Chapter 21
21
Selena
W aking up in the arms of my Favored after a night of passion, conversation, and togetherness felt peaceful—almost dreamlike. It was as if time had stopped and allowed us a moment to breathe —as I enjoyed my last night without my cubs.
Xylo and Odelm knew how to comfort me and soothe my doubts—together—as they showed me how worthy I was to be the Aldawi Beacon, even though they wouldn’t be by my side during my Harvest Festival announcement.
The morning was a blur, with everyone hurrying around, packing last-minute provisions and getting ready to be transported to the hangar, where we would take off on our journey to Liskta.
I stood at the edge of the space dock, its sleek metallic and glass platform slick from the ocean’s mist, sprayed by the waves rolling on the shore below.
Behind me, my clan, family, and closest friends gathered, their chatter filling the air, all waiting for us to depart. The gentle sea breeze ruffled my hair, a familiar sensation that brought a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
The vast expanse of the ocean stretched ahead, its deep purple waters and gentle lavender waves meeting the horizon in a graceful curve. And beyond that, the endless expanse of space, with Lunkai peering down, beckoning us to start our journey into the stars.
Odelm and Xylo had remained by my side all morning, helping me shower and dress. Thay now sat beside me on the lift to the royal docks. It was as if they knew how hard it was going to be for me to leave them behind, even after showering me with reassurance all last night.
“I’m going to follow behind you on my Abyss .”
With a heavy heart, I tore my eyes away from the serene scene and faced the sea of faces surrounding my clan, whispering and pointing.
Kaede stood in a sleek black suit, his cape billowing behind him in the gentle breeze. His long dark hair flowed around his face, partially hidden by his visor. Though I couldn’t see his eyes, I could feel the intensity of his gaze on me.
Frowning, with an eyebrow raised, I peered between him and Zirene. “Should I be worried?”
Kaede’s gaze flicked toward Zirene, who gave a quick nod of approval. Kaede then flashed me a fang-filled smile. “Nothing is wrong, but I want to be prepared for the worst. B and Q will be piloting your vessel. The rest of the Fab Five will be here preparing for the retrieval mission to the asteroid base. Kaica will remain with the rest of the healing team to continue monitoring your Favored’s conditions while you are gone.”
“What about everyone else?”
“They will be with us,” Zirene replied, gesturing to B’s new royal transport, awaiting its maiden voyage. “Mwe’s vessel will meet us there, so he can depart on his own when the Harvest Festival is over.”
Kaede stormed toward me, a determined set to his jaw. He grabbed my face with both hands, pulling me closer until our lips collided in a fierce, desperate kiss. His lips were firm and demanding, his tongue exploring every inch of my mouth, filled with unspoken promises. I melted into him. Every inch of me surrendered to his embrace, my hands clutching at his suit, desperate to hold onto the moment.
He swiftly pulled away, leaving us both breathless as he pressed his forehead to mine. “You will be safe,” he whispered. I could feel his heated gaze through his visor. “When we finally reach our destination, I can’t wait to reveal the surprise I have for you—something to look forward to on this short journey. And then, I will be back in your shadow, always watching you.”
In the blink of an eye, he was gone, leaving behind the phantom sensation of his warmth on my skin.
“Show-off,” Zirene muttered, shaking his head. “Now that you’ve claimed him, he loves displaying that he’s worthy of your attention, and yet still deadly.”
“He always feels like he has to prove himself.” I frowned, following his mental thread to the mountain base. “If not to me, then to himself. I hope he doesn’t avoid me while we are on Liskta.”
“If he does, you’ll know it’s because he’s working hard to protect those he loves and cares for.”
V’dim and Z’fir approached, nodding toward Xylo and Odelm.
“We’ll get the others situated.” V’dim pulled me into a brief embrace, wrapping his arm around my waist. “Then we’ll be waiting for you on board.”
“Rest well, nestbrothers.” Z’fir placed a hand on my hip and gave me a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll take good care of our nestqueen, and make sure she doesn’t worry…too much.”
Zirene scanned the crowd on the royal docks—the rest of the Fab Five, my villa’s healing team, and my Favored’s fathers. “Keep Destima safe and in order,” he said sternly and turned to Xylo and Odelm. “Don’t overexert yourselves while we’re gone. I don’t want my Beacon worrying about her Favored.”
“I’ll continue my research and stay out of trouble.” Xylo nodded with a warm grin. “I want to see if the Oetsae can help us create an improved healing balm, to quicken our healing process.”
“I’ll practice my music and reflect on everything that has happened,” Odelm promised, finding my gaze. “I’m hoping to have a few pieces to share with everyone when you return.”
“That sounds wonderful,” I muttered, relieved my Favored were going to keep themselves busy while I was gone. “I’ll look forward to catching up when I return.”
Zirene grabbed each of their shoulders, nodding at them. “May the Stars guide you both.”
“And you too, Clanbrother.” Xylo held his gaze, unchallenging.
“May the Stars bless your announcement, Sovereign.” Odelm exposed his neck to my Shadow. “Xylo and I can’t wait to see it streamed across the territory.”
“It will be a glorious Harvest Festival indeed,” Zirene purred. His perky ears and relaxed demeanor were a clear indicator of my Shadow’s good mood. He released their shoulders, gave them another nod, then turned toward the vessel to leave, dragging his tail against my leg as he passed me.
With the rest of my clan waiting for me to board, I gazed at Xylo and Odelm, feeling tears forming at the corners of my eyes as my heart ached with the knowledge that I had to say goodbye.
Xylo cupped my cheek, his touch warm and reassuring. “Everything will be all right,” he whispered. “Enjoy yourself.” His thumb dragged along my cheek, his pupil-less teal gaze glowing slightly as he held me. “I love you, Selena. And I can’t wait for the universe to know I’m mated to the Aldawi Beacon.”
His lips met mine in a passionate kiss. His mouth was warm and inviting, his tongue dancing with mine in a rhythm that spoke of love and longing. The kiss was slow, deep, and tender—intensely claiming. He was my first love—my Primary—and I wanted him to remember that as I clung to him, pouring all my feelings into the kiss, knowing it would have to sustain me until we were reunited.
Odelm’s presence behind me, his hands on my hips, completed the sensation of being wholly loved and cherished by my Favored.
As we pulled away, I peered into Xylo’s eyes, seeing the depth of his love and commitment to me. “I love you too,” I whispered. “Always.”
Xylo gave me a warm smile as he brushed my short hair away from my face. “Return to me, my Nestqueen.”
“I will.”
I gave him a quick peck on the lips before turning in Odelm’s embrace. I placed my hands on his chest, staring up at my gorgeous Ulax musician. His jade eyes held a depth of emotion that made my heart swell. I grabbed his cheeks and smashed my lips against his.
Our kiss was full of longing and love, a melding of souls. His lips were soft yet demanding, and I met his fervor with my own. His hand tangled in my hair, pulling me closer. Our tongues danced together, exploring each other’s mouths with a sense of urgency, passion, and possession. Every stroke felt like a reaffirmation of our love and devotion to each other. It was a kiss that spoke of promises, reinforcing the bond between us.
As we pulled away, gasping for air, I knew that this moment would be etched in my memory, to hold onto until I returned.
“I love you, dearly. Be kind to yourself.” I reached up and brushed my thumb against his cheek, cupping it gently as our eyes locked. “I’m excited to hear the songs you’ve created for me once I come back.”
Odelm kissed the top of my head, squeezing my hips gently. “If you promise to enjoy yourself, I’ll feel at ease and can focus on my healing.”
“I promise,” I replied, giving him a soft grin.
He let me go and stepped back, allowing me to turn toward them both. “I’ll miss you both so much.”
“We’ll be here,” Odelm said, his voice a soothing balm to my heart. “Go and shine, Selena. We’ll be waiting for you, always.”
Xylo nodded, his teal eyes glowing with love and reassurance. “May the Stars guide you back to us.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath and turning toward the vessel, ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing I carried their love with me. With a final glance at my Favored, I stepped onto the boarding ramp. I felt their eyes on me, their support unwavering as I took my first step along a new path without them.