The video opened on a raised platform in Vardency.
Seven people stood across cracked tile with bodies behind them and a camera placed low enough to make the platform look like a stage. They kept no formation. Each person claimed a separate part of the platform and watched the camera with the ease of someone accustomed to being feared.
The woman at the center held Elias's attention first.
She stood taller than the people around her. Blue hair fell down her back, and a glove covered her right hand. She wore military boots under a civilian jacket, pieces chosen for use rather than uniform.
Behind her floated an Ikona with a wide body and long arms that hung too low. Its fingers kept moving, opening and closing near the floor.
The woman raised her hand.
She held Dragnovik's head by the hair.
Kikaru went rigid beside Elias. Paul stepped forward before he stopped himself.
The woman dropped the head. It hit the platform and rolled until the face turned toward the camera.
