Lucien's POV
I walked through the new base with a wide smile carved into my face. Every Fallen who caught sight of the seal resting at my waist froze—then bowed low in respect.
The feeling was intoxicating.
For the first time since I descended, I wasn't just surviving here. I was above them.
As I moved through the corridors, I spotted Lila speaking quietly with another Fallen. I approached from behind just as the one she was speaking to noticed me. His eyes dropped to my waist, widened, and without a word he bowed deeply—then vanished in a flash of dark light.
Lila frowned. "Where are you going?" she called after him.
I cleared my throat.
She turned—and her expression slowly shifted as her eyes landed on me. A slow, smile spread across her face.
"Well, well," she said. "If it isn't Lucien. What's got you looking so pleased with yourself?"
I pointed casually at my waist. "Look."
Her gaze flicked down, then back up to me, confused. "What's that shiny thing?"
