Chapter 33
33
V’dim
V ’dim nursed a mixed drink as he stood under the stars in the private courtyard, the cool night breeze brushing against his sun-chapped skin, soothing his body’s aches.
Unfortunately, while he was glad to experience the Harvest Festival alongside his nestqueen and most of their clan, it was clear his body wasn’t designed to tolerate such harsh dry conditions—especially for long periods of time.
But it was a short trip, and he’d endured worse as a Circuli warrior prince, even before he’d served in the war. His mother, the Ulax Queen on Circul, had treated his brothers the same—as tools to create connections with other important families.
He’d grown used to nestqueens, and other females who hadn’t formed a clan yet, teasing him about engaging in a courtbond, only to reject him when the time came.
Both he and his bondbrother had dealt with it many times. At first, it had cut him deep, but over time, the pain had dulled.
Just like the sun damage on his skin, the ache would fade with time, as long as he cared for himself and his loved ones well.
In the end, the whole trip was worth it.
V’dim sighed, relaxing his tentacles as he scanned the area. The space was a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and elegant design—a masterful display of Aldawi power on top of the oasis city in the desert night.
Elaborate full-body statues of sleek female Aldawi held representations of the twin suns in their outstretched paws, water cascading gracefully down their chrome curves into a crystal-clear pool in the center. The grass, fine and short, felt like a soft carpet underfoot, its shimmering rainbow coloring a stark contrast to the rugged desert landscape beyond the city’s walls. Desert plants framed the lawn’s border. Deep-green vines with vibrant flowers crept up the pale sandstone pillars, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The tiling of the courtyard walkways was a mosaic of fine swirling marble lines in the royal Aldawi colors—purple, silver, and black—set against the white of the sandstone, forming intricate patterns that reflected the starry sky above.
V’dim took a slow sip of his drink, the warmth of the liquid spreading through him as he reflected on the day’s events.
The day had started with such promise—a joyful gathering at the beach, the warmth of family and friends around them. But the mood of the conversation under the tent had shifted, upsetting Selena in a way that still puzzled him.
V’dim frowned as he thought back to it.
He couldn’t quite grasp why their friends’ curiosity had troubled his nestqueen so deeply.
Tori and her clan had been genuinely interested in the biological differences between their species and how they shaped relationships within their clan—and he had seen no harm in discussing it.
They were natural questions, ones that V’dim had answered many times before. Their Circuli nature was a curiosity to many. After all, the Circuli were indeed unique, not just compared to humans—both pure and demi—but to most of the galaxy’s myriad species. Their entire survival hinged on the strength of their clans and their bond to a nestqueen.
The clans were more than just a social structure; they served a biological and instinctual need, a fundamental part of who they were. The need for connection, for that deep spiritual and mental bond with their nestqueen, was as much a part of them as their physical form. It drove unmated males into depression, slowly decaying until the Stars claimed them.
This dependence made them vulnerable in ways that others might not understand, but it also gave them unparalleled strength—a strength rooted in unity, in the bonds that tied them together so intimately.
It couldn’t truly be explained. Only the members of a Circuli clan would fully understand.
And yet, despite the openness with which they had discussed these aspects, something had unsettled Selena. V’dim could sense her discomfort, her frustration, even if he couldn’t fully grasp its source. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Selena’s reaction than just discomfort under scrutiny. She was fiercely protective of their clan, of their privacy, and perhaps the conversation had crossed a line.
V’dim stood still, his gaze fixed on the stars twinkling in the sky.
The Stars had led them to Selena. She was their gift from the Fates themselves. And yet, he worried he wasn’t giving her everything she needed. Her thoughts and feelings sometimes seemed like the night sky—beautiful, vast, and glowing, but with parts that were always just out of reach.
V’dim’s gaze softened as he thought of her, the way she had leaned on him earlier, seeking comfort in his embrace. He had felt her pain, her frustration, her sense of overwhelm.
And he had done what he could to soothe her, to be the anchor she had needed in that moment.
But she still needed rescuing. She needed Kaede to remove her from the situation and give her space to breathe .
He was thankful that his clanbrother was able to give her what she needed, but he still wondered what he could’ve done better, and how he could prevent their nestqueen future discomfort.
He knew she still had nightmares from time to time about the Yarrkins. They had almost completely subsided…until her kidnapping and everything involved in it.
Since then, she had regressed some.
“Our nestqueen is under a lot of stress,” Z’fir pathed as he sent a gentle mental nudge. “All those rapid, probing questions about our clan made her feel like a research subject again. She’s also unsure about her attraction to Zyxel and Ryzen, and the last thing she wants is to sort through those feelings while discussing our clan’s intimacies.”
V’dim’s gaze shifted across the courtyard to where his bondbrother stood, deep in conversation with Mwe and Ryzen, nodding his head in agreement with something they were saying. The bond they shared was as close as any physical connection, and V’dim could feel the underlying concern from Z’fir.
“She’s a nestqueen,” V’dim countered, tilting his head toward her. “If she wants to entertain them both, it’s her right to do so. It’s Kaede who’s making a fuss about that.”
“I believe he’ll settle down once Selena gives birth,” Z’fir replied, nodding subtly in V’dim’s direction, acknowledging the silent communication. “ Or once the prophecy passes and everything turns out fine.”
“Do you truly believe that’s all she needs?”
“It must be,” Z’fir urged. “Why else would she resist the Stars’ path? She’s repeating history, pushing them away like she did to Kaede . Ryzen and Zyxel aren’t sure how to approach her either, partly because of Kaede’s hostility and everything that’s been happening since she’s returned.”
“The best thing we can do for her is to support her and boost her confidence. ” V’dim finished his drink and set the glass down on the edge of the fountain. He ran a hand through his hair as he gazed at the flowing water of the statue of the last Beacon. “If she claims one, two, or no mates while we’re here, it’s in her right to do so, regardless of Kaede’s grudges. Our clan’s Favored already gave her their blessing, as did Zirene.”
V’dim let his eyes wander, finding Selena amidst the gathering. She was speaking animatedly with Tori, Masmi, Oeta, and B, her hands gesturing enthusiastically as she talked, her face alight.
She seemed at peace, dressed in a stunning purple gown with cut-outs on the sides, black trim accentuating her figure, and adorned with silver beading that sparkled like the stars above. She appeared every bit the royalty she was, surrounded by her friends and family, her presence commanding attention.
Nearby, the cubs were engaged in a lively game of hunt-and-prey with Kaede, Zirene, Royak, and Q. Their laughter filled the air as they darted between the pillars and tall shrubs, becoming one with the shadows, their agile forms taking turns chasing and running away from the adults.
Kaede, dressed in his sleek uniform but without his usual visor and cape, chased after them with a playful growl. His keen eyes tracking the cubs’ movements. Zirene, dressed in his warskirt, moved with predatory grace, his tail swishing as he teamed up with his brother, backing the twins into a corner. Q was brave enough to go robeless, letting his fine black feathers breathe. Their rainbow shimmer caught the light of the moon as he joined in the fun.
Frowning, V’dim couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for Q. The Quaww male had suffered greatly. His slowly regrowing feathers were a testament to the hardships he had endured. Q had proven himself time and again. Though his species had been attacking the Aldawi borders, this particular Quaww was fiercely loyal to the Aldawi Sovereign.
After all the torture and hardships Q had endured, first from the crew hired by the late Aldawi Sovereign to kidnap Selena and later trying to win B’s affections, it was clear that his devotion was genuine. He had fought, bled, and suffered alongside them—and now, he was mated to B.
Kaede was able to accept Q as his brother through mating, with his attention more focused on Selena and everyone surrounding her. At least, he was doing a better job of ignoring the playful jabs and spitting taunts back at the recovering avian male.
V’dim hoped that Q would regain the majestic appearance he once had. He understood all too well the struggle to heal, to regain what was lost. Q’s situation was much like that of his clanbrothers, Xylo and Odelm—injured on the same day, in the same battle, each taking it one day at a time to recover what they once had.
Thankfully, both B and Selena could see beyond the physical scars, recognizing the strength and integrity that lay within.
That was something that V’dim appreciated about his nestqueen. She was able to look past all her mates’ differences—her Favored’s non-traditional in appearances and professions, Kaede’s scars, Zirene’s oversights, and V’dim’s bondbrother relationship with Z’fir.
V’dim’s thoughts were interrupted by the soft scrapping of scales on the marble tiles. He turned to find a nervous Zyxel approaching, two glasses in hand. The serpent male’s movements were smooth and deliberate, his eyes focused on V’dim as he offered him one of the glasses with a polite nod, his expression unreadable. “You appeared to need another drink.” His tone was respectful but carrying an undercurrent of something deeper. “May I speak with you?”
“Thank you.” V’dim accepted the drink with one of his tentacles, the cool glass soothing against his dry skin. “Speak freely.”
He knew what this was about—the male was seeking something, and it wasn’t difficult to guess what. Zyxel wanted to know more about the female who had become the center of their universe.
V’dim knew that Zyxel’s intentions were not malevolent. He was driven by a desire to understand, perhaps even to find his own place within the intricate web of their lives—if he truly belonged.
As they stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of laughter and the playful shouts of the cubs filled the air, joining the murmur of conversation. V’dim took a sip of his drink, savoring the rich fruity flavor as he prepared himself for the questions Zyxel was undoubtedly about to ask.
“Have fun,” Z’fir teased. “Let me know if you need me.”
“You’ll know as soon as I do,” V’dim pointed out, matching his playful tone. “But I suppose I’ll use this time to figure out what he wants and ensure that he understands that our nestqueen is the clan’s leader. It is entirely up to her to choose who she wants to court, mate, and bond herself to. It’s not our place to interfere.”
“How is she?” Zyxel’s voice was soft, but there was a note of concern in it. He had turned slightly, his gaze drifting toward Selena.
V’dim followed his gaze. Selena was laughing with Tori, twirling the other woman’s long colorful hair around her finger. Masmi was energetically gesturing to her own fur, drawing the attention of Tori’s clanmates. The three of them, along with Mwe and Oeta, joined the group, their interest piqued by the lively conversation.
V’dim closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to absorb the serenity that radiated from his nestqueen bond. Her golden aura glowed brightly, a beacon of warmth and contentment that seemed to blot out the rest of the courtyard.
Her excited thoughts broke through the mental veil she had put up to maintain her privacy like sun rays breaking through a canopy. She was talking about having a spa day and was clearly thrilled at the prospect of trying new ways to do her hair and makeup.
Satisfied, he pulled his consciousness back, opening his eyes to study the serpent male. “She’s recovered enough, and excited for the next few days,” V’dim said, his voice calm and reassuring. “I’m happy that she seems to be enjoying herself.”
Zyxel nodded. His eyes softened with relief but remained on her. “And you? How are you managing in this heat?”
“We’re managing.” V’dim shrugged and offered a small, amused smile. “I wasn’t quite prepared for the climate here, but staying hydrated in the shade helps, and the oils we were provided are keeping our skin from cracking.”
Zyxel tapped the sling bag he carried, a thoughtful look on his face. “I could see if I can come up with an ointment, if you’d like,” he offered, meeting his gaze. “That’s one of my specialties. I often had to make my own remedies whenever we were low on supplies on base.”
“Sounds stressful.” V’dim brought the glass to his lips and took in a sip, enjoying the smooth crispness of the desert agave liquor.
V’dim sensed Z’fir’s amusement through their bond. “ He’s really trying hard to win our favor.”
V’dim nodded slightly, acknowledging his bondbrother’s observation. “I appreciate the offer,” he told Zyxel, his tone warm. “But don’t overwork yourself. If it can’t be done, it’s not a problem.”
Zyxel gave a small shrug, a hint of a smile on his lips. “It would give me something to do. Besides, I could check the market for any local remedies that might help.”
V’dim raised an eyebrow as he chuckled softly. “You’re brave for venturing into the market alone. A male from a species not of this galaxy, in the midst of a Harvest Festival on a female-dominated planet? You might attract more attention than you’re ready for.”
Zyxel’s eyebrows furrowed and his forehead creased, his lips turned downward in a frown. “Should I be worried?”
V’dim shook his head, a reassuring smile on his face. “No one would dare challenge one of the Beacon’s honored guests. But you might find yourself the subject of more than a few curious stares, especially with your long tail.”
Zyxel relaxed slightly, nodding in understanding. “I’m used to people staring.” His eyes dimmed, holding a hidden truth within his chartreuse gaze. “As long as they don’t openly mock me or challenge me, I can handle it.”
“I understand…I’m used to it too. The Circuli typically don’t venture far from our homeworld due to our biological limits.” He nodded toward Selena, who was still deep in conversation, her laughter echoing through the courtyard. He lifted his glass in a silent toast toward her. “Because of my nestqueen, I’ve been to more places than most of my kind ever will.”
Zyxel’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really?”
V’dim sighed and tilted his head fondly toward his nestqueen. “Yes. I visited the CEG HQ a few times during the war, and Lunkai once, when we reported to Prince Zirene for duty. Before that, I had never left my home planet. There was no need to, and Z’fir and I didn’t know if our bondbrother connection was strong enough to prevent madness, let alone hold the mental web needed to keep our forces alive and well. Since the war ended, we’ve made it to Destima and here, and I hope to travel further with my nestqueen in the future, if I’m able.”
“Because at least one of you needs to remain on Destima to hold the mental web for her,” Zyxel muttered under his breath. “You can’t all go at once.”
V’dim swirled his glass and watched how the stars reflected in the liquid’s surface. “Precisely. We won’t prevent our nestqueen from fulfilling her dream of traveling the stars.” He glanced at the serpent medic. “We’ll take turns staying behind and enjoy welcoming her home each time.”
In truth, he couldn’t wait for their return to Destima.
His nestbrothers had big plans for their nestqueen, and he was almost envious of them. Almost. He knew it was a foolish emotion, for he was able to go on this trip and experience this Harvest Festival with the rest of their clan.
At least he would be able to feel her while she spent alone time with her Favored…
Zyxel took on a contemplative expression, his eyes narrowing as he processed an internal debate. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, the dark strands falling in front of his face as he sighed deeply.
“Go ahead.” V’dim gestured to the male with his tentacle. “You aren’t going to offend me. This is an open conversation. Ask away.”
Zyxel hesitated for a moment. He licked his lips, his gaze flickering between V’dim and the others surrounding Selena. “What’s the difference between a clanbrother and nestbrother? I’ve heard both terms used fluidly when regarding your clan.”
“Oh, he wants to know a clan secret, ” Z’fir remarked, his mental tone holding a teasing lilt.
“It’s hardly a secret,” V’dim pathed.
“But we both know that this isn’t what he really wants to ask.”
He nudged the male with one of his tentacles, his touch gentle but firm. “Clanbrothers are all of Selena’s mates—those who are part of her clan,” he explained, his voice steady. “But nestbrothers refer specifically to Circuli mates. We have each shared our mating spores with her, binding us on a deeper level—biologically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s why we’re so protective of her, and why we’re always in tune with her.
“Zirene and Kaede are our clanbrothers, but they don’t share that same bond with her. They have their own unique connections. That doesn’t mean they matter any less. We’re all a part of our clan’s constellation.”
V’dim watched Zyxel’s expression shift from curiosity to something more solemn, the weight of his words settling heavily on the serpent male’s shoulders. Zyxel’s tail, previously coiled in a relaxed manner, tightened around his body.
“That sounds…pleasant. To have brethren from different Star paths merge together as one to love her—and in return, be loved by her.” There was a wistful longing in his voice. “But how does it feel to be part of a large clan?”
V’dim’s lips curled into a teasing smile. “You mean, sharing her?”
Zyxel sighed deeply, his tail coiling tighter, watching Selena laughing while surrounded by a crowd of her family and friends—the very picture of contentment, of belonging in a place where she felt comfortable.
“I’ve waited all my life to discover my enax , only to find that she’s mated to six others…” His grip tightened around his glass and his amber gaze sharpened. “I’m struggling to wrap my mind around it.”
“It’s the Fates’ will. The same could be said for Zirene, who formed the first interspecies Shadow-Nova bond, only to find that his mate was hidden among the enemy waging war against him. He thought she was only going to be his , living as his Seedbearer, safely tucked away on Destima…until his sire died.”
V’dim recalled how Zirene had led them all through the war, his strength unwavering even when the rest of the CEG had turned their backs on them, forcing them to purge the remaining Yarrkins from their borders.
“The Fates also granted her sudden connection to Xylo, who gave her a foundation, and Odelm, who needed someone to save him from his anxieties and give him a second chance at love. I’ll admit, Z’fir and I never imagined finding a nestqueen who would accept us both, but she has. And for that, we will forever be thankful.”
He motioned for Zyxel to join him on the edge of the fountain. Zyxel slithered closer, settling beside V’dim as they both nursed their drinks, watching the crowd mingling in the courtyard.
The soft luminescence of the lanterns reflected in the rippling water. Dangling decorative chimes moved with the wind, echoing against the hush of private conversations. Crystal glasses filled with fine mixed drinks sparkled under the moonlight, their effervescence mimicking the bubbling excitement that filled the air all around Selena.
The side tables were draped in Aldawi colors, a display of finger foods inviting hungry passersby to take just one . Exotic flowers spilled from ornate vases, their intoxicating fragrance mingling with the subtle hint of perfume and smoke from the warming banks. Pyres were built in metallic cauldrons shaped like Aldawi claws, creating a warm shelter from the cool desert night breeze.
Guests moved around like predators on a hunt; their eyes gleaming with anticipation, bodies clad in silk that highlighted each curve and muscle in explicit detail. Laughter rang out periodically, its melody punctuated by low murmurs and whispers about what tomorrow’s Mating Games would bring—a night promising unadulterated passion.
No matter where he gazed, his nestqueen’s bright aura called to him, pulling his attention back to her. Her laughter rang out like music in the night air.
Glancing at Zyxel, he noticed that he, too, was captivated by Selena.
“She is indeed a blessing from the Fates, gifted to us by the Stars,” V’dim’s voice showed his reverence as he watched the serpent medic. “I can’t explain all of Selena’s connections with her mates. But the details aren’t important. Our clan’s dynamic may be unique—but it works.”
“And you’re fine with all that?” Zyxel’s gaze remained fixed on Selena, his voice tinged with desperation. “I mean…how do you keep her attention? How can you be satisfied sharing her with others instead of having her to yourself?”
V’dim gripped Zyxel’s shoulder firmly, breaking the male’s focused stare to lock eyes with him. “You’re thinking about this all wrong,” he said, his tone serious. “We weren’t lying when we said that Circuli don’t typically experience love, not the way others do. Only the nestqueen’s Favored might have a chance to form such a beautiful bond. But Selena gives her love freely, without demand. It’s like diving into the purest water after being in the desert all day.”
V’dim splashed the fountain water’s surface with a tentacle, letting the cool droplets catch the light as they fell back into the pool. “How can I demand more when she gives me plenty?” he growled, pointing to the medic’s sling bag. “You should study the Circuli more with that vidtablet you just received. It will tell you that Circuli gain pleasure by sharing in their nestqueen’s experiences. Through our bond, we are completely fulfilled just being in her presence. Just knowing she’s happy, sharing her emotions and thoughts freely, is more than enough.”
“But…how can you be fine with that?”
“I don’t think you understand. I already have everything and more than I could ever want or need from her.” He jerked his head toward his nestqueen. “If she never chooses to bed me, or picks me to please her and produce offspring, then so be it. I don’t need to be engaged in a mating dance with her personally—I feel the effects through our bond. That’s more than enough. I’m not her Favored, and even if I was, it’s still her choice whom she engages with.”
Zyxel looked down at his glass, his brow furrowing as he downed the last of his drink. “How can I compete with that?”
V’dim shook his head, his gaze steady. “You don’t. That’s the problem. It’s that type of thinking that will prevent you from ever having a chance.”
The truth was harsh, but it was something he needed to understand.
V’dim reached out and placed his hand on his shoulder, offering a gentle squeeze. “It’s not about competition. It’s about being a part of something greater. Selena is the one thing that binds us all together.”
“I think I’ll understand with time, I just need to wrap my brain around it.” Zyxel sighed, then nodded. “Thanks, V’dim.”