The hum of the ship’s engines was steady as Zeruna’s pale light faded behind them, replaced by the swirling dark of deep space. Amber sat casually in the co-pilot’s seat, her legs crossed, as Jace and Sophie listened from behind.

“You two ever wonder why you’ve got those powers?” Amber asked suddenly.

Jace tilted his head. “We figured it had something to do with our dad. But no one’s exactly explained it.”

Amber smirked. “I can. You’re Krymorian. From the planet Krymor.”

Sophie leaned forward. “Krymorian?”

“One of the most powerful races in the galaxy,” Amber said. “Physically superior to almost every species. Energy manipulation, speed, strength… you name it. But here’s the twist — Krymor is a peaceful world. They don’t fight unless they have to.”

Sophie frowned. “So why was our father on Trenoth?”

Amber’s eyes darkened. “Because a group of very bad people were trying to release something — or rather, someone. Xroven.”

“Who’s Xroven?” Sophie asked.

Amber’s tone dropped almost to a whisper. “He’s not just powerful. He’s basically a god. A celestial. Immortal. Unmatched in physical strength. If he ever gets free, there’s not a single army in the galaxy that could stop him.”

Jace exchanged a look with Sophie. “And you’re saying Dad was there to stop them.”

“That’s the story,” Amber said. “And if anyone saw your father last, it would be them.”

Trenoth was as different from Zeruna as night from day. The sky was a sickly green haze, the air thick with smoke and grit. Towering structures leaned at odd angles, patched together from scrap metal. Streets were crowded, but there was an unease in the air — people kept their heads down, their steps quick.

Amber adjusted her jacket. “Look for anyone with the symbol of a skull on the back of their neck. That’s their mark.”

They moved through the streets, scanning the crowds. Jace tried to keep his eyes focused, but curiosity gnawed at him. “So… why were you drinking that night?”

Amber shot him a look. “Because I wanted to.”

“That’s not much of an answer,” Jace pressed.

“It’s the only one you’re getting,” she said sharply, clearly annoyed.

Before he could push further, Sophie pointed. “There. Skull.”

A tall man with a shaved head and the black skull mark on his neck was slipping through the crowd. They followed him into a narrow alley — only to find it empty.

Then they realized they weren’t alone.

Five men stepped out from behind them, blocking the exit. The leader smirked. “You kids lost?”

Before Jace could speak, one swung a metal pipe at his head. Darkness crashed in.

When Jace came to, his hands were bound, the metallic taste of blood in his mouth. The room was dim, lit only by a flickering overhead light. Sophie and Amber were tied to chairs across from him.

One of the men leaned down. “What were you doing here?”

“I’m looking for my father,” Jace said evenly.

The man blinked, then barked a laugh. “Who’s your father?”

“Kael Norven.”

The laughter stopped. Eyes widened. “No… way.”

The man’s expression twisted into something cruel. “If that’s true… you’re worth more than I thought. Let’s have some fun before we sell you off.”

Two of them moved toward Sophie and Amber, their grins turning ugly.

“No…” Jace muttered, struggling against his restraints.

When one of them reached for Sophie, something inside him snapped.

“NO!”

His hair flared into a brilliant electric blue, glowing stripes racing down his arms and across his chest. Energy crackled in the air. With a roar, he tore his bindings apart and lunged forward.

The first man went down in a single blow. The second tried to swing at him — Jace caught the man’s arm mid-strike and threw him across the room. Sparks danced along his skin as he moved faster, hitting harder, each punch sending another attacker sprawling.

Four were down. Only one remained — the biggest of the bunch. He caught Jace’s punch and slammed him into the wall. Fists rained down like hammers, knocking the breath from his lungs.

Jace spat blood and glared. “Your mistake… was touching them.”

He drove forward with a burst of lightning, punching the man so hard he crashed through the table and didn’t get back up.

Breathing hard, Jace grabbed the leader by the collar. “Where is my father?”

“I… I don’t know,” the man stammered.

Before Jace could press further, the door creaked open.

A tall figure stepped inside. Broad shoulders. Green hair. Green eyes that seemed to look straight through him.

“Dan,” Amber breathed.

The man’s gaze fixed on Jace. “Leave. Now.”

Jace stood his ground. “And if I don’t?”

Dan stepped closer until they were inches apart. “Then I’ll make you wish you had.”

The two locked eyes. Neither moved. The air between them crackled with tension.