Chapter Forty-Four

“I have good and bad news,” Zafir stated over comms as I made my rounds. “The bad news is that a fleet of war-capable ships have entered the system and appear to be on their way here. We do not know if this planet is their target, or merely a stopover. The good news is that the empire has aimed the resonance weapon to the skies in case they need it.”

Let me guess: the other bad news being that it will still destroy a chunk of this planet if fired… I grimaced but remained silent. With so many species having set up patrols in the city, we’d agreed it was safest if I didn’t talk. There were many Syldrari patrolling, but they weren’t the only ones who might hear through modulation.

It seemed like Zafir had taken it upon himself to talk my ear off, though. I was getting the impression he thought keeping me company was necessary.

“Indeed. We’re all still in danger. I’m receiving reports that the Abyss Father cult has taken its leave, but I’m not sure how reliable that is.” There was a sound of rustling papers, then Zafir continued, “Next… Ah. We were right to suspect Citomy’s motives. She is offering ‘removal services’ at a price and has given Imperator Julien options. One, outright payment to kill or capture the rogue criminals. Two, buy Rel and Jysel for you so that you can order their clans to do the work. Three, pledge loyalty to Syldra and be adopted as a…’pet planet,’ if you will. The proper term does not translate well. Talks are currently on hold while the empire and Citomy work to determine if the incoming fleet is a threat. From what I understand, they aren’t entirely sure what species the fleet belongs to, as the models are ‘mass market,’ if you will.”

I stopped by an alley corner and frowned, listening to the voices coming from it. That was the direction I was supposed to go…but I was fairly certain those voices belonged to Jysel and Casair. I pursed my lips, trying to recall a different route I could take. They’d been very helpful after my ordeal, but I wasn’t supposed to talk, and I didn’t know how to convey that to them—or the reason. Furthermore, I wasn’t confident that Jysel would still be in ‘nice’ mode.

Unfortunately, if there was another route, I didn’t know it. I started walking down the alley, and soon came across the Syldrari pair. They had a handful of soldiers with them and were splashed with blue blood. Jysel had a nasty gash down one arm, which one of his men was cleaning and bandaging.

“And where do you think you’re going?” Jysel asked when I attempted to sneak by. He tilted his head, giving me an odd look when I flinched and turned to look at him. “Are you alright?”

“…” I almost spoke reflexively but managed to cut it off into a frustrated sound. After a moment of thought, I pointed at myself and then made a motion like I was zipping my lips.

“…do you have any idea what that meant?” Jysel looked to Casair.

“She’s got orders not to speak. Right?” Casair made a sour face when I nodded. “Tch, of course. Who’d need to speak on duty?!”

I tried to move past them again, but this time Jysel blocked me physically. “‘Lethe,’ you shouldn’t go that way. It’s a mess.”

Twitching, I crossed my arms at him.

“Think she has to go that way,” Casair remarked. “We’ve established she doesn’t actively try to piss you off, yeah?”

Jysel sighed and gave me an unreadable look, though it somehow made me feel smaller. “You’re required to go that way on your route? Then I’m escorting you part of the way in case more show up.”

Hesitating, I pointed at his bandaged wound, but he promptly called his sword to one hand and let his true Syldrari battle suit appear.

“I will remain in the shadows. Walk.” Jysel’s entire form wavered and then vanished, leaving me more irritated than before.

“He’s fine, it’s not a serious wound—just a ragged one,” Casair offered with a smile. “Go on then, don’t let us keep you. Though, I’m sure that’d make him happy— Ow!”

Jysel’s form briefly appeared when he whacked Casair upside the head, then disappeared again. Without much in the way of options, I made my way down the alley, walking over the trail of blood. I grimaced as it oozed up around my feet.

“Some of the criminals have banded together to increase their odds,” Jysel remarked, his voice reverberating around and through me, causing a physical reaction I wasn’t quite prepared for. I moved to brush at my arms and legs as if he’d physically touched me but stopped when he let out a low laugh. “Ah, you aren’t familiar with this method of communication? Don’t worry. No one can hear me but you. ”

I shivered involuntarily. His voice sounded and felt far too intimate. Like fingertips trailing over my bare skin.

“You will learn this method eventually, as it involves your Syldrari chip,” Jysel continued conversationally. “As for all the blood…we are in the process of removing the corpses and cleaning up the aftermath. Are you sure you want to go this way?”

I nodded faintly.

“Do you want to know their crime?”

Again, I nodded.

“They were arranging a hunt, with humans and other ‘aliens’ on this planet as their prey,” Jysel began in a tone that was like he was giving a report. “My mother… Citomy is easily won over by vicious, blood thirsty individuals. She prizes her ‘ability to capture, woo, and subdue them.’”

Like dangerous pets… I thought to myself, then glanced down realizing the blood was up to my ankles now that we’d descended deeper into the alley.

“Precisely. Like dangerous— uh… Ahem.” Jysel attempted to backpedal. “The criminals most likely believe they can win favor and a pardon if they perform well enough, as most of Citomy’s spouses are vicious criminals, former system lords, or powerful warriors.”

Well, thanks for confirming that you and Rel can hear my damn thoughts. I pulled myself up onto a ledge as the blood got deeper. I suppose this works. To answer your earlier question, I’m under orders to remain silent because of the high probability species who can filter out the modulator will overhear me. The military still wants to keep ‘Elara’ and ‘Lethe’ separate.

“Are you…feeling better?” Jysel asked quietly, reappearing in front of me without his battle suit’s hooded helm-thing on. He had a hesitant, lost look in his eyes that I wasn’t sure how to interpret.

Better, yes. Recovered, no, I answered, deciding to leave it at that. The sight of someone being eaten alive was going to haunt me for a long time, for one—then there were the sounds . But for two…I hadn’t quite grasped the gravity behind a queen’s power before. Now, I wasn’t sure how to talk to the males in my life. Even being playful seemed like a risk.

“Can I do anything to help?” Jysel asked, surprising me into returning my focus to him. “What? Ah…if you would prefer Rel—”

As much as I would like to answer your question, I’m not sure how to do so without…causing problems. So, if you don’t mind, I’m just going to continue my patrol. I shook my head and went to move around him, but he caught me gently by the arm and averted his gaze. For the life of me, I couldn’t tell if he struggled to look at the visor, or if he was simply that uncomfortable or shy.

“I think you misunderstand. Both our clans are prepared to become yours if necessary. Queenless clans don’t survive for long, especially not when Citomy turns her eye to them,” Jysel spoke quietly, his expression firm even if he was hesitant to try and meet my gaze. “Were we not her sons, our clans would have been absorbed into hers by now. As we are related by blood, she has to find someone else to take us. Her fixation on you is suspicious at best…but beneficial to us.

“You proved to us that you’re not like the other queens. We believe you would be fair in your handling of us, and that you wouldn’t strip us of our sense of self or our power.”

I still struggle to accept that I’m a queen. I released a small sigh, then shook my head. Regardless, we know I can’t control most of my abilities well. I appreciate the faith you both seem to have in me, even if I don’t understand it. To be honest, I’m just relieved that you don’t hate me. With how most of our meetings have gone—

“Wait.” Jysel turned, the rest of his suit appeared as he adjusted his grip on his sword and looked upward. A group of skybikes whizzed overhead, and Jysel let out a small sigh. “Perhaps we shouldn’t linger here. Let’s move.”

I started walking again, then decided to ask a question that had been bugging me. So…does my power sway you to answer me every time I ask a question?

“No. It depends on how demanding you word it, and how demanding your tone is,” Jysel answered promptly, shaking his head. “Your power surfaces less than you think it does. It is intimately tied with how you, as an individual, think and believe. That said, someone whose senses are often dampened—such as Zafir—is at risk regardless of how you word something. The same can be said for Syldrari who are new to adulthood. With Rel and I, you should be able to be…mostly candid.”

Okay. How many of you can hear my thoughts? I asked, a little concerned by what the answer might be. But I needed to know.

“Rel and I for certain. I’m not sure if any of the others are trained to hear thoughts.” Jysel shook his head. “And, it is an ability that is usually kept ‘turned off.’ It can be too distracting with how much we can already perceive visually and audibly.”

How much of a risk are you at of being bound when you’re retrieving queens? I asked, watching as Jysel slowed to a stop and he clenched one fist.

“It is…a struggle. While there are ways we can protect ourselves, it can be worn down. Even when tranquilizing them, we must be careful. It is best if we don’t alert them to our presence at all.” Jysel sounded incredibly uncomfortable, and soon let out a long sigh. “I will be straightforward. There are those among my men who are pushing for you to become our queen before we free anyone else. We are quickly nearing a point where the only person who doesn’t want you to be our queen…is you.

“Of course, I intend to respect that decision to the best of my ability. But you should know, if it becomes a matter of survival… I will not beg, nor will I ask nicely. The survival of my clan is of the upmost importance to me. Rel feels similarly, though he is less likely to admit it unless directly prompted.”

So, you would take away my freedom in order to survive? I grimaced, causing Jysel to whirl around and give me an utterly perplexed stare. What? How am I supposed to find a nice guy to settle down with if I have clans bound to me? It seems like it’d wreck my nearly non-existent chances at finding a boyfriend or anything else.

“I don’t understand. Why would you only want one mate?” Jysel asked, even more baffled than before. “And, binding someone doesn’t mean that they will be your mate. There are numerous arrangements made solely for protective services.”

…oh. Oh. That isn’t at all how I thought… Why didn’t anyone explain this to me? I brought a hand up over my face, then paused, tilting my head. What do you mean by, ‘why would I only want one?’

“You have been around humans too long if you do not find monogamy to be the unusual practice,” Jysel answered flatly. “Syldrari have taken multiple partners since ancient times. With Iri being rare and valuable, they often took on multiple spouses for protection—if one died, there would be others who survived to continue protecting her. Taking only one mate or spouse would be like…taking one soldier to fight an army.”

Isn’t Syldra mostly safe now? Why… I trailed off, feeling just as baffled as he looked.

“It is, but that simply means it has become acceptable for more than Iri to become…” Jysel struggled for a moment, murmuring several Syldran words. “Household leaders, if you will? We call them trikar!xi—a literal translation would be ‘they whom others gather around.’ Any of the sexes can become a trikar!xi, and their spouses or partners can be of any sex—even Iri—though a queen will always be the trikar!xi.”

I think I follow, but…if those bound to a queen don’t have to be her ‘mate,’ then why plural relationships? I struggled to grasp the concept, let alone the odd clicking or popping noise he made near the end of the word. That’s a lot of people to give attention to and make sure they’re cared for, and conflicts would be difficult to navigate—especially if they were between different partners.

“I… Why wouldn’t you want to have a meaningful relationship with all those you care for?” Jysel stared at me as if I had too many heads. “Furthermore, it isn’t merely the trikar!xi who… Ah… For an example, let us say you were our trikar!xi. I would be your wife, but I would also be Zafir’s— What? Is it so strange?”

It took me a moment to stop laughing and catch my breath. Once I managed to rein myself in, I answered, Unless you’re incredibly good at hiding the fact you’re an Iri… Wife was the wrong word. You were looking for husband.

“Ah…” Jysel cracked an embarrassed smile, and a brief chuckle escaped him before he pulled himself back to stoic seriousness. “Ahem. As I was saying. In most Syldrari relationships, all individuals involved must agree to the other individuals’ presence. They are essentially…‘group dating.’ Or ‘group life partners.’ The exception to this, as you can imagine, are queens… What they have is more akin to the concept of human harems or concubines.”

I kind of get it…but you also need to take into consideration that I have no idea if I’ve ever gone on a date before. I rubbed my chin in thought. I have no idea what sort of shenanigans I may have gotten up to before the Incident.

“That…is fair. Then, suffice to say, Rel and I both fully expect that you would form a group of people you care about. Not simply pick one and leave the others to wallow in despair.” Jysel shook his head slightly.

Wait…group dating. But, what does that mean for your sexual preferences? I asked, receiving a blank stare in response. There must be some limit. You…

“I don’t understand. What do you mean by ‘sexual preferences?’ Are you referring to the activities in bed? That is another reason multiple partners is common. Not everyone shares the same tastes.” Jysel frowned when I shook my head. “Then, I’m afraid I’ve no idea what you mean.”

Uh… Some humans like everyone, some are romantically but not physically attracted to other people—they’re asexual. But the majority seem to only prefer men or women, and not both… I mean, some do, but…maybe I’m not the best to speak on this? I did my best to word it with my own limited knowledge on the subject.

“Ah… I am familiar with people who do not feel physical attraction and don’t desire sex,” Jysel remarked, crossing his arms as his face twisted with thought. “I can’t say I’m familiar with preferring a certain sex. It isn’t uncommon to visually prefer those who present as ‘male’ or ‘female,’ but any grown Syldrari cares more about who the person is . Not how they look…ah. That said, queens tend to be physically attracted to those they can produce offspring with. Even then, they usually have other romantic partners… None of this is making sense to you, is it?”

It’s like you’re trying to tell me that, this whole time, the sky has been yellow and not blue. I placed a hand on one hip and sighed. You’ve given me a lot to think about. I didn’t realize Syldrari relationships were so complicated.

“…I find human relationships to be more complicated.” Jysel looked aghast. “How is anyone ever emotionally fulfilled or physically satisfied with only one partner? How do they find one right one out of potential dozens? It doesn’t make sense!”

Uh…whereas I’d ask you how someone finds more than one ‘right one.’ I frowned, tilting my head. It’s difficult enough to find one person to mesh with, let alone multiple.

“We…will be here all night and then some if we continue this conversation,” Jysel murmured, flushing deep blue as he glanced away from me. “And you’re supposed to be on patrol. We should continue onward.”

Oh, so you’re just going to drop that information on me and change the subject? I don’t think so! I quickly moved around him, blocking his way. Again, he averted his gaze, and his glow shifted to deep yellow. The way I see it is, if you’re potentially going to force me into a position where I have to become your clan’s queen, the least you can do is have this discussion with me and help me understand.

Jysel hesitated. “What…do you want to ask?”

You’ve told me what the social norm is but not what individuals feel about it, I pointed out simply. I can ‘get’ that it’s a social norm, but how do Lun’iri like yourself feel about it?

“Uh…” Jysel looked utterly perplexed and took a moment to think, rubbing his chin. “Have you…ever been in a situation where what someone else believes is so insanely illogical that you can’t fathom living their way?”

Have you met humans? I asked, earning a grin and laughter in response. I live their way because I have to, not because I want to. Most of what they do seems illogical.

“That is how most of us feel about monogamy,” Jysel offered with a small smile. “There are cases where someone wishes to be another’s ‘one and only’…but it rarely comes from a healthy place. We are not, I believe the human idiom would be ‘wired,’ to exist that way. We are…communal in most that we do, as that is what it took to survive on Syldra, and what is required to survive throughout many parts of the universe.”

When you put it that way… I tilted my head.

“Consider this, as well: The trikar!xi isn’t the only one who needs fulfillment in a relationship,” Jysel offered. “As an Iri, you can only offer certain manners of support and ah… pleasure , to your partners. There are some forms of even emotional support and understanding that a Lun’iri may only be able to receive from another Lun’iri.

“An example… Ah. Perhaps this will help your understanding. My late father was queen-obsessed, but despite this, he chose to…cheat? on their relationship group with a Lun’iri soldier under his command.”

Why was ‘cheat’ a question? I leaned toward him slightly.

“I… That is the human term, isn’t it?” Jysel murmured, crossing his arms and his gaze drifting out of focus. When his attention sharpened again. “Yes. ‘Cheating.’ A betrayal of a romantic partner. Or, in the case of Syldrari, a romantic group.

“As I was saying… He did this because he was not fulfilled in the group, yet he was simultaneously too immature and too fanatical to discuss his needs. He took matters into his own hands, and when discovered, he was assigned to this area of space as a form of isolation punishment.”

So, faithfulness is to the group and not a single person…? I wondered mulling it over, forgetting for a moment that he could hear me—until he nodded his confirmation, that is.

“The soldier he pursued is…quite traumatized by the experience. My father, in his obsessive nature, refused to allow the soldier to have any other relationships—romantic or otherwise. This is common in the Syldrari who seek out monogamous relationships. Unhealthy, maddening obsession that doesn’t account for how the other person feels. If you were to speak of monogamy to most other Syldrari…” he trailed off and let his words hang in the air, then glanced away in discomfort. “I suppose what I am trying to tell you is to be cautious. You may give others the wrong idea about your personality, or unintentionally upset those around you.”

Mmm… You’ve given me a lot to think about, I remarked, before glancing up, feeling wetness hit my cheek. I let out a soft sigh and shot Jysel a small smile. Thank you for being patient with me. I can make my own way from here, you’re still a wanted man, and—

Jysel arched an eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest. “We’re not even to the corpses yet. I am not going anywhere. Furthermore…you’re meant to patrol in a storm without protection? Do they treat all their soldiers so poorly?”

I shrugged, then turned to start walking. No idea, I don’t have much contact with people outside of HQ and the Syldrari Sector. Who we’re allowed to interact with, and how, is inconsistent at best and suspicious at worst.

Jysel fell into step with me, his expression pensive. Then, he finally seemed to remember his original intention of keeping himself hidden. His hooded helmet returned, and he then vanished from the visible spectrum. Then, he returned to speaking in the uncomfortably intimate method. “Will you at least consider what I’ve said? Both about queenhood, and our plural relationships? I…would rather not experience what might happen if you chose a single Lun’iri—especially when Rel and I are involved. Worse yet if you choose between us. With how attached Rel has become, I…”

I’ll think about the queen issue, I informed him, then took a firm tone for the rest, As for relationships, to be blunt I’m not looking for any manner of relationship. Not until I’m free of the empire—if I ever am. Romance is the last thing on my mind…but I will try to understand Syldrari customs, at least. It sounds as though I must keep it in mind, if I’m also to consider becoming a queen.

“That is reasonable,” Jysel remarked quietly, he went to say something else, but immediately fell silent when we came upon a pile of Syldrari bodies and their parts stuffed in the corner of the alley.

The Syldrari were mostly male, but there appeared to be at least two women among the dead as well. They wore ragged clothes, and had numerous scars made from primitive weapons. Additionally, they each had a brand on their upper arm in symbols I didn’t recognize.

“Please do not linger.” Jysel’s hand rested on my shoulder, though he didn’t reappear. “Simply know they deserved to die for both the crimes they had already committed, and those they were planning. We confirmed that Citomy’s prison ship was full of…quite awful people. I would rather not repeat their deeds.”

Tch, she’s like an overgrown child throwing a tantrum. She isn’t much better than these people. I stalked past the dead Syldrari, doing my best to hold my breath until we were far away from them. Thankfully, the path angled upward around the corner.

“Only because she isn’t trying,” Jysel muttered venomously. I sensed him pause, then after a moment he asked, “Zafir says that you have information to relay to me?”

I do? I asked blankly, wracking my mind for whatever the hell Zafir could have been going on about. Furthermore, why had he been so quiet on my end? Not a damn peep since I came across Jysel. Does he mean… Oh! He must want me to tell you about the incoming fleet, and the empire’s response

“The… what ?” Jysel exclaimed. “You didn’t think to say— …sorry. I’m sorry. I know. Orders, keeping up appearances…nnnghh.”

Yeaaah. I raised an eyebrow. Anyway, there is a combat-capable fleet in this system now, on their way to this planet. We don’t know who they are, if they mean to start a fight, or if they’re merely passing through. The humans have aimed the resonance weapon to the skies in preparation.

“…then my timeline has been shifted.” Jysel halted, reappearing in front of me, suitless. He turned to face me, his expression one of determination. “I hate to ask this of you when it was I who insisted on escorting you, but will you be alright continuing on your own? The weapon platform must be disabled, and such a fleet could arrive in a matter of hours.”

I’ll be fine. My shift is almost over. If needed…hmmm, this is near Rel’s, right? I asked, taking a quick look around my surroundings.

“Yes—he, Aldiner, and Ciheri can help you if you need it.” Jysel nodded firmly and moved to walk past me, but he hesitated in line with me. “I…apologize for leaving you like this. And for my behavior in the past. I am trying to be more…understanding.”

We’re both trying. I’d say that’s progress, I mused, before giving him a small smile. Really, I’ll be fine. Seeing to the weapon’s platform is more important than escorting one Iri in circles around the sector. If that weapon is fired, you won’t have anything left to worry about.

“You are certainly right about that.” Jysel vanished again. “Take care, Elara. Don’t linger longer than you must.”

With him gone, I started walking again and referenced the time on the inside of my visor. Once I finished the route, it would be time for me to head back to HQ. I wasn’t keen on going back there, especially with tensions rising and with the pressure Citomy was placing on the empire, but it was better than what would potentially happen to the Syldrari if I tried to stay with any of them. For whatever reason, Zafir seemed content to remain utterly silent. I figured he must have been overseeing issues for one of my teammates.

I glanced down at myself, and the blood clinging to my feet and lower legs. Ugh, I can’t go to the main thoroughfare like this.

I moved far enough from the gore that there was no more blood, then summoned a sphere of water between my hands, doing my best to rinse off. As I worked, I caught the sound of slow, measured footsteps growing closer. Glancing to my left, I spotted the cultist strolling toward me, an intrigued smile on his lips, his arms crossed as he studied me. He wore the same long coat as before, but this time his hood was down.

I don’t have time for this… I sighed, debating how to convey as much to him. It wasn’t like I had a sign to draw on, and I didn’t want to assume he had the same ability as Jysel. My instincts told me to run, causing me to frown. I hadn’t felt that way about the one at Rel’s cafe. But, this first one… I eyed him warily as I let the water splash to the ground and rose to my feet. Same one…? No, I don’t think so. Something is different. Height? Yes, but also…ah. He moves differently. Less graceful.

“I’m not here for you,” the cultist remarked, stopping a few yards from me. “A shame, that. Your abilities seem quite intriguing. Elara, was it? An interesting choice of moniker…”

Seriously, what is Zafir— I refocused on my visor, and released an agitated sigh. Of course it had been disabled. Why wouldn’t it.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m aware what your orders are. I know you can’t respond.” The cultist chuckled, taking a few more steps toward me. “All you need to do is listen. Ah—but you were told we had left this planet, weren’t you? I doubt you believed that.”

I crossed my arms irritably, hoping he would get to the point.

He turned, fixing his bright green eyes on the cloudy sky. “The R’selkti, rogue clans, my clan, and so many other species… It draws everyone in, but why? This planet is unremarkable at best, now that the humans have swarmed over it like the plague they are.

“The explanation is the queens. So much power all on one planet draws attention from any species. Syldrari have always been valued as trading partners and allies…but the human empire is so young. How long have they been capturing queens and using them for experiments?

“Most would say ‘too long.’ I wanted a more accurate answer.”

When he paused, I did the best, “ and ?” motion that I could.

“This planet once belonged to the Abyss Father. Someone took it from him, and gave it to the humans,” the cultist breathed, his eyes still on the skies. “We found the remains of Syldrari structures buried deep beneath the ice caps, and some by the equator. After some investigation…we discovered the humans have banned archaeological work on this planet for centuries. Before there were 53 captive queens… we believe there was one.

“ You do not make sense .”

I sighed and shrugged. It wasn’t like I had the answers, even if I wanted them. In a motion faster than I could follow, the cultist closed the distance and snatched off my visor. “Your suit is ancient! Syldrari haven’t used this model in thousands of years! I wager the inside of your visor…” His eyes widened as he turned it over in his hands.

I held out a hand expectantly, “I need that back.”

“ You may not be ancient, but your suit…” he looked from my visor to me and back. “A survivor, perhaps? Or…”

The cultist grew pale, his eyes widening and his mouth twisting in rage. “Did they…a queen… They wouldn’t dare …”

“My visor. Please?” I reiterated, as the horrified man finally looked to my hand, then my face.

Much like the others who had seen me without my visor while suited, the cultist looked astounded by whatever it was he saw. It was almost as if he was looking into me, not at me. He was so stunned, that his control of his servant flickered several times.

Finally, he spoke in a measured, neutral tone, “Your files say that your memory was destroyed by the Resonance Incident. That isn’t true, is it?”

“Ah…” I sighed heavily and pressed my fingers to my temples. Considering I’d already spoken, and I was beginning to hate misinformation, I decided to answer him. “It’s true I don’t remember anything prior to the Incident. However, the manner of removal requires technology the humans would have had to steal, borrow, or buy. There is nothingness where my memories should be. No chance for retrieval. Does that answer your question?”

“That would imply…” he whispered, taken aback. After a moment, he offered my visor back to me. “I thank you for answering this vessal. That information changes matters, drastically. The R’selkti twins would not have been responsible, meaning they are not our target. We are back to where we began…but that is preferable to eliminating those who are not involved with this planet’s injustices.”

“Perhaps, instead of wildly chasing loose ends, you should focus on the looming threats,” I suggested icily. “There are too many threats of war hanging over this planet, and if the humans act—”

“Why do you care what we do?”

“Do you honestly think I want to see all life on this planet and in its orbit erased?”

He smiled slightly. “Point taken. The flora and fauna are beautiful…even if the self-proclaimed natives are not most of the time.

“We will advise our operatives to avoid incurring your wrath. We find Iri like you are more reasonable when the natural world isn’t in danger.” He paused, tilting his head. “One piece of advice. Train. Your elemental and more… unique abilities are leaking.”

My…? Oh. After the cultist vanished in a streak of downward neon green light, I looked around myself. Tiny electrical currents arced through the water pooled around me, and dark ooze shifted in the shadows. I let out a small sigh as I put my visor back on. I…guess it’s well past time I utilized the amulet Rel gave me, isn’t it? I can’t be losing control during times like these.

Lights shone above me, and I looked up to find a skycar drifting down into the alley. Acheron and Styx—Aisu and Maelor respectively— dropped out of it in their suits and walked over warily. Acheron was the one to speak up first, “Zafir sent us to pick you up. Somethin’ about losing contact?”

I released a small sigh. “Yeah. Let’s go. I should make a report.”

“Bring it down, Erik!” Styx called upward, waving one arm.

The soldier obliged, and three of the doors swung upward. Acheron and Styx climbed in the back, and I took the seat next to Erik. He shot me an odd look, before pressing a button to close the doors and driving up.

“Yeah, Zafir, we got her. Why?” Styx asked aloud. “Uh… Sec. Hey, Elara, can you check your visor? Zafir says it won’t reconnect.”

“Mmm?” I reached up and lightly tapped the sides. When nothing changed, I pulled it off an eyed the interior, pausing when I spotted a tiny disc tucked into the blind spot. On its case, there was a single symbol I didn’t recognize. I did my best to remove it without anyone noticing, then tried again. “Nope. Nothing.”

Erik gave me a side eye. “Want to stop by Rel’s real quick and let him know you’re alright?”

I studied Erik’s knowing expression, then turned my attention forward. “Sure, we can make a quick stop.”

I tucked the case in the hem of one of my gloves and put my visor back on. Erik pulled up in front of Rel’s closed cafe, but Rel was already on the way out of his apartment when we landed.

“Be quick,” Erik called as I got out.

“Right. Will do. Thanks.” I nodded, before turning and meeting Rel at the bottom of the outside stairs.

“Quickly and privately?” Rel inquired before I could open my mouth. He gave me a comforting smile. “I can see that you’re rushed, concerned, and nervous. Come upstairs.”

When we got into his apartment, I didn’t waste any time. I took of my visor and set it aside, then pulled the disc out of my glove. “I came across another cultist…‘disciple,’ during my patrol. He slipped this into my visor after stealing it.”

“Did he hurt you?” Rel narrowed his eyes, reexamining me.

“Nothing other than my brain. Too much information on top of my conversation with Jysel.” I shook my head, watching as Rel instead focused his attention on my visor.

“You saw Jysel? And had a conversation ?” Rel glanced at me, surprised. “Well, that is an improvement. If only it hadn’t taken extremes to make him behave kindly. Honestly. He would do well to…”

Rel trailed off when he finally turned his attention to the disc, his gaze landing on the symbol I didn’t recognize.

“What is it?” I asked, a little alarmed by Rel’s reaction. He looked livid , his glow having gone a deep, almost black red. I half expected him to crush the object in his hand and be done with it.

“Does Zafir know about this?” Rel inquired quietly.

“No, my visor is busted. It won’t reconnect to HQ.” I frowned and moved over to Rel, grasping his arm. “What’s wrong?”

“That will depend on the contents of this disc…” he hesitated, glancing down at me. “You can’t stay?”

“I’m afraid not.” I shook my head.

Rel released a long sigh, his gaze drifting away from me and to the floor. “I will look into the contents, but I won’t promise to divulge them to you when next we meet.”

“Can you tell me what the symbol is?” I asked with a small frown.

“I can tell you that it is a word or a crest,” Rel answered hesitantly, then shook his head. “Until I know more, and for certain, I will say nothing else on the matter: save for that I believe he intended for you to bring this to me or Jysel.”

“And nothing else?” I sighed and gave him a tired smile. “I’m too tired to pout, especially when I’m certain you have my best interests in mind. Just…do me a favor. Don’t forget about your best interests.”

“Go get some sleep.” Rel adopted a soothing tone and ran his fingers through my damp hair. “Or at least a hot meal. You are drenched .”

“Too tired to notice.” I grimaced. Rel just shook his head at me and escorted me toward the door, though he hesitated to open it. “What is it, Rel?”

“I can’t help but question if letting you return to that place is the right move. How many times can you go there and return before you’re changed into a new person?” Rel inhaled deeply, steeling himself, his eyes focusing sharply. “I will find a solution, even if it requires that I go over Jysel and Zafir’s heads.”

“Hey, don’t do anything foolish with these grandiose aims of yours,” I countered, grabbing the front of his shirt, and tugging to make him look down at me. “I want you in one piece—and alive, and sane, and you .”

“And I simply want the same for you. We will find a way.” Rel leaned down and kissed my forehead briefly. “Go, I shouldn’t keep you… yet .”

He shooed me out the door with a smirk, then closed it behind me. I grumbled under my breath, feeling heat rising in my cheeks at his insinuation.

“Ready?” Erik asked as I got in the skycar again.

“No. Let’s go,” I answered dryly.

“Heh. Yes ma’am.”

[ Author's Site | | Discord | Facebook | Other Work | My Books on Amazon ]

For quicker releases, Advanced Reading Copy opportunities, and behind the scenes posts--check out my Patreon!