“I wouldn’t disregard Odelm even though his mental strength is average for his species,” Kaede stated. “I have witnessed him with Selena. He is very attuned to her wants and needs. He may not be able to constantly read her thoughts, but he has almost mastered gauging her emotions to know something is wrong before Xylo does.”
Zirene pondered it for a moment as the others waited in silence.
“Do we know where he would take her? And have his connections been dealt with?”
“Yes, Sire.” Bryeca stood to attention beside Kaede. “She was to be given to a Quaww merchant known for trading illegal goods. We can’t bring him to justice since we have no evidence of such dealings, but Aunya was able to place trackers on his ship.”
Zirene glanced at Aunya. “Is this true?”
“Yes, Sire,” she nodded, her face down. “We will be able to collect any evidence of future illegal dealings and deal with him accordingly.”
“Excellent,” Zirene purred. “And his connections?” Zirene asked, addressing both leaders.
The two of them looked at each other as if neither one wanted to answer him.
Kaede sighed and faced the Aldawi princes.
“Escaped,” he hissed. “They left the space station shortly after I left the club with Selena.”
“I request permission to hunt them with my sisters,” Bryeca blurted. “Allow us to clean up the mess we made.”
“Don’t fail me,” Zirene growled. “I don’t do well with those who do, especially when it comes to Selena.” He stared at Kaede, daring him to meet his eyes. When Kaede refused to accept the challenge, a smile broke on Zirene’s face.
The male knew his place.
“Agent Kaede, your place is to be Selena’s shadow. You are to watch her at all times, monitoring her actions and those around her.” Zirene gripped his chair as his tail flicked behind him. “You are the primary defense she has from the universe. It is you who will make my life easier, knowing my Nova and our cubs will be safe from harm and the evils that want them.” His eyes hardened. “Don’t fail me again.”
Kaede met his gaze for the first time and nodded.
“On my honor.”
“Now that that is established, are all meetings as intense as this?” Royak asked, trying to lighten the mood.
Zirene held up his paw to silence his brother.
Something felt off.
He closed his eyes and focused his hearing, his ears twitching every which way trying it pick up anything amiss.
A small ringing sounded in his head… but it wasn’t his Nova’s… at least, it felt off. The once clear and even ring felt muted, yet the frequencies changed rapidly.
A burning sensation traveled up from the tip of his tail along his spine.
Zirene jumped on his feet, startled from the feeling.
“Something is wrong with Selena.”
Zirene ran to the Dreamdome in a panic, not caring who called his name as he passed. Royak and his agents would deal with them. Right now, it was up to him to get to her.
The burning was spreading, traveling down his arms and legs at a concerning speed. The ringing was getting louder each passing moment.
Kaede stated she was the only occupant—no other being entered the room or the lobby.
There was no explanation for why she would be in trouble.
He stopped before the entrance and slammed his paw on the scanner. The security scanned him, instantly overriding the locking mechanism and opened the door. Zirene turned and addressed the group.
“I am going in alone. Do not let anyone else come in,” he ordered. “If I don’t return in a few hours, come after us.”
