A low, humorless laugh escaped Zaeryn as the system's final advisory glowed in his vision: 'High-value target.'
The words were so clinical and detached, as if seducing the High Commander of the Citadel was as simple as completing a side quest.
'Sure, System,' he thought, sarcasm sharpening his tone. 'While I'm at it, why don't I ask my grandma, Queen Athena, for her Vitae signature too? Maybe there's a family discount.'
The thought was pure mockery, but a sliver of genuine temptation followed. He couldn't deny the allure; Queen Athena was the most powerful Vitae wielder in the Queendom, and acquiring her abilities would be the ultimate prize. But the idea was absurd. His first meeting with the Queen would likely involve a formal greeting followed by a swift execution order, not a warm family reunion.
