Page 79 of Heart’s Prisoner

'That's barbaric,' Lana thought, but kept her silence. She learned to keep her opinions to herself when studying other cultures. "And you would go up ranks from there?" she asked.

Xerus nodded once. Depending on our success in battles, missions, or other work, we would be placed accordingly. Only those worthy were given the highest ranks.

"Such as yourself," Lana smirked, aware of his arrogance even if he wasn't.

Xerus grunted. Lana's throat tightened at the next question. "And the queens, how are they determined?"

"Reska nik lisha." They are usually chosen.

"Chosen?" Lana said. "Like in a voting system?"

Xerus shook his head. " By many factors. Strength, bravery, resolve..."

"But they don't go through the pack ritual?"

"Nil, they do."

Lana's eyes widened. "They are as strong as males?"

"No. But they can be more swift and cunning," Xerus said.

"Oh," Lana said. She looked down at her hands, hesitant to ask more, but too curious not to. "And, um, what then is the Predomis for? Just to guard them...and be their mate?"

When Lana glanced up, her eyes met his. He straightened, eyes narrowing. "They are the other half." He tilted his head when she let out a small laugh.

"Let me guess, for top offspring?" She knew she shouldn't assume or judge even if it hurt.

Xerus pupils dilated and he blinked several times. "Blood means little. Everyone must prove their worth. Even those sprung from Queen mothers and Predomis fathers have lost their battles."

Lana was surprised and a bit ashamed at her initial judgment. She looked around the room, thinking silently for a moment. "This place probably looks nothing like your home," she said softly.

Xerus grunted, looking around himself. "No. Our homes are darker, more dome-shaped. Warmer too." He eyed the open door to the bedroom, Lana followed his gaze.

"And no beds?" she asked.

"Not like yours. Instead of raised, they are...hollow."

"Like a nest, or den?"

Xerus shrugged.

Lana thought some more. She was fascinated by all this until she realized that Xerus, for several months, had been completely out of his element. Worse, he had been locked in what was practically a box for most of it. She could imagine that he must miss his home and have a desire to be around familiar things.

She chewed on her lip, an idea forming. "I have a favor to ask you."

"Hm?"

"Next time you go out I want you to get a few things."

"Like what?" He looked at her suspiciously.

Lana glanced over at the cans of food along the bar, most of them things she would eat but not him. "Food," she said.

Xerus looked at her, exasperated. "Have I not gotten enough?"

"Special food. Found on level two," she said.

Xerus huffed. "Fine."

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