Chapter 52
52
Selena
T he warm, powdery white sands beneath my feet seemed to hum with life, my sandals sinking slightly with each small shift of my weight.
The twin suns hovered overhead, blazing like jewels against the clear sky, their heat radiating down onto the arena floor. A gentle breeze drifted in from beyond the stands, carrying the faint scent of desert flowers and ocean brine, a delicate mixture that filled my lungs with something that felt like hope.
All around us, tens—maybe even hundreds—of thousands of voices merged into a single roaring hum in the packed stands. There were whistles, cheers, and shouts of encouragement blended into a symphony of anticipation, their voices a rhythmic pulse against the steady crash of ocean waves in the distance.
The atmosphere felt alive, vibrant, and welcoming in a way that made my chest swell.
This was nothing like standing on the cold, unyielding floor of the CEG Assembly. There, beneath the dome’s sterile glow of artificial lights, I had faced judgment—scorn from representatives who’d believed that I shouldn’t exist.
To them, I wasn’t a person. I was a test subject, an anomaly, a potential weapon to be studied “for the good of the galaxy.” The weight of their disdain had been suffocating, their accusations were scars on my soul. The memory lingered like a stale taste in the back of my throat.
But here? Amongst my people? I felt no such weight. No fear. The Aldawi and their allies surrounded me not as enemies but as a family, cheering for their traditions, their history, and—by some miracle—the Beacon who stood among them.
The energy and excitement flooding this arena felt warm, supportive. They looked at me and my clan with respect and affection, not suspicion or desire to dissect what made me different.
My throat tightened as I felt a lump form, and I shut my eyes tightly while taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm the frantic beating of my heart. The noise of the crowd faded into a constant buzz that resonated within my ears.
Through their mental threads, Z’fir and V’dim’s feelings reached me like gentle waves: reassurance, support, readiness to comfort—a soothing balm against my nervous energy.
By following their invisible connections, I could sense their positions high above in the royal suite, watching me alongside Kaede and the others. Their steady support wrapped around me like a shield, easing my nerves.
And then there was Kaede—silent, his mental door firmly veiled. I knew his priority would be security, protecting us by monitoring for dangers and ready to attack at any time.
He didn’t need distractions, and I respected that. His silence was another form of love, his own way of showing he cared.
The warriors knelt before us in neat rows, their fur and clothes streaked with the evidence of hard-fought battles. Each one bore marks of honor—scars, bruises, even blood—and yet, they exuded pride. Their strength, their agility, their power had been on full display during the competition, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of awe.
These were females who had faced the brutal heat of the arena sands, who had stood against one another with ferocity and determination. For what? A chance to display their worthiness to be on my newly formed security team.
A hush fell as Masmi stepped forward beside me, her royal robes gleaming in the sunlight. Her tail flicked once, gently rubbing against my side, a subtle sign of her satisfaction.
She lifted her chin, her voice carrying over the noise of the crowd with practiced regal authority. “It is with great pride,” she began, her tone crisp and commanding, carried by the natural amplification of the arena’s acoustics, “that we welcome you all to this historic Harvest Festival. It is an honor to host such an event in celebration of our traditions, our unity, and the future of our great empire.”
The crowd answered with a swell of cheers, the sound rolling across the stands to where we stood. I breathed in deeply, feeling the warmth of their collective enthusiasm spread through my chest. I turned around to face the stands, taking in all the faces that were watching us with excitement.
I turned slowly on my toes, letting the world move around me, taking in the sheer scale of the arena.
The stands were packed, a vibrant tapestry of faces, some furred or striped others scaled or thick-skinned. Cheers erupted like waves, rolling through the sections as I stood there, and for a fleeting moment, I let myself soak in their unbridled enthusiasm.
It felt almost surreal.
These weren’t just citizens of the Aldawi Empire—they were allies, merchants, and spectators who had journeyed across the stars to witness this moment. Their smiles and chants lit the air with a kind of energy I hadn’t known I needed. My heart swelled, the nervous weight on my chest easing slightly as I turned back to the center of the arena.
My attention drifted to the knot of my family behind Masmi and me.
Zirene and Royak stood side by side, tall and regal, their fur and striped patterns unmistakable marks of royal blood. The cubs before them were uncanny reflections of their lineage, their coats mirroring the same rich coloring and intricate patterns—a living testimony to their heritage.
Each with a hint of silver from my long hair—to prove that they were mine .
No one could doubt their ancestry, not when they bore the distinctive marks of the empire’s most powerful shadow wielders. Sovereign and Royal Military Commander. Brothers bonded by blood, working side by side through the years—and with luck, many more.
The cubs stood as still as they could, no doubt coached on proper posture, but their swishing tails betrayed their delight. They understood the significance of the moment, knew this was special. To them, this was a grand celebration—a chance to witness warriors clash in battle, to see their parents stand as leaders, and to be part of something larger than life.
Anyone looking could see this family belonged to the empire’s royal line, could sense the power in their blood and their shadows.
Even with my shielding, I felt their presence, even though it didn’t affect me as it did the others. I’d assumed it was due to being Zirene’s Nova combined with my natural abilities, needing to be able to pull my Shadow from his own darkness when needed…
Zirene caught my eye and gave a subtle nod, his expression gentler than it had been earlier. His paws settled firmly on Meti’s small shoulders, a silent declaration to the crowd: she was the future of their empire, the one who would one day rule.
Meti tilted her head back, her cheeks brushing against his paw in a gesture so full of affection it nearly made my heart ache. Then she broke away, her youthful excitement spilling over as she rushed toward me.
“Mother!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arm around mine. She clung tightly, her body vibrating with barely contained energy. The twins followed close behind, their steps swift and determined as they moved to flank me, pressing close. Their tails swayed with the same excitement Meti couldn’t quite mask, betraying the practiced composure they’d been trying so hard to maintain.
I cast a pleading glance toward Zirene, silently imploring him to intervene and rescue me from this sudden, adorable ambush. But he only shook his head, his paws staying planted, and cast me that half-smile that said I was on my own. Royak laughed under his breath, clasping Zirene’s shoulder. Zirene nudged Royak away with a playful shove, and a ripple of amused murmurs passed through the crowd.
Masmi stepped forward and cleared her throat, drawing all attention back to her. “Today, we honor those who have fought valiantly and proven themselves worthy,” she announced, her regal voice rising once more over the noise of the crowd. “These warriors represent the heart of our people—strong, loyal, and unyielding.”
The crowd responded with a wave of cheers, warming my skin like the twin suns’ rays.
Masmi turned toward the kneeling warriors, her tone shifting slightly, more personal now. “To the warriors before us, I give my thanks. Your service has been invaluable. I will miss having you within my own ranks, but it is an honor to have prepared you to serve the Beacon herself.” Her gaze slid toward me. “Now, Beacon, it’s your privilege to announce the captain of your guard.”
My breath caught.
I straightened, trying to draw from the well of strength that my mates often said they saw in me. The crowd grew silent, waiting.
I cleared my throat and licked my lips, using my cubs’ comforting presence as an anchor.
“Thank you,” I began, clearly and slowly, letting my words carry across the arena. “Thank you for welcoming me, my cubs, my family, and my friends to this historic Harvest Festival. It has been an honor to witness the strength and skill of the warriors standing here today. Together, alongside my Sovereign, I aspire to continue strengthening the bonds that unite our empire, forging us into an unstoppable force—not only in this galaxy, but across the universe—that history has ever known.”
A roar of approval erupted, the sound thunderous, reverberating through the open arena. I let it carry on for a moment before raising my free hand, palm open, signaling for calm. Slowly, the arena tapered off, leaving only a murmuring hum.
I refocused on the warriors kneeling before us. Their heads remained bowed, faces partially obscured, but I could sense their tension, their hope. They wanted this honor, would give anything to stand guard at my side.
My heart clenched softly. There were so many, each with their own stories and dreams, all wanting to gain my trust—hoping to be a part of the change, to revive a long-lost tradition that had died with the last Beacon.
An idea formed, and I instinctively reached out mentally, brushing against Kaede’s veiled mental door. The shield melted instantly at my touch.
“Is something wrong?” His voice was sharp and immediate.
“Not wrong,” I replied. “But I need to know—how many warriors am I allowed to have on my security team?”
Kaede’s response came without hesitation. “Traditionally, it’s between twelve and twenty, but you’re the Beacon. You can have as many as you want—even command an army if you want—provided you can accommodate them.”
“Which I can,” I pathed pointedly, daring him to object, but I knew he wouldn’t deny me. “Please contact Vagren right away and tell him to prepare the main island. Build the complex within the mountain, just below the top tier where my villa rests. I want private access to my estate for them, but also a lift to the ground floor. And if it’s not ready by their arrival—”
“The empty apartments in the housing district will suffice,” Kaede finished smoothly. “It will be done, Beacon .”
Satisfied, I withdrew my presence, knowing he would fulfill my wishes, and brought my attention back to the warriors before me with their heads bowed. Their tension mirrored mine, but I squared my shoulders.
My heart swelled with gratitude for their bravery, but the weight of my choice pressed down on me. Each of them had shown skill, determination, and a willingness to sacrifice for the empire. How could I choose among them? Yet, the decision was mine to make, and the future of my security—of my family—depended on it.
I took a steadying breath, cupped my stomach, and stepped forward, releasing the twins’ and Meti’s hold on my arms. They lingered a moment, reluctant to let go, but I needed this moment to be mine and determined not to let hesitation mar it. The soft crunch of sand under my feet echoed in the silence of the arena.
All eyes were on me.
My steps brought me to the burnt-orange warrior with white-swirled stripes and piercing green eyes. Her stoic mask faltered as I approached into something more vulnerable—a quiet, hopeful look that tugged at my heart. Her gaze spoke volumes—she wanted this, needed this. I saw her desperation for redemption, for a chance to prove herself not just to her people but to herself—to bring honor back to her family’s line.
I paused in front of her, placing one hand on my stomach to steady myself as I extended the other toward her. “Eshe,” I said, my voice carrying across the hushed arena, “you’ve not only won the tournament but shown qualities I value deeply in a leader. You’ve demonstrated proactive thinking, resilience, and the drive to correct past mistakes—not just your own, but those of your ancestors. I ask you now, will you accept the role of Captain of my security team?”
Eshe’s eyes widened for a brief moment as a visible tremor ran through her body, followed by relief. She bowed deeply, pressing her forehead into the warm sand, her neck fully exposed in a gesture of unwavering respect.
When she finally reached for my hand, her movements were tentative, her paws gentle as if afraid she might harm me. She stood slowly, cupping my hand with both of hers. “Beacon, I am honored. I swear on the Stars, I will never fail you.”
I believed her. I really did.
But also I knew the Stars played games…
Masmi stepped forward from her place at my side and tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “Beacon,” she asked aloud for all to hear, “who will fill the ranks under your new captain?”
A mischievous spark lit within me as I turned to her with a smirk. “I’d like to take them all,” I said simply with a casual shrug. The stunned silence from Masmi nearly made me bite my lip to keep my smile from growing wider.
Her jaw dropped, and for a moment, she simply stared. The crowd murmured in astonishment. Then Masmi recovered, straightening her shoulders. “All of them?”
“They’re honorable,” I said, glancing back at the warriors. “And I have many to protect—myself, my cubs, my large extended family. Why not?”
Masmi shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “If that is the Beacon’s Will, then so be it.”
I turned back to Eshe, whose grip on my hand tightened briefly before she released it and bowed her head again. “Your first task as Captain is to choose your left and right paw. Then, I want a list of the warriors’ families and belongings they’ll need relocated to Destima. Organize it well so the transition can be seamless.”
Eshe gripped my hand more firmly then bowed her head, pressing it against the back of my hand in a final show of reverence before stepping back. “Thank you,” she said softly. “It will be my honor.”
Straightening, she turned to face the other warriors, who were now casting furtive glances at us, their tension palpable.
“I choose Riska as my right,” Eshe announced, her voice ringing clear, strong and commanding.
A black-striped burgundy warrior stood swiftly and bowed low. “I will accept the honor,” Riska said, her voice firm as she joined Eshe’s side. The crowd erupted into cheers.
I smiled, impressed by Eshe’s choice. Selecting her last opponent, the one who’d given her a challenge but ultimately come in second place, spoke volumes about her character. It wasn’t just about skill; it was about respect. Perhaps they were friends. Or perhaps Eshe valued skill and strength, not ego—and simply wanted the best by her side.
“I choose Erry as my left hand.”
A dark solid brown-furred warrior with a tan chest rose, her stance proud and confident. “I accept,” Erry said, bowing graciously before taking her place at Eshe’s other side.
The three warriors—Eshe, Riska, and Erry—turned as one to face me, their movements fluid and unified. They bowed deeply, their voices strong and clear as they spoke in unison. “Beacon, we are honored to serve you.”