Chapter 48
48
Kaede
I f there was one thing Kaede hated, it was surprises.
Nothing good ever came from them.
“Even your unborn daughter?”
“Don’t you dare ever think such a vile thought into existence,” Kaede mentally spat, jaw clenched and fangs bared, snarling at the vessel as it landed. “A blessing? Always. A miracle? Most definitely.”
“Noted,” REI replied. “But my comment still stands. Her existence was unplanned.”
“You’re wrong,” Kaede corrected, bristling with protectiveness. ” The Fates’ planned her. We just followed our Stars’ path.”
“My mistake.”
The twin suns hovered high in the cloudless sky, their rays spilling over the ocean’s waves and scattering dazzling glitters across the surface. The waters shimmered like a sea of liquid lavender-colored gems, sparkling as if eager to welcome them.
Kaede stood with the others—family and friends—watching as the vessel settled onto the landing pad, his long ponytail shifting with each gust of sea air.
The Royal Docks stood empty except for their presence, with the support personnel waiting at a respectful distance behind them, poised to assist if necessary. Everyone’s attention was focused on the vessel that had dared to arrive at this moment, of all times, and whose ramp remained firmly closed.
Beside him, Selena shifted and frowned, her furrowed brow and narrowed eyes betraying her frustration. “I still don’t understand why he’s been avoiding us all this time.”
“Royak may have been the heir apparent, due to his age, military experience and shadow strength, but Izyana was the late sire’s favorite. The male loved doing anything in order to get in his good graces, foolishly hoping the late Sovereign would pass the throne to him instead,” Kaede explained telepathically, not wanting to add to the current tension by speaking aloud. “Neither do I.” Kaede barely managed to hold back a scowl. His gaze danced over the sleek craft, irritation almost palpable beneath his skin as he committed every detail to memory. “I’d like to know that myself, but it’s an interesting choice, isn’t it? He waits until now to make an appearance, and during the height of the festival, no less.”
“Worthless.” Zirene emitted a low growl, his stance rigid and tail lashing in irritation as he glared at the vessel. Muscles bunched beneath his dark fur as he flexed his paws, looking ready to rip into his estranged brother the moment he dared exit. “His late arrival… he ruins everything. No one wants to deal with his decrepit… viewpoint. The entire Harvest Festival has been more pleasant without him here.”
The Harvest Festival was supposed to be a celebration—a rare chance to set aside politics, mistrust, and grudges and come together and enjoy the year’s wealth. For some, it was also an occasion to seek a suitable mate, whether for pleasure or the opportunity to produce a litter.
And yet, their clan had experienced enough dimstar situations that could’ve been averted, especially his star. He had a sinking feeling that coming to Liskta was a mistake. Not because Selena wasn’t ready to introduce herself to the empire, but because there were whispers from a few that didn’t agree with her and what she stood for: change.
Some might believe that change could wait, but they did not have the luxury of time. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t stop thinking about the prophecy.
And Izyana’s appearance, fashionably late and dripping with his signature arrogance, threatened to overshadow it all.
Just when he was looking forward to relaxing by teaching a couple males a lesson, putting them in their place. Now he would have to take the opportunity to enhance their security by expanding their drone network’s reach.
Kaede’s lips twisted in agreement. “ Be ready for anything,” he commanded REI, his tone sharp and precise. “ And coordinate with the Abyss crew to ensure security is doubled. I don’t trust him.”
“ Your will is mine.” REI’s reply was instantaneous, her tone crisp with purpose. “We will carefully oversee all aspects and keep you informed of any alarming developments.”
“Good.” His mind whirred with endless tactical possibilities, his every move determined, calculated and precise. “ Deploy the drones. We may not get another easy chance to gather intel on him. Now’s the time to expand our reach and scout his entire sol system, and track all activity.”
“Consider it done.” REI’s mental tone was firm, unwavering. “Your Abyss team is already prepared. They’ll follow him and secure access to his vessel. We won’t fail you.”
She wouldn’t, he knew that much.
The loyalty the Oetsae held was ingrained in them, similar to how the Circuli were devoted to their nestqueen. Regardless of how their lives had become intertwined, Kaede was grateful for REI, and by extension, Euouae and his Abyss team. They worked flawlessly with him after they finally embraced Selena as a part of his life, someone he would not abandon even when everything seemed impossible.
He tilted his head, keeping an eye on the vessel and casting a glance toward Selena, who stood quiet. There was a slight nervousness emanating from her through their bond. Despite her composure, her hands trembled ever so slightly against her sides.
“There is no need to be worried,” Kaede pathed, fighting the urge to wrap an arm around her. It was crucial to assert herself confidently when presenting herself to Izyana. The unworthy male held fast to traditions, those established by his deceased sire and earlier ancestors—traditions that his star and clanbrother were striving to dismantle. “If need be, you can take the cubs and go to the arena. I’m sure V’dim and Z’fir would happily assist. We’ll be there shortly after we greet Izyana. No point in stressing just because the dimstar decided to make a grand entrance at a time like this.”
Selena’s spine straightened, and she lifted her chin to meet his stare, boldness blazing in her eyes. “I can’t hide, Kaede. If I’m to be the Beacon, I need to greet whoever comes with my head held high. I’m not about to hide in a villa that isn’t even my own or sit in an arena to witness events in my honor, cowering behind others.” Her tone was unwavering, her gaze fixed straight ahead. Kaede recognized that hardened look—it was the same one she wore whenever she was about to face something she couldn’t, or wouldn’t, avoid.
A smirk twisted Masmi’s lips. “Look around you, Beacon. It’s all of us against him. If anyone should feel fear, it’s Izyana. He’s not only disrespectfully late, but he also has the gall to make an entrance now…it’s a wonder he even bothered.”
At that, the vessel’s door finally slid open with a hiss, and the ramp lowered slowly, revealing the male who had kept them all waiting.
Izyana stepped out with a leisurely confidence, his medium-gray fur striped with sharp, thin black lines. His violet eyes glinted with barely hidden arrogance, his posture reeking of cocky self-assurance. He paused, taking in the scene as if weighing his importance against those assembled before him.
Zirene stood tall, his broad shoulders squared and a glint of superiority in his piercing gaze. He seemed to fill the area with his powerful shadowy presence as he stared down at his brother with lips curled in barely concealed disdain.
Selena stood at his left, as Royak held his position on Zirene’s right, his face unreadable. Kaede shifted his stance beside Selena, arms loosely crossed, his entire demeanor radiating a readiness to strike. On Royak’s other side, Masmi stood firm, her expression fierce and unwavering. The cubs stayed safely behind them, tucked between Z’fir and V’dim, their wide eyes peeking around the rest of the adults as they watched this unwanted arrival unfold.
Yes, Masmi was right. Izyana would have to be exceptionally foolish to attempt anything with such a formidable group assembled against him. Kaede’s hand drifted to his psydagger, his fingers brushing its hilt as he watched Izyana approach. If the dimstar wanted to stir up trouble, Kaede would be more than ready to teach him a lesson.
He wouldn’t let this disrespect slide—and would gladly use him as target practice for a warm up before the day’s events.
Masmi stepped forward, arms crossed, her tail flicking in irritation. “What are you doing here, Izyana? You know as well as the rest of us that no arrivals are permitted during the Mating Games until the Harvest Festival concludes. Why break protocol?”
Izyana smirked, shrugging nonchalantly. “Apologies for the untimely entrance, I didn’t have the luxury of arriving on time. The Quaww border doesn’t manage itself. My sol system is the closest, and my paws have been full trying to keep everything under control.”
Zirene’s growl rumbled through the air, low and dangerous. “Don’t insult our intelligence. The borders are well-maintained, and reinforcements have been sent since I assumed command, ensuring no cracks in our defenses. You come here making excuses, but we all know the truth: you’re late because you didn’t want to be here.”
Izyana laughed, the sound sharp and grating, his violet eyes glinting with amusement as he scanned the group. When his gaze lingered too long on Selena, raking over her appraisingly, Kaede’s grip tightened on her, his free hand bracing her waist.
“So it’s true.” Izyana’s smirk widened, and he chuckled darkly. “You killed our late sire to protect your… Seedbearer”—he spat the word like venom as he gestured toward Selena—“and her royal consorts. And yet, I don’t see them. Where are they? Dismissed already?”
The insult hit its mark.
Zirene’s tail lashed behind him, as his shadow flared, dark tendrils rippling outward while Royak and Masmi growled in unison. Selena stepped forward in Kaede’s hold, her hiss sharp as his psydagger. “Perhaps you’ve also heard I am now the Aldawi Beacon,” she said coolly, her words cutting. “This entire Harvest Festival is in our honor. Know your place, submit to our rule, and accept Zirene as your Sovereign.”
Her royal dress caught the breeze, flowing elegantly as her spots flared a vivid, angry red. The image was striking—regal and fierce. In another moment, Kaede would’ve loved to turn her intensity toward him, fueling that passion through their shared bonds, painting her spots with shades of pink and purple instead.
But now was not the time. Kaede snapped his focus back to Izyana, who let out another laugh.
“No matter how capable you think you are”—he sneered, casting a pointed glance toward the cubs behind them—“you’re not Aldawi. I owe you nothing.”
Zirene stepped in front of Selena in an instant, shielding her with his imposing form, his shadow flaring outward. Kaede pulled her closer to him, lifting his psydagger in warning. “Watch your tongue,” Zirene growled, his voice as sharp as the blade Kaede held. “Another word of disrespect, and I’ll enjoy slicing it off and choking you with it.
“Selena is my Beacon. I am your Sovereign. Pay your respects or leave this planet. Pray I don’t change my mind and have you shot out of the air.”
Izyana stumbled, his cocky demeanor faltering but only slightly. His knees buckled as Zirene’s shadow pressed harder, forcing him down. Yet his pride fought against submission. He glanced at Royak, desperation tinging his words. “I can’t believe you’re fine with this! You were next in line! This wasn’t what our sire wanted! How can you let this happen?”
Royak’s tail twined protectively with Vikvez’s, his expression calm and resolute. “I am where I choose to be,” he replied, his paw clasping Vikvez’s in a show of unity. “Where I want to be. It’s you who fails to understand.”
Masmi stepped beside Zirene, her voice sharp and unforgiving. “Accept our leaders, Izyana. Forget what our late sire wanted—he’s gone. Zirene and Selena rule now. You knew this; the invitation made it clear. So why are you really here?”
“I was hoping to convince Royak to challenge Zirene,” he admitted bitterly, his tone dripping with frustration as he glared at how Royak stood beside Vikvez. “But it seems I’m too late.”
Selena’s laugh rang out, sharp and mocking, as she leaned into Kaede’s embrace. Her chin was raised, her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her posture exuded confidence and superiority. “So instead of challenging Zirene yourself, you came to beg your other brother to fight your battle for you? You have no say in this. Now is your last chance—submit to the Sovereign or you’ll leave here stripped of your title and position.”
“You can’t do that!” Izyana spat, his paws digging into the ground as he glared at her.
Selena tilted her head, disdain etched into every line of her face. “I’m the Beacon, and you seek to overthrow my mate, because you’re still clinging to the past that no longer exists,” she said with calm authority. “You should be thankful I’m offering you the chance to submit rather than ordering your execution.”
Zirene motioned for the others to step back, and they obeyed without hesitation, creating space. Kaede remained at Selena’s side, his psydagger at the ready. Selena neither wavered nor shrank back.
This was her moment.
Now was not the time for her to show weakness, nor for him to step away—knowing that Izyana was capable of shadowstepping and could potentially attack in desperation.
“You’ve heard my Beacon,” Zirene said, his voice a low growl of finality. “What will it be? Submit to my rule or die by my paw. Choose now, Izyana.”