[Location: Apokolips, Ignis: Steppenwolf’s abode.]

The Apokoliptian sky had deepened to the darkest shade of crimson it would become during nighttime. There was a yellow dwarf star in the Fourth World, but New Genesis blocked most of the radiance. This was because Apokolips was locked in New Genesis’ gravity and New Genesis rotated around the star. Apokolips was always in a perpetual state of twilight, where it got slightly lighter and darker depending on the time of day. But it was not like most places in the universe, with blindingly bright skies. The dense atmosphere of Apokolips was always a varying shade of abyssal red.

Back at Steppenwolf’s home, an inner blue glided through his mind like silent searchlights. He felt weird again. And he didn’t like it. Having the duty of leading the entire Legion on a devastating path through New Genesis… was an honor. He should have felt a crescendo of pride. And he did, for the first three seconds until Harriet laughed at him. The way Goodness spoke to Steppenwolf in front of everyone had also felt condescending. Then there was Stellar’s strange concern; that pensive look into the distance. Steppenwolf crossed his arms, an action he was doing quite a bit recently.

There was less than a week until the invasion to New Genesis. Tomorrow Steppenwolf would meet with Goodness to discuss in detail exactly how the assault would go. And then Steppenwolf was required to rally the Legion. He didn’t know how the entire standing militia of male soldiers would react to him. Nevermind the Female Furies and drones created from captured enemies, who would also be present. He just didn’t know. However, what he did know is that he was widely feared in training. And considering he was allowed to skip the graduation battle because of his promotion…

Steppenwolf violently tightened his hands into fists. He scratched his palms hard enough to pierce the skin.

“I guess… I will have to give them a reason to submit.”

∞

“Something is bothering you, Suli.”

Suli had decided to contact Uxas in the depths of the night about Heggra. Suli was using the same communicator that she had used to contact Chasma. A clandestine channel was set up for the two of them after Uxas had taken a liking to Suli. In this case, Suli was using the video screen to see Uxas’ face. And gauge his reaction to her words. She could tell he was somewhere in the royal palace, likely a bedroom from the heavy, silken tapestries behind him. She was a little shocked he had answered her so quickly. Uxas didn’t seem like he had been asleep.

“Yes, there’s something I urgently need to tell you.”

Uxas patiently waited with imperturbable composure.

“Ah… The Queen, um – she knows. Uxas, she knows.”

Suli brought the screen closer to her face, light reflecting off her widened eyes. Then she continued.

“She tried to kill me… Her Furies came and got me off the streets. She tried to fight me in the Sphere of No-Form. Uxas, she was manic. She was screaming in my face – she thinks I’m a dirty whore. She thinks I’m going to corrupt you! She-“

Suli had begun speaking rapidly. She paused to catch her breath, covering her mouth.

“You’re not allowed to love… Have you told her about us? Why…?”

Suli stopped after asking that question. Why indeed would Uxas have told his mother? Suli knew enough to realize that Uxas being in love with a commoner would be considered filthy by Apokoliptian royalty. Royals hardly ever paid attention to the everyday people of Apokolips. Unless it was to control or strike fear in them.

Uxas slowly began to smile.

“An utter fool that wench is.”

Suli realized something, her heart momentarily fluttering.

“He did it on purpose.”

“Suli, my dear. I love you. And all will be well.”

To be continued…