Chapter 79: A Duel
Orion leaned back in his seat. His eyes flicked between the glowing holoscreen in his lap and the game interface hovering just above it, his fingers effortlessly maneuvering through the controls. The game—a tactical war simulation—was a habit more than a challenge, something to keep his mind occupied while his thoughts worked through more pressing matters.
The guest list scrolled before him, a parade of names carrying weight, influence, and danger. The Valcourne name stood out. House Valcourne had always been a respected Ducal House, but hosting the gala was a step far beyond their usual role. Orion tapped on Duke Karl Valcourne's profile, skimming through the condensed political brief.
Bold. Reckless, even.
The Confederacy's internal politics thrived on balance—too much ambition from a lesser house could disrupt the delicate hierarchy. Hosting the gala was a privilege typically reserved for Archon families, or at the very least, a house with unshakable backing. The Valcournes had neither. Once masters of diplomacy, their influence had faded over the decades due to economic failures and internal strife. This was a desperate gamble, a final bid to reclaim their standing before they slid into irrelevance.
Orion's fingers twitched over the game controls, executing a precision strike against an enemy force before turning his attention back to the information. Duke Karl had a reputation for calculated risks, but this? This was more than just a risk—it was a challenge. A challenge to the established order, to the Archon families, and to anyone who thought the Valcournes could be ignored.
He exhaled slowly, the game flashing a victory screen in his peripheral vision.
The hovercraft's gull-wing doors hissed open at his approach, revealing a plush, dimly lit interior lined with dark synth-leather. The onboard AI registered his biometrics, and the vehicle lifted smoothly into the air the moment he settled into the seat.
Through the tinted glass, the city stretched out beneath him—a glittering sprawl of towers and skybridges suspended in the night. Traffic streams of aerial vehicles weaved in synchronized patterns.
Beyond them, the sky darkened toward the edges of the atmosphere, where planetary defense satellites blinked like distant stars.