Chapter 38
38
Zirene
Z irene couldn’t believe it—refused to believe it.
The pounding in his chest was louder than his own rational thoughts.
How had he not seen it before? Memories of their past surfaced, moments where his brother and the Aldawi doctor were inseparable, always side by side— but not like this.
His thoughts swirled in a storm of disbelief and confusion as he watched Royak and Vikvez. He felt the blood drain from his face, yet the rush of anger still clouded his thoughts.
“Don’t you feel foolish now?” Selena’s words cut through the air like a psydagger, filled with anger and hurt. “I promised you I wouldn’t take another Aldawi mate. I would never—because they wouldn’t have the connection we do. How am I supposed to lead your people if I can’t even be alone with an Aldawi male without raising your suspicion?”
The truth in her words hit him like a blow.
Zirene was lost for words, standing there in stunned silence, feeling utterly defeated. She was right. He had misjudged her, allowed his worst fears to run rampant, his mind clouded with doubt. The shame weighed heavily on him, making him feel unworthy of her.
He reached out, desperate to comfort her, but she pushed him away, her rejection swift and sharp.
“Don’t.” Her voice was cracked, a wall of pain between them. “You think that I would do anything to split you and Royak apart? That I’d risk all of this—us—just to…what? Betray you? How could you think so low of me?”
Kaede stepped in, placing a hand on her arm to calm her. But Selena shook her head, frowning at him. “No.” She pulled away, her lips pressing into a tight frown.
Kaede shot Zirene a withering glare and spat, “What’s wrong with you? Had too much to drink?”
Zirene shook his head, his chest tight with the weight of regret, and muttered, “No. I haven’t.”
Royak stepped forward, extending a hand to Vikvez and pulling him to his feet. The two exchanged a glance that spoke of years of trust. Zirene’s gaze followed them, and then he saw it—the bond hidden between them had been there all along.
How had he never noticed? The subtle glances, the quiet moments between them. It was all so obvious now.
Royak faced him, his expression serious. “Why would you think history would repeat itself?” Royak’s voice broke the silence, calm but edged with an undertone of accusation. “Why would you think I would do something to hurt you?”
Zirene swallowed hard, the weight of their family history pressing down on him. “Our bloodline…It’s known for scandals and tragedies. I’ve seen what power does to people.”
Selena turned toward Royak and Vikvez. “I’ll grant your request, Royak,” she said, her tone clipped. “I have enough healers on my staff, from various backgrounds. My cubs are healthy, right?”
Vikvez nodded, his voice calm. “Yes, Beacon. Aside from their unique silver coloring and their unusually strong shadow powers, they’re perfectly in line with other cubs their age.”
Selena extended her hand to Vikvez. He hesitated, glancing at Royak, then at Kaede and Zirene, before finally accepting. She tightened her grip as she shook his hand. “Thank you for caring for my cubs. You’re now dismissed from your duties. You can work alongside Royak from now on.”
Vikvez bowed his head deeply, his tone full of gratitude. “Thank you, Beacon. It’s been an honor.”
Selena’s gaze shifted to Royak. “Now you have what you wanted…”
“My Nova,” Royak finished, his voice quiet, reverent.
Zirene’s mind was still reeling. “How long have you known?”
Royak’s gaze didn’t waver. “Since my mane came in full.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Zirene’s voice hardened.
Royak shrugged. “I was afraid. Our late sire was pressuring us to take Seedbearers to continue the line. If he had found out, he would have killed Vikvez.” Royak sighed, the weight of the secret finally surfacing. “I couldn’t let that happen.”
Zirene felt his heart drop. It all made sense now. The secrecy, the careful distance Royak had kept from their late sire. “You’re right. He would have made an example out of you by punishing your Nova.”
“That’s…horrible,” Selena muttered. “How could a parent do such a thing to their own child?”
Royak nodded solemnly. “This is why I worked so hard to protect your secret, Selena. I knew what was at stake.”
Selena’s expression softened, though it still held the weight of her anger. “Thank you for that, Royak. Even though the secret’s not so hidden anymore.”
Vikvez, standing at Royak’s side, spoke softly, “Shadow-Nova bonds are sacred. Our people understand and respect that. They won’t spread this secret. They hope, one day, bonded pairs like us won’t have to hide anymore and can come into the light without fear of punishment.”
“I’ll make sure of it.” Zirene clenched his fists, talons digging into his palms. “ In time, you’ll live without fear.”
Kaede shook his head. “Going public might be one way to ensure that, but with the prophecy looming over us, it would be unwise.”
Zirene nodded reluctantly. “You’re right.”
Royak turned his attention back to Selena and took her hand. “Thank you, Selena. Now that you’ve done me a great favor tonight, I’ll gladly return it. I’ll honor my word and lead the mission to rescue the refugees.”
Selena sighed and nodded, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “At least something good came from this conversation.” She offered a faint smile. “Thank you again, Royak. And congratulations to you both. But now, I need a long walk before I head back to rest with my Circuli mates.”
Zirene reached out, trying to stop her. “Selena, wait—please. Let me apologize.”
She ignored him, turning to Kaede instead. “Thank you for your help, Kaede.” He offered her his hand, but she shook her head. “Not right now. I’ll be fine. I just…need to be alone.”
Zirene tried again, his heart aching. “Selena—”
But she silenced him with a sharp hiss, the pain in her gaze cutting deeper than any words. “Stop. I don’t want to hear it, Zirene. Just…stop, before you do something else that you’ll regret.”
Zirene let his paw fall as he watched her retreating form leaving the gardens in silence. He stood there, defeated, his heart aching with regret.
And just like that, she was gone.
Why did he have to ruin everything?
Kaede crossed his arms and shook his head. “You really fucked up, Z.”
Zirene’s voice was hoarse with guilt. “What can I do to make it up to her?”
Kaede’s lips curved into a smirk, revealing his fangs. “You’re getting pretty good at groveling. Maybe try that.”
Royak stepped forward, his tone serious. “You need to fix this, Brother. You have to present a united front at the Harvest Festival, now more than ever.”
“I know. Our people won’t take our leadership seriously otherwise.” Zirene sighed, closing his eyes and nodded. “I’m sorry for my misjudgment.”
“All is well between us,” Royak soothed. “Just focus on your Nova, and I’ll focus on mine. We both have tasks to do.”
“Unfortunately, the Mating Games are tomorrow,” Kaede muttered. “That’s going to be interesting.”