The Order of Eden

"Battle partners!" I shouted. "Take position!"

An eerie silence followed. No explosion, no movement. Just stillness. Around me, everyone scrambled into formation, pairing off and drawing weapons, eyes scanning the horizon.

Then, something moved.

A figure emerged, holding a white flag.

"Stand down," I commanded. "They come under a peace signal." I turned quickly to Nox. "Go hide."

"But I want to—"

"Please," I urged, giving her a light push. "Now."

She nodded and slipped into the house.

Everyone remained crouched, weapons gripped tight.

Across the plain, more figures appeared—dozens of them in crisp white uniforms, not armor. Their movements were practiced, rehearsed. Clean. Controlled.

Lyric tensed beside me, eyes narrowing.

"It's them," she whispered, a tone of awe—or dread—tinging her voice.

A projected voice echoed: "We come in peace. Please be assured we mean you no harm. We are emissaries from the Order of Eden. Would your leader come forth and speak with us?"

I took a deep breath and stepped forward, suddenly hyper-aware of how dirty and worn I looked. I ran a hand through my hair as I approached the emissaries.

A man broke away from the group to greet me, all polished charm and bright teeth.

"Callix Sable," he said, extending his hand. "I don't believe we've met."

"Alis De Aura," I replied, shaking his hand. "Why are you here?"

His smile faltered for the briefest second, then returned.

"We're a dispatch from the Order of Eden. Our Lady has taken interest in your village's progress. As you may know, we're part of a restoration initiative—encouraging constructive behavior and rewarding it where it appears."

"The credit belongs to a man named Rebel Ray," I said evenly. "This community is his legacy. Any reward should go to his people—and his next of kin."

Something flickered in Callix's eyes at the name, but he didn't break composure. "Shall we tour the village?"

Did I have a choice?

I nodded and led them inward.

"The land restoration is impressive," Callix noted as his companions murmured their approval.

"That was Rebel's work," I said quietly. "I'm just continuing it."

"You've shown remarkable leadership," he added, smiling again. "Defeating dangerous Cradle dwellers—that's no small feat."

"It was a team effort."

We approached Lyric, who stood at attention, unusually alert.

"This is Lyric," I introduced. "One of our finest fighters."

She extended her hand, but Callix barely acknowledged it. "Very good."

His interest perked only when we reached the code weaving station. He was just beginning to ask questions when Priya stepped into view.

Callix froze.

"And who is this?"

"Priya Ray. Rebel's wife."

That caught his full attention. He stepped forward and offered his hand.

"We admired your husband's work," he said. "We've come with a reward. Since he's passed, we extend it to you."

Priya shook his hand like it was diseased.

"With me is Dr. Prim Vel," he said, his voice suddenly syrupy. "She'd like to check in on your health—especially since you're expecting."

The doctor was already approaching, gently but insistently steering Priya toward the house.

"Is that necessary?" I asked, alarmed by how fast things were moving.

"Despite our efforts, mother and infant mortality remain high," Callix said smoothly. "The children are our future. Which brings me to your reward—access to one of our inner Cradles. Safe. Clean. She'll receive the best care possible."

"You want to take Priya?" I blinked.

"Relocate her, while she's vulnerable," he said, brushing it off with a hand wave. "Her husband's brilliance deserves recognition."

A shout came from inside. I rushed ahead, leaving Callix behind.

Inside, Priya and Dr. Vel stood at opposite ends of the room. The doctor held a syringe; Priya looked ready to strike.

"What's going on?" I demanded.

Dr. Vel turned calmly. "I was just trying to get a blood sample from Miss Ray."

I shot Priya a look that said: We need to talk.

"Would you give us a moment?" I asked, voice sugar-coated. "Let me speak with her alone."

Dr. Vel gave a pleasant smile. "I'll be just outside," she said—and it sounded more like a threat than a promise.

When she was gone, Priya let out a shaky breath.

"They want to take me."

"Yes," I admitted. "They asked for my blessing."

"Well, they can leave. I'm not going with them." She crossed her arms over her belly, jaw set.

"Let me try to negotiate," I said gently. "If they're offering something to the village, Lyric might go in your place—"

"You don't get it," Priya snapped. "It's not a reward. It's a reaping."

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"And I'm the one they want to reap."