Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 378

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 378: Orders and Defiance**

The reports came through, confirming what they had all feared: there were no high-ranking Chitinids lurking within the vicinity.

In a hushed tone, the adjutant queried, “Did that Chitinid manage to escape already?”

A Rank 11 Chitinid, while not as formidable as a therian, possessed an uncanny ability to evade capture.

Just as Lucien prepared to respond, his communicator buzzed insistently, cutting through the tension in the air.

Moments later, the holographic images of several high-ranking officials from the Empire materialized before him, their expressions stern and unyielding.

“Lucien,” one of them began, his voice clipped and authoritative. “We have received intelligence indicating that the human female, Dahlia, was also aboard the Chitinid warship. You are to locate her and ensure her safe return immediately.”

Dahlia?

What in the world is she doing here?

Lucien’s brow furrowed, his irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. “Understood. I will locate her and bring her back as soon as I can.”

Though he harbored a deep-seated dislike for Dahlia, duty as a soldier compelled him to obey orders.

However, the officials were visibly displeased with his response.

“Not as soon as possible,” they insisted, their voices rising in urgency. “Right now. Immediately.”

The gravity of their demand ignited a flicker of mockery in Lucien’s eyes.

These old men truly overestimate their authority.

He would comply with their directive and retrieve Dahlia, but the audacity to demand his immediate return was beyond comprehension.

Fixing his gaze on their projections, he enunciated each word deliberately, “I am currently in pursuit of a Rank 11 Chitinid that has gone missing. The battlefield remains chaotic and unsecure. I cannot return at this moment.”

He was not merely fighting for himself; he was fighting alongside his comrades. Some of the injured had yet to receive the medical attention they desperately needed.

They expected him to abandon his post for the sake of one woman. A woman who was not in peril, who did not require urgent care, and who certainly held no significant secrets.

These officials were clearly indifferent to the lives of the soldiers under his command.

Lucien’s tone hardened, ice creeping into his voice.

“I will ensure the human female’s safety. Once I have dealt with the Chitinid threat and secured the battlefield, I will send all rescued Empire females back to Central Planet.”

In his mind, Dahlia was no different from the other Empire women they had just rescued.

His defiance only served to infuriate the officials further.

“Lucien, you are blatantly disregarding the orders of the high council!”

One official’s hands shook with rage as he pointed an accusing finger at Lucien’s projection. His voice turned sharp, slicing through the tension.

“Lucien.”

His voice was deep and unwavering, resonating with the ironclad presence of one who had faced countless battles. It was a command that brooked no dissent.

“I order you to complete your duties on the battlefield before returning.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Lucien replied, “Yes, Marshal.”

Calum nodded, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his features. With a swift motion, he adjusted the projection controls and severed the connection with Lucien, the action precise and decisive.

Turning his attention back to the officials, he found them still bowed, their silence palpable.

The atmosphere in the meeting room felt as though it had been frozen in time.

Calum approached the main seat but chose not to sit. Instead, he placed one hand on the table, leaning forward slightly.

That minor gesture bore the weight of a mountain, pressing down upon them.

“Gentlemen,” he began, his voice measured and calm, yet it echoed throughout the room, reaching every corner.

“Do you truly believe I have perished? Is that why you think you possess the right to meddle in military command?”

A chilling smile tugged at the corners of his lips, his eyes devoid of warmth.

“Or perhaps your comfortable existence has dulled your memory? Have you forgotten who fought the Chitinids and reclaimed every inch of the Empire’s territory?”