The ugly encounter with Lord Valerius left a bad taste in everyone's mouth, but it had an unexpected side effect. It solidified the feeling of "us against the world."
Valerius, with his arrogance and his insults, had not weakened their resolve; he had hardened it. He had made the upcoming god Games personal. Now, they weren't just fighting for glory; they were fighting to wipe the smug look off that pompous lord's face.
The incident had a particularly profound effect on Zara Khan. She had always been a woman driven by logic and ambition. She had allied herself with Ryan because he was the most powerful, most effective leader she had ever encountered. It was a logical choice.
But when he had stood up to Valerius, when he had laughed in the face of an offer that would have given his Sector immense technological power, all to protect her honor and her freedom… that was not logic. That was loyalty. That was a fierce, protective bond that went far beyond any strategic alliance.
