Allele is always calm, no matter the situation or emotions involved. “That’s not what I’m talking about.”
I look down at the medical supplies on the table beside me. “It doesn’t matter, Allele. My purpose is to guard my people until it takes my life.”
“That’s a closed-minded way to look at your existence, Jorusk.”
“What do you mean?”
“Zia and I have been communicating with Eos and the other Orillium. You did not come to us three years ago by mistake. Your Inferno was searching for a connection. Amphirans arepowerful beings, like you. But you needed our help. You needed Aura and his team.”
“This is the first I’ve heard of all of this.”
“You said before that you trust the ancients above others.”
“I do.”
“Why?”
I shrug. “Gut feeling. Something about your presence calms my Inferno. Ancients didn’t have modern distractions. They had life, love, and death. I trust you because your priorities are preservation of life and love, loyalty, and kicking ass.”
She makes a noise I interpret as a laugh. “Well, if you choose, I would like to help you get to the races. My kind and Aura’s will protect the Drathious. Fieri is right, you need a break.”
“I don’t.”
“Jorusk, you were seconds from death when Aura pulled you out of the mud. His Storm saved your Inferno. You need to find a mate, or your power will do one of two things: burnout or blow. I have seen it many times in Aura’s people.”
Allele continues, her orb pulsing softly as she speaks. “You must lead your people home. You were sent to the Drathious. You are the same, and you are not, just as traditional Genesis Amphirans have their exiled modern New Order colony. The other Orillium agree that the Drathious have another colony out there, but it is lost. For some reason, sending a hatchling is the only way they can communicate. We believe you are the messenger, thenote in a bottle, as Jovie calls it.”
“Did you know all of this when you met me?”
“No. I sensed only then that you were an honorable being. Time exposed the rest. We, Orillium, sense the universe in dimensions beyond this one. Besides, you know I listen in on every communication feed. Fieri knows a lot of what he does because of me.”
I smile at this and adjust my wings into a more comfortable position at my back. “So he’s acting like the tough guy when you’re doing all the leg-work.”
“I do not have legs. I do not understand this reference.”
“Flying. You’re flying him everywhere, and he’s just along for the ride.”
“Ah, I understand.”
My Pyraforce armor is in bad shape, and it makes me wonder how my team is doing and if they even made it out alive. “I know Jovie was created at the will of the universe, a Light Keeper, or whatever. And that’s why she can handle Aura. But I’m not exactly human-grade. Do you know what I mean?”
I’m wondering why I ever signed up in the first place. I always felt different from my Drathious brothers and sisters, mostly because I’m more reserved in my behavior, and I don’t want a monster for a mate. Mother Cinuska is mild compared to most Drathious females. But I’m certain my Inferno is too dangerous now for a human.
“Jovie has taught me that many human females are often cold. I think you will be a better match than you realize.” The screen flashes away from an image of her and shows me designing wristbands for Aura and Jovie, repairing parts of the ship during the battle near Mars, and the combat training I’ve done with Fieri. “You can be gentle and careful, and you can fight without your Inferno. Trust yourself.”
I don’t. “Then why did Eluni give me a spark arrestor? That is what this is, isn’t it?”
“Yes. It is a backup plan.” Allele pauses. “She might be in the scheme with Fieri and me. But there’s one more thing, Jorusk. That Talhuskin you killed on Mothership Genesis was only part of a bigger plan already in play. They were going to attack soon. I sent the warning to your command, but they didn’t have enough time to prepare.
I look at the screen where Allele’s orb floats. “Have you heard anything about my team? Vryskas, Osiris, Rykarn. Sidius and his team?”
“Jorusk…” Allele’s tone drops. “Sidius’ team was hit during their evacuation. They took down a Talhuskin fighter, but Fenom, Bokson, and Kallus are reported deceased. I am sorry.”
My heart twists into knots. “The others?”
“Alive. They are on a nearby Drathis ship, recovering.”
The door slides open. Fieri grabs a medical kit.
