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I clear my throat. “Oh. I’ve been programming the food dispenser to provide me with nutrient bars, like what I always ate in the labs, but I want something different. I don’t know what I like to eat,” I admit.
“Well, I like to eat human food. Do you think you’d like human food too? Maybe pancakes?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never eaten anything other than nutrition bars.”
Sadness flashes across her soft features. I can see she wants to ask me more about it, but she bites her lip. “I’m going to make some pancakes for myself, and I could easily make some for you too. Do you want to try them out? Most beings in the four sectors really like human food.”
“Yes, I would like to try this human food.”
In minutes Evie has everything arranged for us. Plates of warm food are in front of each of us at the table. Evie takes my daughter from my arms and expertly clicks the baby into her bouncer. Lyla sits content, with two fingers in her mouth.
“You eat it like this,” Evie explains as she sits next to me and models how to apply the “butter” and the “syrup.”
I pick up something called a “fork” and cut into the circular pieces of nutrition. I place a sticky, saturated piece into my mouth and chew and experience an explosion of taste. Sweet and savory at the same time. Where has this been my whole life? “This is amazing,” I mumble past all the pancake I’m shoving into my mouth. “This is the best food I’ve ever eaten.”
Evie laughs, “Well, it’s also the first real food you’ve ever eaten. I’m happy you like it. I can make something else for lunch and for your dinner. You should only need to eat nutrition bars if you’re busy or as a supplement. Most beings eat their main meals this way.”
I nod and concentrate on devouring my food, eating every morsel. I gulp down my glass of white milk. Then I lift the plate and use my forked tongue to lick it clean. I lick my claws clean too and set down the plate with a clatter and stand up. “I must go,” I announce. “I have another mission to complete. I will return this evening.”
“Oh, well, okay.” Evie exclaims.
I lean down, wrap a claw behind Evie’s neck and plant a kiss on her lips. Then I gently lift the bouncer from the ground and give Lyla a kiss on her head and set her back down.
Then I turn and stride out the front door.
Evie follows behind and stands watch on the porch as I leap off and take flight.
This time I look back down and see the beautiful female smiling and waving a hand up at me. I awkwardly wave a claw in reply, then I turn and lift into the clouds, eager to depart so I can again return.
The monastery is unusuallyquiet today. The pilgrims and trainees have all left and Westmore is now closed for the season. Only my brother and his bound are at home.
My wings extend as I gently land, feet first, onto the cobblestoned courtyard of Westmore, this time not bothering to hide my appearance. It’s later in the morning, nearing lunchtime and my brother is alone in his office, copying ancient text. His pregnant female naps in their bedroom. I have already scouted the area and I know the Hurlians have not yet arrived, but they will be here soon. I can hack directly into their communications network with the implants in my brain. They know they’ve given me this ability, which is why they will come after me. I’m a significant security risk. They plan to infiltrate Salo within two diurnals and I must alert my brother so he can prepare for the safety of his family.
I tuck my wings along my back and stride to the heavy front door of the monastery. I don’t bother to knock; I just pull the portal open and march inside. Large, arched windows allow streams of sunlight into the reception area with many inviting groupings of couches and chairs. An ornate stone altar, covered with statues and glowing candles, covers one entire wall back. I frown and bypass all these symbols of organized religion and ascend the main staircase. My destination is the second floor where my brother works.
The door to his office is open and he’s standing guard, glowering at me with a wide stance and a hefty staff in his hands. He’s an imposing male. A warrior-priest and war veteran ready to reenter battle at a moment’s notice.
A smile twitches across my lips.
“Who are you?” the High Priest of Westmore growls. “What is your purpose here?”
I spread out both of my hands, palms open, letting him see I have no weapons. “I mean no harm. I am here simply to warn you of an impending enemy who will try to cause your family harm.”
“Who is this enemy?”
“The Hurlians.”
“The Hurlians?” he snorts. “Why would the Hurlians, who live far across the four sectors from me, want to cause me harm?”
“They are on their way here because I am your brother, and they assume I will arrive here to make contact with you.”
A muscle ticks on the left side of his jaw. His voice deepens, “My brother died as an infant.”
“That was a lie. I did not die. You, and our parents, were tricked into thinking I was gone. I was instead kidnapped by the Hurlians and…changed into this. They grafted these wings onto my back when I was young. They kept me this whole time, trying to turn me into their private killing machine, but I have recently escaped. I learned you were still alive, and I came here to see you.”
Cabal lowers his staff and steps forward. He gazes at me intently, not fully believing my fantastical story. He grabs onto my forearm, and I allow him to pull me in. He leans forward and presses his nose against my neck and inhales. His eyes widen. He straightens and stares into my eyes. “Isak?” he croaks.
“Yes,” I rasp. “It is I, Isak Firestone, your younger brother. I was taken from our family as a baby and raised by Hurlians in a lab, but I recently escaped and I came here, to you. I’ve been watching you from afar for the last few diurnals.”
