Chapter 5

Imagine a feat of engineering so colossal, an architectural achievement so monstrous, that it could be mistaken for a rogue planet. From a (vast) distance it might seem unimpressive or unremarkable, but as it’s approached, the sheer magnitude becomes overwhelming. Intricate devices lead to collections of machinery that power this massive ship and ensure every facet is working towards a unified goal. The labor required to construct any component would exceed the capacity on any one world and it would be impossible to dock at any port. Not only would this behemothic structure create its own significant gravitational pull, but the person in charge would also need to be one of inordinate presence to command it. The fear in his name was passed down through generations of the Galactic Alliance and Enyo was known far and wide as the universe’s greatest tyrant.

He commanded planets as his military forces and ruled his people through an impressive display of terror and admiration. He owned lucrative businesses which mined vast quantities of precious metals, he colonized and sold celestial objects, and contracted his labor forces to the highest bidders. On his ship and in the presence of his subordinates he was a king, but even he had his limitations. As he bulldozed his way through life obtaining everything that ever piqued his curiosity, one thing always seemed to slip away. It was a rumor, a whisper, or even a lie spread throughout little pockets of surrounding galaxies; Magik. The rumors twisted and turned, the whispers ebbed, the lies flowed, and as he followed every mention and every murmur, he was led to a warrior race sitting atop a planet filled to the brim with minable goods.

What unbelievable luck.

It wasn’t enough to buy the planet and displace the inhabitants, not when multiple sources pointed him in its direction. He could find more planets to ravage, he could find more people to oppress, but if he struck out here then his search for Magik would have to start all over. He lost count of the years he spent digging through worthless stories and picking apart bits and pieces of clues. If it all came to nothing, it would certainly be a disappointment. It might even drive him into a foul enough mood to elicit one of his famous genocidal sprees.

Of course, Magik and all its allure didn’t feed his troops, nor did it build his ships or tempt his customers. Mining and war paid the bills and before his latest superweapon, he had to be a smidge more restrained with what he decided to vaporize. As tempting as it was to annihilate King Reign and all his pompous subjects, firing his planetary destruction weapon meant sublimating three quarters of the core and a massive profit loss. As luck would have it, the man was interested in striking a deal. So long as they played fair and acted civil, they could benefit each other. However, after all these years, all the gifts of technological advancements, all the money, and all the wellbeing that came from this species hiding behind Enyo’s name, he’d yet to receive even one piece of useful information on the existence of Magik. Reign even went so far as to treat him like an incompetent fool.

“Are you still on about that?” He’d asked after their most recent meeting. Still on about it? It’s the only thing that ever mattered.

Unbeknownst to the king, his scientists had finally finished his newest devastating weapon; one capable of blowing apart planets without destroying the core on an atomic level. His goal had been the capture, and torture, of the entire royal family, but the only member he managed to snag was the young Princess Tyra. She was barely an adolescent and Enyo wasn’t sure how much she truly knew about the secrets of Magik, so until he could locate her father, she’d have to remain in his care.

Enyo strolled the halls of his ship, a paper box delicately wrapped in a pink ribbon held in one hand. Whenever he passed one of his subjects, they threw themselves against the walls or onto the floor as an excessive bow, apologizing profusely for daring to be in his eyesight.

As they should, no less.

When he approached the princess’s room, he knocked as a courtesy and was met with petulant silence. He knew for a fact she was in there and heard him, but he also understood he was the last person she’d want to see.

“What an insufferable, ill-mannered, temperamental brat!!” An obnoxious voice muttered irately at his side. Enyo blinked, caught off-guard by the declaration and glanced down. On his left was a short round man with unappealing features and a grating voice. “Open the door this instant!!”

Who was he again? Honestly, he’d been through so many assistants he lost count. Most usually met their demise at the consequence of his anger, regardless if they were the instigator or not. The little man slammed his fist on the door as well, eliciting an unpleasant rapping noise instead of an elegant knock.

“If the princess wishes to starve, then so be it.” Enyo announced, not even having to look at the man to convey his discontent.

“Yes, of course Your Grace! An excellent thought!”

Enyo’s eye twitched at the sound of his voice. Seriously, who was this guy?

A gentle shuffle came from behind the door, exactly as he expected. He’d been nothing but gracious to this young lady, after all. Every demand of hers was met, every accommodation accounted for, and he made sure his staff went out of their way to be especially pleasant. Of course, he had just blown up her home planet. It was only natural for her to show some hesitation.

The deadbolt unlatched, as if something so simple could really defend her against his wrath. The door then opened a crack, revealing the ireful glare of the young princess. Her long brown hair spilled over her shoulders in perfect ringlets with a sparkling tiara perched on the crown of her head. Her magnificent blue eyes were scornful on her delicate features, a striking color passed down from her father to all his children.

“You can leave it at the door and go.” She ordered, not even reaching out a hand to accept the wrapped box.

A shocked gasp came from Enyo’s side and he felt his eyes rolling into his skull.

“Of all the deplorable, appalling…!”

The little man was cut off mid-sentence as Enyo gently pushed open the door, brushed past the princess, and gingerly shut it.

“I… I’ll wait out here, sire!” He called, his voice muffled by the door. Enyo didn’t even acknowledge him as he strolled into the large and elaborately decorated room, paying no mind to the princess’s attendants as they dropped to their hands and knees in his presence.

“I didn’t invite you in.” Tyra pointed out, crossing her arms heatedly.

“Come now, princess. No need to be so chilly, there’s much to discuss.” Enyo replied, setting the box on the desk in her room and pulling out the chair as an invitation to have a seat. Tyra narrowed her eyes and scrunched her nose at the action, but the hint of aroma wafting from the meal was making her mouth water.

“What is that?” She asked, ensuring her tone was just as short and bitter as any other time she was forced to speak with the universe’s most ruthless tyrant.

“Pan seared filet tossed with a citrus herbal chutney and served alongside braised root vegetables and bowtie pasta.” He explained, untying the ribbon and lifting the lid with a show of theatrics. Tyra admired the spread from where she stood, wishing she could compliment how delicious it all looked.

“I don’t like those vegetables.” She practically spit at Enyo, fixing him with a condescending glower.

“Apologies, princess.” He replied with a courteous grin, setting the lid over the dish. “I shall have the cook tortured and killed.”

Tyra balked indignantly, her eyes growing wide. “Wait! Wait, umm…” She interjected, running up to the desk and taking a seat. She ripped the lid of the box away and took a closer look at the meal. “Those vegetables? I like those vegetables! I thought they were different vegetables.” She tried to cover, grabbing the fork and digging into the meal.

“I’m glad to hear.” Enyo replied, snapping his fingers and pointing at a chair on the other side of the room. The attendants jumped at the command, rushing to grab the furniture and bring it over for him to take a seat. “Have you recalled anything about our last discussion?”

Tyra paused, a bite of filet in her mouth as she remembered being told her entire planet was destroyed, her family members were missing, and was asked to think of anything she knew about Magik.

To think of her eldest sibling, Alessandre.

She swallowed. “I don’t remember much about my brother, I was too young when he died.” She answered, their conversation leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

It wasn’t entirely true; she did remember bits and pieces of her brother. She knew he was strong like Leo and kind like Able. Back when their mother was still alive too.

“But he unlocked the secrets of ancient Magik, didn’t he?” Enyo pressed, an insistent look in his eyes. It was true, and she didn’t know where he could’ve possibly heard it from. She remembered the elation whenever he demonstrated a new trick he learned as their mother encouraged him to go further and their father spurned every step he took. Their fights were seared into her mind as they shouted obscenities at each other until…

“He did, and he died from it.” She replied, taking another bite and throwing out all her etiquette classes as she spoke through a mouthful of food. “According to Father, he blew himself up and our mother got caught in it as well.”

Enyo obviously restrained himself from his excitement, taking a deep breath at the thought of knowing someone had learned and manipulated the ancient art.

“He must’ve had talismans or pendants. Something for when he was first learning.” Enyo persisted, coming to the edge of his seat.

“Yes, but father burned most of it, said it was a danger to anyone that came into contact with it.” Tyra used her fork to scrape up the remnants of her meal to get every last bite.

“Most of it?” He pointed out in a curious tone. Tyra froze. She glanced up at him sheepishly, realizing she made a mistake. A sinister smirk carved into his lips. “Tell me what survived.”

Tyra glanced away ashamedly, cursing her foley under her breath as she wrung her hands together.

“Don’t feel remorse over it, dear princess. If your father had encouraged your brother instead of opposing him, he’d still be alive now. Not to mention how he treated your youngest brother, Jalen, and the child was only an infant. Such a shame.”

The young princess bristled at the mention of her youngest brother and was reminded of the endless reach of information this man was able to acquire. The only person other than her father who knew much about the disappearance of Jalen was Able; even Leo wasn’t sure about the details. One day after Mother and Alessandre had their accident he was gone, and no one seemed willing to talk about it.

“There’s no reason to be loyal to a man who’s done so much harm to so many people.” Enyo stated in a quiet tone. Tyra squeezed the fabric of her dress in her hands, letting out a deep breath as she reluctantly caved.

“There is one thing Alessandre left behind. A pendant he gave to Leo, but I don't know much about it.”

Enyo’s eyes widened at this revelation.

“He said it was a fragment of a neutron star and it had the power to manipulate the density of objects, but Leo was never as good as Alessandre with it.” She explained in a shaky voice, unable to hold eye contact.

For what felt like the first time in a long while Enyo seemed to be experiencing unrequited joy. He stood suddenly, knocking his chair over and sending the attendants dashing to grab it. As one reached down to right it, he snagged her arm and pulled her up.

“Find Prince Leonidas.” He ordered. She nodded obediently and dashed out of the room. “Princess, it’s been a pleasure.”

With renewed ambition, Enyo left the room followed by the rest of the attendants and the door shut. Tyra watched them leave, a melancholy look on her face until several moments of silence passed and she knew she was alone. Her somber expression melted into a conniving smile as she stood, walked over to her bed and knelt to look under it.

“You can come out now.” She whispered, holding out a hand. Almost immediately a small gray feline opened its brilliant green eyes and emerged from the center, padding up to the princess and nuzzling against her fingers. “They’re gone now, but they’ll probably be back, so you’ll have to hide again soon.” She reminded the cat, running her fingers through its soft fur and patting it on the head. “If Enyo knew to ask me if Alessandre left anything behind, that means Leo probably had to use it. He did tell Leo to save it for an emergency, so I hope he’s okay.” She murmured, holding a conversation like the cat could understand. It brushed against her shoulder and nudged her chin with its head, almost like it was telling her everything was going to be alright.

“You’re right, Leo is tough. He’ll be fine.” She said with a grin, sitting up and glancing out the window of her room at the view of outer space. “I just hope he comes and gets me soon.”