When Xelan self-destructed and the Progeny fled, they left their bags behind in Umbra’s Spire. That’s how Nox came across the seal. He never doubted its purpose. He was only unsure of the location. Thanks to the coordinates that miserable Tritan provided him, Nox marveled at the ingenuity behind the stronghold in person.

His brother was a brilliant scientist. A mad one, at that.

General Korac checked the massive hatch for deterrents. He looked—as usual—stunning, despite his earlier battle against beasts from Hell. Even Nox struggled to comprehend the event, and he witnessed most of it.

The fair-haired Icarus sported his signature twin axes once more on both hips. Now, his hand idly caressed the right one. The one Sagan stole four months ago. In love. Yet again with someone from the opposition. Would it prove as difficult to piece the Icarus back together when this one ended? Judging by Korac’s utter disregard for Nox’s presence during that quite dramatic kiss, the answer was likely “yes.”

The King shook his head. At heart, he was an optimist. He wanted to see the General happy. But he also wanted to bleed the girl and see if the younger Icarus cried as hard as after—

“Secure. No traps.” Korac walked back over to him.

Nox smirked. “Arrogant. As always.” He stepped into the center of the hatch and reached for the vial of blood in his pocket. It never hurt to keep some god blood handy. He splashed the crimson liquid on the seal.

The hatch groaned, and after a time, descended. Like all Tritan tech, it zipped to its destination. At the bottom, both men marveled over the cylinder. Korac muttered, “All the time he lived here on Earth. How long do you think it took him to build this?”

“He built it before the Vacating. This is where he made the Progeny.” After millennia of searching, the King of Cinder found Xelan’s lab at last. No doubt filled to the brim with unrealized ideas perfect for Nox’s machinations. Assuming he didn’t raze it to the ground out of spite. But none of that mattered if he couldn’t gain access to it.

Nox nodded over to the second foil. “Recognize that?”

A nacre barrier from Gait where the Tritans contained their worst prisoners. Impenetrable by anyone with a nacre. Fortunately, he knew the only man in the two worlds who defied it.

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Korac whistled.

Nox contemplated aloud, “Rayne has access. She’ll return here.”

“Your majesty?”

“Infiltrate without leaving a trace. But tap into the security feeds. I want to monitor any activity here.”

Korac executed his orders while Nox peered through the transparent gateway with an occasional crackle of energy. Much to his brother’s taste. Lush plants, waterfalls, thick rugs, and modern lighting. Mother would approve.

Nox never doubted his right to execute his brother, a traitor to his race. But he understood better than anyone else in the galaxy, how much was lost with the wise Icarus’s demise. Admittedly, he missed him and his own interesting brand of chaos. Was this akin to remorse?

“Sire?” Korac asked as if he already tried multiple times.

Nox flew up the chute and waited for the General to reach the top before closing the hatch. As it took its time, he asked, “How intertwined is Imminent with our plans?”

“Not only are they responsible for the Progeny patricide crimes, comms monitoring reported they tried to assassinate Jack Callahan two hours ago.”

Nox snarled, “Unacceptable.” He turned away and swiped a hand through his hair as he sought a solution. “They’re a virus. An infection in a festering wound. Once they infiltrate this deeply, there’s no way to separate their work from ours. They must have spies in our organization. Or…” He bit his thumbnail and muttered, “Can’t be.”

“Your majesty, we should head back to the fortress and leave this place to Rayne for your observations.”

The King suspected his General knew more than he let on. Still, his advice was sound, and this was not the best location for a confrontation of loyalties. Nox nodded and took flight.

About an hour later, they alighted back at the observatory. He demanded, “I want the feeds for my brother’s stronghold directed here. I’ll monitor it and Iona-29 myself.”

Korac gave an assenting nod. “It will be done, sire.”

He took his seat behind the desk. Propping his feet up, he dismissed Korac with a wave. Leaning his elbow on the desk, he bit his thumbnail and contemplated his next move. Direct was the best method. Before the General went through the double doors, the King called him.

“Sire?”

“We’ve decided we’re friends now, haven’t we?”

“Yes, your majesty.” Endearing how titles came so naturally to the soldier.

“So, you wouldn’t consider betraying me for your latest infatuation, would you?” Nox stared the other man down with a dark intensity.

Korac took a step toward the desk and knelt. Something the royal Icarus never required of him. “I am loyal to the Icarean race, first.”

Not a lie. But not the answer Nox wanted. He nodded his approval. “Good, good. When you see her next, plant a transponder on her. And patch it to me.”

Korac nodded. Then waited for his dismissal.

After a long pause, Nox added, “You’re the only person left in the worlds I can trust. Let me know if that changes. You won’t like it if I find out on my own.”