Page 9 of Whispers of the Void

RAIZ

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“You can read ancient Zeahiric, correct?” I ask as Sister Neev lifts her slight body from the chair and leans forward to get a closer look.

Her hair catches the light, and I realize within the black, there are also strands of purple, blue, and green woven through. She lets out an annoyed huff and pushes the thick mass behind her small, rounded ear. Her violet eyes turn my way.

“It’s a bit late to be asking that now, isn’t it?” Sarcasm drips from her words. “I’m fluent in over one hundred languages, and I can read twice that number.”

“How?” Vynia asks with awe in her voice. “Is it a human trait to be so good with them?”

“I wouldn’t know. I wasn’t raised with humans.” She sits back down, relaxing into the chair. “I’d say it was more like being dropped on Oculus Nine as an infant to be raised by the Order has the most to do with it. I assume the tome isn’t on board.”

“No. It can’t leave the temple it’s housed in.”

“And that’s on Zeahiri?”

“We believe so,” Altis says.

Her lips part as she looks from him to me. “Why exactly would you seek my help if you don’t even know where it is? What are you looking for?”

I look to Mydax to ensure he’s turned off any recording devices. He already told me he had, but before I go further, I need double the assurance. He gives me a subtle nod of confirmation.

“This is a covert mission. Everything we do has to be done with precision and expediency.”

“Covert from whom?” Her lips flatten into a firm line.

“The Sovereign.” I hold her eyes as the gravity of that statement settles in. “I’m leading the rebellion.”

Her face pales. “Members of the Order aren’t to be involved in political disputes. You are risking my entire existence.”

I can hear the increasing beat of her heart. The smell of her fear permeates the room, but under that sharp odor is another emotion. Anger.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch as Mydax’s body goes taut. Every predacious instinct in our blood sings at the challenge she’s unknowingly throwing out into the room. I catch Hyva’s eyes and use my gift.

“Be ready to get her out of here,”I instruct him.

“Are you all just going to sit in silence?” she asks, her voice rising.

“Lieutenant.” I imbue the word with all my authority, but I can see the darkening of his blood through his skin.

Mydax launches himself across the table, talons extending. The tang of Neev’s fear fills the air. I lunge in front of her while Hyva lifts her into his arms.

Altis reaches for Vynia, whose control is also close to snapping. I’m not worried about her; their bond is still intact. He can keep her tethered.

Mydax is still young. His talons graze the skin of my cheek, their razor-sharp tips slicing across my skin. My blood roars at the challenge. The only thing holding me back is the shocked scream from Neev as Hyva carries her into the hall. Hopefully he gets her to med bay before anyone else on the ship scents her. Cuna follows after them as backup.

As soon as the doors close behind us, I unleash myself. Mydax attempts to kick me, but I grab his foot and twist it, knocking him off balance. He swipes out his talons, the razor-sharp blades slice through my uniform pants and into my thigh.

Altis has Vynia pinned against the wall with his back to her front. She thrashes but won’t hurt him. He’s completely calm as he watches me begin to subdue Mydax.

I keep my talons sheathed even as Mydax continues to cut me. He’s lost to the primal, his desire to hunt and consume too great. I finally get him pressed onto the floor and hold him down with my knee on his chest. I can feel his life organ pounding fiercely within his body.

I stare down at him until I see the first sign of submission, his eyes slowly losing their haziness and the blood around his eyes returning to normal. I lift my knee when I see the regret and embarrassment etched onto his face. His talons and fangs retract.

“I’m sorry, Commander.” He takes my outstretched hand and allows me to help him to his feet. “I didn’t expect to be so easily triggered. The scent of her fear was so potent.”

“It was.” I pause, hating this, but it’s protocol. “You’re confined to your quarters until further notice. Go.”

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