For a split second, Hagen stared at him — then let out a sharp, disbelieving scoff that spiraled into manic laughter.
"Look at you," he said, shaking his head. "You really think you're any different from me?"
His eyes darkened.
"You're licking Ryley's boots just as hard. Don't pretend you're above it. You're his mutt now."
"Besides," Hagen added, the slyness creeping back into his face, "I don't need to declare war on him."
He tilted his head slightly. "He's already at war with the empire."
Eloi narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about? The Alpha Sovereign is clearly on his side."
A smirk tugged at Hagen's mouth. "I'm not talking about that empire."
He took out his phone and pressed play.
The recording was short — a familiar voice, low and deliberate, speaking of ensuring Ryley would never conceive again.
Eloi went still. Recognition hit harder than the words.
