Chapter 22
22
Z’fir
T hey were sitting in the large common lounge of the new luxurious royal transport named ShadowClaw —a new ship designed and crafted by Kaede, fully equipped with its own Oetsae staff like his Abyss . While his clanbrother’s craft was designed for battle and swift maneuvering, this transport was meant to shuttle the new Aldawi leaders in style —at least, that was what Kaede had explained to them. Its main purpose was to keep Selena and the clan safe while they traveled across the stars.
The interior of the spacecraft was like a luxurious palace, fit for royalty—every detail had been carefully chosen to exude opulence. The plush velvet seats beckoned invitingly, their deep purple hues contrasting the shimmering silver accents that adorned every corner. The regal colors of black and purple, representing the Aldawi royal family, added an air of elegance to the interior.
Luxuries were commonplace for most leaders, but it wasn’t Selena’s nature to care about such displays of wealth. As someone who had come from nothing, he knew she didn’t always comprehend the power she wielded—until recently, at least.
He was proud of her, exercising her new status and using her connection with the Chamber Master to help the refugees at the asteroid base.
His main concern was that someone would take advantage of her gracious generosity, and she would become jaded. Hopefully, she would never have to deal with such a travesty.
Even as they soared through space at high speeds, the passengers could hardly feel a thing thanks to the advanced shock-absorbing flight system. The only indication of their movement was the subtle swaying and the ever-changing view outside the large windows.
Selena had lain her head on Z’fir’s lap, her breathing steady and calm as he gently brushed her hair. His bondbrother was at her feet, massaging them with practiced, soothing strokes, sending calming thoughts to their nestqueen.
Destima orbited around Lunkai, visible through the expansive windows. The planet’s purple, black, and silver hues created a mesmerizing backdrop.
Z’fir felt it as soon as they left the atmosphere—a gentle tug and a snap, like their mental thread being plucked.
Across from them, Oeta sat beside her father, her eyes calm and reassuring. “It’s done,” she announced. Her fuchsia aura flared. “Xylo and Odelm have taken over Destima’s Circuli mental network.”
Selena gasped, her eyes instantly finding his. “Is that normal? Is that how it felt for you both when I first took over?”
Z’fir paused his brushing and grabbed her hand, placing it on the window so that her fingers covered Destima. “It was more intense for us,” he said softly. “After holding the mental web for years on our ship, with only my bondbrother for support. First it was gradual—a shared burden between the three of us as you unconsciously slowly took over—but when you returned with Kaede, you instantly gained control while we were in the Cryopods.”
V’dim nodded. “I still have a phantom sensation of the mental web. It’s muted, but it’s there, lingering in the background.”
Mwe, his wings folded neatly behind him, leaned forward slightly, his magenta gaze focused on Z’fir’s nestqueen. “How do you feel, Selena?”
Selena glanced over her shoulder at the Nyaviel pair. “It feels like someone put a blanket over it, covering the whole network from me. I can sense it exists, and that I’m still connected, but I can’t feel or hear anything.”
“Can you still feel your connections with your Favored?” Mwe’s voice was slow, calculated, and gentle.
She turned her head toward her hand, which was covering the moon, closing her eyes and frowning. Z’fir could feel her reaching out, her mental tendrils searching.
He exchanged a worried glance with V’dim. “Can you sense anything?” Z’fir pathed to his bondbrother.
V’dim closed his eyes and breathed out, shaking his head. “No, nothing.”
Tears formed in the corners of Selena’s eyes, and she twisted her body around. “I can’t reach them,” she announced, her voice trembling. “The threads are there, but I can’t speak to them.”
Oeta spoke gently, glancing worriedly at her father. “But you can sense that they are alive?”
Selena nodded, wiping away a stray tear. “Yes. But the connection feels distant, like a whisper I can’t quite hear.”
Z’fir squeezed her hand, offering her a reassuring smile. “It’s a temporary separation, Selena. They are still with you. Think of it like whenever you place the veil over your mental doors to us. We know you are alive and well, but we can’t feel your emotions or hear your thoughts, unless they’re strong and direct.”
“Exactly,” V’dim soothed. “You’re still connected to both your Favored and the Circuli mental web. You’ll reach them again soon.”
“Do you think I could become strong enough to hold the mental network and keep my mental threads to our clan open from afar?” Selena asked, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and doubt. She turned to Mwe, hoping the Chamber-Master-turned-adoptive-father would have the answers she sought.
“It’s possible over time,” Mwe responded, his tone measured, his wings shifting slightly. “But it will take training and dedication.”
Selena’s frown deepened. “What if I never become strong enough?”
Mwe sighed, his wings drooping, in what Z’fir would guess was disappointment. “We don’t know much about humans and their descendants, the demihumans,” Mwe admitted. “Your species’ strength lies in adaptability and shielding. Beyond that, it’s a mystery.”
Selena’s eyebrows knitted together, and her lips pressed tightly into a thin line, revealing her frustration as she nodded in agreement. “I knew that. Plus, the research team still hasn’t discovered what species’ genes are spliced into my genome.”
“Unfortunately, that is true,” Oeta interjected gently. “Who knows what your limits are, or if you truly have any. As for your children, their capabilities will only become apparent as they mature.”
Zyxel, who had been silent until now, spoke up. “I am willing to help the research team, but Kaede and the Sovereign forbade me from accessing your files.”
“They are classified,” Oeta stated firmly. “And will remain so until the Sovereign has approved you.”
Zyxel’s eyes darted back and forth, his hands clenched into fists. “I’ve passed every test thrown my way. What more do I have to do to prove myself worthy of your trust?”
“Now isn’t the time for an outburst, Zyxel,” Z’fir intervened, his voice calm but commanding. “Tensions are already high, and we still have much to do today. Adding to the stress won’t help anyone.”
V’dim, sensing the rising tension, gave Z’fir a mental nudge and gripped Selena’s thigh with his tentacle, drawing her attention back to him. “Are you excited to see your children soon?” he asked, his voice soothing, a smile playing on his lips.
Selena’s demeanor shifted instantly. An explosion of happiness, excitement, and longing flooded through their connection as she sat up and twisted, pressing her back to his chest. Her dark blue-green eyes, filled with emotion, met his and then V’dim’s.
She gripped Z’fir’s arm, her voice soft and full of longing. “What do you think my children will say? Do you think they truly missed me? Do you know what they have planned for me? Do you think they won’t want to leave now that they’ve been on Liskta and surrounded by other children their age for so long?”
Z’fir smiled warmly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “They’ve missed you dearly, Selena. Every day without you has been hard for them, though they know what kept you away for so long. I’m sure they have something special in mind for when you reunite, as they’ve dropped hints many times when you called them. And while they may have enjoyed their time with other children, nothing can replace a mother’s love—at least, that’s what I’ve always been told regarding species who actively raise their own offspring.”
V’dim chimed in, his tentacle giving a gentle squeeze. “Your children adore you, Selena. They will be overjoyed to reunite with you. I bet they’re bugging Masmi right now to wait at Liskta’s royal docks.”
Selena’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. A mix of joy and relief coursed through their bond thread. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I can’t wait to hold them in my arms again.”
“I don’t think there’s going to be much holding,” V’dim teased. “They’re too big for you to carry them now.”
Selena’s jovial laughter filled the room, the sound easing the tension in the room. “I’ll be happy as long as I can wrap my arms around them and bury my head in their fur.” She hugged herself tightly, her fingers gripping the fabric of her gown as if she was trying to contain a bundle of her precious cubs within her embrace.
“I can’t wait to take them fishing,” V’dim offered with a warm smile. “After watching them catch fish on the livestreams, it’ll be great to hunt in the water with them. Perhaps even teach them some new tricks.”
Z’fir playfully tapped his bondbrother on the shoulder with a vine. “You’re just trying to show off.”
A mischievous smirk danced on V’dim’s lips. “It’s not my fault we’re going to a desert planet. If I can’t showcase my skills with fishing, my talents would be wasted,” he retorted in a teasing lilt.
“You can massage my feet,” Selena joked, wiggling her toes as she gazed up at Z’fir. “While he fishes, we can relax and laugh at them from the shore.”
“There are those trees with the hard fruits and nuts Kaede mentioned too,” Z’fir said. “I can climb them and use my vines to gather sweet snacks for everyone.”
A soft laugh bubbled up from Selena’s throat, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Honestly, you two are ridiculous,” she declared, her words laced with affection. She let out a sigh of relief, the tension in her shoulders releasing as if a burden had been lifted. “Well, at least it’s better than joining the Mating Games.”
Z’fir arched an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Who said we won’t?” he declared with a sly grin, exchanging a knowing look with his bondbrother. His heart raced with exhilaration at the thought of partaking in a mock battle. “It’s a chance to bond with our clanbrothers and friends.”
V’dim’s eyes lit up with excitement. “I can’t wait to stretch my tentacles in the competition, for the glory of our nestqueen.”
Selena rolled her eyes and grabbed one of Z’fir’s vines and one of V’dim’s tentacles. “I don’t need the two of you losing your appendages because you want to compete for a day with me.”
Zyxel, who had been listening intently, perked up. “What are you talking about? What are the Mating Games?”
Z’fir sent his bondbrother a smirk before turning to the crimson serpent. “Yes, there will be Mating Games in a few days to celebrate the Harvest Festival. It’s a chance for the males to compete in sparring matches and show their worth to eligible females looking for a partner for their mating heat.”
Ryzen’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open. His expression twisted into a look of disgust. “Why would anyone want to do such a thing?” He whipped his head toward Selena, his eyes searching for an explanation. “Do you approve of this?”
Selena sighed and looked to the ceiling, muttering something inaudible under her breath. “Of course I don’t approve, but it’s not up to me. My Shadow and his sister are trying to unite their species’ genders and create a sense of unity. Apparently, the Mating Games are an ancient practice from back before the genders were separated. I agree that inviting males to Liskta to celebrate the Harvest Festival and revive the old traditions is a good idea. I just don’t approve of my mates participating on my behalf.”
“Most of your mates are warriors, battle-worn males who haven’t had a chance to test their skills and show off in a safe environment,” Z’fir gently reminded her. “This would be the perfect way to show you how deadly your mates are—and how capable of defending you, your children, and the clan.”
Selena’s brows furrowed; her lips pressed into a thin line. “At what cost? No one on this vessel can disagree with me that Kaede is lethal, and his protective instincts are in overdrive. What if he hurts someone I love? What if he kills someone accidentally?”
“Selena, we understand your concerns. But Kaede knows his limits, and we will ensure that the games are as safe as possible,” Z’fir said softly as he placed a hand on her shoulder, emphasizing his sincerity. “We wouldn’t let any harm come to our family or anyone else.”
“This isn’t just about proving ourselves to you,” V’dim added, holding her gaze. “It’s about strengthening our bonds, showing unity, and celebrating our clan.”
As Selena let out a heavy sigh. Z’fir could sense the turmoil within her through the tension in their bond. She longed to give them the freedom to enjoy themselves, but her instincts were fiercely protective.
“All right,” Selena finally said, her voice tinged with resignation. “But promise me you’ll be careful. I don’t want anyone getting hurt, especially not over me.”
Z’fir gently placed her brush down on the nearby side table with his vine and began to massage her shoulders. V’dim continued massaging her feet, their combined efforts aimed at kneading away the stress and worries from her body. He hoped that their loving gestures would uplift her spirits and chase away any lingering negativity that may have soured her mood.
“We promise,” V’dim said, meeting Z’fir’s gaze. “It’s nearly impossible for us to injure each other. Our lifelong bond runs so deep that we know each other’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. If separated, we would still sense what the other is experiencing.”
“And our bond with you, Selena, is different but equally strong. We would never do anything to upset you, either.”
Selena nodded, but Z’fir sensed lingering doubt in her thoughts. She quickly shielded her private musings from him, closing the mental door with a gentle screen.
“We need to make sure our nestqueen doesn’t feel threatened by our bondbrother bond,” Z’fir pathed as he eyed Selena. She seemed to have lost interest in the conversation. “We knew before she offered herself to us that any Circuli nestqueen would feel threatened by such a close bond. We’re only hoping to get closer with our clanbrothers, too. We will need to explain that to Selena so that she doesn’t feel…”
“Secondary to our bond,” V’dim pathed, tinged with concern as the weight of his unease grew heavier over their bond. “Just as Odelm often doubts himself, she has also wondered many times if she has done enough to repay us and show her love for us. While her self-confidence has improved, there’s still some lingering doubt, especially after finding the clan in such disarray when she returned with Kaede.”
“Everyone knows it’s not her fault―and she does too,” V’dim pointed out. “We just need to make sure she really believes it. She’s so determined to prove herself to those around her, and the best way she knows how is by helping those in need. That’s why her drive to help those refugees gives her purpose.”
“It’s because she’s demihuman that she feels she needs to prove herself. ” Z’fir’s mental voice softened as he peered down at their nestqueen nestled between them. “She’s the queen of the Wudox and Ulax on Destima, and the Aldawi Beacon. She’s the leader of three different species when her own is endangered and scattered across the stars. No matter how much we try to shield her from the opinions of the galaxy, some people will always see her as an outsider. ”
The soft murmur of conversations died down around the lounge room as Zyxel cleared his throat. “Could you tell me more about these Mating Games?” he asked, his gaze fixated on Selena.
Selena’s deep sigh echoed in the quiet room as she shifted her feet off V’dim’s lap, twisting her body to face the window, and crossed her arms tightly over her chest. Her tense posture and avoidance of eye contact showed that she didn’t want to talk about it any longer.
Z’fir gave V’dim a pointed look, silently urging him to send more calming thoughts to their nestqueen, and then turned to the crimson serpent. “Masmi, Zirene, and Kaede have planned to make a day with Selena one of the prizes for the Games. It was a strategy to potentially expose the traitor within our ranks. We use the prize to lure out anyone who might betray the clan, while her mates defend her honor and defeat anyone daring enough to try.”
Ryzen frowned. “Isn’t that dangerous? To use Selena as bait?”
Z’fir laughed darkly. “The real danger is Kaede. He would swiftly spill the blood of anyone who tries to hurt Selena and her children.”
“What if someone who isn’t part of the clan wins?” Zyxel’s voice was laced with a hint of excitement, making Z’fir wonder if he had his sights set on winning.
“Do you really think her clanmates can’t defeat anyone who dares to accept the challenge?” Z’fir countered.
Zyxel and Ryzen exchanged glances. “The clan has never tested their strength against us,” Zyxel said.
Ryzen added, “We’re honorable warriors who have defended those we’ve rescued.”
“My clan has strong fighters too, especially Luwyn,” Tori spoke up from the couch where she was nestled between three of her clanmates. “But they won’t be participating in the games, so you don’t have to worry about them fighting for her—or trying to show off to me.”
Z’fir studied Selena’s worried face. “Then whoever wins gets a day with my nestqueen,” he declared, casting a fierce gaze around the room. “But know this—anyone who tries to harm her will face the swift wrath of her clan.”