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At the front of Fort Vigilance, Captain Solari awaited Queen Nia’s arrival, Kaelus bound and subdued at her side. Members of Fort Vigilance stood ready, their faces set with the determination that came with capturing a high-ranking member of The Eclipse Sovereignty. Without missing a beat, Solari called for her team to bind Kaelus in Aetherstron chains—the rare alloy’s anti-magic properties gleamed as the chains coiled around Kaelus, clinking with a finality that seemed to snuff out any hint of resistance.
Turning to one of her researchers, Solari spoke in a controlled tone. “Take him to the Aetherstron chamber. And find Kiera Voss; she’s in the medical wing with Captain Doran. She’ll be the one watching our guest until I get there.”
The team moved quickly, leading the chained Kaelus into the heart of Fort Vigilance. Solari’s eyes lingered on him briefly, then shifted back to Queen Nia, her gaze showing a flash of worry. “Are you alright, Your Majesty? He didn’t—?”
Queen Nia offered a small smile, steady and calm. “I’m fine, Solari. It’s nothing I haven’t handled before.”
Their words were cut short by a sudden, thunderous roar. A blazing jet of fire appeared in the distance, streaking toward them and leaving a trail of smoke that curled into the sky. As the figure drew near and the dust settled, it became clear that it wasn’t a rocket but Zeraxis Prime, the legendary cyborg warrior from the Areala Universe and Solari’s former mentor.
Zeraxis Prime walked forward, his steps carrying an intimidating aura that seemed to reverberate with every stride. His gaze fixed on Solari, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “So, you wanted me here, but didn’t have the decency to call me yourself? Dignity must be slipping these days, huh?”
Solari couldn’t help but break into a rare, mischievous smile. “You’re the one so stuck in your own ways. What would’ve been the point?”
Zeraxis turned to Queen Nia, dipping his head respectfully. “An honor, Queen Nia. We haven’t officially met, though I’m sure Peanut here has told you about me.” His voice carried a hint of humor as he glanced at Solari.
Queen Nia chuckled, glancing at Solari, who looked both amused and mildly embarrassed. “Yes, she’s mentioned you more than a few times. It’s nice to finally meet the legend.”
With a nod, Zeraxis turned back to Solari, his expression softening slightly. “I trust my lab and quarters are prepared as promised?”
Solari’s smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful, almost nostalgic look. “Yes, everything’s ready. I wouldn’t ask you all this way and leave you without a place to work.”
“Good.” As he walked past her, Zeraxis reached out and ruffled her hair, much as he had during their training sessions. Solari’s face softened, a mixture of nostalgia and warmth flickering in her eyes, reminding her of the lessons he had imparted over the years.
As Zeraxis headed inside, Solari turned back to Queen Nia, shifting her focus back to their current mission. “Any luck finding Seraphina?”
Queen Nia’s face grew somber. “Not yet. I’m certain Kaelus knows where she went. But getting him to share that information willingly…” She trailed off with a wry smile.
Captain Solari laughed, confidence gleaming in her eyes. “Oh, I’m not worried. With Zeraxis here, even Kaelus will have a hard time keeping his secrets.”
Queen Nia looked toward the horizon, her gaze set on the distant battleground where Doran and Kaelus had clashed. “I’ll head back to the scene. If Seraphina’s anywhere, she’ll be near there.”
Solari’s brow furrowed with concern. “Are you sure you want to go alone? I can send a team with you, just in case.”
Queen Nia’s expression softened, her eyes bright with pride. “I appreciate it, but I’ll be fine. Just as you’ve had a mentor, so have I. My own teacher, High Mage Drew, taught me well.”
With a final nod, Queen Nia raised her hand, summoning a swirling portal—the Celestial Water Gate. Its radiant waters shimmered, reflecting the starlight as she stepped through. Solari watched her vanish into the gate, then turned back to Fort Vigilance, her mind already racing with strategies to pull every ounce of information from Kaelus.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRONszof8L
