Azazel exhaled, relief tempered by caution. He didn’t know how, but it looked like they had made it. Turning to Toni, he said in a firm but quiet voice. “Stay close. Hopefully, we’re in the right place.”
She shrugged. “We’ll be shit out of luck if we aren’t.” Her eyes met his with surprising intensity. “And then we won’t have to worry ‘bout anything since we’ll probably be dead.”
He nodded. No argument there. “I’m afraid you’re right.” He took the lead, and the air shimmered when he and Toni passed through an invisible barrier. The familiar crystalline walls glowed with a softer, warmer light.
Figures emerged from the shadows—rebel Krystalii with fractured, dulled surfaces. Their forms were less imposing than the gleaming soldiers they’d evaded.
Vaeloryx stepped forward. His rough aquamarine-and-silver crystal body was now marked with new ragged scars. His deep, resonant voice filled the chamber. “Azazel. We lost hope you’d find us when the Sub-Node failed to work.”
Azazel squared his shoulders, his gaze steady as he watched Laytrii and Kyrix along with several other Krystalii joining their group. “I’m not sure why it stopped working, but we’d better fix it or create another way to communicate.”
Vaeloryx’s gaze shifted to Toni, his crystalline face unreadable. “I see you’ve liberated the human female.”
“Yes, this is Toni.” Azazel introduced her. He decided not to tell the Krystalii what Toni did in that strange chamber to paralyze the Krystalii. It might’ve been a fluke, or it might be something they should keep to themselves. “She’s been through a lot, and I would appreciate it if you could provide a place for her to rest and receive some sustenance to refresh her.”
Toni stiffened beside him, and her breath hitched.
At least she didn’t pull away or argue.
Vaeloryx inclined his head slowly. “Baelon has already programmed theNyrlithto provide the nutrient fare for a human.” He gestured with his crystal hand to an empty part of the room.
A shimmering light of iridescent colors formed into a comfortable-looking wide pad, complete with thick covers and plump pillows.
“You both may take your rest here.”
He turned his attention to the voice behind him. It was a citrine-yellow Krystalii, whose serene expression made Azazel’s eyebrows rise. What a surprise to see a crystal being with an eager, welcoming expression like that.
“This is Tharion,” Vaeloryx introduced the male. “He will see to your every need while we work together.”
Tharion grinned, making his clear, butter-colored eyes sparkle. “I am so very honored to assist you while you’re here. Anything I can do—” he informed them with his hands clasped together over his chest. “—anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Oh, for the galaxy’s sake!” An azure-blue Krystalii female tapped her foot and scowled. “We don’t have time to babysit these organic creatures, Thar. We’ve got a dicktatar to eliminate!”
Toni snickered next to him. “Dick-tatar,” she mumbled with a grin.
“Saphirae, enough.” Vaeloryx slashed his hand through the air. “We should take this time to prepare. Since we weren’t successful in dismantling the Nexus Core, we must go back and try again.”
“Barely made it out in time.” Laytrii grumbled.
Vaeloryx didn’t acknowledge her comment. “After the humans have regained their strength, we’ll determine our next steps.”
Azazel nodded in agreement. Even though he could keep going, he doubted Toni had the same stamina he had. “Yes, that would be perfect. Thank you.” He put a hand over his heart and gave Tharion a slight bow, never taking his eyes from him.
“Oh good!” Tharion clapped his hands with a wide smile. The tinkling sound of his applause had a musical tone. “We’ve created a place for you to sit and partake of the substance Baelon programmed into the ship’s database. Just follow me, and I’ll get you some right away.”
With a smile, Azazel took Toni’s hand and followed the yellow Krystalii, with JR14 staying glued to his shoulder. For the first time since setting foot on the Krystalii mothership, he allowed himself a sliver of hope.
Even his inner beast rumbled in silent agreement.
Toni sat cross-legged on the pad Vaeloryx had made for her and Azazel. She sipped from the goblet Tharion had given her, filled with lavender liquid. Settling back on the seat, she gave a hum of approval.Darn thing was surprisingly comfortable.She leaned back with a grateful sigh while Azazel spoke with their hosts. It didn’t take a genius to figure out the Krystalii had powerful psychic abilities, but she never dreamed they could conjure something out of nothing, like this comfy couch.
What would that be like? To do or create anything out of nothing? Or go anywhere on a whim?She’d produced several movies with similar themes, but the heroes in those stories usually didn’t end up with a happy-ever-after ending. The main storyline had the hero overwhelmed by their powers and turning into unfeeling monsters, the kind who didn’t care if they hurt or murdered those who got in their way. She grimaced. Just look at Lord “frosty facet” Baelon. Now there was a poster boy for a person who had a god complex, forcing his will on others and killing anyone who stood between him and whatever his objectives were.
Maybe wishing she had that kind of potential wasn’t such a good thing after all.
Dropping that morbid thought, she pressed against the cushiony backrest and glanced around. Thankfully, the rebel hideaway was warmer than the rest of the ship she’d been on. But the air still carried a metallic chill that rattled her bones. Azazel, with JR14, carried on with their plans as the Krystalii sat in a loose circle on the pad with them. Light danced across their crystalline forms, giving her a surreal impression that the aliens were made of fractured stars.
“I’m afraid I have some disturbing news I must share before you retire,” Vaeloryx said in a louder tone.
