Empyrean Iris Story Collection Vol. 4

A universe away, on a seemingly neutral planet, an unexpected reunion shatters all known realities. When Emperor Avex reveals his long-dead father, Celex, to Adam, the boundaries of life, death, and human (or non-human) compassion are violently redefined. But Celex isn't alone; with him is a void-tainted figure who forces Adam to confront the ghosts of his past and the horrifying truths of a war far greater than he ever imagined. Can forgiveness bloom in the ashes of betrayal, or will the darkness consume them all?

The air on Planet Bob was thin but breathable, carrying the faint, earthy scent of the strange red, veiny plants that latticed the ground. Adam, President of Arcadia, knelt, poking one of the alien growths with his sterile silver rod, a tool given to him by his science team. His mechanical eye displayed the organic readings, confirming it was indeed a plant, and he nodded, satisfied.

Beside him, Eris, his mind-reading sister, floated gracefully, her long black hair swirling like a slow vortex. "When do you think you stopped growing up?" she quipped, a hint of amusement in her voice. Adam snorted, standing up and dusting off his coat. "At about six, maybe. Why would I want to grow up? Being an adult is stupid."

Eris snorted again, then tilted her head, her pure black eyes widening slightly. "I think the Earth delegation is here." A distant roar echoed overhead, a sound that Adam recognized, and a familiar grimace touched Eris's lips as she placed a hand to her head, wincing. "Ow."

Adam’s stomach clenched. He knew what that meant. President Hunt, the xenophobic and detestable leader of Earth, had arrived, and he hadn't come for peace.

Empyrean Iris Story Collection Vol. 4

Political Intrigue Space Opera Sci-Fi Emotional Family