Chapter 31
31
Z’fir
Z ’fir held his nestqueen gently under the large umbrella tent, the silver fabric adorned with intricate purple and black designs displaying their royal status. He brushed her short silver hair back, admiring how the sunlight played on its strands, the softness a comforting sensation under his fingertips.
They lounged on elegant, oversized pillows, creating a makeshift nestbed fit for a nestqueen of high status, which Selena certainly was. His nestqueen lay comfortably against him, her body relaxed in his embrace.
A collection of finger foods—exotic dried meats, nuts, and sweets—were arranged on elegant plates atop a portable metallic table beside them. A cooler filled with portable flasks sat next to the table.
A vidtablet rested on the table, so his clanbrothers could call Selena whenever they wanted. While the clan’s Favored were still recovering as they held the Destima Circuli mental network, he wanted to make sure his nestqueen could stay in contact with them.
They watched V’dim fish with Tori and her clanmates as well as their cubs. It was a sight witnessing V’dim’s tentacles gather a large collection of fish before the rest of the group was able to capture one apiece.
The cubs were soaked, the twins’ kilts and Meti’s robe plastered against their wet fur, but it didn’t seem to matter to them. Their focus was on the water’s surface as they leaned over with their paws raised, ready to pounce.
Their cubs were competitive—not against each other but toward others.
Tori was dressed in a bikini similar to the ones Selena loved wearing while she hosted poolside gatherings, only there was some sort of netting covering her. Z’fir couldn’t keep up with the names of the many types of clothing humans wore. Circuli only ever wore bag slings if their appendages were busy and incapable of carrying everything.
Humans—both pure and demi—were so different from his own kind. Their skin required protection from the sun and the cold, so a full wardrobe was needed in order to prepare them for any climate.
And then there was all that makeup and the hair products. Somehow, since Tori had joined Selena, they’d tripled the products in their shared master bathroom. He had thought it was bad when Kaede’s sisters were introduced to her…
“Our nestqueen went without for so long,” V’dim pathed, glancing over his shoulder toward the tent, knee deep in the lavender beach waters. “If clothing and personal care products bring her happiness, and give her a chance to express herself, then I will gladly provide her with everything she wants just to bring a smile to her face.”
“I feel the same.” Z’fir nodded slightly, knowing his bondbrother could sense his agreement through their connection. “Our nestqueen doesn’t ask for much. We could spend the rest of our lives just being happy together like this.”
Their attention was suddenly drawn to Meti, who shadowstepped onto V’dim’s back, wrapping her arms around his neck. V’dim flinched in surprise at her sudden appearance.
Both Z’fir and Selena were caught off guard by the sudden and unexpected pain that jolted through their bond. In unison, they sucked in a breath, a silent gasp escaping their lips.
Without a word, Selena rose to her feet and dashed toward the shore, her feet barely touching the ground as she kicked up sand in her wake. Z’fir was hot on her heels, and Ryzen and Zyxel chased swiftly behind them.
A sharp jolt of fear pulsed from his nestqueen. Her thoughts were filled with visions of his nestbrothers—her Favored—surrounded by severed limbs and blood stains on the pristine castle floor, their bodies mangled and bruised in the carnage and chaos of her gruesome past.
Selena’s legs gave way as she reached the shore, sinking to her knees in shock. She clamped a hand over her mouth, unable to contain a horrified gasp.
Z’fir mirrored her movements, his strong hands firmly gripping her thighs as he rested his head against hers. Fear coursed through his nestqueen’s body, causing her muscles to tense and her exposed skin to break out in goosebumps. She trembled against him, her grip tightening, seeking comfort in his touch.
His vines gently wrapped around her body. “It’s okay, Selena.”
Meti’s shadow swiftly expanded and rippled, covering V’dim in a black aura as she disappeared in a flash and reappeared beside her mother on the shore. The young Aldawi stared at her paws with a mix of guilt and confusion on her features. “I’m sorry,” she murmured under her breath. “I didn’t mean to hurt him. I’m just used to using my claws when sparring with my brothers and the others, that I forgot to sheath them.”
V’dim’s muscles strained as he hoisted the heavy net full of thrashing fish into Auro and Luwyn’s waiting arms.
Celyze approached him, his iridescent wings shimmering under the sunlight, matching his glowing eyes. “Are you injured? Do you need healing?”
V’dim shook his head, waving the Cosmic Soul off, and made his way to the shore.
He knelt down before Meti, his gaze softening as he reached out to her. His hand gently lifted her chin to meet his gaze.
“It’s okay,” V’dim reassured her, his voice gentle as he directed his words at both daughter and mother. “It’s okay, Selena.” He offered her a warm smile and held out a hand to Meti, helping her to her feet. “I’ll heal before the suns set.”
“But you’re bleeding,” Selena interjected and frowned. “Shouldn’t you have the claw marks checked out?”
Meti looked at her mother, her eyes wide as she tucked her tail between her legs. “I didn’t mean to hurt Clanfather V’dim. I just…I wanted to surprise him.”
“It’s okay, dear,” Selena soothed her daughter. “I know you didn’t mean to harm him. Accidents happen.”
“These are nothing.” V’dim shrugged and glanced at the small scratches on his shoulders and gingerly touched those around his neck, as he gazed back at Meti. “I’ve had worse from training. Meti, you’re still learning your strength and control. We’ll work on it together, okay?”
“I’m sorry, Clanfather. I won’t do it again.” Meti nodded, her ears perking up slightly. “I am used to playing with my brothers and new friends. I forgot that you don’t have fur to protect your skin.”
V’dim’s expression softened as he sent calming thoughts through their bond, easing their nestqueen’s concern. “It’s all right, little one. You’re still learning. We all start somewhere.”
Z’fir savored the sensation of Selena reclining against his chest as she exhaled a sigh of relief, her initial fear dissipating.
She reached out to Meti, pulling her into a comforting embrace. “We all have things to learn and improve on,” she said, her voice gentle and soothing. “Just be more careful next time, okay?”
Z’fir tightened his hold on Selena, pressing a kiss to her exposed shoulder. “We’ve had worse injuries from sparring. The war left us with gruesome wounds that took many moons to heal. While our nestbrothers had the worst we’ve seen—having all of their appendages sliced off—many veterans have lost one in hand-to-hand combat, too.”
Selena took a deep breath, steadying herself, and peered up at him. “I know you are all warriors, but that doesn’t mean I want you to wave it off when you get hurt.”
Zyxel slithered forward, his gaze shifting to V’dim. “I can examine him,” the serpent medic offered, lifting his bag from his shoulder and opening it. He grabbed a medscanner and a vidtablet. “If it would ease your concerns.”
Selena’s shoulders relaxed and her lips curved into a gentle smile. Her eyes moved from Z’fir to the medical items. “I would appreciate that, Zyxel. It would ease my heart.”
Ryzen’s eyes narrowed, and he furrowed his brow as he examined V’dim’s injury.
“They’re just scratches…”
“The sight of V’dim’s blood reminded our nestqueen of her Favored’s injuries when they bravely defended her from the late Sovereign’s ambush.” Z’fir’s voice was firm as he addressed Ryzen, hoping the commander-turned-ambassador would understand that not everyone was accustomed to bloodshed. “If allowing Zyxel to scan V’dim’s wounds will bring her peace, then that’s what we will do.”
V’dim nodded. “Traumatic memories can be triggered by even the scent of blood, not just the sight of it.” He gazed at Zyxel and added, “If you could follow me to the water, I’d like to wash off the blood before you examine me. I don’t want my nestqueen to see it any longer than necessary.”
Zyxel nodded in understanding, giving Selena a concerned look. “That won’t be a problem. It’ll be my honor.”
Meti, who had been watching with wide, worried eyes, suddenly stepped forward and gripped Zyxel’s arm. “Can I help? And my brothers too?”
Nocrez and Neazzos nodded eagerly beside her.
“Of course.” Zyxel smiled softly at them. “You can help spread a healing balm on your clanfather once I’ve finished the scan,” he said with a small bow toward Selena. He locked gazes with Z’fir. “You should take your nestqueen back to her tent. She shouldn’t be outside too long in this heat, especially when she’s carrying young.”
Z’fir’s protective instincts immediately kicked in. “You’re right,” he murmured, standing and carefully lifting Selena into his arms. “She hasn’t been eating and drinking as much as when she was pregnant with the cubs, and it’s starting to concern me.”
“I was eating for four!” Selena chuckled and cupped her stomach, gazing down at her hand. “I am now carrying just one.”
“You’re still pregnant, Beacon,” Zyxel hedged, lifting his medscanner. “And this is a stressful time, with everyone demanding their new Beacon’s attention. I am surprised we haven’t been accosted in the time we’ve been here.”
“This is Masmi’s private beach,” Z’fir explained. “Reserved for the royal family.”
Zyxel gestured for V’dim to lead the way to the beach. “Let’s get you checked out.”
“We’ll race you!” Neazzos shouted and dashed toward the shore.
“Wait for me!” Nocrez chased after him on all fours.
“Come on, Clanfather.” Meti grabbed V’dim’s tentacle and guided him away, her tail swaying playfully. “Let me fix what I’ve done.”
“I’ll be right back,” V’dim called out over his shoulder.
“I’ll let you know if there’s anything you should be concerned about,” Zyxel said with a curt bow and slithered away.
Selena watched them go. He felt her heart swelling with love and gratitude through their bond, seeing her cubs’ carefree interactions with their clanfather. Their dynamic was natural and effortless, a sign of strong familial bonds—something Z’fir had only shared with V’dim. Something she’d never had before she was found.
Coming across Selena that fateful day had been a miracle.
Neither he nor his bondbrother could have predicted the trajectory of their lives, nor the hardships they’d endured.
After fighting in the war, he’d learned the valuable lesson: Every action had a reaction. Life moved in orbit, a constant cycle of good things followed by bad. Maybe not right away, but that was how the Fates kept everyone in line…and why it was best to follow the Stars.
Those who fought against their destiny invited misfortune.
Selena relaxed against him, her fingers tracing idle circles along his chest, her hood pulled low to cover her face. “Thank you,” she whispered. “For understanding.”
Z’fir kissed her temple again, his vines wrapping around her protectively as he carried her toward their royal tent. “Always, my nestqueen. While we’re used to receiving such injuries, you aren’t, but that’s okay. Your peace of mind is important to us.”
Ryzen, ever vigilant, walked silently beside them. Z’fir was used to constant surveillance from his newest clanbrother, Kaede, ever since he’d been assigned to be her royal guard. From the stories he’d heard, the assassin had spent over seven years searching for his client’s Nova, so surveillance was second nature to him.
Z’fir wondered if the spirit weapon wielder had a similar past.
Ignoring Ryzen’s scrutiny, he focused on keeping Selena calm and comfortable, cradling her as if she were the most precious thing in the universe.
To him, she was.
Ducking under the entrance of the tent, Z’fir used a vine to grab a beverage flask, settling down onto the oversized pillows that formed a makeshift nestbed. He faced them toward the beach, so that they could keep an eye on the cubs and his injured bondbrother.
As V’dim washed off the blood, Zyxel prepared the medscanner. The cubs gathered around, using their small paws to scoop up water and help. V’dim knelt waist-deep in the shallow waters, giving the cubs more access to help bathe him while smiling broadly.
As Selena lay across his lap, her weight a comforting presence, Z’fir gently brushed her hood away from her face, exposing her gorgeous deep-ocean gaze. He offered her the drink with one of his vines, the others wrapping around Selena in a supportive embrace, holding her closer against him. He understood how much she craved physical touch. Circuli enjoyed holding their nestqueen close. It was an instinctual need—and perhaps for her, after being secluded in that cursed research vessel, it was the same.
“You should call her Favored,” V’dim suggested softly, his gaze on Z’fir from across the beach. “Let them know what happened. You know it would cheer her up.”
Z’fir nodded and freed a vine, reaching for the vidtablet on the nearby table. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, murmuring words of comfort as he pressed the keys needed to page both Xylo and Odelm, hoping his clanbrothers would answer his call.
Z’fir returned his gaze to the beach as he waited. The cubs worked diligently, spreading the healing balm on V’dim’s scratches. Zyxel scanned the wounds one by one, moving on from each with a nod, while the cubs followed in his wake with their paws covered in balm.
“Zyxel has confirmed that the scratches are indeed minor and will heal quickly,” his bondbrother pathed, nodding at the serpent medic. “ Please relay the information to Selena.”
“Why don’t you tell her yourself?”
“She’s in your care at the moment,” he replied with a teasing tone. “I’m looking forward to having her hands all over me later.”
“I see…”
As the vidtablet chimed, signaling a successful connection, Z’fir returned his focus on Selena, his vines caressing her gently, trying to ease the lingering tension. He knew that seeing her Favored would bring a smile to her face and couldn’t wait to see her reaction.
The screen flickered to life and then the 3D projection of Xylo and Odelm’s faces materialized. Their expressions immediately shifted to concern as they took in their state.
“Did something happen?” Xylo’s image leaned closer as if he could reach across the distance to comfort her. “You look like you’ve been crying.”
Odelm’s soft, soothing voice followed. “We’re here, Selena. Tell us what happened.”
“I…I had a scare,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Meti…she accidentally hurt V’dim, and it just…it reminded me of that day…”
“The day she was taken away from us,” Z’fir finished for her, avoiding mentioning their gruesome injuries.
Xylo and Odelm exchanged a glance, their features shifting from confusion to empathy.
“We’re fine, and I’m sure our clanbrother is too,” Odelm assured her, his voice steady. “You’re safe, and so are we.”
“I’m assuming he’s being treated?” Xylo’s teal eyes darted to Z’fir, searching for confirmation.
“All is well,” Z’fir stressed, nodding at the clan’s Primary, before gazing down at their nestqueen in his arms. “Zyxel said there’s nothing to be worried about. V’dim will be healed soon.”
Xylo’s face softened, his concern giving way to a warm smile. “How’s the trip been so far?”
Selena let out a soft laugh and leaned into Z’fir’s embrace, her head resting against his chest. It filled him with honor to be able to give his nestqueen the comfort she normally sought from her Favored.
“I’ve met so many Aldawi that I don’t know how I’d keep all their names straight if it weren’t for Masmi and Vowels helping me.”
Z’fir let out a soft chuckle, his vines gently stroking her hair. He relished how her skin felt soft and how the pleasure she got from it radiated through their bond. “You’ll get to know them all with time. Soon, it’ll be second nature to you, just like everything else.”
Selena sighed, nodding in agreement as she returned her gaze to her Favored’s projection. “Masmi has an entire week planned for us, and it’s keeping us all busy. I hardly have time to think, let alone rest.”
“Time will fly by then,” Odelm pointed out. His voice came through the vidtablet, soothing and reassuring. “And before you know it, you’ll be back on Destima with your cubs, where you belong.”
A soft smile played on Selena’s lips. “That’s true. I can’t wait to see what dates you’ve planned for me when I return.”
Xylo grinned and wrapped an arm around Odelm’s shoulders, leaning closer. “We’ve been keeping busy ourselves. I’ve been researching with the Oetsae, working on an improved healing balm.”
Selena’s eyes widened with curiosity, and as she tilted her head, a faint smile formed on her lips. “How’s the research going?”
Xylo’s shoulders slumped as he let out a heavy sigh. “So far, no breakthroughs,” he confessed. “I haven’t lost hope though.”
“I’m sure once we’re back, Oeta can assist,” Selena suggested, her expression bright with optimism. “The more intelligent minds working on the research, the better, especially since our medical staff all have diverse expertise.”
The tent flap rustled and Zyxel entered, his tall frame towering over them. V’dim followed closely behind him, nodding at the projection before shooting their nestqueen a reassuring smile.
“I could assist as well.” Zyxel’s words were spoken softly, but his gaze on Xylo was unwavering. “As a skilled healer, I could provide a fresh perspective, especially since I’ve worked beyond your galaxy.”
Xylo’s eyebrows rose in genuine interest. “I would love to hear your thoughts, Zyxel.”
Zyxel’s wide grin stretched across his face as he proudly patted the sleek black sling bag hanging at his side. “I just received clearance to access Selena’s and her cubs’ files, as well as the database of registered CEG species,” he announced triumphantly. “I can’t wait to dive into the files and get a better understanding of your clan’s physiology.”
Xylo’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, his teal eyes darting over to Selena. “When did this happen? Selena, did you know about this?”
Z’fir sensed a subtle rise in Selena’s emotions. Frustration radiated from her, causing a ripple of discomfort in their bond. He reached out mentally, trying to soothe her, and gently stroked her fingers.
V’dim, sensing her discomfort as well, smoothly scooped her up and settled her onto his lap, carefully arranging her so that her legs still rested on Z’fir’s lap.
She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes as she leaned back against V’dim, letting the calming energy flow through her.
When she opened her eyes again, her gaze was fixed on the 3D projections of Xylo and Odelm. “I didn’t know,” she muttered, a hint of confusion and concern in her voice.
Zyxel cleared his throat. “It was earlier this morning, right after breakfast.” He took a deep breath and licked his lips, his hand fidgeting with his bag’s strap. “Kaede had his Oetsae team craft a special vidtablet to give me monitored access.”
Selena frowned, and then scanned the royal tent. “And where are Zirene and Kaede now?”
The question hung in the air, heavy with concern and a touch of irritation. Z’fir could sense the myriad of emotions swirling within her—frustration and the need for answers. He gripped her feet, carefully removed her sandals and placed them to the side as he began to give her feet a massage.
Anything to calm the storm that was brewing. He knew his nestqueen’s temper could rival the missing males’ when provoked. He just hoped they would provide her with the answers she sought.
V’dim’s hand gently rubbed her arm. “They must be handling something important. You know how they are.”
Selena sighed, and Z’fir sensed that her mind was unable to let go. “I just wish they had told me. This is about me and our children, after all.”
“We’ll get answers, Selena,” Xylo soothed, his voice absolute. “The clan promised to not keep secrets from each other, and to make sure you’re kept updated on decisions made when you’re not present. The day is still young. I’m sure they’ll explain themselves soon enough.”
“But they didn’t come to bed last night,” she countered. “And they weren’t here this morning either.”
Z’fir lifted a sweet treat with his vine, pressing it gently against her lips. “They’re probably preparing for the Mating Games,” he replied. “They’re not avoiding you.” He lifted her hand with a vine, placing a soft kiss on its back, holding her gaze. “If you’re worried, why not summon them?”
She frowned slightly, shaking her head. “I don’t want to bug them. If they’re away, it’s because they’re doing something important. They’re just like Xylo.” She shot her Primary with a teasing glare. “Workaholics.”
Sighing, she leaned more into V’dim’s embrace, and Z’fir could feel how she was accepting his bondbrother’s soothing wave.
Zyxel cleared his throat. “I didn’t mean to cause any distress. I just wanted to be transparent with you all about my involvement and the access I’ve been given.” He bowed deeply to Selena and exposed his neck as if she were Aldawi. “My goal is to help, nothing more.”
Selena’s expression softened despite the lingering frustration. “I appreciate that, Zyxel. I just want to make sure my clan keeps me informed, especially when it comes to our family. If they believe it’s beneficial for you to have access to my clan’s private health files, then I have nothing to be worried about. You’ve already been vetted a few times—and you’d be a fool to betray us now.”
Selena tilted her body toward V’dim’s chest, her spare hand’s fingers gently tracing the now healing balm covering the scratches on his shoulders. He could sense how the sight of his injury, though minor, still tugged at her heart. Meti hadn’t meant to hurt him, but the thought of her daughter’s growing abilities left her both awed and uneasy.
V’dim, sensing her worry, brought her other hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles softly. “It’s all right,” he murmured. “They’re just scratches, nothing more.”
Selena offered a small, grateful smile and then turned her gaze back to the beach, where the cubs were now chasing Tori’s mates, who were playfully cheating by flying just out of reach. The sound of their laughter echoed across the shore, the joy infectious.
Meti and her brothers were determined, though, and soon enough, they managed to catch Tori, proclaiming loudly that they had captured their nestqueen.
Xylo’s voice came through the vidtablet, gentle yet probing. “Selena, what’s wrong?”
The others turned their attention to her, the playful mood dissipating as they sensed her distress. Tears welled in Selena’s eyes, and she placed a protective hand over her stomach, her emotions and thoughts swirling through their bond.
“I feel like I’ve missed so much of their growth,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “They can shadowstep, Xylo, and they’re not even a year old.”
Xylo frowned. “That shouldn’t be possible. Aldawi don’t typically learn to harness their shadows until they’re much older—nearing adulthood.”
Selena nodded, wiping away a stray tear. “But I’ve seen it myself. Yesterday at the market, Meti and her brothers combined their shadow aura to defend my honor. And just now, Meti shadowstepped onto V’dim’s back. That’s how he got those marks.”
“She can mark me up all she wants,” V’dim teased, winking at her as he attempted to lighten the mood. “But I’d prefer if those marks were from your bites and claws.”
Selena let out a strained chuckle, but her eyes betrayed her worry.
“I’ll need to speak with Mentor Pavryn and Doctor Vikvez.” Xylo’s brow furrowed, and his eyes darted to the side. “Their advancements are…unusual. We shouldn’t take them lightly.”
Zyxel pulled out his new vidtablet, his fingers moving swiftly over the screen. “I can speak with them in person on your behalf and report back,” he offered calmly.
Xylo nodded, appreciative. “That would be a great help. Communication has been difficult with the time difference, and the Harvest Festival has everyone busy there.”
“It’s not a problem,” Zyxel replied, his tone sincere as he glanced up from his notes. “I’d be honored to assist. I’ll also ask Kaede to share your contact information so we can compare findings.”
Xylo inclined his head in gratitude. “I’d appreciate that.”