Respite Beneath the Iron Dome (Book One of the Single Universe)

Prologue

Millions of centuries ago, on the supercontinent Pangea.

The Sunrise vaccine calcified the guard's pineal gland, dulling his once sharp mind. The wraith's eyes gleamed with hunger as she brushed past him, her movements deliberate and restrained. None the wiser, the guard continued his vacant patrol.

Ripe for the taking, she thought, fading into the shadows.

In the grand hall, the wraith admired the sight of Nortus' might: banners of apex predators, tapestries of conquests, all declaring dominance.

Her eyes lingered on the map of Pangea, focusing on a green dot representing Norwood. A nation north-central of the supercontinent. Her home stood as King Maga Gogson's only challenge. With a cold resolve, the wraith's choice was clear: blood sacrifice would be necessary for the world to be hers.

"There you are, my dear," Maga said. "Are you ready to collect on our deal?"

"I am always ready, my King," the wraith said.

"And what of Norwood? Have you swayed them to pass the mandate?"

"King Jadin Brown is dead, Your Majesty."

Maga thrust his pale hands high in triumph as if scoring the winning goal. He held them aloft for a moment. His tall, lean frame accentuated the victorious stance.

His icy blue eyes closed, taking in a deep, satisfied breath. His grin spread across his sharp, chiseled face. The overhead light glinted off his intense gaze as he stretched his neck backward. His sleek black hair glistened, relishing his success.

"Can you feel it? Since the pandemic and the vaccine, the masses have become so... receptive."

Maga leaned in, his eyes glinting with passion.

"Jadin's death opens the floodgates. My influence will rain down upon everyone."

The wraith's eyebrow arched in doubt.

"And the opposition?"

"Neutralized. Forever." Maga's voice dropped to a whisper.

"Singularity is mine to define."

"Jadin's out of the picture, but what about Ellen? Her symptoms are resurgent. Are you sure you don't want a more permanent solution for her now?"

"Ellen remains useful. Her uniqueness captivates me, and she could still be used to serve our purpose."

The wraith's eyes widened.

"You speak of her as if she's a mere curiosity. Have you forgotten the prophecy?"

"Ellen's death will come in due time."

"Be wary, my King. Roi warned we misconstrued its meaning."

"A Nip's opinion? Since when do their primitive minds concern you in matters of eschatology?"

The wraith bristled.

"I merely suggest caution."

"Spare me. I'll handle the girl."

Maga turned back to the map.

"We eliminated Jadin. His daughter will be child's play. She gets respite until the eclipse. Then. She's finished."

"I beg you to reconsider, your Majesty. The Singles are formidable."

He waved his hand.

"The Agency has eyes on her. In the meantime, stay in your lane. Spin your illusions and shape perceptions like only you can. The masses hang on your every word."

His eyes bored into the wraith with finality.

"I trust we understand each other."

The wraith returned his piercing gaze and gave a slow, deliberate nod.

"Perfectly."

Maga's mouth curved into a thin grin. He turned and strode towards the door. Just as his hand grasped the handle, he paused, looking over his shoulder.

"One more thing. When I destroy Ellen. I want you here. In this room."

Maga rotated completely. His smile broadened into a chilling grin that didn't reach his eyes.

"Imagine the spectacle: crushing a false prophet by forcing her to kneel before the true god?"

With that, he swept out of the room, leaving the wraith alone in the dim light, hands clenched into fists. The only sound was the echo of Maga's footsteps fading down the hall.