Chapter 66: Lyria: The Fall of Heraklion

Summary

• Cassius takes charge of their escape and battles through the crowd with Sigurd as chaos ensues at Heraklion.
• The disciplined evacuation devolves into pandemonium as berserkers attack and the shuttle they are heading towards gets destroyed.
• Lyria struggles in the terrifying bedlam, keeping hold of Cassius's belt, until she becomes separated and must fend for herself.
• She finds temporary refuge by a monument and witnesses the destruction of shuttles and descent of enemy ships.
• Lyria reunites with Cassius and Sigurd, who opt to flee the courtyard for the acropolis, Heraklion's highest tier.
• They make their way through the city, encountering abandoned areas and watching Ascomanni ships attack.
• Using jump pads, they ascend the city's tiers, evading additional assaults and witnessing the destruction of the city's defensive shield.
• Lyria, Cassius, and Sigurd crash onto a rooftop after being blown off course by a gunship, narrowly escaping subsequent attacks.
• They reach the acropolis and search for Sigurd’s allies among serene and abandoned high gardens.
• Cassius and Lyria find Sigurd's friends but must quickly part ways due to the threat of Ascomanni identifying them.
• Cassius uses his armor to escape separately while Sigurd and Lyria confront the Ascomanni threats.
• Sigurd's allies, including Gudmund and Fenrir, use their status to dissuade the Ascomanni from attacking.
• Gudmund and Fenrir take Lyria to meet Volga, promising to keep her safe, as the city falls to enemy forces.
• Lyria reflects on her journey and the fate of Heraklion, sensing uncertainty about trusting her new companions.
• Gudmund attempts to lighten the mood with humor, and although they must deliver Lyria as "loot," he creates a moment of camaraderie.