Escalation

The rumbling thunder above Alejandro's head suddenly expanded as he slowly stood to his feet. Arcs of lightning rushed through his pupils, the pillar beneath his suddenly cracking and nearly fracturing.

"Good, good… Good."

Alejandro raised his hands and the skies darkened instantly. Cynthia, who had just stepped on her flagship, paused, though she didn't turn back. Her dress fluttered in the wind, oddly peaceful compared to the raging storm rising around her.

"If you want the Morales family to lower their heads, you're all more foolish than I thought."

Alejandro's voice crackled and boomed, the weather itself echoing his words across the horizon. It felt like in that moment, everyone in the solar system could hear his voice.

"Then wait for war," Cynthia said lightly, prepared to continue moving.

"Wait?"

Alejandro raised his head to the skies, his laughter causing the rumbling black clouds to thicken.