Silence crashed across the entire field, the words of Patriarch Kinsley still echoing.
Damian knelt in the snow, his body radiating power of the Blood Sovereign State.
Undeniable proof of his lineage, broadcast to billions of watching people across every screen in the Federation.
Whispers started spreading through the assembled crowd, quiet at first, then building.
"He really is–"
"A Bloodworth survived–"
"The last one–"
"How is this possible–"
"They said they were all dead–"
Among Squad Ten, Helena's legs gave out completely.
She collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her face without control, her hands pressed against her mouth.
'He's going to die.'
The thought cut through everything else.
'They're going to kill him right here and we can't do anything to stop it… He… He is just a kid!'
Fingers closed around her shoulder, the grip firm but not painful.
The Sword Demon pulled her closer, his weathered face showing no surprise or shock at the revelation.
