“No. It can, but only if you resist. The greater the resistance, the greater the pain. But we do not do that. We would not violate someone’s privacy like that without extreme need—such as the investigation of a crime,” Z’fir explained.
“What would it feel like?” Panicked thoughts of accidentally fighting the intrusion—and the pain it could cause—flooded me.
I felt another soothing wave from V’dim and relaxed into it.
“Not unlike the way it feels when someone knocks on your mental barriers to begin a psi conversation. You will feel something caressing your thoughts instead of your mental shields, and it would last longer and go deeper. I expect it is probably similar to how you telepathically communicate with your nestmates—but without the familiarity of a bond thread,” Z’fir answered.
“Understand, this level of scanning is extremely intimate. Even nestqueens might not go this deep with their own nestmates—not even their Favored. We will know everything,” V’dim murmured, his turquoise eyes tracing my face as his thumbs continued to stroke my cheeks.
Closing my eyes, I took a few breaths, trying to process. I was terrified at the thought of allowing such intimacy, but it could certainly be a huge help to have the princes on my side. Perhaps they could help my voice be heard—
My whirling thoughts were cut off when V’dim’s hands slid from my face. My eyes snapped open. The princes had backed away, returning to their couch as if they knew I needed space to think.
The gesture warmed my heart and went a long way toward gaining my trust. It was incredibly thoughtful.
“How about we eat lunch first. Allow you some time to think about it?” Z’fir suggested as he opened his wristband’s screen.
“Would you like something to drink, Selena?”
I nodded to V’dim. “Yes, please.”
“What would you like?”
I smiled at him. “Surprise me.”
And just like that, the tension broke as I giggled.
“What is funny?” Z’fir questioned, looking up in perplexity.
“Just a game I’ve been playing. A way to try out all the Circuli cuisine that is foreign to me—to test whether someone can guess what I might enjoy. I was wondering what V’dim will choose.”
He chuckled and glanced at V’dim.
“And how can I join this game that has made you smile?” His emerald eyes filled with amusement.
“You can pick my lunch. Surprise me. Don’t worry, I haven’t found anything I couldn’t eat or didn’t like. So far.”
The room filled with our shared laughter.
“You are interesting, Selena. Not many would be brave enough play such games with us.” V’dim’s voice was laced with humor.
I shrugged. “That’s what everyone keeps telling me.”
V’dim walked over to the dispenser and returned with a clear glass filled with a purple, blue, and green layered drink. He handed it to me with a smile. “Tell me what you think.”
I took the drink and sipped. A rush of fruity creaminess flooded my taste buds.
“This is good.” I sighed and licked my lips. “What is it?”
“A Mystic Nightfall.” V’dim glanced at Z’fir and smiled. “So, I take it I passed your test?”
I hid my smile behind my glass. “I guess you could say that.”
The door dinged.
Z’fir stood. “That is our lunch. Now, it is my turn to see if I can pass.”
V’dim returned to the drink dispenser as Z’fir answered the door. An Ulax male pushed a cart inside, eyeing me with curiosity.
