Chapter Twenty-Three #2
The hologram flared to life, revealing columns of living crystal pulsing with a bioluminescent glow, coral clusters that shimmered in impossible hues, and silver-veined spires rippling in the current.
Shoals of translucent fish darted between them, leaving trails of soft light like underwater comets. It was breathtaking.
But even from this distance, I noticed bare patches where the reef had already been stripped and the richest coral harvested. What remained was still stunning but hollowed out. It still had to mean something to the people living there, and he just sacrificed it.
The vision dissolved into darkness. His platform inched closer to the central dais the instant his choice was made.
Zephyron's turn came, and he paused, his gaze fixed on his territory on Sudo.
"The northern ridges," he said at last, his voice calm.
"They are barren and yield little. The Sandari will not be greatly affected.
I sacrifice this land for the trial and will see that they are compensated beyond its worth. "
The crowd murmured, their reactions mixed. His platform moved forward, though not as far as Tydalos'.
His opponent grinned. "There is a saying on a new planet I have grown to love.
'Fortune favors the bold.'" He gestured, and holograms of Volardi citizens appeared, all extremely attractive with the distinctive two trails of spots going down over their chests.
Very few Femeni showed in the holographic crowd.
"I give the safety of the Southern Isles," Tydalos said, voice smooth and precise. "The razer-spawn who swim there live in great numbers. However, my people are mighty and will endure."
The hologram widened to display coastal isles within serene blue waters now stirred by movement beneath.
The creatures mentioned were long, eel-like predators with frilled fins that rippled as if silk.
Rows of translucent teeth lined their open jaws, and barbed tails coiled in slow, deliberate waves.
They hunted in coordinated packs, weaving along beaches, slicing prey with stunning speed.
To lose the guard patrols there meant leaving entire communities exposed to creatures bred for precision strikes and blood-scent tracking. It wasn't bold. It was brutal.
Gasps thundered through the audience as the holographic representation of the Southern Isles darkened, unprotected. Tydalos' platform surged forward.
Joel winced. "Yeah, it's a big sacrifice, but he ain't the one making it."
Chase nodded. "Morally reprehensible, but effective."
Zephyron's hologram shifted, revealing the Sandari settlements.
His expression stayed firm. "I will not endanger our protected people.
Instead, I offer my personal wealth to strengthen their defenses.
Take what is needed from my treasury to hire mercenaries—knife-dancers, the Armored Dead, any who will guard those who are most vulnerable. "
Joel let out a low whistle. "Weird name, Armored Dead, but mercs don't come cheap."
He'd know due to his Army service. This wasn't Earth, and I didn't care about money, but had my man just spent his fortune?
The crowd's reaction was louder this time, a mix of approval and astonishment. His platform inched forward, though it trailed behind.
Tydalos grinned, watching the gap between them. "You cannot make choices that bring results, can you? You withhold water from Sandari villages because you flinch at a single drop. You hoard Thomas, too, when he could serve the greater good."
He turned smoothly toward Brody's camera. "Why is this trial still progressing? Have we not already seen the rightful victor?"
Zephyron held his ground. "Then let us finish unless you fear losing."
His opponent laughed and then froze as the hologram displayed a throne decorated with thousands of small shells, each a 'jewel' shimmering under the soft light.
The confident aura that shone from him constantly flickered off, as if someone threw a switch.
"T-this is absurd," he snapped. "Give me something else to sacrifice.
Why this ridiculous choice? I demand another option.
My people still have much to give." The throne kept turning, slow and deliberate.
Tydalos turned to the Sandari announcer. "This trial is flawed. A ruler does not surrender his throne. He would no longer rule!"
Beside me, Parker whispered, "There it is. What Cindy's been waiting for."
He still had Earth as a backup plan, but couldn't let it go.
He reminded me of Zerlite traps around Sudo.
Settlements would carve a narrow, foot-long tunnel with a larger hole inside and leave dried fruit or scented insects.
Humanoid Zerlites would slide their hand in easily, but once they grabbed the food, their clenched fist kept them trapped.
Zephyron stepped forward, his voice calm but booming, "While my opponent struggles with decisive action, I offer my title as Sentinel and all the benefits associated.
" His gaze swept over the crowd. "If the Sandari wish me to remain their leader, I will honor their choice.
If not, these lands will be theirs to govern as they see fit. "
The arena fell silent, and Tydalos' purple eyes bugged out.
The hologram of Zephyron's throne shimmered and disappeared, and his platform surged forward, reaching the central dais.
Tydalos' platform remained motionless, as seconds ticked away.
He could have given away his aquatic kingdom, and knew Earth was still an option.
Even his temporary assignment on Sudo might have moved it enough since he was ahead.
Yet he stood there as if he couldn't imagine giving anything up.
Tessith's voice drew out, slow and deliberate, "The Trial of Will is complete. Zephyron of Sudo has prevailed."
Cheer-howls erupted from the crowd, their voices a tidal wave echoing off the desert plains. More Sandari than not flattened their ears forward in respect.
Cindy leaned over with her green eyes gleaming.
"This is gold Baby, and Earth will love it.
A hero who gave up everything for others, including his man?
They'll see him as a hero." She tapped her tablet, pulling up a holo-briefing.
"I just sent out explainer packets to every network and influencer I know.
Trials, stakes, what sacrifices mean to these people.
I'm leaving no chance. They'll know what he did. .. and for you."
Parker grinned, his camera capturing every moment. "Zeph just went from brooding warrior to selfless leader. This is playing perfectly."
Zephyron descended, with steps steady, and his gaze softened as he reached me.
"You're incredible," I said, my voice a hair above a whisper.
His hand slid over my back, and warm lips pressed against mine. Brody and Parker's cameras barely registered. All I felt was my man's mouth and his kiss claiming me before the universe. I could never do this in Georgia. LA, as gay-friendly as it could be, never had me do any PDAs.
Here? He was the Sentinel and still a 'king' in my heart. I returned as good as I got, broadcasting our love throughout the Empire. Once done, he leaned down and rested his hand on my stomach.
I didn't care about titles, land, or money, but the words came out. "You gave up everything..."
He shook his head no. "Not all. I still have my true treasure. You."
***