Narcissus looked completely shocked.

  He barked at Akime and Reo, "Both of you, retreat—find a place to stay."

  Akime nodded urgently. "Let's go." But Reo stood frozen.

  "No," Reo growled. "I want to fight alongside you."

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Narcissus flashed a grim smile. "Next time." He vanished in a brilliant flash.

  Akime and Reo plunged into the forest. Reo's thoughts churned with worry for Narcissus, though Akime's voice cut through. "He'll be victorious."

  Clang—sparks erupted everywhere as Narcissus's katana struck the lurking figure. It hurtled through the trees, crashing to the forest floor before staggering back to its feet.

  Meanwhile in pherkad

  Demeterius headed back when a figure stood waiting, its face shrouded in darkness. He dropped into a fighting stance.

  Meanwhile, in the Orion CONTINENT Betelgeuse empire , the Law Council chamber buzzed. Every chair held the sharpest minds—advisors and attorneys from each empire.

  Jahr, Sadalmelik's attorney, shot to his feet."

  This is unacceptable," he declared. "They seized Sadachbia and attacked Sadalmelik under the excuse of retaliation.”

  A familiar face sat among them—Jiho, attorney for Deneb and its emperor.