The shattered red crystal flared, projecting a massive, violently swirling crimson runic circle onto the polished floor of the throne room.
The heat was immediate and abrasive. It didn't feel like the holy, purifying fire of Solaris Prime. It felt like standing too close to a raging, out-of-control forest fire. The twenty Xenophage Broodlords hissed, stepping back nervously from the expanding ring of magic.
Prince Pine cowered on his crystal throne, clutching his glowing scepter like a child holding a toy sword.
"You are dead, Warlord!" Pine shrieked, his voice cracking hysterically. He pointed a trembling, manicured finger at Lucifer. "The Founders made pacts! We have allies in the deep cosmos! You think you are a god? I am summoning the God of Fury!"
Lucifer stopped walking. He stood ten feet away from the edge of the burning crimson rune.
He didn't look terrified. He didn't order his commanders to fall back.
