Chapter 46
46
Selena
T he morning sun filtered through the high arched windows as we strolled down the villa’s polished hallways. Z’fir and V’dim flanked me on either side, their vine and tentacle wrapped snugly around my waist, their touches grounding me in the calm satisfaction lingering from the morning, leaving me refreshed, every step lighter than the last. Their presence was steadying, their quiet strength reinforcing my own, and I let myself sink into the sense of peace they radiated.
A sudden urge to check on my clan pulsed through me, and I reached out along the mental threads to my mates; Xylo and Odelm’s connections felt distant, muted across the distance, while Kaede’s thread pulled gently toward the shoreline where his vessel, the Abyss, was docked. For now, at least, I wanted to believe today would be different—that things could be peaceful.
And Zirene… he’d left me behind in the dreamscape, stating that he was needed. I wanted to believe that his remorse meant he’d truly changed, and prayed to the Stars that Kaede’s protectiveness would not turn aggressive today.
However, it would be unwise for me to assume that he wouldn’t… as I carried his unborn daughter and there was a prophecy looming over us. Of all the days in the Harvest Festival, today was the one that made me the most nervous, even though I was beginning to feel anxious about the impending Mating Ceremony and what it would entail.
The Mating Games.
Despite my strong aversion to the event, I understood the significance of tradition for the Aldawi—and how I was the complete opposite of that.
This Harvest Festival marked a significant transformation—the beginning of numerous changes we would introduce to the empire.
The guards bowed their heads as we approached the ornate dining room’s double doors. They swung open, revealing the lively space within, where conversations faded to silence.
All eyes turned toward us.
Respectful nods and warm smiles filled the room as workers placed paws over their chests in honor, bowing in unison. My cheeks warmed at the attention, unused to the quiet reverence that now seemed to follow me.
This wasn’t my home. My moon. My villa.
And yet, as Beacon, etiquette required them to show me their respect, welcoming me wherever I went.
A flush of heat spread over my skin, my heart racing in my chest at the sudden attention, but it only lasted a moment before Nocrez and Neazzos rushed up with open arms and warm smiles on their faces.
“Mother, we can’t wait to see the games!” Neazzos beamed, his tail flicking with excitement.
I ruffled their hair, smiling at them. “Oh? I hear it will be quite the sight.”
The twins shared a mischievous grin, bouncing on their heels. “Our friends’ mom is entering the challenges! She wants to join your security team!”
“Oh, really?” My brow arched with curiosity. “And who might that be?”
Without another word, they each took hold of one of my hands and dragged me towards the glass doors leading to the outdoor terrace. The mingling guests parted with amused whispers as we made our way through. My sons were bubbling with excitement, their energy contagious. V’dim and Z’fir radiated amusement as they silently trailed behind us, their reassuring presence always near.
The twins led me through the open archways to the outside dining area, where the fresh morning air hummed with anticipation. Beneath the vibrant clear sky, Zirene stood by the railing with Meti tucked under his arm. Beside them, a pair of cubs stood, burnt-orange fur striped with creamy white and deep brown, watching with wide-eyed admiration.
“Someday, Meti, in the distant future,” Zirene mused, gesturing to the world and sky sprawling before them. “Everything you see will be yours. You’ll be the next ruler, the future Beacon.”
Meti stood tall with her shoulders squared, her chin lifted defiantly as she stared straight into his eyes, resolute. “I know, Father. But before I take over, I have my own dreams and ambitions, as you know,” she declared. “I want to command the stars, defend our borders alongside my brothers and the elite Fab Five.” Her eyes sparkled with determination. “One day, I’ll fight to protect our people just as you did… Just like you are.”
A soft smile curved at Zirene’s lips, accompanied by a light purr that exuded his pride. “That wish will come true, my little Starfire. I’ll lead alongside your mother until my age rivals the stars.” He brushed his paw across her head; she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. “Until you’re ready to claim the throne yourself, as long as the Stars and Fates will it.”
The twins released my hands, running over to embrace Meti. “And we’ll be right by her side!” Neazzos announced. “We’ll fight with the Fab Five, leading the military as your assassins, guarding the borders just like you did, Father. We’ll be lethal, just like you and clanfather Kaede.”
Zirene’s head lifted as he turned toward me, his eyes fixated on mine. His gaze softened, a wide range of emotions flickered across his face—regret, remorse, and a desperate plea for forgiveness. His lips parted slightly, as if struggling to form the words he wanted to say, before finally closing tightly in a thin line.
His emotions passed as quickly as they arrived. My Shadow collected himself and nodded before regaining his composure. Turning back to our cubs, his smile now strained and forced as he tried to hide the turmoil within him. “And now your Uncle Royak will be my trusted military commander, and he’ll be responsible for leading the refugees home.”
The taller of the burnt-orange cubs looked up at him, wide-eyed. “Sovereign, will you tell us the story of how you met the Beacon?”
“He didn’t just meet her—he saved her,” Meti corrected them with a proud tilt of her chin. “Clanfather Kaede hunted for her, and with the Fab Five beside him, they never stopped searching until they found her. It was Clanfathers Xylo, Odelm, V’dim, and Z’fir who ultimately discovered her in the escape pod and brought her to our father.”
The smaller burnt-orange cub stared up at me, their wide eyes full of awe. “Is that true, Beacon?”
I glanced up at Zirene, catching the warmth in his gaze, and bit my bottom lip to contain a smirk before turning back to the cubs gathered around me. “It is true,” I said softly with a nod. “And then, I claimed the Sovereign as mine the moment I laid eyes on him.” Reaching for V’dim and Z’fir, I gently pulled them closer, their appendages curling tenderly around me. “Just as these two are also mine.”
Without hesitation, V’dim and Z’fir inclined their heads, tilting to expose the marks of my claim with quiet pride.
Eshe suddenly hurried over, her ears tilted back as she bowed apologetically. “Beacon, Sovereign,” she began, her voice low and respectful. “I apologize for my cubs. They asked to play with yours, and I didn’t mean for them to intrude on your breakfast. I hope they haven’t caused any disturbance on this eventful day.”
The resemblance struck me instantly. Glancing from her to her cubs, I saw their likeness in her—but Eshe’s orange fur was brighter—bolder—and she had white swirls instead of creme and brown stripes. They must’ve gotten those traits from their sire.
Smiling, I shook my head. “There’s no need to apologize,” I reassured her. “My cubs are pleased to have friends while I was away. It’s good to know who they’ve been spending their time with—and who their mother is.”
Eshe relaxed, a grateful smile tugging at her lips. A hint of pride flickered in her eyes as she gently tucked her cubs behind her and reached into her robe. She pulled out a small vidcube and offered it to me. “These are names of warriors I believe would be well-suited for your security team, Beacon. They are loyal and capable—eager to serve without question. I personally vouch for each; they will follow you without hesitation.”
Before I could reach for the vidcube, Kaede appeared beside me, seemingly out of nowhere, and took it with a swift motion. “Thank you for your thorough research, Eshe,” he said, his tone all business as he tucked the vidcube into his belt. “I’ll review the names with Masmi, and together we’ll make sure each candidate is the right fit for our Beacon’s security. After we ensure they’re thoroughly vetted, of course.”
Eshe dipped into a respectful bow. “With your permission, I’ll take my cubs and prepare for the challenges. I hope to prove myself worthy of a place in your service.”
“May Stars guide you, Eshe,” I said, offering her a warm smile as she turned to her cubs, shepherding them away, but not without a final, respectful nod in my direction.
“I didn’t think she would pull it off.” Kaede frowned, his gaze fixated on the retreating family. “She made my job easier.”
I rolled my eyes. “Good morning to you too, Kaede.”
A once rare smirk twitched at the edge of his lips, though he said nothing more, as he teleported away.
“Come,” Zirene said, his voice gentle but insistent as he stepped forward, offering me his paw. “We should all eat; the challenges begin shortly, and it’s important for you to not be late.”
I grasped Zirene’s paw, allowing him to guide me to the head table in the royal dining room. Z’fir and V’dim flanked me on either side, their appendages wrapped loosely around their waists out of respect, while the cubs dashed ahead, giggling and racing each other to the table.
The sight warmed my heart, watching my children revel in their innocence as typical cubs, free from the burdens of their heritage. I just hoped none of it would be lost when they began their classes at the academy and transitioned into adulthood.
The universe could be a cruel place—but it could be beautiful too. I knew I wouldn’t be able to protect them forever.
They would have to follow their own Stars’ path soon enough.
The room buzzed with excitement as people chatted and shuffled around, sharing their plans for the day's events.
As we approached, my eyes wandered to the opposite side of the room where my friends were seated, reveling in their enjoyment. Mwe, Oeta, Zyxel, Tori, and her clan shared joyful smiles as they enjoyed their meal, engaging in lively conversation with one another.
Ryzen sat beside them, but his attention wasn’t on his tablemates. His emerald-green eyes were trained on me, and for a brief moment, the stoic mask he always wore seemed to slip—replaced with something gentler, something that seemed almost... open.
The familiar tap of his emerald mental thread brushed against my shields, a welcoming request I identified instantly. Recognizing his signature, I accepted it without hesitation, easing my shields to allow him in.
“Are you well?” His voice was a gentle murmur in my mind as I settled onto my throne beside Zirene.
The twins, already digging into their food, sat beside Royak and Vikvez, who were on the other side of Zirene, while Meti claimed the spot to my right, nestled comfortably between me and Masmi. Z’fir and V’dim settled on the other side of Masmi, both acknowledging me with a nod and offering a reassuring mental embrace.
I lifted my glass, suddenly aware of how dry my throat felt, and took a long sip. “I’ve been better, but I’m making the best of it.”
“Did you sleep well?” His mental tone was soft, filled with genuine concern.
I gave a small nod, brushing a hand over my stomach. “Well enough.” I paused, eyeing the tray of appetizing pastries in front of me before selecting one. “And you? Did you get any rest?”
Silence hung between us. If it weren’t for the lingering connection of his mental thread pressed against my shields, I would have assumed he had disconnected. I shifted my glance to him, taking in his serious expression.
“I struggled,” he admitted finally, as I took a bite of a delicate pastry, the buttery, flaky crust melting in my mouth.
The vulnerability in his mental tone forced me to pause mid-chew, tugging on something deep within me. “How so?”
His eyes were downcast, and he nervously fiddled with his pastry, ripping it up into much smaller pieces. “Things got out of hand yesterday, and I’m… sorry for that,” he pathed, his mental voice flickering with something like regret, softened with sincerity. “Honestly, I don’t know what came over me. Only that I... needed to comfort you.”
A flush crept up my cheeks. I took another sip of water, my fingers tightening around the glass. “What happened, happened, Ryzen. Don’t lose any more sleep over it, please.”
Zirene’s paw slipped over my hand, grounding me in the present, pulling my attention back to him. His eyes searched mine, brimming with concern and unspoken questions, the tenderness in his expression catching me off guard. “Are you all right?”
I nodded. “I’m fine,” I assured him, trying to steady my voice. “Just… nervous about the day.”
“I’m sorry for distracting you.” Ryzen’s mental voice echoed in my mind, softer this time. “I’ll let you focus on your clan.”
“No need to apologize,” I assured him, sensing there was more he wanted to say. “We can speak later, if you’d like.”
“Only if you want to,” he replied, a flicker of hope coloring his mental tone.
I met his gaze once more, our eyes connecting across the room, allowing a soft smile to tug at my lips. “I’d love to,” I admitted. “Besides, if we’re going to continue these lessons, it seems necessary.”
His expression softened, a flicker of relief easing his features as he inclined his head. “Now that you know my mental signature, you won’t need to find me in person—you can reach out whenever you’re ready, as long as we’re on the same planet.”
I offered a small nod, feeling a strange comfort in the thought. “I’ll reach out soon, hopefully sooner than later.”
“Happy Mating Games Day, Selena.” He gently withdrew from my mind, his presence fading away like a soft, lingering breeze.