Page 298 of Scorching the Alien Empire
“Oh, me and Todd too,” Princesa chirps brightly.
Silence.
Then—footsteps. A calloused hand presses against my scalp.
“Arise, War Chieftain,” Krogoth commands, his voice warm and firm.
War Chieftain?
He bends and helps me to my feet. His purple eyes shimmer in the orange-azure gloom.
“We bared our souls as brothers in blood. And brothers do not bow. Though we fight, such things are natural. Necessary.”
He turns slightly, addressing all the Chieftains now.
“How else can a warrior know his brother’s mettle? The strength of his fist? His resolve? The fire that dwells in his heart—unless he’sfeltit in battle?”
He looks back at me.
“Or thehonorhe bears in Krak-Tok? In that space... all is stripped away. Only the soul remains.”
His hand clasps my back.
“And yours, Dracoth?”
He smiles.
“It blazes hotter than a thousand suns.”
Chapter 54
Dracoth
Humble Pie
Mychestswells.Myheart pounds. His words reach deep into the marrow. I feel the same kinship he speaks of. Earned in fire and blood. Respect tempered in pain. The admiration of finally meeting a worthy opponent.
“You are the finest of our people, Krogoth Star-Eyes,” I growl, pulling him into a fierce embrace.
“I knew this day would come,” Krogoth whispers. “Though it nearly killed me to see it.” He laughs—a sharp bark—and turns to the gathered Chieftains.
“Yet I was wrong about one thing. Something Dracoth—and Vorthax—opened my eyes to.” He gestures toward the ancient Astranix Chieftain. “Theragein our blood. TheRushthatscorches through our veins, demanding battle... demanding conquest. It was always there. In me. In all of us.”
His gaze flicks to Rocks—who nods, a knowing smile on her scarred face.
“I refused to accept it. Wanted to believe it was all Scythian corruption. But they merely twisted what already lived in us. What makes usgreat. They’ve bled for their desecration. And by Dagdorix, theywillcontinue to suffer—until every scrap of their warped essence is cast into the void.”
His fangs flash. Fists tighten.
“To that end, I hereby reinstate the title of War Chieftain upon Dracoth, son of Gorexius. A leader and warrior—second to none.”
My heart stumbles in my chest. Behind me, I hear the breath of Chieftains caught in their throats.
He claps my back and turns to me.
“You will lead those whose bellies still burn for battle. The ones who crave war’s harsh embrace. Who seek death... and glory.”
He raises his voice.
