CHAPTER 128 — AUTHORITY IN THE DUNES
The half-submerged Sovereign construct did not retreat further.
It remained anchored beyond Ruinsand's eastern wall, colossal torso rising from hardened sand, limbs partially embedded in crystalline lattice. The sky above it was clear again, but the air still carried something metallic.
Hunters lined the battlement once more, though no one dared loose an arrow.
Because this was no longer an invasion. This was evaluation.
Long Hao stepped down from the wall.
Not outward yet. But down.
Zehell followed immediately.
"You're not actually considering stepping outside," she said quietly.
"I am."
Her jaw tightened. "Without a plan?"
"With one."
Beyond the wall, the silver-eyed envoy remained where it had faded earlier—no longer visible, but not gone.
Watching.
Inside the void—
The triangular lattice held between black-gold and silver-amber.
