The panicked screams of the celestial elites filled the grand ballroom as the titanium blast doors sealed them in.
Dozens of highly trained heavily armored Spire Guards poured out from the secondary corridors. Their stun batons crackled with lethal energy.
"Take them alive!" Gildas shrieked. He cowered behind a marble pillar. "I want them audited and erased!"
Cassia did not hesitate. She reached down and her hands tore a hidden seam in her crimson gown.
The fabric fell away. It revealed the sleek tactical holsters strapped to her thighs.
She drew a pair of customized heavy duty stun pistols. Her silver eyes were cold and focused.
"We fight our way out," Cassia stated. She took aim at the closest squad of guards.
Arthur reached out. His heavy hand clamped down on the barrel of her pistol and forced it toward the floor.
"No lethal force," Arthur commanded. His voice was a low absolute rumble.
