Amara's POV
The moment Chris cut the comm-link, I already knew what had changed. His voice wasn't just distant—it was final.
He had chosen the empire over everything else.
I stepped out of the shadows of the command center, where digital maps glowed like veins of power across the empire's expanse. Dozens of eyes turned toward me. I was more than a general now. I was his instrument.
His sword.
His shield.
His wrath.
I activated a classified directive. "Operation Veilwatch is now live. Shadow agents on Skylar. No contact, no interference. Record everything."
The operators nodded without question. They didn't have to like it—they just had to obey.
And I? I didn't flinch either. But inside… I hesitated.
Skylar. The 02. Once untouchable. Once adored.
Now watched like a threat.
After the orders were issued, I climbed the spiral path to Chris's chamber, pausing outside the massive steel doors.
Two guards stepped aside.
Inside, he stood alone, hands behind his back, staring at the empire's core projection—a 3D holo-model of every territory, sector, and citizen line.
"You think I'm going too far," he said without turning around.
"No," I answered carefully. "I think you're just getting started."
He turned to face me, and for a split second, the man I once knew—the boy with impossible dreams—glimmered in his eyes.
Then it vanished.
"I need to know where everyone stands," he said. "Including you."
I didn't blink. "You already know where I stand, Chris. Always behind you. Always with you."
He stepped closer. The distance between us was charged—built on loyalty, forged through war.
"Then prove it."
My chest tightened. "How?"
"Skylar believes the people are her army. She's mistaken. You are mine."
I nodded once, slow and firm. "What's your will?"
He moved to his throne, sat, and gave a single command.
"Remind the empire who holds the crown. And make sure my enemies know… mercy is not my language anymore."
As I turned to leave, I understood fully.
Chris hadn't just hardened his heart.
He was preparing for war.