Chapter 50
50
Zirene
T he arena buzzed with the energy of a thousand voices, each adding to the low hum of excitement that hung in the air.
Today held something special—not only was it the opening day of the Mating Games, but Selena had allowed Masmi to open up the recruitment process for his Beacon’s security team, making it a two-event day.
It was something that needed to be done.
While originally, his plans were to have Selena remain on Destima with their cubs—living her life in bliss, safely away from all the politics and the rest of the universe—it appeared the Stars had other plans for them.
Or more like, his little Nova did.
She’d refused to be placed in a cage once again, as glorified as it was, and had demanded to have the freedom to travel the stars… to stand by his side, leading their empire together.
Selena had become an invaluable figure in his life. Not because of their Shadow-Nova relationship. She was a prime example of how a person’s past didn’t define their worth. Her unique perspective—shaped not only by her position outside Aldawi politics, but also by her isolation from the rest of the universe—gave him insight on not only himself as a person but to life itself.
He wasn’t the male he once was—not only before she’d awakened from her test tube and the Fates linked their souls in their shared dreamscape—but when she’d joined him on the CEG Space Station.
She’d changed him—made him want to be better.
He’d had his life planned—and she’d burned it all away with her brightness.
A shooting star illuminating his dark night sky.
Zirene refused to allow anyone to dim his Nova—including himself.
He knew he’d made many mistakes regarding her and their relationship—and he regretted how he’d done things—but thankfully, Selena was a much more forgiving soul than he was.
He didn’t deserve her—or everything she had given him.
And yet, he would give her anything she desired in order to make her happy—which included allowing her to surround herself with her royal consorts.
The Aldawi typically did not form long-term pairings and instead lived in community clans—females raising cubs together while males fought. Shadow-Nova pairings, like his bond with Selena, were an oddity. At least, ever since The Great Dimming. He pondered how long it would take for things to change—or if they would ever return to how they were before his ancestors seized control—now that he ruled with Selena by his side.
He’d hoped once their citizens saw more of him with Selena and their clan, and how they interacted, the empire’s gender conflicts would gradually subside.
Only time would tell.
Zirene stepped onto their royal private viewing suite’s porch, his shadow rippling faintly across his shoulders, betraying the tension he felt. The curved walls of the chamber framed the massive arena below, its white sand-lined floor already prepped for the challenges to come.
Gripping the railing, his tail flicked with irritation, the lingering annoyance from Izyana’s intrusion. A year ago, he would’ve accepted his veiled challenge without hesitation, not caring if he ended his brother’s life in the process.
The male was insufferable—and the weakest out of his littermates. Even Pavryn and Vagren held stronger shadow powers than him, and they weren’t sired by the late Sovereign.
Zirene chuckled softly at how that knowledge had always bothered Izyana—knowing how their half littermates could beat him.
He wouldn’t be surprised if, by the time they reached maturity their cubs could defeat Izyana, given how formidable their talents had already become. It was a relief to not have to worry about others criticizing or challenging them—or assuming they were weak simply because of who their mother was.
Their future would be secure—he would ensure it—as he began a new legacy alongside their mother, Nova, and Beacon.
He scanned the stands, taking in the sheer number of attendees. The Aldawi made up the majority, their fur standing out in the midday sun as they waved and shouted. Surprisingly, there were quite a few male Aldawi in attendance, their bare chests on full display in contrast to the exquisite robes and hooded capes that the females wore.
Among them were other species, allies of the empire, no doubt merchants and diplomats from nearby sol systems. The Caurg, their stone-like skin shimmering faintly with iridescence, stood out with their sheer size and gigantic wings. The Euvrel, with their slender frames and gossamer-like wings, navigated through the upper level with a low buzzing sound from seat to seat. The Trr’kiki, a scaled reptilian species, huddled together on the outskirts of the stands, strategically chose spots where they could bask in the direct sunlight peeking through the vibrant shade sails woven above.
He didn’t distrust their presence—Masmi’s meticulous vetting process ensured every individual in the stands had a reason to be there. But his own security concerns kept his instincts sharp, especially with Izyana’s sudden arrival. Between Masmi’s guards and Kaede’s network of invisible drones, the event was secure.
He trusted them—and those they employed—to do their job, knowing his family wouldn’t fail him. B and Q were planetside, lurking in the shadows and working on their new Oetsae equipped vessel, to add the Fab Five’s support.
It took him time to be this at ease, but he’d known he couldn’t do everything and be everywhere. His focus would be on relocating their empire’s capital, uniting the citizens, and trying to prevent another war.
But by the Stars, the Quaww were making it hard not to. They were testing him, his new reign, and were trying to force his paw.
Growling, he clenched the railing, digging his talons into the carved stone. He was prepared to defend against whatever the Fates had in store for him.
His ears flicked back as the sounds of the sliding doors opened softly behind him. As his family and friends entered the suite, their excited voices filled the space, bringing a smile to his face.
Selena’s laughter, soft and musical, broke through the noise as their twins rushed past her, their excitement contagious as they dashed to the railing beside him. Nocrez and Neazzos were practically bouncing as they chattered about the games, wondering if their friends’ mothers would win. Meti followed behind them with an air of practiced patience, her tail flicking in barely concealed amusement as she mimicked how Masmi carried herself amongst others.
Zirene stilled as Selena approached. Her violet dress flowed around her with each step, her confidence and grace drawing more than just his attention. The deep, plunging neckline of her dress revealed her scar, which she wore proudly—something she’d learned from his clanbrother, Kaede and his many scars—highlighting her smooth, dark skin and the alluring curve of her collarbone. A daring slit ran high along her side, teasing glimpses of her toned legs with every step she took—making him want to shadowstep her away for some privacy.
He would invite Kaede, since it was originally his idea, and he had already expressed his desire to do so.
Her scent—warm and grounding—reached him before she did, and he felt his tension instantly ease, regardless of his clanbrother’s faint taint. She carried young, something he was honestly proud of, even though he wasn’t the sire.
His Nova had given him everything—including their three healthy cubs.
For her, he would burn any who dared threaten to dim her light.
“Ready for entertainment?” Kaede’s voice cut through the chatter. The lethal assassin leaned against the railing, bouncing a drone in his hand, gazing at the audience. “It appears the citizens seem to be sensing the excitement as well.”
“It will be an interesting show,” he said, his voice measured as his tail swayed lazily behind him. The tension in his shoulders betrayed his otherwise calm demeanor. “I assume that the contestants have been thoroughly vetted?”
Before Kaede could reply, Selena stepped closer, slipping her arm around his waist. The warmth of her touch should have been comforting, but he felt the subtle stiffness in her body. She leaned into him, yet the absence of her head resting against his side spoke volumes.
She was still upset, and he couldn’t blame her. It was a subtle reminder of his earlier misstep, one he wouldn’t soon forget. He’d failed her, and she was making an effort to appear supportive despite it.
That knowledge stung more than he wanted to admit.
Still, she smiled softly at him. “Your sister and Kaede have been pouring over the list of applicants,” she said lightly, though her tone carried a teasing edge. “I think Kaede might know their bloodlines better than they do by now.”
Kaede gave a low chuckle, his lips curled into a sly smirk. “If they’re going to protect her, their history better be flawless. Weakness isn’t an option. Not when it comes to our clan’s safety.”
Masmi joined them, jerking her head toward the arena floor. “Most of the applicants are people I know personally,” she admitted. “But don’t worry, Brother. I won’t let my relationships influence my decisions. Only the best will stand beside the Beacon.”
Kaede snorted, his arms crossed as he leaned back against the railing. “I’d hope so. If anyone thinks they can slide through on connections alone, they’re going to be sorely disappointed.”
Zirene inclined his head in agreement. “Good. I want nothing less than excellence.”
Selena’s grip on his waist tightened briefly before she released him, stepping forward slightly to stand beside Masmi. “I’m sure the judging will be fair. The two of you have worked hard going over the list, so I trust the results.”
Masmi’s ears twitched as she shifted her attention to Selena, her mauve eyes gleaming with excitement. “Are you ready for this, Beacon? Ready to see what these warriors have to offer?”
Selena’s lips curved into a smile. “I’m ready,” she said firmly, nodding. “Let’s see if they’re truly worthy.”