"Battle partners!" I shouted. "Take positions!"
A hush fell like a hammer. No explosion. No movement. Just stillness—too still. Around me, everyone scrambled into formation, pairing off, weapons drawn, eyes scanning the horizon.
Then, something moved.
A lone figure emerged from the treeline, holding a white flag.
"Stand down," I ordered, raising my hand. "They come under a peace signal."
I turned to Nox. "Go hide."
"But I want to—"
"Please," I said, giving her a gentle push. "Now."
She hesitated, then nodded and slipped into the shadows.
Weapons remained drawn, but no one moved.
More figures appeared—dozens of them, clad in pristine white uniforms. Not armor. Their movements were practiced, rehearsed. Calm and coordinated. It wasn't peace—it was performance.
Lyric stepped beside me, her body rigid. "It's them," she muttered. I couldn't tell if it was awe or dread in her voice.
A projected voice boomed across the field: "We come in peace. Please be assured we mean you no harm. We are emissaries from the Order of Eden. Would your leader come forth and speak with us?"
I drew a breath and stepped forward, hyper-aware of the grime on my clothes and the sweat on my brow. I raked a hand through my tangled hair and approached.
One man broke formation and strode toward me with an easy smile and polished charm.
"Callix Sable," he said, extending his hand. "I don't believe we've met."
"Alis De Aura." I shook his hand. "Why are you here?"
His smile faltered, just for a blink, then returned. "We're a dispatch from the Order of Eden. Our Lady has taken interest in your village's progress. As you may know, we're part of a restoration initiative—encouraging constructive behavior and rewarding it when found."
I caught the flicker of calculation in his eyes.
"The credit belongs to Rebel Ray," I said coolly. "This is his legacy. Any reward should go to his people—and his next of kin."
Something dark passed behind Callix's gaze, but his composure held. "Shall we tour the village? We've brought gifts from Her Ladyship."
I nodded tightly and led the way.
"The land restoration is impressive," he observed as we walked, his entourage murmuring in approval.
"That was Rebel's work. I'm just continuing it."
"You've shown remarkable leadership," he said. "And in such a short time. Defeating dangerous Cradle dwellers? That's no small feat. We've brought a special gift for you—from the Heir of Eden himself."
I said nothing, but my jaw tightened.
He waved his hand, and his people carried in an absurdly ornate rosebush, its blooms a shimmering gold.
"To Alis De Aura," Callix said, beaming, "from the Heir of Eden. This flower comes from Her Ladyship's personal collection. A fitting tribute to someone exceptional."
"It was a team effort," I replied flatly. "Put it in the town square."
Callix hesitated—just a fraction. Maybe my indifference stung.
"Would you be kind enough to show us the way?" he asked with forced sweetness that barely masked the demand.
I nodded and led them. Villagers turned to watch as we passed. Tension followed like a shadow.
Lyric stood ahead, unnervingly still. When we met eyes, I saw something unfamiliar in her expression. Hunger?
"This is Lyric," I said. "One of our finest fighters."
Lyric extended a hand, face serious. Callix barely glanced at her. "Very good."
He brushed past her like she didn't matter. Her face didn't move, but I caught the flicker of pain in her eyes.
It wasn't until we reached the code-weaving station that Callix's interest truly perked. He was mid-question when Priya appeared.
He froze.
When he spoke again, his tone had changed—softer, reverent. Almost… obsessive.
"And who is this?"
"Priya Ray. Rebel's wife."
Recognition lit his face. That same tone—I'd heard it once before. When Vivid got her first hoverboard. But this wasn't childlike awe. This was possession.
Callix stepped forward, offering his hand.
"We admired your husband's work," he said. "We've brought a reward. Since he's passed, we extend it to you."
Priya shook his hand like it was a venomous snake.
"This is Dr. Prim Vel," Callix said. "She'd like to check in on your health—especially since you're expecting."
The doctor was already advancing, her tone kind but her pace too insistent.
"Is that necessary?" I asked, alarmed.
"Despite our efforts, maternal and infant mortality remain high," Callix said smoothly. "The children are our future. Which brings me to your reward—access to one of our inner Cradles. Safe. Clean. The best care possible."
"You want to take Priya?" I said flatly.
He laughed. A dry, mirthless sound. "Take? No. Relocate her—while she's vulnerable. Her husband's brilliance deserves recognition."
A shout came from the house.
"Excuse me," I said, already moving.
Inside, Priya stood at one end of the room, trembling with fury. Dr. Vel stood at the other, a syringe in hand.
"What's going on?" I demanded.
Dr. Vel turned calmly. "I was just attempting to take a blood sample."
I looked at Priya, who shook her head slightly.
"Would you give us a moment?" I said sweetly. "I'd like to speak with her alone."
Dr. Vel smiled—falsely. "Of course. I'll be just outside."
When the door shut, Priya let out a shaking breath.
"They want to take me."
"Yes," I admitted. "They asked for my blessing."
"Well, they can shove it. I'm not going anywhere." She crossed her arms over her belly.
"I'll try to negotiate," I said softly. "Maybe they'll take someone else. Lyric might—"
"You don't get it," Priya snapped. "It's not a reward. It's a reaping."
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"And I'm the one they want to reap."