Lucianne and the others arrived, and they felt an energy radiating from Pellethia’s being. Her wide, sapphire eyes met Octavia’s proud ones as they exchanged smiles, both internally happy for Pellethia that she finally unlocked the Empress’s Authority, wielding it like it was second nature to her.

Everyone’s sights then went to the roots around Saxum, and Xandar wondered if those was what he thought they were.

His question was answered when some roots appeared next to Christian, making the duke flinch. But when a familiar beige flower with red polka dots grew instead of the strangulating structures they see on Saxum, Christian plucked the flower and awkwardly conveyed his...