Chapter 30
30
Selena
T he air was warm and dry as I strolled through the bustling market, the sun beating down on my shoulders. I’d opted for the sheer, hooded robe—Meti’s thoughtful gift—to shield my skin from the sun. Masmi walked beside me, her presence as commanding as ever, while my cubs flocked eagerly around us. Tori and her clan trailed behind us, pointing at goods within the market stalls.
My cubs’ excitement was infectious, and I found myself smiling more than I had in days.
I’d never had a chance to fully grieve their absence, with my life filled with so much stress and hardship. But now that I was with them, my heart ached, knowing how much I had missed and could never reclaim.
The market was alive with activity. Vendors shouted out their wares, a cacophony of voices blending into a symphony of commerce. The air was rich with the scents of spices, roasted meats, and the sweet aroma of exotic fruits. Colorful stalls lined the narrow pathways in a display of vibrant fabrics, intricate jewelry, and tantalizing treats. Colorful woven shade sails, held high on metal poles, protected the citizens from the dual suns.
The crowd was bustling, but the citizens were aware of our presence, respectfully stepping out of our way as we strolled through the market.
“Mother, look at this!” Nocrez darted ahead, his black and dark-blue striped tail flicking with excitement. He was drawn to a stall draped in silks of every hue imaginable. The merchant, an elderly Aldawi with striking bronze fur, immediately began extolling the virtues of her goods.
“Ah, for the beautiful Beacon, only the finest robes,” she purred, her eyes gleaming with the prospect of a sale. “This fabric is woven from the silken threads of the archoids under the desert moon’s light. It will keep you cool under the sun’s harsh gaze and warm when the sands grow cold.”
I chuckled, running my fingers over the soft fabric. It was indeed exquisite, but the thought of adding more to my already overflowing wardrobe was daunting. “Perhaps another time,” I replied, giving the vendor a polite smile.
Meti tugged at my hand, her silver fur catching the light as she pointed toward another stall where colorful candies glistened like jewels. Her eyes were wide with delight. “Can we try some, Mother?”
I nodded, unable to resist her innocent enthusiasm. As we approached the stall, the vendor, a young tan Aldawi with bright green eyes, offered us a tray filled with an array of candies. Each piece was more tempting than the last, shimmering under the sun.
“These are made from the nectar of the azure blossoms,” the vendor explained, watching as my cubs eagerly surveyed the treats. “They are sweet, with a hint of spice. It’s said they bring good fortune until the next Harvest Festival.”
Meti reached out first, selecting a purple candy that matched the shade of her eyes. Nocrez and Neazzos quickly followed, each choosing their own candy with delighted grins. I watched them with a soft smile, then took one for myself, savoring the burst of flavor as it melted on my tongue. The sweetness was intoxicating, tempered by a subtle warmth that lingered.
“Delicious,” I murmured, nodding my approval to the vendor. “I would love to purchase some to share with the rest of my clan.”
As we lingered by the stall, sampling the various confections, I noticed a group of Aldawi females gathering nearby. Their eyes were fixed on me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. One of them, an older female with silver-streaked fur and eyes as sharp as a psydagger, stepped forward, bowing slightly, her posture rigid and commanding respect.
“Beacon Selena,” she began, her voice carrying the weight of authority and experience. “We have heard much about you. We are eager to speak to you directly.”
“What would you like to know?”
“I have concerns about your intentions to unite our people,” she replied, her voice filled with distrust. “Your mate, the Sovereign, comes from the very lineage that fractured our species apart. What makes you think you can succeed where others have failed?”
The question hung heavy in the air, laced with challenge. Her words cut deep, reflecting a sentiment I had expected to encounter. But this was a conversation I needed to have, and I was prepared to face it head-on.
Beneath all the glitz and glamor of the Harvest Festival, I knew the populace wondered how things would change, and whether I, as their new Beacon, would have any say in it. I needed to prove to them that I wasn’t all haze and holograms, that things would indeed improve with time.
I glanced at Masmi, who gave me an encouraging nod, then turned my attention back to the elder, meeting her piercing gaze.
“We are not our ancestors,” I answered, choosing my words carefully. “For too long, we’ve allowed divisions to hold us back. I believe that our differences are not a hindrance but a source of strength. While the past may have divided us, my role as Beacon is to bridge those gaps, to foster understanding and cooperation in order to forge a new path forward, one that embraces all our people, regardless of their heritage.”
“How do you plan to achieve this?” The elder raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “And how do you plan to control the Sovereign? You were once his Seedbearer. How can you lead us when every Seedbearer before has been overpowered by a Sovereign from your mate’s lineage?”
A ripple of tension passed through the crowd. I felt the weight of every gaze bearing down on me, a mix of skeptics and supporters. Taking a moment to steady myself, I drew strength from the unwavering support of my clan and friends who stood behind me.
“I am not defined by my past role as a Seedbearer,” I replied firmly. “I am the Aldawi Beacon, chosen not only by my mate but by the Fate and Stars. Zirene and I are partners, equals in this endeavor. He respects my vision and supports our shared goal of unity. Destima, my moon, serves as proof of this. Together, we are stronger than any who might try to come between us.”
The elder’s eyes narrowed, her skepticism unyielding. “And what makes you so special? What can you offer that others could not?”
I knew I couldn’t tell them that I shared a Shadow-Nova bond with their Sovereign, which was why I was different.
Her challenge was sharp, but I saw an opportunity within it—a chance to prove myself, not just through words but through the resolve that guided me. I stood tall, chin raised, and looked her straight in the eye with unflinching determination.
“What makes me special is my ability to adapt and connect,” I said, my voice steady. “I have faced adversity and emerged stronger from it. I understand the fears and hopes of our people because I have lived them. My unique position, having been both an outsider and now a leader, allows me to bridge the gaps that divide us.”
Before I could continue, Masmi stepped forward, her voice ringing with conviction. “My brothers are different, but I believe either would have made the same decision to abolish outdated gender separations and unite our empire. Zirene has chosen a path of unity, and Selena stands with him, not as an afterthought but as a leader in her own right.”
I nodded, grateful for her support. “As Beacon, I know it’s vital that we unite all Aldawi citizens, no matter their species or status. Our strength lies in our diversity.”
Tori, standing beside her mates, chimed in, a fierce light in her eyes. “Selena has made plans to rescue my people, providing sanctuary to the diverse refugees on the base we came from. She’s giving us a home, a place to live without fear.”
“We may have a strong empire, but any moment of weakness could make us fall,” Masmi added. “Unity is our shield against the chaos outside our borders.”
The elder’s eyes narrowed, her skepticism returning. “And how do we know that the weakness isn’t you, Beacon?”
Her words stung, echoing the doubt I had faced since stepping into this role. But I stood tall, refusing to let her see any hesitation as a tense silence fell over the crowd.
“You have my word that I will do everything in my power to strengthen our empire. I am not perfect, but my dedication to the Aldawi people and my determination to see us united is unwavering. My strength comes not from ruling alone but from gaining the support of those who believe in our vision.”
Masmi placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, looking at the elder matriarch with a steady gaze. “My brother Zirene chose Selena as his Beacon because he saw in her the strength and compassion needed to lead our people. This is a new era for the Aldawi, and it requires new ways of thinking and leading. I stand by her and believe in her ability to guide us through these times of change.”
The elder matriarch hesitated, her gaze flickering between us. There was a shift in her demeanor, a glimmer of consideration breaking through her stern facade.
“Very well,” she said finally, her tone grudgingly respectful. “Show us that your words are not empty promises.”
Before I could respond, Meti stepped forward, stomping her foot with a fierce growl. The anger in her eyes was unmistakable, and I felt a surge of both pride and worry at her boldness.
Her brothers moved to join her, mirroring her fierce expression. In a mesmerizing display, the three of them intertwined their shadows, the power of their combined presence spreading like a dark wave over the gathered crowd. The air seemed to vibrate with their energy.
One by one, the citizens around us began to bow, exposing their necks and placing their fisted paws over their hearts.
“For the crown.” The words were whispered like a reverent chant, rippling through the assembled Aldawi in a tide of devotion.
Meti’s voice rang out, strong and commanding, a depth of authority that belied her usual light-hearted youthfulness. “You are dimstars for biting the paw that offers you change. My mother deserves the same respect as my aunt and father, Sovereign Zirene. Would you rather live under the same old rules, without any changes? Or will you give my parents a chance to prove themselves?”
Her gaze swept over the crowd, her eyes burning with conviction. “Even if they can’t carry through, I will. When the day comes for me to take over, I will finish what my parents started. I will correct the wrongs of my ancestors.”
Concern coursed through me at my children’s display, but I couldn’t deny the pride swelling in my chest.
Their power was evident but unexpected. I stepped forward, drawing the crowd’s attention back to me, gratitude in my voice. “Thank you for your support, my loves. But we must tread carefully.”
The three cubs formed a protective circle around me, Meti standing resolutely in front while Nocrez and Neazzos flanked me on either side like sentinels.
“I’m sick and tired of the disrespect others show my mother just because she can’t control the shadows…just because she isn’t Aldawi,” Meti continued, her voice unwavering. “She may not be of fur and claw, but she is strong. She deserves your respect, for she hasn’t done anything to lose it.”
Gently, I placed a hand on Meti’s shoulder, drawing her attention. “Meti, demanding respect won’t make us any different from the late Sovereign. We must show them that we really mean what we say. Our actions will speak louder than words.”
The tension in the air slowly began to ease. I could sense a shift in the crowd’s demeanor, their skepticism softening into tentative acceptance.
The elder studied us for a moment longer before bowing her head respectfully. First to Meti, then to Masmi, and finally to me. “I will put my faith in what you’ve said. I hope your words won’t be hollow, and that we truly have a chance at a new future. One where my granddaughters can join the military and my sons can visit without fear.”
Masmi seized the opportunity, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “The Beacon still needs to form her royal guard. Why not have your granddaughters come and try out?”
I turned to Masmi, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
She gave me a knowing grin. “The Beacon must be protected by an all-female royal guard. They need to prove themselves to you so they don’t fail you like the last guard failed their Beacon.”
I hesitated, glancing at my children and then back to Masmi. “But I have Kaede…”
Masmi shook her head, her expression firm. “Kaede is your royal consort and a male. He isn’t Aldawi either. This is an old tradition that must be followed.”
I nodded slowly. Gathering my resolve, I addressed the crowd with a clear voice. “I am building my royal guard. The selection will be…” I paused, looking to Masmi for guidance.
“The morning of the Mating Games,” Masmi announced with authority. “Only the strongest warriors will be chosen, for I don’t want anything to happen to my sister.”
Meti stood tall, her shoulders back and chin lifted, her eyes shining with determination. “I want to try out.”
I laughed softly, squeezing her shoulders. “You’re too young, Meti. But you can join the academy with your brothers if you want.”
The elder raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Do you mean that?”
I met her gaze, my voice steady and sincere. “I won’t get in the way of my cubs’ dreams. They are the future. There is more than enough time for them to explore their interests while they’re young. I would rather have happy cubs than perfectly obedient ones.”
“We’re going to be assassins like our clanfather Kaede and the Fab Five,” Nocrez chimed in eagerly, his voice filled with excitement. “We’ll be the fiercest in the universe!”
Masmi chuckled, her pride evident. “You’ll be good assassins. I can’t wait to see what you’ll do.”
The elder’s weathered face brightened as a glimmer of hope sparkled in her eyes. She bowed deeply. “I look forward to seeing the future you wish to form, Beacon.”
The crowd began to disperse, their murmurs fading into a respectful silence. It would take time for them to fully accept me and my family, but with my cubs and my clan by my side, I knew we could usher in a new era for the Aldawi, one of unity and hope.
I turned to my children, pulling them into a tight embrace, feeling the weight of my responsibilities but also the warmth of their support. Their strength and loyalty were a reminder of what we were fighting for—a future where they could thrive without fear, shaped by the love of a family and our friends united in purpose.
They were the reason I fought so hard, the future I was determined to protect and nurture.