The Akum-Sothos Cluster, Horus Lupercal's earliest dazzling achievement, and the jewel set upon the Warmaster's Crown of Conquest.
At the Planetary Governor's residence in the Potsdam star system, Pezzella reclined against a velvet bed, watching the slender figure seated before the dressing table.
Maria Kournikova's fair fingers gently combed through her lovely hair, sending ripples cascading through it.
Pezzella stared at her fair, delicate body wrapped in a translucent nightgown. Unable to resist, he rose from the bed, strode to her side, and embraced her.
Leaning against his chest, Maria asked, "Has Tibilisi still refused to pledge allegiance to Lord Nimrod?"
Pezzella breathed in her fragrance, feeling slightly dazed. Only after hearing Maria's words did he raise his head.
"They are ignorant and stubborn. They rejected my envoy's demands."
"They believe the Warmaster will surely win and that their loyalty will be rewarded."
A cold glint passed through Maria's eyes as she spoke softly.
"Dementyeva has already arrived in Tibilisi. She will show those people what true pain is."
"Those who are still hesitating will make a wiser choice."
Pezzella's body trembled slightly. The tender woman in his arms was not as weak as she appeared.
Not only could she mobilize enormous resources, she also commanded several terrifying Assassins.
Pezzella would not have been able to regain control of the Potsdam star system and the surrounding regions without her support.
"I believe in your abilities." He held Maria tightly. Neither he nor his kingdom could do without the support of the person in his arms.
The First Hive City on Tibilisi's primary world.
Dementyeva, the "Witch of Pain," walked to the golden railing and looked down below. She said to five "Witches of Joy" and thirteen "Witches," "Tibilisi has refused to submit to the Monarch. We shall bring punishment upon