章 999: Building a New Frontline

Erik and June landed inside the Red Palace garden. The cheers and jubilation from the citizens were still audible in the distance, but here, a distinct tension hung in the air.

<We did well,> June said as they landed.

<We did, Master.>

June then turned human again, and Erik gave him his shirt so at least June could cover his, or better, their, little brother.

However, as June put the shirt on, Erik saw Stephen Middleton being dragged out of the Red Palace, flanked by guards.

Middleton's face was pale, his eyes darting around in panic as he got brought away.

<The fucker didn't think the blackguards would lose, uh?>

The guards wasted no time shoving Middleton into a flying car. The vehicle lifted off, heading to an undisclosed location.

Erik watched it disappear into the horizon behind some sky scrapers before his attention went back to the clone.

<I'm done, master.>

<Good.>