want to tell me, I''d have to find out myself. I stood up as Zara stopped me, her voice low and almost hesitant. "You just woke up. You don''t have to do this now, Alex. No one would blame you for taking a moment to breathe."

    I turned to her, my gaze hardening. Something was off. "This isn''t about proving anything," I said. "It''s about fixing what''s broken. And I have to start somewhere."

    She held my gaze for a long moment before nodding. "I know. Just¡­ Don''t push yourself, ok."

    The Razorwing thrummed as it lifted off, the neon sprawl of capital glowing like stars in the night below us. I stared out the window, my thoughts racing with Lina''s voice, her words, and Seraphina''s...

    I watched as Zara''s hands flew across the console, directing the Razorwing to set up the flight path to the Spire. Every so often, I caught her watching me. I wasn¡¯t sure what to make of it¡ªand I wasn¡¯t sure I wanted to.

    The skeletal outline of the Iron Spire was like a jagged monolith clawing at the sky. Rust streaked its hull like old blood, and even from here, I could see the swarm of ant-like figures hauling cargo at its base.

    My stomach tightened at the site. I knew this was going to be a difficult day. The ministers had taught me that. Most people here still saw me as hope¡ªthe flag of resistance. I needed to show them that I was different.

    Zara brought the ship to land with practised ease as I stood waiting for the lower ramp. I rolled my shoulders, trying to ease the growing tension. The two dammed cyborg guards stood still as statues. No emotion, nothing. Yet, when I shifted, I swore I saw one of them subtly tilt its head like it was watching me. Analyzing. I clenched my jaw. Maybe I was imagining things.

    I felt the ship touchdown a few moments later as the ramp lowered. I started to exit before the ramp had even touched the ground. The two guards stepped out behind me a step after.

    A group of people were waiting for me to exit as Jax stepped before me. "Krell, I presume?" He asked the man who stepped forward. He was a bloated man in a too-tight suit and looked slimy. It was not someone I really wanted to deal with, but I had expected this.

    ¡°Welcome Baron Draven. It is an honour to meet one of your esteemed station. I hope¡­"

    Jax cut him off before he could continue with whatever speech he had prepared. "There will be time for pleasantries later. I sent the itinerary for our visit before we arrived. I can assume you have everything ready for us?"

    I watched as Krell wiped the sweat from his forehead before he replied. "Y¡­yes. Everything has been arranged. This way, please."

    I looked at Jax as we were led to a waiting elevator. I had to assume it was meant for cargo as the capacity seemed excessive for anything else. Zara appeared behind us just before the doors slid closed.

    "I thought you would be staying with the ship?" I asked.

    Zara gave me a look before turning away. "The ship is on standby; if we require it, I can remotely pilot it for us."

    I stared at her for a bit. Was she angry? Upset at me? I wasn''t sure. And honestly, I wasn''t willing to spare any more effort to figure out what was happening in her head.

    The Iron Spire''s underbelly reeked of rust and sweat. Damp, metallic air clawed at my throat as we descended into the worker quarters, where flickering lights painted shadows across faces gaunt with exhaustion.

    Flickering strip lights cast long shadows over cramped bunks and hollow faces. One of the cyborgs¡¯ heads twitched. Its glowing blue eyes flicked toward a child for a fraction of a second before returning to idle as the child darted past, her skeletal fingers snatching a protein wafer from a passing cart. Security raised their shockrods.

    "Touch her, and I''ll end you." The words left my lips before I knew I''d spoken.

    Krell blinked sweat from his piggish eyes. "My lord, surely¨C"

    Zara stepped between us, her shoulder brushing mine. Static crackled where we touched. "The Baron wasn''t asking."

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    Krell quivered. "With respect, my lady, this isn''t some spacecraft you can¨C"

    My fist slammed into the wall beside his head. The clang of metal echoed like a gunshot, and Krell''s sweat sprayed as he flinched. "Call her my lady again," I hissed, "and I''ll redecorate this wall with your teeth."

    Zara''s hand closed around my wrist. Not restraining. Anchoring.

    "Feel better?" Zara murmured, her thumb pressing against my racing pulse.

    I yanked free. "Don''t."

    For a heartbeat, her mask cracked¡ªa flash of hurt, or maybe fear¡ªbefore her eyes hardened into shards of ice. She was all steel again as Krell continued on his ramble.

    "Production demands have doubled this quarter," droned Krell again, like he wanted to pretend my outburst hadn¡¯t happened. He didn''t blink as a coughing fit wracked the woman scrubbing the grate beside him. "We''re understaffed. Can''t magic efficiency from thin air."

    I stopped, staring at the woman. Her hands were raw, her boots held together with fraying tape. It reminded me of Seraphina''s manicured fingers clutching her gown¡ªhow she''d folded in on herself as if she could disappear from everything. I groaned, trying to block out the memory.

    "You''re wrong," I said quietly.

    Krell blinked. "Excuse me?"

    I turned to him, the cyborgs shifting behind me like weird statues. "You''re wrong. Do you want more workers? Start by not working your people to death. Automate the refineries. Rotate shifts. Fix the damned air filters." My voice rose, sharpened by the memory of Seraphina''s plea: "I need to get away." These people couldn''t run. They had nowhere to go.

    Krell''s throat quivered. "Lord Draven, idealism won''t power the generators."

    Zara stepped forward, her hand resting on her holstered pistol. "How about a review of your accounting logs? I''ve heard that someone is skimming profits. Wonder what we''d find once we start looking."

    Krell paled. Jax smirked.

    "We will look into ways to improve the working conditions." Krell started to say before he froze as I turned on him, pointing my finger at his chest.

    "No. I will arrange this. You will be reporting to Jax here. He will be overseeing everything you do."

    Krell paled as I talked before he nodded slightly. "Ah, y-yes. Management things. Urgent matters! Pressing! I, uh, must attend to them¡ªimmediately."

    I watched as Krell turned and hurried away. I sighed. This was not how I expected this to go. "Dammit," I muttered.

    Jax smirked. "He lasted longer than I expected."

    I exhaled sharply, the weight of the Spire''s oppression pressing down on me. The air was thick with sweat, oil, and something worse¡ªsomething that smelled like decay. I hadn''t noticed it at first, but now it clung to my senses, an acrid stench lurking beneath the metallic tang of rust.

    A distant clang echoed through the corridors, followed by the faint wail of machinery¡ªno, not machinery. I strained my ears¡ªa moan.

    Zara caught the sound, too. Her fingers twitched toward her holster.

    "Jax," I said quietly. "Where does that lead?" I nodded toward a side passage, half-concealed by a stack of rusted crates. Unlike the rest of the worker quarters, the dim emergency lighting didn''t reach there, and the darkness was thick and oppressive.

    Jax exchanged a glance with Zara. "Restricted zones," he muttered. "Security keeps unauthorised personnel out."

    I strode toward it.

    Krell''s assistant, a wiry woman with dark-rimmed eyes, stepped in my way. "My lord, that area is off-limits. We should continue the tour¡ª"

    I didn''t slow. My cyborg guards followed, their servos hissing as they moved perfectly synchronised. Jax let out a soft curse and fell in beside me. Zara hesitated for half a breath before following.

    The passageway was colder, and the floor sloped downward. The deeper we went, the worse the smell got. A rot, thick and cloying, seeped into the metal itself.

    Then we heard it¡ªsharp, ragged breathing.

    Zara flicked on a light.

    The beam of light sliced through the darkness, illuminating a makeshift infirmary¡ªor what was left of one. Rows of metal slabs lined the walls, each occupied by a figure barely recognisable as a human.

    Filthy bandages wrapped around wasted limbs, their skin stretched tight over skeletal frames. Hollow eyes flickered open at the intrusion, but no one spoke. They didn''t have the strength.

    One man, little more than bone, reached a trembling hand toward us. His lips moved, forming silent words.

    I swallowed hard and stepped closer. "What happened to them?"

    The assistant shifted uneasily behind us. "They¡­ they are too weak to work. We don¡¯t have enough resources to waste on those who won¡¯t recover." She swallowed. "It¡¯s not cruelty, my lord. It¡¯s a necessity."

    Zara''s hand clenched into a fist. "And?"

    The woman wouldn''t meet her eyes. "And they remain here until¡­ until they''re no longer a burden."

    Rage coiled in my chest. "You mean until they die."

    No answer.

    Jax knelt beside the man who had reached out. "Who did this to you?"

    The man''s fingers curled weakly. He wheezed, his voice barely above a whisper.

    "Th-the mines," he rasped. "No masks. No rest. The dust¡­ it eats your lungs." His breath hitched, and a deep, rattling cough wracked his body. A thin trail of blood leaked from his mouth.

    My vision blurred at the edges.

    "You just let them rot here?" I turned to the assistant, my voice like steel.

    She flinched. "Resources are limited. They are no longer¡­ viable."

    Zara''s pistol cleared its holster with a sharp click. "How many more?"

    The woman hesitated.

    "How. Many. More."

    The assistant swallowed hard, then motioned toward a sealed door at the back of the infirmary.

    I moved first, slamming the release panel. The door hissed open. The smell hit like a physical force. It wasn''t just an infirmary. It was a morgue.

    Rows upon rows of bodies were stacked in the dim, freezing chamber. Some of them had been wrapped in cloth. Others weren''t. The frost on their skin barely masked the signs of exhaustion, malnutrition¡ªand murder.

    Jax exhaled slowly. "By the stars¡­"

    Zara said nothing. Her jaw was clenched so tight I thought she might shatter her teeth.

    She shuddered. "Please¡ªthis is just¡ªthis is just protocol. What would you have us do?" She gestured around at the dying workers. "We have quotas to meet. The mines don¡¯t stop because a few labourers can¡¯t keep up. If we saved every weak one, we''d all be out of jobs¡ªout of food." Her voice cracked. "We don¡¯t have the luxury of mercy."

    My fingers twitched toward my gun. For one dark moment, I wanted to do it. To end her, to wipe her from existence like she''d been the one that had allowed these people to waste away.

    "Beta 1," I said. I was still fighting with myself not to end the entire staff managing the Spire.

    A cold, mechanical voice broke the silence in response.

    "Awaiting objective."

    I turned.

    One of the cyborgs was staring at me, its glowing blue eyes unreadable. It took a step forward. "Awaiting directive." It repeated

    My breath caught. It wasn''t waiting for anyone else. It was waiting for me.

    I could order it. Right now. To kill. To destroy. The power of it trembled in my hands. I looked at the assistant, at her wide, terrified eyes. I thought of Seraphina, her voice echoing in my mind: Don''t become what they expect you to be.

    My fingers flexed. Itched. Then I turned away. "No."

    The cyborg froze. "Awaiting directive."

    "Help them," I said. "All of them. Find medical supplies, food, and anything useful. Keep them alive."

    A flicker of hesitation. Then: "Directive received."

    I exhaled.

    Zara holstered her gun. Jax ran a hand through his hair, muttering something under his breath.

    I turned back to the assistant. "We''re not done here."

    She shuddered. "What are you going to do?"

    I met her gaze, cold and unyielding.

    "Fix this."

    And for the first time since we arrived, I meant every word.

 Chapter 32 - Holding the title now.

    16 hours.

    That''s how long it took a team of medical workers to clear the first room of bodies. The room¡­ More like a morgue. I didn''t know what to call it anymore.

    16 hours of listening to the moans and rattles of dying people. Many didn''t even make it out. Dying as soon as they were lifted onto stretchers.

    I did what I could. Krell was in a holding cell now. Jax had to stop me from ripping him apart after I ordered him to be present for this. This needless suffering. Needless death. All for a few extra credits. I shuddered again, bile rising as I swallowed it back down.

    "Alex, you don''t need to be here. The medical teams have this under control."

    Zara''s voice was softer than usual, but I could see the tension in her posture¡ªthe tightness in her shoulders, the way her hands flexed as if fighting the urge to grab me, shake me.

    I watched another lifeless body being carried out. A girl barely older than Lina. Beta-2''s optics pulsed as it scanned the body. The blue glow lingered too long¡ªlike it was deciding something¡ªbefore the medics moved in. The girl was already gone, the blanket drawn over her head.

    "I owe them this much." My voice was hoarse. "I¡­ I could have done more. Saved more if¡ª"

    Zara tensed, her breath hitching. She''d seen that look before¡ªthat hollow, swallowing grief. The same look she''d had the night her¡ª

    Smack.

    Zara slapped me. Hard.

    "Stop it. Just stop. Please." Her voice was raw, almost desperate. "You can''t blame yourself for this, Alex. No one would ever blame you. You didn''t know this was happening. None of us did."

    I stared at her. Stunned. The sting of Zara''s slap still burned as the cyborgs shifted behind me. Their servos hissed like coiled snakes, glowing blue optics flickering in unison toward Zara. Beta 1''s head tilted at an inhuman angle, its voice a monotone blade.

    "Threat assessment: neutralized?"

    "Stand down." My voice came out sharp, clipped. The command tasted bitter. I hated that I even had to give it.

    Zara didn''t flinch. Her palm still hovered between us, trembling just slightly. Not with fear. With something else.

    "You''re not a martyr, Alex." Her voice cracked, betraying the steel. "You''re a man. Start acting like one."

    Behind her, a medic knelt beside a child no older than Lina had been, adjusting an oxygen mask over sunken cheeks. The contrast gutted me as my mind overlaid Lina''s broken body.

    Zara saw it, too.

    Her eyes flickered to the child, then back to me. Her fingers curled into a fist at her side. I knew that look.

    Not anger. Not just frustration. Fear.

    Not fear of me. For me.

    I stepped closer. "You think I don''t know that?" My whisper carried over the groan of a stretcher bearing another shrouded form. "Every corpse here is a failure. Mine. The ministers'', Krell''s, the whole damned system''s. But I''m the one holding the title now. These people are meant to be under my protection. My rule."

    Her eyes softened for a fraction of a second. Then, like a drawn blade, her mask slid back into place.

    She reached out, hesitated, and brushed the air near my bruised cheek. "Then fix the system. Not break yourself over it."

    Jax materialized at my elbow, saving me from needing to reply. His datapad glowing with reports. "We''ve cleared three more wards. Mortality rate''s¡­ unsustainable." His usual smirk had bled into something grim. "It''s out," Jax muttered. "The feeds are calling it ''The Baron''s Purge.'' Dramatic." He exhaled. "But useful."

    "It''s not a purge. It''s triage." I stared at the room''s door, still leaking the tang of antiseptic and rot. "Get me a broadcast channel. Planetwide."

    Zara stiffened. "Alex, you''re running on fumes¡ª"

    "Now." My voice cracked as I watched another child being brought out. If I didn''t speak now, someone else would. Someone who''d twist this. Someone who''d turn these bodies into an excuse to tighten the Empire''s grip.

    Before the ministers, nobles, and Seraphina could twist this against me. No. I wouldn''t let them take this from me. This was mine to control.

    I watched as Beta-1''s head swivelled toward Jax. The blue glow of the thing''s eyes still made me unsettled. But the power and control they gave me thrilled and sickened me in equal measure.

    Jax''s fingers danced across his datapad, rapid-fire commands slicing through encrypted channels. "There''s a media hub two levels down. Minimal security, but we''ll need to move fast. If the ministers catch wind of this, they''ll shut it down before you can speak."

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    I nodded, already turning toward the exit. "Then let''s move."

    Zara fell in beside me, her expression unreadable. The sharpness in her gaze told me she wasn''t done arguing, but she held her tongue for now.

    Jax took the lead, a blur of movement through the corridors. The cyborgs followed in eerie synchronization, their servos hissing with every step. Their presence loomed behind me, silent and watchful. A reminder of what I now commanded. A reminder of what I''d become.

    The station was still in chaos¡ªmedics shouting orders, stretchers wheeled at a sprint, hushed murmurs of civilians desperate for answers. They watched as we passed, eyes full of suspicion and hope.

    Hope they so desperately needed. Hope that I had to give them.

    The media hub''s doors came into view, a heavy blast-resistant set reinforced against riots. Jax barely slowed, hacking the controls with a flick of his wrist. The locks disengaged with a sharp hiss.

    "In and out," he muttered. "Say what you need to say, and we''re gone before they jam the signal."

    Zara looked at Jax questioningly. "Why would they jam the signal. Alex is the Baron."

    Jax shook his head. "Alex might be the Baron, but the ministers write the rules. And until we break or bend them to us, they''ll act in their own interests. What Alex is about to do? That''s not in their best interests."

    Ignoring them, I stepped inside. The room was sterile and stark. Screens lined the walls, flickering with Imperial propaganda¡ªglorified numbers, empty speeches, the same recycled drivel. A sleek console stood at the centre, waiting.

    I placed my hands on it, exhaling slowly. The weight of it all pressed down on me. The bodies. The suffering. The choice I was about to make.

    Jax''s voice crackled in my earpiece. "You''re live in ten. Try not to sound like a deathbed confession."

    Lina would''ve hated this speech.

    The drones'' lenses flashed red.

    "People of Drakara." My voice boomed through the tower''s amplifiers, raw and jagged. "You''ve been fed lies with your rations. Told scarcity is inevitable. That cruelty is efficiency.".

    "No more," I shouted.

    I gripped the console as I tried to calm my heartbeat. My jaw clenched with the effort. I knew this next part was going too far. But I needed to make people see I was different.

    Beta-1 shifted slightly, the glow in its optics pulsing¡ªwaiting. Anticipating. And I hated it all the more for it.

    "Effective immediately, Spire officials responsible for this will face judgment. Corruption. Fraud. Negligence. Those found guilty will be executed. No clemency. There are no hidden deals. Justice will be public¡ªfor all of Drakara to see."

    Zara shifted at my side. I could hear her sharp inhale. I didn''t look at her. If I did, I might hesitate to keep going.

    I swallowed. The following words would paint me as the villain. But I needed to send a message.

    "And to prove my words are not empty¡ªevery execution will be public. Broadcasted, witnessed by all of Drakara. The Spire might be first. But each city, each outpost, everywhere will be subjected to the same rules."

    I took a breath before continuing. "I, Alex Draven, Baron of Drakara and your governor will prove this to you. I will correct the corruption and poor standards of Drakara. To show this. Starting today. Every child under 13 will have access to free education. No more lost generations. No more stolen futures. If they have no home, one will be given...."

    Jax signalled that the feed had been stopped. "Sorry, Alex. They got to the stream. I couldn''t keep them out." Jax''s shoulders sagged, and his face held a barely hidden disgust. "Dammit, Alex. What were you thinking?"

    I let out the breath I''d been holding, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest. "It''s fine, Jax. Did the message go out everywhere?"

    Silence. Then¡ª

    "Alex."

    Zara''s voice wasn''t just sharp¡ªit was cold. Like she was forcing the words out through clenched teeth. When I met her eyes, the look she gave me wasn''t one of anger. It was something worse. She shook her head, taking a step back.

    She was horrified. Disgusted. I didn''t blame her.

    "You''re going to execute them." The words landed heavy, flat. No accusation. Just raw disbelief. Like she was trying to understand how the man she followed, the man she¡ª

    She swallowed hard, taking another step back. Her voice was edged with something close to desperation when she spoke again. "You''re talking about people, Alex. Not just the corrupt bastards who let this happen, but their assistants, their clerks¡ªthe ones who had no say in it. Do you think every single person in a management role is guilty? What about the ones who were just trying to feed their families?"

    I set my jaw. "I need to send a message. I can''t. No. I won''t let this happen again. If I show mercy and hesitate, someone else will think they can get away with it. And next time, it''ll be worse."

    "A message?" Her laugh was hollow, bitter. "And what message is that, exactly? That the great Alex Draven is no better than the Empire he''s trying to break away from?"

    I bristled, fists clenching at my sides. I noticed Jax move closer to Zara as I did. "The Empire would have buried this." I forced myself to relax as I continued." They would have let the bodies rot and called it ''necessary losses.'' I''m making sure it never happens again."

    "You think fear will stop this from happening again? The Empire has been ruled by fear for generations. It''s only ever bred more rebellion. More blood. Tell me. How many innocent people get caught in that?" She took a step closer this time, her voice lowering. "How many terrified men and women get paraded in front of a firing squad because you needed to ''send a message''?"

    I forced myself to hold her gaze. "They were in charge. They let it happen."

    Jax exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. His voice was quieter this time. "You think this ends with them?"

    I didn''t answer.

    Jax shook his head. "Yeah. That''s what I thought."

    Zara shook her head, stepping back like she could no longer stand to be near me. "No, Alex. Some of them let it happen. The rest were just trying to survive." Her hands curled into fists. I could see it now¡ªthe war inside her. Part of her agreed with me. But she didn''t want to. She exhaled sharply, her expression twisting. "You think Seraphina would have wanted this?"

    The name was a knife to the gut. My breath stilled, and for a second, the room was too small, too tight. I felt the panic rising again.

    Seraphina.

    The name struck like a gunshot. I stopped breathing. The room felt too small, too tight.

    I swallowed hard, forcing down the pressure building in my chest. I knew the answer to the question. I could hear her voice, the sharp disapproval, the plea in her eyes. Stop this, Alex. You''re better than this.

    I shook my head, trying to shake her away, trying to shake this weakness away.

    My voice was rough when it finally came out. "She isn''t here."

    "No," Zara said softly. "She''s not. This isn''t justice, Alex. This is vengeance. And it won''t bring them back. If you do this and go through with this, I don''t know what''s left of you will be here either."