Chapter 6
6
Selena
I sensed him before I saw his vessel.
Mwe’s presence pressed down upon me like a weighted blanket—noticeable but not oppressive. It felt almost like the Circuli mental web, but… more .
Looking around, I could tell that the crowd sensed him as well. Their faces were raised to the sky as they tried to figure out what was going on—whom they were sensing above the mental web I’d built to protect and hold them.
Mwe was used to making his presence known to all who came near the CEG Space Station, in contrast to his daughter, Oeta, who was accustomed to muting her presence, making it easier for others to be near her.
But I hadn’t felt him on the space station, outside the assembly, to the extent I did now.
Gazing at the large vessel descending from the sky, my heart pounded as I wondered if I was truly prepared for this political dance. Many lives were on the line. I clutched Zirene’s paw tighter, drawing strength from his presence. His tail curled around my ankle in a comforting gesture, offering silent reassurance.
Kaede, ever the protector, my fierce royal guard, stood before us, his cape billowing around him as the wind picked up from the ship’s descent. I could feel his resolve, his determination, through our mental connection. It was as if his very spirit was shielding me from the elements.
Xylo hovered close by, his silent presence reassuring, while Odelm stood beside him and my princes stood by Zirene. My Circuli mates formed a protective circle around us, creating the illusion of privacy from the crowd that had gathered nearby.
The ship landed with a soft thud, and the mental network hummed with curiosity. I could feel the whispers of awe and anticipation, as everyone prepared to meet the Head Chairman of the CEG Assembly.
He was here because of Oeta, his daughter, to whom we had offered refuge. This visit would be crucial to earn his support for the outsiders before we presented our demands to the Assembly.
I was the Aldawi Beacon, and Queen to the Circuli on Destima. The people on Destima were mine , and it was up to me to protect them from the darkness that lurked in the galaxy—and beyond.
I was not afraid.
I knew Mwe. Maybe not as well as others, but he considered me a daughter, for how close I had become with Oeta since I’d gone out of my way to help her honor her late mother.
Mwe was here because he wanted the best for his daughter, and by extension, for us.
Scanning the sky, I took in the golden mental web and wondered if the weight of Mwe’s presence would wash away what I’d built—like combing a hand through a silk spidae web.
“Selena, you have nothing to worry about. Mwe won’t be able to take over your mental network,” Vowels’ calming voice echoed in my mind, his soothing words were a balm to my worries. “The Oetsae in the cave would never permit a hostile takeover.”
His words brought some relief, but the news caused a new course of thoughts.
“ Would it be possible for the Oetsae to hold the network? ”
Vowels failed to reply right away, and I wondered if he was thinking about all aspects of my question before responding.
“Yes, we could. But it’s better for your Circuli citizens to have you in charge. You are, after all, mated to four of them. Tied to them both mentally and physically by their bonding spores. If the Oetsae took control, it would be more clinical. They would not be able to fully understand the biological and social aspects of those connected to the mental web. My kind won’t be able to give your people what they need if they don’t have a Circuli host.”
He was right.
This was my moon, my mental network, and my responsibility.
No one else could completely replace me, even if they tried. And all the burdens that came with my power were mine alone, regardless of how powerful my mates were.
I had been created to adapt , to absorb major attributes of my mates in order to reproduce with other species. This ability had allowed me to develop—to evolve—and become more powerful in such a short period of time by taking in my mates.
Our love for each other made me stronger. It was my responsibility to protect them all by using my power and the mental network I governed.
“ Thank you, Vowels ,” I pathed, gratitude seeping into my mental voice. “ For reminding me of my responsibility, and my strength. ”
With renewed determination, I steeled myself to face Mwe, to show him that while I might be a demihuman, I was not to be underestimated. I was the protector of my moon and my people, and I would rise to every challenge that came my way.
It was important for me to show him that the strength he’d seen in me when I’d stood before the Assembly was enduring.
The air was charged with anticipation as the vessel’s door slid open.
A tall figure emerged. Mwe commanded respect and emanated an aura of powerful tranquility. He wore an elaborate outfit that reflected his status, composed of a black robe with intricate patterns in an array of blues and greens to go with the magenta aura that radiated from his black skin. A pair of large lavender glass-like wings were partially folded behind him, framed by black veins that attached to their base. His hair, a mohawk of magenta strands, seemed to dance in the coastal winds, and his sharp magenta eyes scanned the area before landing on me.
My heart pounded in my chest, but I held his gaze, chin lifted. I felt everyone’s collective presence in the mental network, a nervous energy humming through us. The crowd’s eyes were all on us.
The Nyaviel were a formidable species that bordered the side of the Aldawi’s territory opposite to our rivals, the Quaww. They were a secluded species, purposely avoiding outside contact with species whose psychic abilities were inferior to their own. Their power and long lives made reproduction an afterthought, which had led to a dwindling population over generations.
Oeta was continuing her late mother’s research, which aimed to solve reproductive problems not only for her species but also galaxy wide.
Her father’s presence served as a tangible reminder of the delicate dance of galactic politics in which we were involved, especially since we were assisting his daughter’s research efforts. After all, if Oeta had a breakthrough, we might be able to give demihumans—and other species—a chance to become parents too.
Even as I held these thoughts, my gaze was steady on Mwe, unwavering and confident. I was a leader, mated to the remarkable males beside me, and responsible for the well-being of my people.
I had nothing to fear.
Mwe approached us, his long strides consuming the distance. As he stopped before us, he bowed his head respectfully. “Beacon Selena,” he greeted, his voice a deep, echoing rumble that seemed to vibrate through the air, silencing all around us.
“Head Chairman Mwe,” I replied, not breaking eye contact. His eyes met mine, and I nodded as a silent understanding passed through us. “Welcome to Destima.”
I gestured around us, to my moon that was rapidly becoming proof of the collective efforts and dreams of my citizens. It was a beacon of hope, a sanctuary to those in need across the vast expanse of the galaxy, and I was immensely proud of what we had achieved so far.
Mwe’s eyes flashed with approval, and a wide grin spread across his face.
“As you are aware, I have been looking forward to this visit.” He dipped his head to expose his neck to Zirene. “Sovereign Zirene.”
“Chamber Master Mwe. It’s an honor to be able to house your daughter, Oeta. We’ve enjoyed having her here with us.” Zirene wrapped a paw around my waist and drew me closer, pressing me against his side as his tail tightened around my leg. “My Beacon has been looking forward to showing you her moon. We hope you will join us for our coronation at the Aldawi Harvest Festival in a few days’ time.”
“I would be honored to.” Mwe expanded his wings, bowing his head, and then resumed his relaxed posture. “But first, I would like to settle down after my long trip, and perhaps explore your moon, before we conduct business.”
“Of course.” I nodded and turned toward my lethal assassin. “Kaede, could you have Vagren have his team bring his belongings?”
He shot a glance my way and nodded. “Your will is mine.” He pursed his lips and returned to his stoic stare, watching Mwe with great interest.
“Thank you.” I gave him a mental hug—like I often did to my Circuli nestmates—knowing full well that he didn’t like being in the presence of a Nyaviel. My royal guard didn’t trust them not to pry into others’ minds. “I’ll make it up to you later.”
By his lips twitching into a slight smirk and the tilt of his head, I knew he’d heard me and accepted my offer.
Returning my attention to our honored guest, I gave him a warm smile. “Chamber Master Mwe—”
“I thought you didn’t do titles,” Mwe teased, lifting an eyebrow. “We aren’t on the space station, and even though my vacation has been tied to some unofficial business, I don’t require the separation of polite decorum between us. Not when I’m trying to see what my daughters are up to.”
“ Mwe ,” I repeated slowly, stressing his name. “I assume it’s been awhile since you’ve been able to enjoy the freedom of flight. Would you like to stretch your wings and have Oeta lead you to my villa?”
Mwe’s eyes jumped with excitement, his aura brightened as he ruffled his wings with a wide grin. “You know how to give me the very thing my heart—and wings—yearn for. I would love to accept your offer and reunite with your party at your home.”
“My sky is open to you.”
Mwe opened his wings wide, earning him a series of gasps from the crowd as he bowed. “You honor me.”