Light cracked across the Fate Platform... and in the next breath, Lucien reappeared outside the barrier.
He landed beside the Verdant Veil group as motes of fading starlight peeled off his body.
The arena was roaring.
Not cheering… but complaining.
Lucien just stood there a moment, jaw tight.
A bitter taste filled his mouth.
The same taste as watching a movie reach its climax… and then the power dies.
Marie clutched her head like she was about to explode.
"THAT— THAT WAS ROBBERY! I swear, if I find that shaved-head rat, I'm grinding him into a memory card. A corrupted one."
Eirene exhaled slowly, massaging her temples.
"Cliffhangers should be used sparingly… this was barbaric."
Lucien didn't answer.
His eyes drifted back to the Fate Platform.
The black-robed woman had reappeared as well.
Her leader, the masked man who'd nodded at Lucien before, placed a gentle hand on her head… like one pats a loyal hound.
Her head tilted again, obedient and mechanical.
