Chapter 133: Broader Implications

3 days ago

DAWNREACH

"You really expected me to believe them?" Cristobal hissed at the Czar, his voice dripping with venom. The tension in the room was palpable, a swirling storm of betrayal and doubt.

The Czar, composed and unyielding, met Cristobal's gaze without flinching. "Only that woman could steal from me," Cristobal continued, his voice laced with disdain. "She was the only one capable of doing so."

A wry smile tugged at the corners of the Czar's lips as he leaned back in his ornate chair. "So, you were going to drag a whole team of our allies to Imperion? Get them killed without even trying to know the truth?" he challenged.

Cristobal's eyes narrowed a flicker of doubt momentarily crossing his face. "Whatever was the truth—" he began, but the Czar swiftly interrupted.