Ahce kept her expression neutral, but inside her mind, a dozen thoughts knotted together. A divine beast, a contract, and the entire empire watching. She wasn't someone who sought attention. She avoided it whenever possible. But now, any careless motion, any absent-minded habit, any slip of strength would be broadcast across star systems.
Her gaze flicked toward the drone hovering quietly near the ceiling, its lens glimmering like an unblinking eye. She finally understood why its presence felt different these past days, too focused, too stationary, as if waiting for drama.
Now she knew why.
Tiffany sat propped on pillows, still pale, her breathing shallow despite hours of rest. The poison of the giant jellyfish, or whatever its alien equivalent was, spread rapidly through the bloodstream, leaving victims paralyzed or delirious.
