The vents sealed again with another mechanical click.
“There are captives. Come.” He summoned his attendants with a simple order, activating the comm in his visor. They would arrive promptly to release the imprisoned Saelori.
Kyrax stared at the dead Majarin, noting the insignia burned into his collar.
Cruxar’s symbol.
The mark of a fallen lord whose corruption still lingered long after his death.
Kyrax turned away.
“Nuar, prepare a channel,” he said through the comm.
His second-in-command paused. “To whom, Vykan?”
“Karian,” he said. “Marak of Luxar.”
Kyrax continued, each word unhurried, shaped by iron certainty.
“Tell him his fallen subordinate’s remnants trespass on my world,” Kyrax said. “Tell him his people were captured and meant to be sold.”
He walked out of the chamber, icy fury coursing through his veins. Whether it was Karaian’s doing or not, the Majarin would have to pay.
“And tell him,” Kyrax finished, “that I demand restitution.”
CHAPTER 2
The comm-link engaged with a deep tonal pulse, the Nhaelor’s systems syncing to a frequency only a handful of beings in the galaxy were permitted to use.
A shape formed in the projection—tall, robed in layered black and silver, a ceremonial mask of obsidian metal obscuring his face except for the gleam of golden eyes. Tentacles drifted around him in controlled, regal arcs.
Karian.
Marak of Luxar.
Kyrax did not incline his head.
Nor did Karian.
Between beings like them, deference meant nothing.
Power recognized power.
“Vykan Kyrax Sagarnis,” Karian said, his voice deep beneath the mask. “Your signal reached Luxar with urgency.”
“Marak.” Kyrax’s helm dipped a fraction. “You have seen the data stream.”
Karian’s eyes sharpened. “I did.”
“Cruxar’s remnants,” Karian said at last. “Still acting without purpose.”
“They trespassed on Vyranth,” Kyrax replied. “They took Saelori. They intended to sell them.”
Karian’s tentacles stilled, tension rippling through them. “Then you acted correctly. They were yours to destroy.”
Kyrax’s voice remained level, but the weight beneath it carried through the comm. “And yet they came.”
Karian did not deny it.
