Relentless

Chapter 66

Kane was woken up with the Oblivian Commander at his door. He glanced out the window to still see the moon high in the sky. He would have invited her in if she hadn't already been past the doorway. He sat up quickly, knowing that Lydia will soon betray them and hoping that they haven't come to interrogate him.

"Yes?" He squeaked.

The Commander kept her mask on, keeping up her male persona even though he knew the truth. "The Emperor requests your presence." She said in a deep voice.

"Why?"

"Do not question our Emperor." She snapped.

"I mean, why me?"

She remained silent as if his right hand didn't even know his reasons.

"Very well. Then, I guess I'll come with you." He said as if he really had a choice.

Commander Night turned on her heels and Kane followed her down the hall. All the way down the hall. She disappeared right into the wall.

Kane stopped and rubbed his eyes. He thought he must be tired and seeing things. "Hello? Commander?"

She stepped back through. "Come on. You must not keep his highness waiting."

Obediently, he stepped through the wall. His skin began to crawl as he passed through the solid wall into a new place entirely. It didn't take long for Kane to realize that he wasn't on Earth anymore.

He surveyed his surroundings as he walked. He was so entranced by the endless view of stars through the windows that he walked right into the Commander's back. She glared at him and he startled backward.

He stepped next to her, laying eyes on the Emperor for the first time. "Wait, you're a-"

"Don't bother with my appearance!" The Emperor snapped. "You won't remember my face once you leave this room."

"Wait, why?"

"Because it is part of my ability. Illusion, it's called. But it's more than that. You'll find that I can do so much more. I was the one who created the very portal that brought you here."

"So why am I here?"

He stepped down from his throne and approached Kane. "I need you to do something for me."

"Why me?"

"Because I know you can get it done."

"But I haven't agreed to anything. My allegiance is still with Lydia."

"Your compliance is unnecessary, believe me, but you are high in Lydia's ranks so I need you to update me on her plans. I am aware that she plans to double-cross me. That's why I am holding my Celestial captive off-world and out of her reach. I also know that Lydia's sudden rebellion is due to Destiny's influence."

"Who?"

"She's an old 'friend.' Not that I really ever had any. Other than Scarlett." He added referring to the Commander.

"So what's to stop me from going to Lydia with my new knowledge?"

"Because I'm in your head. You don't know it but my powers are more than creating images in one's mind. Not only can I bring illusions to reality, I can also plant other things in one's mind. Like a thought. It is much more powerful than a command. An idea grows and changes but a command stays the same, two dimensional. This way you can never find a way to betray me. You can not tell anyone about me or this meeting and you must do me one more favor besides reporting about Lydia."