Kingdom of the Nine: The Bridge (IV)

Prologue

The Courtroom, Unknown Space

I burst through the towering doors of the courtroom, my gaze locking onto the five figures seated high on their bench.

"Vermidia, how did you—?" Jean's voice carries feigned surprise, but I can see the glint of expectation in her eyes. She's been waiting.

Jean is the leader of the Court, an ancient organization of gods beyond our universe. It is said the Court were the first beings birthed from the Nexus itself, and they remain here, next to it, in this timeless Courtroom. Their task is to judge and police the multiverse, ensuring no one strays beyond the bounds of their design.

There are five of them—Jean, Jacob, Jackson, Jennifer, and Jamie. They've become a nuisance of late, meddling in my plans. But today, I've come with a proposal.

"Jean, don't insult me. I've received your threats, your little wraiths. Honestly, I'm offended you only sent pawns."

Her lips curl into a sly smile. "So, what brings you here, then? Retribution?"

"No," I reply, stepping forward, my voice steady and sharp. "I've come bearing information. Something you've overlooked while you were busy shadowing me. In exchange, I want equally valuable information."

Jean leans back, her interest piqued. "And what might this information be?" Jacob asks, his voice heavy with suspicion.

I let a pause hang in the air before delivering the blow. "Red Smith—the Scarlet Phoenix—and his family have left the universe of Amerei through a Celestial Gateway."

Jean's smile falters, her composed mask cracking as her eyes widen. Just as I predicted—she didn't know. Wasting all her energy watching me blinded her to the bigger picture.

"Jackson," Jean orders with a wave of her hand, her tone cold and clipped. "Ready a wraith."

Jackson rises without a word, descending from the bench.

Jean turns her attention back to me. "And what is it you want in return, Vermidia?"

I take a deliberate step forward. "His heart. Tell me where it is."

A flicker of recognition crosses her face before she nods. "I should've guessed as much." She raises her hand, summoning a flame that births a piece of parchment. It floats from her fingers and lands in my palm.

"Understand this," she warns, her voice laced with venom. "This exchange does not absolve you of our scrutiny. We will continue to watch your every move. And if you dare set foot in this Courtroom again, we will not hesitate to throw you into the Nexus itself and let it consume you."

I smirk. "Noted. Have a pleasant day, Court."

With a flick of my wrist, I slice my blade into the fabric of the void, opening a shimmering rift. I step through but glance back once, savoring the way their eyes narrow in cold, silent menace.

At last, Iridian shall rise.