Kaelith leaned forward.
“And what about casualties? Your plan puts a lot of our people in harm’s way.” He turned to the female sitting next to him, the one Toni wasn’t familiar with. The creature looked as if her body was composed of moonstone, with soft hues of blue and lavender covered by an opalescent sheen.
“Lyrentha,” Kaelith continued. “Do you think your healing could handle the influx of casualties if things get out of hand?”
The female opened her mouth, then closed it as her lilac eyes narrowed. After a moment, she nodded.
“I believe I can.” She swept her elegant hand to a group of rebels behind her. “There are others I can call on to aid me if necessary. However—” She looked from Toni to Azazel. “—I am not familiar enough with your species to be of much help if something traumatic happens to you.”
“That’s a risk we’re willing to take.” Toni spoke up for the first time. Meeting Lyrentha’s piercing gaze, she kept her face relaxed and squared her shoulders. “But I think we have to act as soon as possible before Baelon finds out what we’re up to.”
“I agree.” Azazel addressed the Krystalii in his even tone. “I’m grateful we are working together to create a positive outcome. Thank you.” He put his hand over his heart and gave a brief nod.
Toni’s chest warmed, her heart thundering. She admired the conviction in his leadership.
For a moment, silence hung heavily in the chamber.
When Saphirae spoke, her tone remained measured.
“It is possible, that for the first time, with the help of these two—” Her crystal face smoothed as she spoke. “—the impossible is finally within our reach. We can finish what needs to be done to free our people.”
Kaelith tilted his head.
“Agreed. This plan has enough merits to outweigh the potential risks.”
Vaeloryx looked at his obsidian companion before nodding.
“Very well. But know this—” His gaze swept over the group, not just those at the table but all the rebels in the room. “—failure is not an option. This will be our only chance to go against Baelon and his Elites. The survival of our people depends on it. Do all of you agree?”
Another silence before several crystal heads either nodded or voiced their agreements.
Toni exhaled a silent breath. Maybe, just maybe, if everything went according to plan, they’d avoid the annihilation of their standard way of life in the Milky Way galaxy.
Vaeloryx, along with the other Krystalii, decided on the various tasks as the meeting wound down. All too soon, the rebels dispersed into separate groups and began preparations.
Toni lingered, her thoughts heavy. She turned to Azazel.
“So, be honest. What do you really think?” She narrowed her eyes. “Do we stand a chance with this crazy plan?”
“Yes, I believe so.” He tilted his chin toward the Krystalii. “It helps that they see this as their last chance to stand against the tyrant ruling their lives,” Azazel said in a low voice as he watched the Krystalii. “We’ve given them a hope I doubt they’ve ever experienced before.”
JR14 clicked his front claws.
“Even the slightest mistake can shatter the fragile construct of hope. Recommend continuous monitoring of the Krystalii to ensure compliance.”
Azazel nodded with a wry smile.
“So noted,kalu. That will be your assignment.”
“Affirmed,ocua.”
“Toni—” He leaned close, his voice lowered to a husky tone. “—I can tell you’re exhausted. Why don’t we find that quiet place to sleep?”
Toni nodded. He was right. Like a balloon losing air, she slumped in her seat. She was beyond tired. It was a stretch just to keep her eyes open. The weight of everything she’d experienced crashed through her. It looked like saving the galaxy had to be put on hold for now. Beauty sleep first.
Azazel hadn’t realized how tricky it would be to explain sleep to a crystalline alien who didn’t even know it existed.
The notion only began to make sense to the Krystalii when Vaeloryx brought in their healer, Lyrentha, who outlined how it worked.
