---
"I'm offering you survival!" the Prince hissed, spitting acid-tinged foam. "Give her to me. She's wounded, her kingdom is dust. She'll only suffer trying to rebuild. Hand her over… and become my servant! You'll live. I'll even let you kneel in front of the servant! That is a great honour for all species of this planet."
Everyone watching went still.
Azhara's grin vanished. "He did not just say that."
Akayoroi's antennae stood straight—utter fury curling her hands into claws.
Kai's head bowed. "…Are you trying to be funny?" he whispered.
"I'M SERIOUS!" the Frog-Prince screamed. "You can't protect her! If you kill me—THEY'LL COME FOR HER! And you! The Ones Who Sent Me and his masters! They are BEYOND YOUR IMAGINATION!"
"They don't die! They feed off wars and bloodlines—they're G O D S! You're just a lucky insect! If you kill me, they'll erase you from time!"
Kai didn't even blink. "I am not a loser and licking dogs like you all."
He pulled.
SCHLORRCH.
