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Lokmi had paused again. “Did he get a sense of who was involved?”
Kila shook his shaggy head. “He’s still sorting through what little he remembers. He believes those who’re being ridden are in important positions, like his. Recalling who exactly has been taken over is elusive.”
Piras added, “He’s certain of one thing: they’re undermining the empire in hopes of causing as much disturbance as possible before they strike.”
Hope’s heart thudded. “When are they planning to attack?”
“Soon.”
* * * *
The Galactic Council is not your friend. It has fallen to the All. Protect the empire and its allies.
Emperor Bevau stared at the message. He asked his aide, Dramok Erybet, “Did you trace this?”
“It came from Galactic Council space. Beyond that, I can’t tell you who sent it. Someone who didn’t want it tracked to them, if the erasure-ware blocking my attempts to track them is any indication.” Erybet’s lovely features were drawn in worry. “Do you think this is a legitimate warning?”
“See if you can raise Secretary-General Mereta on the com. I want to—”
Bevau’s statement ended in a shout of surprise. Erybet cursed. Both men assumed fighting stances at the abrupt appearance of two men.
“Fuck!” Bevau yelled as he recognized Admirals Tranis and Piras. “Are you trying to get yourselves killed? I was on the verge of snapping your necks!”
A pair of Royal Guards shot in the room, blasters drawn. They gaped at the fleet officers, who shouldn’t have been able to walk past the door they’d been guarding.
“Stand down.” Bevau’s descended fangs showed he hadn’t gotten past his temper. “If they don’t have a good reason for sneaking in phased and surprising me, I’ll kill them myself.”
“We have very good reason, my emperor.” Piras appeared calm despite having had a blaster pointed at his face an instant before. “The empire is in imminent danger. We think the Galactic Council may have been infiltrated by the enemy force responsible for annihilating the Bi’isils.”
* * * *
Jedver, Galactic Council of Planets space
Mereta released his rider’s consciousness and descended to the depths of his own.
I am one with creation.Peace stole over him.
He wondered when he’d summon the strength to overcome his conqueror again. The effort took so much out of him. However, he sensed the venomous All was nearly ready to strike at the Galactic Council of Planets’ members, Kalquor in particular.
He wondered if Emperor Bevau would take his warning seriously. He hoped he hadn’t sent it in such a way to expose his few seconds of control over himself, during which he put his rider to “sleep.”
Mereta let the quiet of the power behind the universe soothe the jabs of concern. He’d done what he could. He’d continue to do so until he passed from corporeal life or the All was vanquished.
If victory over the strange entity couldn’t be had, it mattered little. His faith told him life came and went, as surely as the tides of Kalquor. The universe carried on, unworried about the cares of men.
I do hope, though. For honor and empire, I’ll continue to fight.
It’s far from over as the Darks play for keeps. Dark Empire Book Four arrives this spring, and the stakes have never been higher when the Galactic Council of Planets, under the control of the All, strikes at the Kalquorian Empire. Long hidden secrets come to light, threatening love and life at every turn.
Blythe Nelson is certain Clan Deram is keeping something from her. The clan of spies finds it difficult to stay a step ahead of the wily reporter who’s winning their hearts. What they don’t know is Blythe has a secret of her own. New love can’t survive without trust, and neither side is ready when the truth comes out.
Dramok Ospar, determined to return to the political stage, strikes up a deal with Royal Councilman Oiteil. Unaware he’s dealing with a Dark entity controlling Oiteil, he finds himself fighting for his honor, his relationship with his clan…and his life.
The Kalquorian Empire, already struggling against the Darks infiltrating its highest offices, suffers a new blow when it’s revealed it’s keeping a prisoner from the war against the first Earth: Holy Leader Browning Copeland. The schism between Kalquor and its allies grows deeper, setting the empire against the rest of the galaxy.
As chaos descends on rioting Earther colonies, the Galactic Council of Planets, and Kalquor, a desperate group of humans and Kalquorians race to stop the force behind the turmoil: the Darks. Can they loosen the grip on their worlds the enemy seeks to tighten, or is all lost?
Dark Empire Book Four
