Later that day—because the universe has a sense of humor—he tries to introduce me to hiswarrior birth training playlist.
It starts with drums.
Not gentle drums. Not ambient, meditative nonsense. Full-on Vakutan war rhythms that sound like they’re meant to intimidate mountains into moving out of the way.
The speakers vibrate. The walls hum. The baby kicks like it’s trying to escape.
I stare at him.
He watches me expectantly. “It builds endurance.”
“It’s making my organs rearrange themselves,” I say. “Turn it off.”
“But—”
“Voltar.”
He sighs and shuts it down. “Fine. We’ll alternate. You pick the next one.”
I cue up soft holonet jazz with a singer who sounds like she’s whispering secrets to the universe.
Voltar listens for exactly twenty seconds before leaning over. “Is she okay?”
“Yes,” I say sweetly. “She’s relaxed. Try it sometime.”
Jacey thinks all of this is hilarious.
She throws the baby shower like it’s a military operation crossed with a spa day. The salon closes early. Decorations go up everywhere—soft lights, floating ribbons, neutral colors that don’t screamgender reveal catastrophe.There’s food. So much food. Half of it I can’t stand the smell of. The other half disappears mysteriously whenever I pass by.
“Eat,” Jacey orders, shoving a plate into my hands. “You’re growing a person.”
“I am also growing resentment,” I mutter.
She smacks my arm. “You love this.”
I look around.
Voltar is awkwardly holding court with a group of my clients, nodding solemnly while someone explains exfoliation techniques like it’s classified intelligence. Lazarus lurks near the punch bowl, looking profoundly uncomfortable. Tugun is… well.
Tugun designed the invitations.
They are beautiful. Minimalist. Elegant. Hand-scripted with a subtle shimmer that catches the light just right.
“They’re biodegradable,” he tells me proudly. “And cruelty-free.”
“Define cruelty,” I ask.
“Exploitation,” he says simply.
I study him for a moment, then nod. “I approve.”
The Nine officially dissolve not long after.
It’s anticlimactic, honestly. No dramatic announcement. Just headlines that keep piling up until it’s undeniable.
SYNDICATE LEADERS FLEE.
ASSETS SEIZED.
