Page 250 of Scorching the Alien Empire
“He preaches radical peace. He forsakes alliance when total victory remains elusive.” Big Belly looks down at his hands, runes etched across them like the Gods are playing Scrabble—probably spellingVICTORY.“We are warriors, not farmers. The Rush flows through our veins—it speaks of divine intent.” He glances at Dracoth and me. “We Virennix are children of Mother Aenarael the frozen-hearted.”
Okay. Rude.
Then he gestures to us, prompting me to flash my most innocent,definitely didn’t influence anyone smile.
“But now,” he says, “the great Goddess Aenarael speaks throughthem.So I will follow. I vote for War Chieftain Dracoth.”
YES.
I nod gracefully at Big Belly, but my eyesdrillinto Bitch Brick. She flicks a glance our way, her features wrinkled even more with concern.
Are you reading my mind now, Rocks? Do you feel it slipping away? The power? The throne? Me rising where you fall?
I smirk. The slightest curl of my lips. Just for her. A punctuation mark on her downfall. She notices, but doesn’t flinch. Worse—she’s not afraid. Not a bit. Instead, she turns to Krogoth, whispering more witchcraft into his long ear.
He nods, slow and solemn. Like they’re about to pull off the heist of the century.
No.
“Excellent!” the Imperator booms, snapping me from the dread creeping in. “Three to two, in favor of the War Chieftain. Now... Voryx of Clan Aquaxus, you hold thedeciding vote.” He chuckles—but his Elerium-lit eyes pulse like they’re watching the world burn. “Such a burden,” he adds. “I do hope you choosewisely.For everyone’s sake.”
All eyes turn to Surfer Bro.
He swallows a mouthful of imaginary sand. “I—I, yes, of course. I understand and accept this heavy—um—great honor.”
“We believe in you, Voryx.” The blue pineapple-head hussy giggles into his ear like a siren leading a ship to cliffs.
“Yes, you’re thebestest,” the green-scaled hussy drapes over him like a flea-ridden blanket.
Surfer Bro’s top-knot trembles. His coral strands shimmer like nervous sequins. “I—I am actually the... the—”
I can’t take this pressure! Wee Todd’s head’s going to explode. Just spit it out already!
“By the Gods!” Big Belly crushes his stammering like a striking meteorite. “This is afarce. This fool’s vote should count for less than—”
“Just fucking vote for fuck’s sake!” I shriek, full banshee, beautiful and pissed. Stunned silence follows. I think even the murder-orbs blink. “I swear on Divine Mother and Father,” I snarl, “if I have to wait another second, I’m going to startsquishing heads.”
Surfer Bro blinks like he just rejoined reality.
Then—Bitch Brick smothers a laugh that boils my blood. Eyes locked on me, leaning into Krogoth’s ear, whispering more poison. Their eyes flash purple-hazel, eerie mist spilling into the cold, sterile air—for a blink. No longer.
Did I imagine that?
Todd’s rune pulses lightly. Not a full glow. Not enough to screammind control. But my stomach does a backflip. My lungs forget how to breathe.
She did something. I know she did.
“Hurry up!” I growl, finger jabbing toward Surfer Bro, who now stares into space like he’s beenlobotomizedby sea breeze.
Dracoth gives me a look. Big, red, frowny:Breathe.But I’m so over it. I can’t. Iwon’tuntil—
“I... vote for High Chieftain Krogoth,” Surfer Bro says.
No...
A tidal wave hits me. Fifty stories of betrayal crashing down in one breathless second.
My chest locks. My vision blurs. The world shudders. I can’t breathe.
