Chapter Twenty-Two

A hand around my throat. Pressure and weight against my torso and legs. Cold weight on top of my arms. My senses slowly came back to me, my chest heaving as if I’d just sprinted until collapse. It took me a moment to orientate myself enough internally to open my eyes. The hand pressed around my throat was Rel’s, his expression intensely focused. His chest and arms were bleeding. After a moment I realized the weight I felt along my torso and thighs was his.

Glowing, formless energy had pinned my arms and legs down. I shifted my gaze around, trying to determine where we were. Wherever it was, I didn’t recognize it. All I knew was that it was the Syldran aesthetic, and Aisu was unconscious on the floor a few feet away from me.

“Calm down,” Rel murmured quietly in Syldran. A small look of surprise crossed his face when I met his gaze. “You’re ‘back?’ Good.”

“Back…?” I took a moment to collect my thoughts, and Rel tensed. He was hugging me, then… Right. Sydney. Then what happened?

“You were so furious the kuhir-dal took over,” Rel answered gently. “Aisu fell into the same state shortly after. Jysel and I transported you to our sanctuary so we could get you to settle down privately. It wouldn’t have gone well if others had seen you like that.”

“He’s putting it lightly.” Jysel stepped close to my head and bent over slightly to peer down at me. “I told him you’re a handful when you get like that. Are you okay now?”

“I feel like I just did ten laps around Creshe on foot,” I stated flatly.

“I’m just thankful we were both here to subdue you this time,” Jysel remarked with a small sigh, his gaze shifting to Rel. “We can let her up now, probably. You could always restrain her with something more comfortable before angering her.”

Rel hesitated before carefully releasing my neck, his expression unreadable. “I had a lapse in judgment. Seeing the kuhir-dal react to something like that…”

Jysel shrugged. “One of Elara’s eccentricities.”

Rel floated to his feet, then made a motion with one finger, floating me up as well. After setting me down on my feet, he glanced over at a sofa, then back to me. “I think it may be best if we preemptively restrain you and Aisu before continuing this conversation. That is, with your permission.”

“Granted.” I sighed and reached out to touch his upper arm near one of the tears in his skin. “I’d rather not keep inflicting damage on either of you like this…”

“You’re dangerous in that state. It’s like you become a living weapon.” Jysel shook his head.

“Yes…she’s certainly on the ‘fight’ end of the ‘fight or flight’ spectrum,” Rel muttered dryly, taking my hand. He led me over to the sofa. “Sit. Get comfortable. Then, I’ll restrain you again.”

Jysel tilted his head faintly as if he’d asked Rel something, and Rel glanced back at him briefly before nodding his head in the direction of another piece of furniture. With that, Jysel hauled the unconscious Aisu off the ground and deposited her on the furniture Rel had indicated.

Once I was comfortable, Rel secured me in ropes of glowing energy, fastening me to the sofa. Hmmm… I bet there’s some interesting uses for these…

They both twitched and shot me a firm look. “Behave.”

“I hope you’re going to say the person Sydney killed was one of Citomy’s pet criminals.” I looked between the two as they sat across from me.

Instead of answering, Rel hummed his wounds into closing. Jysel took it upon himself to answer, “We wish we could say that was the case. But…even if she had, this still sets a new precedent. I’ve seen the reports—Sydney is human, grafted with some of your genetic material.”

Rel continued, “She giddily executed a Syldrari citizen. There was no physical reaction of revulsion after the act. It seemed like she was about to go searching for more victims, then a military shuttle dropped and took her away.”

That…bitch. I struggled to squash the feral, my entire body tingling with fury. Lightning crackled around my fingers and restraints, causing the twins to exchange glances. “What else? I can tell there’s more.”

Jysel sighed and scratched at his jaw, while Rel glanced away with a low ‘humph.’ Again, they seemed to converse silently before Rel replied to me, “Citomy already caught wind of what happened. Someone leaked the footage to her. We think the Abyss Father cult knows already too. They’re demanding disciplinary action or execution. Our concern is how much they seem to know. Citomy is…making odd demands.”

“She’s suggesting that a woman be put in charge of the Resonance Project—you, or one of her own. She even went as far as claiming she’ll give you us and one of her husbands to assist in running it.” Jysel’s frown deepened. “The Creshe Empire refused; tensions have heightened again. There are a lot of parts that have begun moving, many of which are dangerous to you. We want to get you and your team off Creshe as soon as possible.”

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I had to take a deep breath to keep myself from snapping at them to not change the subject. When I spoke, I forced my voice to be level. “And you expect me to return to HQ without ripping Sydney’s fucking face off?”

“Ugh…by the Abyss Father…” Aisu groaned, causing the twins to stiffen and my gaze to snap to her.

‘By the Abyss Father?’ Then, her memories really are… I shifted my gaze to Rel and Jysel, giving them an expectant stare. “You don’t need to be so shifty. I’ve already been told my team are originally my guards.”

“Right…” Jysel grumbled. “Regarding Sydney, we aren’t in a position to deal with her. Neither are you. Citomy wove herself into this mess too deep for any of us to act. Zafir reports that Sydney’s team is moving in today. All humans, all spliced with genetic material from your guards.”

“Off Creshe…we need…off… Fuckin’ hell, what did you…hit me with?” Aisu groaned, shifting against her restraints. “Oi, who said you could tie me up like a present to the Brihl?!”

Rel and Jysel exchanged another glance, then focused on her. “Between the two of you, Elara is more difficult to control, but we can’t have either of you dealing with Sydney…prematurely.”

I could tell them to untie us and… No. No, no, no. Don’t be an idiot. I strained against the ropes and myself, hunching over in agitation. I’ve already executed someone once. I didn’t like it. Don’t make things worse.

Rel stood briefly to come sit at my left, placing his hand on my thigh as he spoke, “Elara, you have every reason to be angry. An immature, entitled human was gifted some of your power and used it to kill your people. What you are feeling is natural. It’s important, however, that you don’t let kuhir-dal be your processing mechanism.”

“Humans last a fraction of a lifetime. We can afford to let the other clans deal with her—for now,” Jysel added. “One of the reasons we’re telling you is because this murder was publicized. It’s changing the perception of the Resonance Project among the populous. Lucdra is becoming more dangerous for you, your team, and Zafir.”

Rel nodded. “We’re focusing all efforts on removing you and your team, and all Syldrari, from this planet. Both my clan, and Jysel’s. Xilen is advising Citomy and the other visiting queens to withdraw as well.”

“The rogue clans and the cult presence have gone quiet too. We think they’re getting out.” Rel leaned in narrowing his eyes at me. “You aren’t convinced.”

“There’s something on this planet people want. They would sooner eradicate the Creshe Empire than leave.” I shook my head. “I can’t think of any other reason for people to tolerate Creshians for so long.”

Aisu sighed heavily. “That doesn’t change the fact we need to get out. That propaganda campaign I mentioned? They may wanna use it to cover up this Sydney shit. Make our team look good, make people think her team is good by extension, then get rid of us because we ain’t human.

“Been hearin’ murmurs that the higher ups aren’t keen on how Citomy’s husbands treat you. Amara wasn’t around to fix the footage when Suisuni was bowin’ and apologizin’ like mad. Near everyone’s seen it.”

“Of course…” Rel groaned, rubbing his temples. “Elara, we are going to need a list of people you want evacuated from this planet. Once gone, we will not be coming back.”

“That’s a later problem. Sydney is a now problem. What—” I fell silent as Rel pressed a hand gently over my mouth, his expression stern.

“You will not be dealing with Sydney. Nor will your guards. Focus on preparing to evacuate,” Rel ordered, his intense gaze making me remain silent. “Above all, be careful. With Citomy worming her way deeper into this planet’s affairs, you may have to see her in person more often soon. Her Lun’mosurl have clearly lost control of her.”

“You need to be careful,” Jysel added quietly, fidgeting in his seat.

Rel glanced at his twin, raising an eyebrow. “Get over here. There’s room for you too.”

Jysel turned dark blue and did as suggested, sitting to my right.

“Right, tied up snack between the two of you, and all you’re gonna do is talk?” Aisu snorted from where she sat. “Ya gonna double-team her, or you gonna let us get back to HQ? Make up your mind.”

“That isn’t a bad idea,” Rel contemplated.

Jysel tilted his head slightly. “Not at all…but she might need some training first. And, if she’s still mostly human…”

“Ah, yes. That may be too much sensory overload for her to handle at this time.” Rel rubbed his chin.

“We could take turns?” Jysel suggested.

I shrank between them, my face hot. “E-enough of that! Stop getting distracted! Aisu, you aren’t helping!”

“Oh, I think I’m helpin’ plenty,” Aisu stated with a broad grin.

Rel chuckled, his devious smile making me squeeze my thighs together. “Well, you’re right that we should focus. You just make it difficult at times. Now then… Ah, one last matter.”

He stood up and walked over to some warped, spherical-ish dresser thing. After a moment of browsing through its shallow, flat shelves, he pulled out several medallions and looked at Aisu. “You and the other guards need to train your abilities. You’ve grown rusty, and we will need you to have more control over yourselves when the time comes to evacuate you and Elara. The Creshe will not let you go easily. Distribute these to the rest of the guards.”

Jysel put his arms around me and pouted on my shoulder. “I finally get a chance to sit down with you, and you’re leaving so soon?”

“Honestly, you act like Sal’aphel when he was a pup,” Rel remarked, eyeing his brother, before glancing at me. He smirked as he dismissed the ropes binding me. “Perhaps a kiss goodbye is in order for the poor risr?”

“I’m not a—” Jysel abruptly shut his mouth when I gave him a kiss on the cheek. He flushed to the tips of his ears, his glow turning an electric blue.

Rel smirked in triumph as I returned my attention to him. “Now then, I need to transport you and Aisu back to the cafe before trouble arises. Promise me that the two of you will keep your kuhir-dal in check.”

“I promise to try. You saw how quickly I snap.” I rose to my feet, shot an amused smile at the still-stunned Jysel, then made my way over to Rel. “Shall we?”

“What she said. Promise to try.” Aisu snorted.

Rel pulled me into his chest, then instructed Aisu to hold onto his arm. In an instant, we were inside Rel’s cafe.

“I’ll go call for a shuttle,” Aisu stated, heading for the door.

Once she was out, Rel lifted my chin to look me in the eyes. “You really do need to be careful, Elara. I don’t think we should find out what will happen if you become Sydney’s executioner. Not only because of the Creshians…but because you are still recovering from your last execution. Be careful.”

“I will, but I’ll also do what I must. If I’m there and she tries something…”

“I know. Do what you must. No more, no less.” He pressed his lips to mine briefly, then nudged me toward the exit. “Stay in touch. If an emergency rises, I think we have a few ways we can get you out.”