Ethan stood near the wide arch of the observatory's broken window, watching the horizon fade into shades of gold and ash.
The soldiers he had brought with him, including the captives, those few who had chosen to leave everything behind, had already started to settle.
Some sat in silence. Others walked around the ruined structure, eyes wary, steps careful.
"I told them to rest," Ethan said without looking back. "Because later, I believe I have a lot to give them to do."
Alden stood behind him, arms crossed and brow tight with confusion. Hera sat quietly on a flat stone, legs crossed, her expression calm as always.
The three of them had moved to a corner of the observatory where voices wouldn't echo too far.
Once the quiet settled, Ethan turned around and got straight to the point.
"I need to build my own empire."
Alden blinked. "You what?"
Ethan said nothing more. He just looked at Alden, serious and certain.
