Chapter 35

35

Selena

T he night sky was stunning—but it wasn’t mine .

The twin moons hung like glowing orbs in the sky, casting a soft silver sheen over the desert courtyard, making the marble tiles beneath our feet gleam. Stars scattered across the vast expanse painted in deep hues of indigo and violet, like shards of jewels tossed across a nestbed made of the finest cloth, mingling with the soft glow of the lanterns that lined the sandstone walls.

The warmth of the day had given way to a cool, gentle breeze that rustled the desert plants lining the courtyard, carrying the sweet scent of their exotic blooms.

I leaned back in my chair, the cool night air kissing my skin as I wrapped Meti’s gift tighter around me. It was nice to be able to relax after a hearty meal, surrounded by my family and friends, sipping a sweet, cool drink while laughter and conversation filled the air.

Beside me, Tori and B were deep in conversation. I was only half listening as my mind wandered to the vibrant night. The courtyard was a masterpiece of Aldawi architecture—it was clear that Zirene had drawn inspiration from Masmi’s palace when he designed the architecture on Destima.

Tori gasped and pointed to the sky with a beaming smile spreading across her face.

I followed her gaze to find her mates—Auro, Celyze, and Luwyn—enjoying a night flight with Mwe and Oeta. Their elegant forms dipped and weaved gracefully through the air, their powerful wings catching the moonlight as they played in the sky.

It gave me joy to see them so vagile, especially after they’d been confined indoors for so long. I was grateful Masmi had graciously allowed my guests to spread their wings and fly free amongst the stray clouds.

Destima would need to become used to skies dotted with winged aliens. Soon, we would have Swynemi refugees joining our citizens on Destima, and I wasn’t going to forbid them from flying, as long as they respected my villa’s air space.

I frowned at the thought that Q couldn’t fly and wouldn’t be able to for a while. The poor Quaww male was still growing his feathers back—and then he would have to retrain his muscles to rebuild his stamina.

When the time came, I would suggest B and Q ground themselves planetside on Destima so he could have the time he needed. He deserved the chance to recover his strength after the tragedy that day, as did my Favored.

We all do.

The cubs were near the edge of the courtyard, lost in their own world. Z’fir, V’dim, Kaede, and Q had organized a playful sparring match, giving Meti, Nocrez, and Neazzos a chance to test their growing skills. Their laughter and growls of mock battle echoed through the night, the sight of them bringing a smile to my face.

It was a relief to see them so carefree, even for just a moment—bonding with their clanfathers and uncle. It was almost like old times, back at the villa, before everything had gone wrong.

Meanwhile, Zirene stood near Masmi, engaged in a deep conversation with her and several other matriarchs. Masmi’s gestures were animated as she engaged with the other leaders, who nodded their heads energetically. Zirene’s posture was regal but relaxed, his tail swaying slowly behind him. His deep voice rumbled in low tones, too far for me to hear, but his shadow aura radiated calm authority.

Whatever business they were discussing wasn’t aggravating him, which was a relief…I knew how his sister loved teasing him—like Kaede’s sisters often did to him—and from my conversations with the matriarch representatives, I knew how direct they could be with their opinions and demands.

“Selena,” Tori said softly, pulling my attention back to her. Her soft blue-and-green-highlighted blonde hair was twirled into braids, the moonlight catching the golden beads woven through the strands. Beside her, B reclined comfortably, her arms crossed behind her head but her expression alert, scanning the crowd.

“What’s wrong?”

Tori’s eyes widened as she leaned back, her lips parting. I turned to see what they were staring at.

A tall female Aldawi with burnt orange fur and creamy white swirls approached our table. Her movements were confident, her expression one of calm determination as her gaze locked onto mine.

“Beacon Selena,” she said, bowing slightly, exposing her neck to me respectfully. “I am Eshe. I wish to take part in the challenges to join your royal guard as captain.”

B leaned forward, clapping her hands together as she placed her elbows on the table, her sharp gaze appraising the newcomer. “What makes you think you’re worthy of such a position?”

Eshe didn’t falter, meeting B’s gaze head-on. “My family comes from a long line of warriors. I was trained to defend what matters most—our people, our leaders. My brothers served on the frontlines alongside the Sovereign during the last war, leading a squadron of elite fighters.”

“But those are your brothers’ accomplishments,” B countered, jerking her chin. “As honorable as your family may be, they don’t define you. What makes you worthy of defending the Beacon? Or even leading a newly formed force?”

My eyebrows shot up, impressed by how Eshe didn’t flinch under the weight of B’s scrutiny. Instead she straightened her posture and met B’s gaze head-on. “Because my family has always served under our leaders, earning high ranks within the military, so I understand what it means to be loyal. To protect something greater than myself.

“My ancestors were part of the last Beacon’s Royal Guard, and we failed to protect her. While the males of my bloodline have worked hard to rise within the ranks and cast of the shame our family name carried, we females haven’t had a chance to regain our honor.

“I am not just offering my strength. I am offering my commitment, even my life if need be. I’m trained in multiple forms of combat, including shadow combat and personal protection detail. I have experience in securing Aldawi trade routes.”

She snapped her head in my direction and bowed further, locking her keen green eyes on mine. “I believe in what you are trying to build, Beacon Selena, and I want to be a part of that future. I beg you to give me a chance to prove myself.”

Her words were spoken with confidence, not arrogance. I could see the fire in her eyes, a determination that burned brightly despite her calm exterior. There was something about her, a strength and an unyielding loyalty that made me pause.

“You don’t know me —why would you offer your life so freely?”

“Because you’re the Beacon, mate and equal to the Sovereign—”

I exchanged a glance with B, whose eyebrows were furrowed in a mixture of intrigue and skepticism. “The royal guard is more than a chance to prove yourself. You would be responsible for protecting Selena and her children.” B crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. “Are you prepared to serve under this Beacon?”

Eshe met B’s challenge without hesitation. “I’ve protected lives before, but I know that this is different. Beacon Selena represents a new era for our people. She embodies change, unity, and strength—and the fact that she’s been mingling with us, trying to understand and support our people, speaks volumes. Protecting her isn’t just about honor—it’s about ensuring the survival of everything she stands for. I want to be part of that.”

A wave of warmth bloomed in my chest at her words, a mix of gratitude and something else. The sense of responsibility that had been weighing heavily on my shoulders was made a little lighter by her words.

She wanted to support me, even though I wasn’t Aldawi.

I knew there were still those who silently questioned my role beside Zirene, and even more who didn’t quite understand me or my clan and peers. In time they would understand—at least, that was what I kept telling myself.

If not, then I would make them.

B’s smirk widened slightly. “We’ll see,” she said, her tone a bit lighter now, though no less serious. “The challenges won’t be easy. You must complete them first. And do well, if you want to be eligible to become captain.”

“I wouldn’t expect them to be easy.” Eshe’s voice didn’t waver as she straightened. “But I have what it takes and more.”

Tori leaned in with a knowing look. “You’ve got quite a following, Selena.”

I tilted my head toward her and rolled my eyes at her teasing comment, knowing she was just trying to do what she did best by attempting to lighten the mood. Yet, now wasn’t the time.

Sighing, I shifted my gaze back to Eshe, who was waiting for me with an eagerness in her green eyes, reminding me of how my cubs sought my approval.

“Can you handle serving a demi-human Beacon?” My voice was steady, but there was an edge to it. “Along with all the other…unique features of my clan?” I let my hand fall to my stomach, cradling it lovingly as I continued. “Do you believe you can earn your honor back with a Beacon who has many royal consorts, and who will have children sired by them, in addition to the cubs I already have with the Sovereign?”

Eshe didn’t hesitate. She moved with purpose, stepping around the table, and knelt before me. With a fist pressed over her chest, she took my hand in hers, her grip firm, her gaze never leaving mine.

“How dare—”

“Hold,” I snapped. “Not everyone is out to harm me, Kaede.”

“You trust too freely.”

“And you assume the worst of everyone,” I clipped. “She would be a dimstar to do anything to me, especially in front of you, B, and with everyone else around.”

“If she tries—”

“I know.”

“Beacon,” Eshe said gently, her voice held the weight of respect as she gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “It doesn’t matter to me what species you are. Your heart is Aldawi—fierce and strong. You’ve birthed three respectable cubs—the future leaders of our empire.

“While your clan may not be traditional, at least by our standards, the war taught us one thing: depending on others outside our borders weakens us. We must unite our people with those within, including the minor governments who look to us for protection.

“Your and your Sovereign’s diverse clan are a symbol of strength and unity for our citizens to follow. It shows we are adaptable, that we can rise above old prejudices. I would be honored to serve you.”

Her words struck a chord deep within me. I had fought for this unity, had worked to build a life with my clan, that defied not only Aldawi traditions but Circuli as well. It was important for me to stay true to who I was—and whom I loved.

Thankfully, all my mates understood this—and Zirene was fine with me taking in others, and had been since the beginning, if I didn’t take in any other Aldawi for a mate.

Now that I believed in the Cosmic Order, I knew that the sudden pull I felt toward my mates was because they were a star in our clan’s constellation, destined to be a part of our lives.

I needed someone like Eshe. Someone who understood that strength came from embracing the new while respecting the old. Someone who respected us without challenging me or my clanmates.

“Give me a list of others who share your viewpoint,” I said, my voice steady. “And if you prove yourself tomorrow, show that your words are as strong as your skills on the arena floor, I will name you captain of my royal guard.”

Eshe’s grip on my hand tightened once more before she leaned down and pressed a reverent kiss to my knuckles. “Thank you, Beacon.” She dropped my hand, rising to her feet and placing her fist over her chest in a formal salute. “For the Beacon’s light.” She turned on her heel, her steps quick and eager as she hurried off.

As Eshe disappeared into the crowd, B turned toward me, her brow arched in question. “Are you sure that was a good idea?”

I exhaled slowly and met her gaze, calm and sure. “I need someone who shares my vision. Someone with something to prove. That warrior won’t mess up, B. She would see failure as more than just disappointing me—she’d see it as a failure to her lineage.” My hand gently brushed over my stomach again, the weight of my choices settling deep within me. “She’s driven. I can use that.”

“You’ve always had a way of finding people.” B studied me for a moment, then nodded slowly. “We’ll see if she lives up to your expectations tomorrow.”

“I need to surround myself with those who understand what’s at stake,” I said softly, my eyes drifting back to the cubs playing nearby. “We can’t afford anything less.”

I smiled as the twins tackled Q, bringing him to his knees, while Meti used the distraction to attempt to sneak up on Kaede—but failed. He grabbed her and threw her onto Q’s back. Their loud growls and laughter filled the air, drawing attention.

As I gazed at them, Eshe’s words lingered in my mind.

I wasn’t just a mother or nestqueen. I was something more now than even the Aldawi Beacon. I was a symbol of change. And it was a weight I was still learning how to carry.

It was hard to believe it hadn’t been a year since I’d escaped the Yarrkins’ research vessel, and here I was, the leader of one of the most powerful governments in the galaxy.

I’d never fathomed that this would be my fate, but it seemed the Stars and Fates had other plans for me.

Suddenly, the crowd split as Royak approached the table, two drinks in hand. His presence always commanded attention without demanding it—he had better control of his shadow presence than his brother, Zirene—and tonight was no different.

He bowed his head respectfully, his gaze sweeping over B, Tori, and then me. “I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said, his voice deep and polite. “I wanted to know if I might borrow Selena for a moment. There’s something I need to discuss with her, privately.”

My eyebrows shot up, but I smiled, relieved to see him. “Actually, I was hoping to have a word with you too.” I rose from my seat and looked back at B and Tori. “It’s getting late anyway. Tomorrow’s the Mating Games, and I could use the rest.”

B snickered and grinned mischievously. “Lucky for me, Q has no interest in the games this year. Not only because he’s still healing, but because he doesn’t want to attract attention for once.” Her voice softened as she let out a deep sigh and glanced across the courtyard where Kaede was helping Q to his feet. The cubs dashed around them, laughing and chasing each other in circles. “You know how tense things still are with the Quaww.”

There was tension in Q’s posture, the way he tried to mask his discomfort with a forced cheerfulness toward my cubs, not wanting to ruin the moment. Despite the smile on B’s face, there was concern in her eyes.

“He’s putting on a brave face,” B admitted, softly. “But I can tell it bothers him. I always make sure to remind him how much I love him, how magnificent he will become again…with time.”

“I can’t wait to see him strut proudly with his full plumage again.” A teasing grin pulled at my lips. I nudged her playfully as I tried to lift her spirits despite the difficult position she was in. “At that point, he won’t have to convince you to take him as a mate.”

B smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling. “You’re underestimating how much he loves showing off…and embarrassing me in public with his showy displays. He never turns down a chance to dance for me.”

Tori leaned in, her own grin bright as she placed a hand over B’s. “My mates would love to fly alongside him when the time comes. They’ll make sure he’s well supported until he has his stamina back.”

B’s eyes softened, and she gave Tori a nod. “He’d love that. He hasn’t had a chance to fly for a long time, especially with someone else.”

“He’ll have plenty of company in the skies once the Swynemi refugees are on Destima.” I stood and stretched, feeling the day’s events tug at my muscles. “It’s something wonderful to look forward to, and hopefully, he’ll be soaring again in no time.”

Royak handed me a frosted glass filled with a bubbly drink that smelled like erotic citrus, and I thanked him with a grateful nod. Turning to my friends at the table, I raised my glass in a small farewell gesture. “I’ll catch up with you both tomorrow.”

“Rest well, Selena,” Tori said, her voice warm.

B raised her drink in return. “Goodnight, Beacon.”

As Royak and I walked through the courtyard’s dwindling crowd toward the private garden, a comfortable silence settled between us.

I reached out to the mental threads connecting me to Kaede, V’dim, and Z’fir, grabbing all three, temporarily connecting them in a joint conversation.

“I’m going to have a private conversation with Royak,” I told them. “ I’m taking this time to ask him for a favor.”

“Don’t worry about us. We’ll take the cubs to bed, ” Z’fir replied, his mental voice filled with warmth. “ They’re starting to tire out, and we should retire soon if we want to be at our best tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” I could feel V’dim’s agreement through the bond, both already moving to gather the cubs.

“ I’ll check with Masmi about tomorrow’s security,” Kaede chimed in, his usual serious tone tinged with affection. “We can’t afford to misjudge the crowd, especially since not everyone is happy about Zirene becoming the Sovereign, and you being their Beacon.”

“They’ll have to learn to accept it.” I frowned, glancing at Royak, whose attention was on our destination. “Just as I have to. The two of us will never make everyone happy—my existence itself angers some of the CEG Assembly as it is—but the only thing we can do is our best. The Stars made us Aldawi leaders for a reason, and nothing can change that.”

“And we’ll be there beside you both.” V’dim sent a comforting wave across our thread. “ Until the Stars claim us.”

I added softly, “Hopefully, it’ll be a long time before that happens.”

“Not with your penchant for trouble,” Kaede grumbled. “I believe I got my first gray hair today.”

Biting my lip, I rolled my eyes at my assassin’s grumpiness. “I don’t believe you.”

“I can prove it to you.”

“Maybe later.” Sighing, I shook my head, wondering what I was going to do with my constantly worrying mate. “Right now, you need to relax. I’m safe with Royak. Nothing will happen.”

Royak glanced over his shoulder, his inquisitive gaze briefly scanning my body before settling on my face with curiosity. “Is something wrong?”

“No, not at all.” I shook my head and then motioned to my forehead. “I was just communicating with my mates, to let them know where I was going, and Kaede is never one to hold back his thoughts.”

“Oh.” Royak’s ears swiveled, and then he frowned. “I can’t imagine how you do it.”

“I love you all,” I pathed to them, sending them each a mental hug. “But I need to focus on the present . I’ll meet you in the nestbed once I’m done.”

Not waiting for their reply, I released my hold on my mate’s mental threads and put my attention on the Aldawi prince. “What do you mean?”

He tilted his head and gestured toward a secluded path that led to a private balcony. It was nestled within an exotic garden, brimming with vibrant flora that shimmered under the dual moons. Statues of elegant Aldawi females—likely past Beacons—lined the path, their figures forever overlooking the expansive farm fields in the distance.

As I followed him through the archway down the softly lit pathway, noting the serenity of the space, I realized something: I wasn’t afraid of Royak.

Not that he had given me any reason to be.

While his shadow power rivaled Zirene’s, there was a tranquility to him which never made me feel threatened. His energy was palpable, always present, but it was quieter, more controlled. Unlike his brother, whose power simmered just beneath the surface—and often flared with his temper—Royak’s felt like a deep ocean, vast, steady, and quiet until stirred.

Royak’s shadow power was a part of him. He just never allowed it to overshadow his calm presence like Zirene’s sometimes did.

We stopped at the balcony railing, and I took in the breathtaking sight before us.

A peaceful silence stretched between us as I nursed my drink, staring out at the glowing desert landscape. The sands sparkled under the moons’ light, making the landscape look almost like waves of white water, halted in time.

It was beautiful, tranquil—but an unspoken tension was growing in the silence between Royak and me. Neither of us seemed eager to break it.

“The title of Beacon suits you, Selena. You look the part.” His voice was slow and steady, his words deliberate. He turned his head to look at me. “I wouldn’t know how you do it. How you can do what you do and still manage to enjoy life.”

I raised an eyebrow and met his gaze. His words were complimentary, but there was a deeper layer there. “Do I?” I took a slow sip, letting the tart citrus notes roll over my tongue before swallowing. “To be honest, I don’t fully understand why the Fates placed me here, in this position. Surrounded by so much…expectation…and surrounded by my clan, family, and friends who all support me.

“But if there’s anything my kidnapping taught me, it’s to live in the moment. I can’t worry about prophecies, the Quaww, or the dangers lurking beyond our galaxy. Not when I have cubs who need me, and soon…” I placed a hand on my belly, where my daughter, created by the love Kaede and I had for each other, was growing inside me,”…a newborn to care for. The best thing I can do is not stress and have faith in those around me. The Stars led me here. I must trust them.”

Royak leaned against the railing beside me, his sharp eyes studying my face. “You’ve done more than you realize. You’re not just filling a position—you’re giving the Aldawi hope. Especially the females. They believe in unity again because of you. Soon, the effects will ripple out far beyond just our people.”

I nodded. “And the rest of the universe will feel it too,” I added, a tinge of apprehension creeping into my voice. “But even so, there are still so many who doubt me. Even after Zirene’s announcement, even after everything we’ve been through together, some still see me as an outsider.”

Royak’s expression hardened, his mouth tightening in a subtle frown. “There will always be skeptics, Selena. That’s the nature of power. But you have something more than just a title. You have the heart of a leader. That’s why you’ll succeed. By my brother’s side, you will bring change not only to the Aldawi, but the galaxy as well. I can feel it.”

I sighed, the weight of his words settling on my shoulders. “I hope so.”

Royak glanced away, his gaze turning toward the glowing fields. “I was trained my entire life to become the Sovereign. Conditioned for it. For so long, I believed it was my destiny. But now? I’m glad I’m not sitting on that throne. Zirene is where he belongs. It suits him. It suits you both better than it would’ve suited me.”

I turned to look at him, surprised by the raw honesty in his words. “Royak…” I began, but he held up his paw.

“I would’ve accepted the role. Zirene would’ve been at my side, my right paw. But the Fates had other plans.” He gazed out into the distance, his eyes reflecting the moons. “You both were meant for this. I see that now. And I was meant to be by your clan’s side.”

His voice dropped to a more serious tone as he turned to face me, placing both of his paws on my shoulders as he locked his pale lavender gaze onto mine. “I wanted you to know what you’re truly stepping into. You’re about to challenge centuries of tradition, working against deeply rooted power structures. You’ll need both Masmi’s and my support to make this work.”

I studied him for a moment, appreciating the vulnerability he was sharing, but somehow, I felt there was something else he wasn’t saying.

“What’s the true reason you brought me here, Royak?”

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