CHAPTER 9

It is the true measure of a man in how hard they will fight when the stakes are highest for those around them, and lowest for themselves.

— A valiant philosopher

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Alex paused, his mind racing. “So, I’ve got a couple of questions. What the hell is a universal cascade, why does it mean everyone is doomed, and what does it have to do with the Royal Contract?”

Sarah flinched at the barrage but held her gaze. “It means the void entities messed up. There’s a provision in the initial Royal Charter—later codified into the Royal Contract—that requires an envoy from the kingdom to meet with one of theirs every 10,000 years to discuss the continuation of peace. This should be known to you and yours.”

Gashon shook his head firmly, his expression dark. “There is no such clause in the Charter or Contract. I’ve overseen these documents for 10,000 years—I would know.”

Alex furrowed his brow. “Yeah, I’ve never heard of this either. If such a clause existed, we’d have figured out what’s been going on with the royal family by now.”

Sarah paused, and suddenly the air shifted. Darkness crept across the room, pooling around her feet. Her entire demeanor changed, exuding an unnatural confidence.

“Oh, is that how it was?” she said, her voice no longer trembling. “Perhaps this agreement was made with your predecessor empire, but regardless, the contract stands. One of the royal line is required to parlay with the void.”

Gerald sprang to his feet, stepping between Alex and Sarah. Gashon froze, stunned by the transformation.

Alex exhaled, leaning back in his chair. “You’re not a professor—or at least, that’s not all you are. Not really.”

Sarah grinned, revealing teeth that were far too sharp and far too numerous.

“I hoped my disguise would last a bit longer,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. “It would have made all this so much simpler. But no matter—I’ll still answer your questions.”

Her tone shifted, becoming detached and almost clinical. “It seems you’ve lost a great deal of information about us, but let me summarize. Your kind has been thoroughly... screwed, and not in a pleasant way.”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“How rude,” Alex said, his voice unsteady. “Usually I get dinner first.”

Gashon shot him a flat stare, but notSarah ignored the remark entirely.

“Tell us what you want, foul creature, and begone,” Gashon commanded, his voice taut with anger. “Your kind has slaughtered nearly a thousand members of the royal line—I detest your presence.”

“Now that hurts,” notSarah said, feigning a pout. “But it doesn’t matter. Wiping all of you out would be trivial, but that wouldn’t resolve the situation. So first, an apology.”

“An apology?” Alex asked, incredulous.

“Yes, for my sister,” notSarah said, rolling her eyes. “She’s new to the mortal realm and... accidentally killed quite a number of you. Unfortunate, but these deaths would never have been an issue if you had upheld your side of the deal. It’s not our fault your last empire fell apart and left the contract to gather dust.”

Her grin widened as she idly twirled a fragment of darkness in her hand. Alex instinctively looked away, every fiber of his being screaming that examining it too closely was a very bad idea.

“I had no intention of intervening,” notSarah continued, “but the universal cascade will destroy this universe unless someone steps in. Oh, and my apologies about the professors—they might’ve interfered, so I... removed them. I trust you understand.”

Gashon’s hand twitched toward his weapon, and Gerald’s posture stiffened. Alex could feel the tension rising and knew he had to act fast.

“Okay, Sarah,” Alex said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “What do we need to do to stop this universal cascade?”

notSarah’s grin softened into something almost... pleasant. “It’s simple: you need to fulfill the contract. Let me take you to my siblings before my less skilled sister accidentally kills you again and triggers another cascade.”

Gerald stepped forward. “Your Majesty, this sounds like a very bad idea.”

Gashon, still silent, studied Alex carefully.

Alex sighed, nodding at Gerald. “I know it’s a bad idea. But I’d rather go with her willingly than get obliterated by her clumsy sibling later. Besides, if something goes wrong, just tell the public I’m mourning Chuck. And if the I.D.D. isn’t creative enough, get a five-year-old to suggest what I’d be doing—it’ll probably be close enough.”

Before Gerald or Gashon could respond, Alex stood and gently pushed Gerald aside. He approached notSarah with a forced smile.

“Well, what are we waiting for, Sarah?” Alex said. “If you’re worried about dinner, don’t worry—I’m a gentleman. I’ll pay.”

Gashon rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smirk. “Stay safe, Alex. I’ll manage things on this end, but don’t take too long. The royal tailor is notoriously difficult to reschedule.”

“For the royal tailor alone, I’ll make sure to be on time,” Alex quipped.

notSarah snapped her fingers, and a swirling void enveloped her and Alex, leaving the others behind.