In an interstellar age of genetic monopolies, only one person stands at the very top of the pyramid.
The nominal regent of the Star Alliance, but its true ruler, the sole Enigma above all ranks: the "Tyrant," Ni Changkong.
Rumor has it that she lives high above the clouds but is a notorious playgirl, with a particular fondness for young, beautiful Alphas. The people she's coerced into sleeping with could form a line from the Central Star all the way to the most remote border star.
Then the Star Alliance goes to war with the alien species, and Ni Changkong is accused of treason. She enters the Rift alone, and when her pheromones trigger a backlash, she and the alien royal perish together.
After her death, the alien species vanish, and the Alliance enjoys a brief peace.
The Crown Prince ascends the throne and honors her as a former ruler. The new commander often speaks of her as his former teacher, and young politicians lay their swords before her portrait and pledge their loyalty.
Ni Changkong's name echoes across the Star Alliance like a hero who watches over it from beyond.
Three years later, Ni Changkong awakens on a remote border star, only to discover that her pheromones are gone and she's regressed into an unremarkable Beta.
Good news: She's alive again.
Bad news: Her flings really do reach all the way to the remote border stars.
When her Enigma pheromones fill her once more, Ni Changkong can't help thinking of that distant afternoon.
The other person's teeth grind furiously against the smooth nape of her neck, while they murmur softly in her ear, their faces pressed close together like lovers:
"I went to such lengths to break my own pride just to get one casual mark from you back then..."
"Now don't think you can just brush this off and walk away."
* A true heartthrob, a flirtatious playgirl and queen of the sea, ready to welcome the whole world.
* The heroine is strong and knows it. She's putting on an act.
* BG! The male supporting characters are all hopeless romantics.
Theme: Her will is the will of the universe.
It feels better to change it from separation to difference 🐶