**Chapter 777: Gala of Embers**
**Scene 1: Coruscant – Senate Building Hangar**
**Zule POV**
"I still think I should wear it," Dagon said, touching the durasteel mask.
"No. If I have to wear this dress, you can't wear the mask," Talon declared in her blood-red gown that clung to every curve.
"It's different. Not many people have seen the damage yet," Dagon replied, brushing his hand over the scarred portion of his face.
"It is your warrior's mark. Plus, we love you and don't mind," Miaria said softly.
*Yes, we don't mind… but I mind very much,* Zule thought to herself.
On Geonosis she had been convinced she was protecting Dagon by using her lightning. In truth, it had been an illusion by the Bow Hero. She had unlocked her true strength that day, turning her blue lightning into something similar to Dagon's red lightning — the most powerful form, designed to kill, as he had explained during her training.
She didn't know how to explain it, but even though they were together again, they had never truly talked about it. Dagon had assumed the damage was from each girl's own recently unlocked Force lightning. Only she knew the truth.
"Zule, you still with us?" Ahsoka asked.
"Huh? What? I was lost in thought… What's going on with them?" Zule replied, watching Dagon and Miaria struggling.
"Oh, just some last-minute adjustments. Miaria apparently says that Felacatians don't wear jewelry, but you know Dagon," Ahsoka said, pointing to the various rainbow-colored kyber necklaces and bracelets each girl now wore.
"There, and done. See? Not that bad," Dagon said.
Miaria turned into her powerful beast form — and to everyone's surprise, her jewelry and dress grew with her, transforming into elegant battle armor that accentuated her feline majesty.
"See? Happy now?" Dagon smirked as Miaria leaned in and kissed him on the lips.
"Now now, stop," Sakura said. "Remember how we should approach this."
**Scene 2: Senate Elevator**
**Dagon POV**
"What do you mean we've all been to something similar?" I asked.
"Yes, but that was just a simple get-together, not a formal party. There are rules, and I am the most experienced in this," Sakura said firmly.
"First of all, Dagon — stop observing every new alien species you meet like they're specimens," Sakura continued.
"Hey, it's not my fault. It's only been two years since I arrived here, remember?" I protested.
"Second point: Talon, Atroxa, and Aayla — stay next to Kayla, Grace, and Visenya at all times. Your Twi'lek pheromones will help cancel out the Zeltron ones," Sakura instructed.
"When we enter, I will be on Dagon's right hand and Miaria on his left," Sakura declared.
"Hey, why do you two get to be closest? Shouldn't his padawans be closest?" Ahsoka complained.
"We are both royalty and we need to make sure Dagon knows how to properly approach citizens on the political level. Since if you become Emperor, at least learn the formalities," Sakura replied as I sighed.
"Then Shin, Erictia, Stella, and Flare will walk ahead of us. Then Dagon and us. Then Ahsoka and Zule. Then the Zeltrons and Twi'leks," Sakura finished.
"This seems complicated. One more kiss—" Kayla said, blushing as she leaned in.
"And most important rule: we can't do our normal displays of affection," Sakura said, stopping us.
"Oh come on, why? It's practically normal in Zeltron culture and Zeltron senators will also be there," Atroxa asked.
"Yes, and so are every other Republic race. We must look professional. So no matter how horny or love-struck you get, keep your emotions under control," Sakura said sternly.
"Yeah, it's not like most of us are basically young adults or just finished puberty and had a non-stop sex life," Aayla said as she wrapped her arms around my neck teasingly.
"We're here," I said as the elevator stopped.
"Everyone in position. Here we go," Sakura said.
**Scene 3: Senate Gala Entrance**
The elevator doors opened to reveal the grand Senate building atrium transformed into a dazzling spectacle of lights, music, and the galaxy's elite. Hundreds of senators, military officers, corporate leaders, and dignitaries turned as our group stepped out.
I walked forward with Sakura on my right and Miaria on my left — both radiating regal confidence. The rest of the girls followed the formation perfectly. Heads turned. Whispers spread. The Dragon of the Republic had arrived with his full inner circle.
Zule stayed close, but I could feel the tension in her through our bond. Something still weighed on her from Geonosis. We would talk later — in private.
For now, the party had begun, and the political battlefield was just as dangerous as any warzone.