After crushing Starman to death, Perpetua drew her fist back before her and opened her palm to inspect it.
Amid the swirling starlight in her palm lay a smear of blood, but compared to that enormous hand spanning dozens of square meters, the remains looked like nothing more than the red speck left behind by a dead mosquito.
The Goddess lowered her head and took a sharp breath through her nostrils. The scattered starlight twisted into invisible, noodle-like strands and slipped into her nose.
She immediately closed her eyes in pleasure and slammed back against her throne as though struck head-on by tremendous force.
Only after a moment did those burning eyes open again. "Very good. The thief who stole my power is dead, though he tasted a little foul."
Luthor nodded with a placating smile, his face carrying the humble guilt of a small restaurant waiter who had served a customer expired food.
"Mother, he was a hippie. Those people always stink, because one of the psychoactive drugs they enjoy gives off that smell when burned. I'm sorry it spoiled your appetite. If you would like something else to eat, I'll fetch it for you."
"No need." Perpetua blew lightly into her palm, and Starman's remains instantly turned to powder and drifted into the universe. She had scattered his ashes. "While reclaiming the energy, I also read some of the Totality's memories and found a very interesting place."
Luthor leaned closer. Though his head still did not reach the armrest of the throne, he did his best to stick it out.
"A place even Mother finds interesting?"
"Yes. There is a little thing called Darkseid. He built a bridge capable of connecting two different multiverses." Mother of the Multiverse rested her cheek on her hand and looked at Luthor,