The conversations at the table had changed once the serious topic was discussed.
One of the generals was halfway through a story, drink in hand, voice rough with amusement. "—and I swear the rift was unstable enough to spit lightning sideways. First deployment. I thought I was going to die before I even saw an enemy."
Kharzun let out a short laugh. "That wasn’t the worst of it. You should’ve seen the third incursion near the Red Verge. Same rift, different year." He leaned back slightly. "I was young. Thought myself clever. There was a girl in the unit I liked. Sharp. Fast. Smiled like she knew something you didn’t."
"And she did," another general said dryly.
Kharzun snorted. "She turned traitor mid-engagement. Pulled an anchor while standing some distance from me. Half the squad vanished before I understood what was happening."
The other general shook his head. "You always did have poor taste."
That earned a low round of laughter. Even Kharzun smiled, lifting his drink in mock concession. "Maybe. But I survived. Learned quickly after that."
"Pain is an excellent instructor," one of the generals said.
"Only if you live through it," Kharzun replied.
The laughter faded naturally after that.
I waited until the moment felt right.
Then I spoke.
"I have a request."
Kharzun looked up from his drink. "Go on."
"There’s a member of my group," I said evenly. "Primus. He’s originally from Armus. His former partner is here tonight."
Saleos didn’t move, but his attention sharpened. One of the other generals frowned slightly.
"She’s currently with Zerathul," I continued. "And her name is Lana."
That landed.
Kharzun’s expression didn’t change. "Zerathul," he repeated. "One of our commanders."
"Yes," I said. "I intend to take her back with Primus."
"And if Zerathul objects?" one of the generals asked.
"I’ll handle it," I replied.
Kharzun studied me carefully. "What does that mean?"
"It means," I said calmly, "that if he doesn’t interfere, she leaves peacefully. If he does interfere, I kill him and she still leaves."
I did not want any drama on the table at least so I simply stated the words.
The room froze.
Even Saleos turned his head slightly, eyes fixed on me now.
Kharzun’s voice, when he spoke again, was lower. "You are aware of Zerathul’s standing."
"I am," I said.
"He is not weak."
"I know."
"And killing him would have consequences," Kharzun continued.
"Yes," I agreed. "It might."
Another long pause followed. This one stretched, pressed. No one reached for power. No one challenged me outright.
Finally, Kharzun exhaled slowly.
"This is not a matter the Demon Monarch would involve himself in," he said. "Nor is it one we intend to police."
He looked at the other generals. None objected.
"If you choose to act," he continued, "you do so as yourself."
"That’s acceptable," I said.
"And the outcome," he added, "will be yours to own."
I inclined my head. "Understood."
"Then we will leave it to you," Kharzun said. "Deal with it however you see fit."
The decision settled like stone.
I stood. "Thank you."
No one stopped me as I left the room with Saleos.
The doors opened back into heat, sound, and motion. The celebration was still in full momentum, oblivious to how close it had come to turning into something else entirely.
"Why didn’t they stop me?" I asked as we walked. "Zerathul is one of your commanders. Other demons won’t like me interfering."
Saleos didn’t look at me. "I told you already. We suspect he’s a traitor. We just don’t have proof yet."
I glanced at him.
"And if Zerathul brings a calamity down on himself through poor judgment and lust," Saleos continued calmly, "that doesn’t mean we step in to clean it up for him."
I gave him a sideways look.
"We’re aware of that woman’s talent," he added.
That caught me off guard. "You knew?"
"If Zerathul noticed," Saleos said, "you shouldn’t assume the generals didn’t."
"Then why hasn’t anything been done?"
"Because it isn’t immediately harmful," he replied. "For her to siphon successfully, the other party has to lower their defenses willingly. I suspect her husband did. That’s why Zerathul believes he can handle her."
Saleos paused, then added, "He’s a snake himself."
I nodded slowly.
"Alright," I said. "Then I’ll take care of your problem for you."
Saleos chuckled under his breath. "My suggestion? Take him to the wild side of the planet. What happens in the wilderness stays in the wilderness."
He turned away, already melting back into the flow of the hall.
I watched him go, then let a small smile surface before I rejoined the crowd.
North noticed me first. She read my expression immediately and didn’t ask questions.
Lyrate tilted her head slightly, interest flickering through her gaze. Steve was in the middle of an argument with a Feran.
Primus looked at me.
"Let’s go," I said.
He looked at me surprised but I walked and he followed.
We crossed the hall together, drawing glances but no interference. Zerathul stood where I’d last seen him, speaking with a pair of demons while Lana remained at his side, posture composed, eyes alert.
I approached with an easy pace.
"Commander Zerathul," I said pleasantly. "Enjoying the celebration?"
He turned, surprise flickering briefly before composure returned. "Billion," he said. "I am. Dragos knows how to honor its victories."
"I’ve been told," I replied. "Actually, I was thinking of taking General Kharzun’s earlier suggestion."
His eyes narrowed a fraction. "Which suggestion?"
"Visiting the wild half of the planet," I said. "I hear it’s... less restrained."
Lana’s fingers tightened slightly around his arm.
Zerathul studied me, then glanced at Primus, then back at me. Something clicked.
"You wish for a guide," he said slowly.
"I do," I replied. "And you seem well-suited."
For a moment, the noise of the hall pressed in around us. Zerathul’s Essence stirred, restrained but attentive.
Then he smiled.
"Very well," he said. "I’ll take you."
Lana looked up at him sharply. He squeezed her hand once, reassuring or possessive, it was hard to tell.
"We’ll depart shortly," Zerathul added.
I nodded. "Looking forward to it."
As we turned away, I felt the celebration continue behind us, oblivious to the fact that the night had just changed direction.
Dragos had its wild side.
And we were about to step into it.