Alex stepped onto the remains of the upper platform and looked down at Thepes.
"You said your race would begin by defeating us."
Thepes's eyes followed him. Streams of his blood still ran between his feet and the remains around the pit, drawing out what power the dead had left.
Alex lifted his hammer. "Then come and do it."
Mingyue moved toward the opening above them, leaving Thepes a clear view of both their retreat and the soldiers beginning to move behind Dorian.
Thepes looked toward his followers. For a moment, Alex thought he would stay beside the pit and send them instead. That would be the sensible choice. He could keep feeding while the pair spent their strength holding back his army.
Then his gaze returned to Alex.
"You want me to chase you."
"Yes."
Alex didn't bother denying it. Thepes had demanded that the old race acknowledge his superiority. Letting its chosen Progenitors walk away in front of his new followers would hardly prove it.
