Sagan, we’ve reached fifty thousand words, and I could do with some comfort. Come here, amos.

  [SS]: We took a day to recess. Spent some time with the family and enjoyed not doing anything for a few hours. But now Korac’s eager to press on.

  King Rayne, the next entry will disappoint you. I believe Sagan already made the connection, but let’s see how well I cultivated the seeds in prior entries.

  “Keep running!” I shouted to the humans, wilting and falling from the obstacle course. Half-tempted to lash at them with my whip, I indicated for an Enforcer to pressure them. “Never let them stop, and keep repeating the Verses. I want them to know who they defend.”

  A man called Justice swept an arm to lead the way inside of their compound. Eagerly, he assured, “We will do as you command, General. Your feedback is most appreciated. We want to replicate the same training process you employ on Cinder.”

  “Then let them sleep only a few hours a night after their sole meal. Repeat the Verses then, as well.”

  [SS]: I made the connection earlier. I don’t judge Korac, but it’s still a bitter pill to swallow. “You created the Cult of Night. This is why you said we wouldn’t like the camp entry because it built into this. Matt and Lucy told us what they endured at the Little Rock compound. It was eerily similar—but far less extreme—to your description of camp.”

  Korac swallowed hard and now he’s shaking his head as if to rid himself of it.

  A sin I wish I could unmake. I swear it didn’t start that way. It was just a simple training camp for humans interested in joining the settlement’s garrison. I never…

  [SS]: I take his hand and squeeze it gently. “It’s okay. You’ve more than made up for it.”

  No. Matt and Lucy made up for it.

  [SS]: That’s true. They demolished every compound that remained after Volcano Day. “So tell me what happened here, and why was Caedes there?”

  Earth became less and less safe for the Icari, and we tried to reduce our presence. The Cult of Night, in its infancy, housed our soldiers. It transformed into a dual-service system. We trained them; they kept us. Caedes was stationed there, but he wasn’t the only one.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  As the Justice toured the facilities with me, I observed the excellent weapon skills of the soldiers. I gave in and asked, “Justice, who sees to their combat training?”

  The short man preened at my use of his title before answering, “One of your very talented Icari. Lucas. There he is now.”

  Even at my high ranking, I’d heard praise of Lucas’ excellent sword skills. That he negotiated disputes between the Icari and the humans within the compound. And that his nature was rather genteel for someone in his caste.

  With a thin sword, like a rapier, he fenced with a trainee. Masterful foot work and well-balanced stances. He opened his wings, and I knew he was warrior caste. The trainee fell to a deft jab in the chest with Lucas suspended upside-down in the air.

  All while wearing the most immaculate tunic and pants with matching gilded scroll.

  Lucas noticed our focus and came over to introduce himself. “General Korac.”

  I won’t lie. The bastard’s eyes are terribly arresting. Molten gold to match the weaving. It made up for his height deficit. His gear was stylish and elegant, but properly functional. As the only other fashionably conscious soldier, it left me curious. “Lucas, where do hail from?”

  He bowed to me as he answered. “Here, sir. I come from Earth.”

  That made him one of few soldiers I’d met who was born after the invasion, but the first with a wing upgrade. Although the surrounding fighters paused in their training, my curiosity demanded satisfaction, and I pressed, “Where did you acquire—”

  “General Korac.”

  Nox.

  The soldiers went to one knee with a fist to their chest. I turned and examined him. Clenched jaw. Drawn brows. A storm in his eyes.

  Yup. He was in another mood. Since Celindria and Xelan betrayed us, a paranoia seeped in. I couldn’t avail him of it. He was always unhappy.

  “Your majesty.”

  I recall he wanted new weapons forged. Devis wasn’t as cordial with us after we whipped Celindria. What a surprise. So we resorted to manufacturing on Cinder.

  It’s unimportant. I only mention it because I never got another chance to ask Lucas about that upgrade, and given our current standing with him, it gnaws at me.

  How much of what Lucas told me was the truth? And where did he get his wings?

  [SS]: Oh yeah. Lucas betrayed us, Rayne. It devastated us and nearly killed Andrew. He’s been on the wrong side all this time. Like when Celindria found us on Cinder—The trip that led to Xelan—Lucas tipped her off.

  If you can hear this, Lucas, you broke our hearts, but don’t worry. We will make you regret betraying your Shadow.

  Korac’s reading over my shoulder.

  Well said, amos. Shortly after the Vacating, Xelan sponsored Lucas’ recruitment into The Brethren. He made new friends while his people faced eradication.

  Are you ready for the spiral?

  [SS]: Will I cry?

  I’ve no doubt.

  [SS]: I pout but nod.

  Brave girl. Let’s do this together, shall we?