Page 75 of Torn from the Alien Commander

“That’s terrible...” Rock’s voice trails off as she glares at Tyrxie. “I can feel how hard that was for you.”

My brave Tyrxie only smiles. “It was until I met Xandor,” she peers up at me with the sweetest smile. “He saved me.”

“Nonsense,” I scoff, waving a dismissive hand. “You saved yourself, my love. And with your strength, you’ll save the lives of many others,” I add, as everyone looks at me with a puzzled expression, except Logarn, who stands like a statue.

Perhaps I’ve said too much too quickly.

At times like this, it’s better to charge forward. “Tyrxie and I are bonded by the Gods, and soon we’ll complete the Mortakin-Tok.”

Rocks claps her hands together while Krogoth beams at me. “It warms my heart, brother, that the Gods have granted your ardent wish.” He unfortunately slaps my missing left arm, which is obscured by my half-cloak. I stumble at his great strength while Krogoth’s expression shifts to surprise. “What’s this?”

A surge of shame and rage flares within me, hot and heavy, twisting my mouth to show fangs. “I’m so sorry, Xandor,” Rocks utters, rushing over to give me a fierce hug. “The pain you suffered is... too much.”

Krogoth scrutinizes me, his face twisting with rage, his purple Rush misting through the air. “I had thought you were winking for some comical reason.” He places his hand on my face, opening my useless eyelid. He gasps before whirling in fury. “Who dared do this to my noble brother!” he roars, stalking between the command terminal consoles.

His massive frame fills the room like a murderous purple god of vengeance. Tyrxie recoils at the sight, but I hold her tight. “To desecrate your body and blood like this twists my heart.” He shakes with wrath until he moves to tower above me. “Tell me, Xandor, who did this to you, and I will crush their bones and leave their broken bodies to bake in the scorching deserts of Nardune!” His eyes flash purple like the fury of Klendathor’s sun made manifest.

His concern for my honor fills me with profound adoration for my old friend. “Peace, brother. All is well,” I say, tapping Krogoth on his shoulder with a smile. “I wouldn’t want to undo all my hard work. Not after all that bowing I had to endure,” I laugh.

Krogoth frowns as the realization dawns on him. “The Nebians? They are the ones who did this to you?” He glances at Rocks, his expression growing uncertain. “I sent my best friend off to be mutated by the very people I hope to call allies.” He shakes his head, downcast. “If I had known the cost, Xandor, I would never have sent you.”

“I would pay it again, brother,” I nod at him, my soul blazing with pride and respect. “A hundred times even, for I found my love, lost in the stars.” I glance down at Tyrxie with a smile. “And my suffering awoke something in us. Our bond gifts from the Gods have awakened.”

Krogoth absorbs my passionate words, nodding his head. “Your resolve and bravery earn you great honor, Xandor.” His gaze shifts to Tyrxie, his expression softening. “Our giftsonly manifested after the Mortakin-Tok. What powers do you possess, Tyrxie?”

“I can heal wounds,” Tyrxie says, stretching out her arms, glancing at me, her expression one of sadness. “I just wish I could do more for Xandor.”Little does my sexy Kor-Kis know.

“That’s amazing!” Rocks exclaims, her face filled with wonder. “I could’ve used that during the Proving.”

Krogoth gives a short laugh. “And me after the Krak-Tok with Gorexius.”

“Tyrxie is the purest form of good. Her power doesn’t destroy or manipulate, but removes pain and suffering. Soon, she’ll save our people’s very souls,” I state with my chest proud and my heart soaring with pride.

Krogoth and Rocks exchange uncertain glances, and even my Tyrxie stares at her hands with her head downcast. Her modesty and innocence only add to her appeal—my female shines brighter than any star in the universe.

“You really believe that, don’t you?” Rocks asks, her gaze laden with wonder and focus.

“There is no doubt, Rocks,” I smirk with confidence that only someone who can divine the future could possess. “Because I’m blessed by Ecneius, God of wisdom and enlightenment.”

Krogoth furrows his brow. “The ability to read the futures?” He looks at me, and I nod in smiling agreement. “Just like in the...” His words trail off as his eyes flick to Logarn and Noroth, catching himself before revealing sacred knowledge.

“I’ve seen the Mortakin-Tok—a hundred thousand variations of it. Just as I’ve seen Tyrxie and I succeed and receive the God’s blessings for our union,” I state, enjoying the shocked expression on their faces.

Krogoth’s frown shifts to a broad smile. My friend’s trust in me is heartwarming. However, Rocks looks unconvinced, rubbingher Elerium necklace lost in thought. “I’d like to see some proof, Xan—”

“You’re pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl.” I smile, glancing at her stomach, wishing my powers stretched far enough to see their futures. “Congratulations, by the way. I always knew you had it in you, you big borack arse.” I give Krogoth a hearty slap on the shoulder.

“The Gods are kind,” Krogoth beams, clutching Rocks tightly to his side. She looks totally confused now.

Tyrxie glances between Krogoth and Rocks, her expression shifting to disbelief with each iteration. “Um, we can have children?” she mutters with endearing naivety.

I laugh, peering down at her. “Of course. The Gods would not bless a union unless it was possible.”

“Oh, that’s...” Tyrxie’s words taper off.

“Terrifying?” Rocks finishes for her with a chuckle. “I’m excited but also afraid, too. I mean, look at the size of them!” She sweeps her arm to encompass us towering Klendathians. I shrug while Krogoth laughs.

Tyrxie perks up, looking to Rocks with excitement. “I could help you by taking away your pain when the time comes,” she nods eagerly.

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