Page 87 of Time Forged

Xeus crowded Cylo to stare into his eyes.“Indeed.Then I will grant you the time.Every pairing is precious.”

“And she’s been through so much.”Macy offered a sweet smile.“Ava says we shouldn’t cause any more upheaval.It’s obvious Wren likes you, Cylo.”

Like?He almost scoffed at the weak word.What flowed through him—heart, body, soul—was more potent.

“I agree.You did well, Operative, collecting a Durn, rescuing the women, with two pairings happening on board theKevol,and possibly for yourself, too… I am most pleased.”

Cylo thumped his chest.Thanking his king again lacked sincerity, for him.But a gesture of honor from one warrior to another, Xeus would appreciate.

And he did, giving Cylo a grin.“Now, Kanzo will issue you quarters close to Lady Wren.Let us hope the Ethera is merely delayed.”

Cylo bowed his head, but instead of leaving, he hesitated.“Any news about the Maloidian stealth ship?”

“Ambassador Barro was found imprisoned in a utility closet.He is well and grateful for the rescue.We have informed Alllero…” Xeus pursed his lips.“For now, we house the ambassador and his aide as guests.”

“Aide?”Cylo frowned.“I met two Serratu Kayarra on board.”

“Warning noted.”Kanzo typed on his O.D.I.“Adding security.”

Good.Cylo had one more question.“And the stealth tech—”

“Is not ours…yet.”Kanzo smiled.“Its use would be most helpful.”

“My thanks.”Cylo bowed his head and strode in the same direction Wren had gone.

As he hurried after them, hoping to catch up, his O.D.I.buzzed with the number of his quarters and that of Wren’s.He laughed, so grateful for Kanzo’s efficiency.He stopped at his quarters first, planning to disarm himself before…

Come find me, she said.

Already, he missed her.The muted pain uncoiling in his core was bearable.Yet, he wasn’t a fool.It would worsen the longer he went without seeing her.

The quarters in the barracks was easy to find, on the ground floor, and by the entrance.He need only take the passage, exit the building, stroll along the walkway, and enter the medical building.All medical suites and equipment were in a large common area.Around the main room was a wide corridor with quarters leading off it.Each floor above housed medics and lima kuu.Which meant Wren was nearby.

Ensa?He shut his eyes and waited.

Silence met his mental call.

None of the med-E.D.s were in use.No medic assisted an injured male.He focused his hearing and picked up muffled conversation.Searching the building would be a waste of time, but he did so, locating the door to the corridor.Along it he ran, scanning the numbers beside the door, then halted in front of her door.He grinned and palmed the panel.The chime announced his request to enter, but no movement or voice showed the room was occupied.

Maybe Ariez had already taken her for tests.Cylo would be at peace as long as he knew where she was.

Frustrated, he tapped his O.D.I.“Ariez, where are you?”

“In my quarters,” snapped the older male.

“And Wren?”Cylo swallowed, his voice too hoarse as panic set in.

“Secure.”

“No.”Cylo curled his fingers into a fist.“I need—”

“Time away from her.I understand.”

“Do not make me find you,” Cylo roared.“It will not go well for you.”

“Threats?And under an hour apart?”Ariez hummed.“Interesting.”

“We are not test subjects.”Cylo gritted his teeth.“Very well,” he said to Ariez and disconnected the comm.“Ensa?”He brought his wrist closer.His O.D.I.buzzed, failing to connect.“Where is she?”he yelled at the bulkheads.He bit his lip, on the verge of begging.His void pulsed in warning.He was an operative; he could endure.

---