She nodded, her brow furrowed. “It’s a breach of trust, one that’s not easily mended.”
Matching her gesture, I extended a scaled digit, wrapping it around hers as the coolness of my skin met the warmth of hers. Our pinkies entwined, the gesture surprisingly intimate given its simplicity.
“Then I’ll hold you to your promise,” I rumbled, my tone gentle yet firm.
“Great.”She released our intertwined fingers and handed me the communicator. “Call your people, Ky’rn. They’ve been waiting for you.”
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
KY’RN
A rush of excitement coursed through my veins to finally be able to communicate with my own.
As the cool, sleek device nestled into my hand, I swiftly bit into the flesh of my thumb. The sharp tang of my violet blood mingled with the salt water on my scales. Pressing my thumb against the communicator’s scanner, I watched as it absorbed my essence, confirming my identity. A soft hum emanated as the device awakened, its lights flickering into life and reflecting in Isla’s wide, wonder-filled eyes.
I gently placed the device on the tank’s rim beside her, and we watched as it projected a holographic display into the space between us. My fingers moved with practiced grace, each motion ingrained through countless years of training, entering the passcode that linked directly to my leaders in the IPA.
The insignia of the Intergalactic Protections Agency, a planet orbited by a moon and two spacecrafts, spun briefly before transforming, showing the familiar face of Prince Rivu.
The prince, was an imposing figure even in holographic form, floated with the regal bearing of our species: purple skin that shimmered like the vastness of a nebula, golden eyes reflecting strength and leadership from many years of duty, and a waterfall of jet-black hair that cascaded down his broad shoulders. The prince’s eyes bored into me with a ferocity I’d almost forgotten after all my time in captivity.
“Commander Ky’rn?” Prince Rivu’s voice was deep, resonating in the chamber. He spoke aloud in Galactic Common. Unless we shared the same waters, we couldn’t speak telepathically.
I bowed my head respectfully, even as a multitude of emotions churned within me. “Yes, my prince,” I replied, my voice betraying my own relief. “It has been a long time.”
His eyes, although initially hard and scrutinizing, softened momentarily as they found mine. Recognition flickered through them, followed by a surge of silent questions.
“Commander Ky’rn,” he muttered in a soothingly familiar timbre. “We thought we’d lost you…I didn’t believe the stories that you were still alive, yet even after a year, here you are.”
I exhaled, a shuddering breath. “The thought is mutual, my Prince.”
Prince Rivu’s gaze briefly shifted, noticing Isla beside me. He arched a slender eyebrow, his curiosity evident. “You are not alone.”
I peered down at Isla, her beauty and strength only amplified by the otherworldly light of the communicator. “No, I am not.” I said with a hint of pride. “This is Isla. She recently took on the responsibility of looking after me.”
“Are you well?” Prince Rivu’s voice cut through the hum of the chamber vibrations. “Tell me the truth. Has she treated you well?”
“I’m alive,” I responded, pain apparent in my voice, “and for that, I’m thankful. But these walls…they are not meant for beings like us. My health isn’t at its peak, and captivity certainly isn’t doing me any favors. My stamina has suffered, but with your help, I hope to regain my strength and eventually be free.”
Prince Rivu moved closer to his vidcom, his concern evident. “As soon as you’re back in IPA territory, I’m granting you leave. You need time to heal, to rest.”
“I’d appreciate that, Prince Rivu. Perhaps on X’thyrl…” I paused, allowing my hand to find Isla’s, intertwining our fingers. The warmth of her touch was comforting. “I was hoping Isla could join me, in one of those vacation pods.”
His eyes slid down to our intertwined hands, narrowing slightly. “The shore-side dome residences? With dual access for both aquatic and terrestrial beings?”
I nodded. “Yes, those. I believe it would be beneficial for me. Once I’m out of this place, I’d like to request my leave there, and have Isla by my side.”
“But why?” His golden gaze studied her. “Why would you want to bring one of the people who trapped you for a year? She’s a land-dweller. We were born from the sea. Our people would never be able to come together.”
I squeezed Isla’s hand lightly and kicked my tail, bringing my body higher above the surface. I leaned closer to the communicator, gripping the tank’s edge, and spoke with a firm, resolute tone. “My prince, I’ve been through volcanic waters, but this female, this beautiful, brave human beside me, has been the beacon of hope in my darkest moments. I will not abandon her—not now, not ever—to the wrath of her people. I’m not foolish. I’m sure there will be backlash once word of my rescue gets out. I refuse to let her take the fall. It’s not her fault that I’m here.”
“Can she understand us?” He flicked his gaze to mine and frowned. “Is she putting you up to this request?”
“No, she doesn’t speak Galactic Common. Nor is she forcing me to make this request.” I relaxed a little, letting go of the tank as I lowered myself back into the water, still clutching her hand. “I just want the best for her until things settle down between our people.”
His fangs flashed in what I interpreted as annoyance or perhaps apprehension. “That might not be as straightforward as you hope. Relations with Earth have become…complex. Taking her off-planet might stir up tensions.”
Isla’s grip tightened, her mental voice tinged with worry.“Ky’rn, what are you talking about? Who is this? He doesn’t sound like he’s too fond of me.”
