"Attention to all vessels!" Lilla shouted, standing tall even as her heart sank. "Retreat now! Prepare for warp jump immediately!"
Her voice rang clear through the communication channels. She didn't want to give this order, but it was the only option left. The battle was lost.
And just beside her on the comm screen, the once-proud Ys was now lying on the floor of her ship's bridge, completely drained. Her breaths were short and shallow, her elegant dress was torn in places, and her body was trembling with exhaustion.
She had pushed herself past her limits, using every ounce of energy she had to command her children and keep them alive. But even a Khryssari princess had her limits.
Her glowing eyes were dim now, and her voice was gone. The fierce smile she once wore had vanished.
The attack on the planet Xylos… was a total defeat.
"Mmm… it seems my lovely dance partner has finally grown tired," the musician captain murmured while closing his eyes in disappointment.
