{Enki | Cinder’s Shrine}

Xelan laughed without feeling relief. He was tense and wired, listening to Tameka and their people suffer. Some of them were only kids who happened to survive an apocalypse. They certainly didn’t survive all of that to suffer through this.

Celindria’s psyche had disintegrated much further than Xelan had predicted. Soon, nothing worth reasoning with would remain. Not that he’d ever managed to reason with her in the past. Xelan only ever pushed Celindria further away.

Tameka handled the situation fantastically. Calm and built from the kind of strength the Shadow could rely on. Even with Pax only a room away, she maintained her composure.

Soon, T.a.o. could set them all free and bring Karter with them. Xelan looked forward to seeing her for the first time since he awakened the Valkyrie from their stasis chambers in his stronghold. Years ago now to them. Months ago to him.

The Progeny had all grown and matured so much. Xelan was proud to call them his Shadow—

Korac glanced over at Xelan, and his words from earlier replayed in his head. “The Progeny can see your mask, and I share their sentiment—We don’t like it.”

But the General knew the Prince of Cinder as a lover and a friend. Korac couldn’t know what it’s like to mentor so many who relied on Xelan’s composure during moments such as these. It allowed for bouts of levity, like earlier with Andrew, Kyle, and Tumu. Still… Perhaps Xelan came across as callous when he pretended to laugh, meanwhile the enemy had captured his son and soul mate on the brink of war.

Andrew shoved his elbow into Xelan’s rib hard enough to make him look down at the younger man. Without taking his eyes off Torrentus, Andrew said, “You’re overthinking it. We know you’re worried. We all are, but we won’t help Pax and the rest by pulling our hair out in front of our allies.”

Allies. Diplomacy. Exactly what was on Xelan’s mind. He could best help Tameka by organizing this army and using the advantage she’d afforded them. Wasting time on panic would mean wasting her efforts.

Xelan wouldn’t have that. “Thanks, Conscience.”

Andrew clicked his tongue. “That name sucks so bad.”

Freely, the Prince of Cinder grinned. “I like it. It’s not as cool as Story Taker, but…” He gave a half shrug at Andrew’s grimace.

“Wingmaster. This is Fury. Over.”

Relief washed over Xelan. “Go ahead.”

Tameka breathed like she was shuffling around the others. “Celindria has us in the cage T.a.o. described. We have Karter. I wasn’t sure if you heard that. Over.”

The Shadow peered at him now through the gathering, those listening in, anyway. Kyle pressed closer to Sagan across the way, curious.

Xelan answered, “We heard everything. Is Karter all right? What about Chris and Ross? Over.”

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“Karter is unconscious, like Para was at first. Celindria stabbed Chris in the eye. I healed him pretty fast, and he seems okay. But he’s in the room with us so Celindria will know I’m talking to you.” There was a swallow before Tameka continued. “She uh… She’s threatening us to keep still, or she’ll use Chris to assault Ross. Over.”

“What?!” Kyle heard that one.

Andrew muttered, “Better go calm him down,” and took off in his brother’s direction.

Xelan wet his lips and asked, “How is Celindria keeping you? Over.”

“With nacre disabling guns, mostly.” Tameka shifted, asking someone, “You still okay?”

Ross answered on the line in a slightly shrill voice, “I’m okay. No matter what happens, I want everyone to know that I’ll be okay. It’s not Chris’ fault. Over.”

“Fuck.” That was Korac.

Sagan chafed his arm and helped Andrew placate Ross’ fuming older brother.

Closing his eyes, Xelan assured, “You’re the gold standard, Ms. Roberts.” He swallowed and opened his eyes before the next. “Fury, you don’t let it come to that. Over.” Yes. That was an order to blow Chris’ nacre if necessary. If roles were reversed, Xelan would rather someone killed him than forced him to rape an innocent girl.

Tameka hesitated, considering it, before saying, “Understood. How can I speed this along? Over.”

“Ask her about Ishkur. Peaches, ask her to take your volition. Keep it centered on you. Over.” Tumu’s advice was sound.

Xelan nodded at him across the alcove. “That’s right, Fury. Let us know when she returns. This was smart. Antagonizing her interest through Chris’ watch—”

More of Korac’s earlier words slammed into Xelan. “But let Tameka see how much Pax’s abduction affects you. She needs it.”

“Tameka, for you and for Pax—The second you think this mission feels out of hand, say the word and Sagan will bring me to you. I won’t hesitate, Fury. Over.” Xelan couldn’t get more honest with his feelings than that.

Sagan waved from across the way. Korac bowed with his head.

Sparked by his words, Tameka sounded much more confident. “We got this. Over and Out.”

Everyone agreed. Taking Pax was some kind of trap for Xelan. No one wanted him within miles of Celindria. Not even Xelan wanted it after he’d repeatedly tried and failed to reach his First Progeny. His very presence seemed to fuel her indignation.

In fact, Celindria dismissing any chance of Xelan being evil surprised him. He believed she understood him, but Celindria still resented Xelan for the mistakes he made in her creation—

A hand clasped onto his shoulder. It was Tumu. “Peaches will be fine. Little Tree, too—”

“She’d better be.” Kyle pushed his way through the other Generals. “Look, we haven’t always gotten along, but I’m trusting you with this. Shit goes sideways, you and me are going in there to get them out. Got it?”

Xelan marked this as an improvement. He could remember a time when Kyle felt so little about Xelan’s ability to protect the Progeny that he’d betrayed Rayne to Nox. Now, he asked to fight beside him.

In the only proper response, Xelan held out his hand, and Kyle clasped his wrist. They shook on it.

“Wingmaster. This is the Doc. Over.”

Leadership never ended. “Go ahead.”

Pablo sounded quite engaged and eager. “We met a friendly. He’s helping us equip Triss and prepare some high-tech beds for the wounded. We’re doing great here, all thanks to Bethany. Over.”

Kyle flushed suddenly and shook his head. Both of his sisters were brave and making leaps without him. There was much pride to go around.

Xelan grinned and let it into his voice. “That’s wonderful news. Thanks, Doc. Let us know if you need anything. Over and Out.”

F8 rolled up next, and Xelan wondered how much more the galaxy would ask of him after this victory. She said, “I think you’ll need to address the Generals. They’re all ready to hear from you. They want a reminder of what they’re fighting for.”

Right.

Xelan peered over at Tumu, who winked at him. Lamassau gave two thumbs up. Iuo and Pehton stood with their respective armies side-by-side and gave him little encouraging waves. Sagan punched the air, and Korac smirked. Andrew and Kyle looked up expectantly at their mentor.

Time to see if all that education as the Prince of Cinder paid off.

May the rest of the galaxy be kinder to Xelan’s excellent naming conventions.