POV: Lyra
My eyebrows raised at the Duke's question. "That depends on you, Christian. You can come with Orion and me to Forest Gloom, or remain here to guard Annie while we're gone."
"Annie?" The Duke's expression hardened at the mention of his match.
I explained, watching his pathways shift to worried yellow. "I'm being honest here, Christian. I don't know the Rogues' full plan. These simultaneous attacks on the strongest stations could be a trap for anything. If the Tacticians did their research—which they would have—they'd know we now have access to Lyrokan warriors for defense. They'd know you and Orion would come fight, just like at Jewel Station. I don't know if the attack declaration is just distraction. And I don't know if, while we're gone, the Rogues would go after Annie and use her as..."
"Bait." Christian finished, his face pale. "Bait to bargain for whatever they really want."
The conflict was clear in his features. He wanted to help, but Annie was everything to him.
I put his thoughts to rest. "You should be with Annie, Christian, just in case. We'll be fine. Orion can keep you updated."
Christian's eyes glistened with gratitude. He lifted my hand, kissing it formally. "Thank you for understanding, my Empress."
I rolled my eyes at his formality. "One of these days, I'll get you to use my first name, Christian."
Orion scoffed. "Good luck with that, star-heart."
Both Orion and Annie knew Christian loved using titles for people he respected, except his cousin whom he called 'Cuz.'
I shook my head in dismay. "Well, let's move. Forest Gloom is far from here. We should leave now."
After gathering the Lyrokan warriors, the Kaelari split up, taking transports to their designated stations. Christian offered his personal cruiser since he wasn't using it. Orion's vessel dropped off the station leaders and Lyrokan warriors for Red Eclipse and Midnight Stations on the way to Forest Gloom.
Tate chatted amicably with Clement and Felicia during the journey, his back to me so he wouldn't see me on Orion's lap as my match stroked my hair and pressed kisses to my temple. Clement, sitting opposite Tate, kept looking away whenever Orion got particularly affectionate, the uneasiness in his chest obvious.
These males and their territorial displays. Like I'm some prize to be won.
We reached Forest Gloom thirty minutes before midnight. I linked Juan to check on Blue Crescent. My sub-commander assured me they were fine, warriors on full guard at all perimeters. Hale had gotten everyone into secure bunkers.
I severed our link and focused on Forest Gloom.
Deputy Commander Nina and the warriors were ready, waiting for their Commander and reinforcements. They deployed warriors according to my instructions without question. Even the Lyrokan warriors didn't doubt me after hearing their future Empress had taken down their General, best warrior, and the Emperor himself in succession.
At least that reputation is useful for something.
Orion, Clement, Tate, and I, plus several Forest Gloom warriors, stood guard at a station entry point where allies and Rogues typically approached. We waited six minutes before the dreaded sound hit—rapid footfalls on metal decking, moving fast. Orion called more Lyrokans to our position.
I linked Juan. 'They're here. What about Blue Crescent?'
'Nothing yet. Please be careful, Lyra. Don't go anywhere alone.' His worry bled through the link.
'I'll try not to.' I cut the connection before he could lecture me again.
Juan, dissatisfied with being cut off, linked Tate. 'Take care of her, please. But don't go overboard.'
Tate responded immediately. 'You know I will, Juan. I always will, without you asking.'
'But don't go overboard.' Juan's meaning was clear. I had a match now. One I loved. Tate shouldn't try replacing Orion since I was happy.
Tate stole a glance at me before responding. 'Yeah, I know. I won't do that to her.'
'Good. Stay safe.' Juan ended the link, then sent the same request to Clement, who promised similarly.
After a moment of tense silence, I said, "The others around the station aren't detecting anything. It's just us. Blue Crescent still has nothing."
Tate checked with Toby. "White Blood is clear too." He linked Zeke and Lovelace. "Blood Eclipse and Midnight also clear."
"They knew I'd be here," I stated the obvious.
Orion's arm went around my shoulder, his eyes intense. "We won't let anything happen to you, Lyra."
My eyes hardened as they met his. "Do your best to protect everyone, my Emperor. This fight isn't for me or any individual. It's for everyone here and everyone hiding in those bunkers right now."
He needs to understand. This is bigger than us.
I felt the strength of my voice affect everyone—an authority that demanded attention. Even the Lyrokans behind Orion and the Kaelari around us straightened in response to the command energy radiating from me.
Orion smiled in admiration, bending to kiss my hand. "As you wish, my Empress."
Suddenly, my senses flared. The Rogues' approach was slowing. They were near. When the first one came into view, unarmored in the station corridor, my eyes widened. I exchanged shocked glances with Clement and Tate.
Murmurs of disbelief rippled through Forest Gloom's warriors as their eyes fixed on the male with a station insignia tattooed on his chest.
The Rogue, separated from us only by an energy barrier, smirked cockily. "Well, well, well. Long time no see. Did you miss me, Lyra?"