Page 32 of Selected By the Dragon Alien
“Just a moment,” Ara said, then light illuminated a cavern much larger than Turi expected.
It was not made for beings like Turi. There was no furniture like chairs and tables, but rather, large, flat cushions lay on the ground that was also covered in that same soft moss. It was warmer down here. She let out a shaky breath of relief.
“Welcome to my home,” Ara said, moving to the cushioned area. “Or rather, one of my family’s homes. I brought you here because this one is currently unoccupied. Most of the Skrac are in the Ugkan region this time of year, where it’s warmer.”
“Your people migrate?” Turi asked, walking around in awe. The ceiling was high. The lights were organic, vine-like things that snaked along the perimeter of the chamber.
“Yes, when it suits them,” Ara replied. “Some of us prefer to stay.”
Turi sat on a cushion, unfastening her cloak. “Do your people approve of your association with Ellion?”
“They believe it is wise to have peace with an overseer of the Axis. He is considered less dangerous because of me.” She settled on a cushion beside Turi. “I don’t want Ellion to get on the Skrac’s bad side. We can be a dangerous force when necessary.”
Turi’s body trembled with a mix of exhaustion and adrenaline. The heavy cloak was comforting, but growing hot. She placed the pouch containing Ellion’s journals on the floor beside her. The weight of them was a reminder of the male she ached for. “Could the Skrac help rise up against the Axis?”
“The Skrac would only fight if our lands were directly attacked,” Ara replied. “And our numbers are not great enough to defeat the Axis. Welikethe shadows.” Ara’s form still resembled that of a Terian female, but it was softened by the fading light, giving her an ethereal, almost dreamlike quality. “You’re safe here, Turi,” she said, her voice a soothing whisper against the stillness. “The Axis have no power in Rakid.”
Turi nodded, her grip on the pouch loosening slightly. “I trust you, Ara,” she replied. “But what about Ellion? He’s out there, facing the Axis alone.”
Ara’s expression hardened, her eyes reflecting the same worry that gnawed at Turi’s heart. “Ellion is strong, stronger than even he realizes. He has a dragon’s heart—fierce, unyielding, and full of fire.”
Turi’s thoughts drifted back to the fortress, to the last time she had seen Ellion. His wings had been spread wide, a magnificent sight against the backdrop of the setting sun. His eyes had held a fierce determination, a promise that he would do whatever it took to protect her, to ensure her freedom. She could still feel the warmth of his lips against hers. It was a searing memory that she clung to like a lifeline.
“I know he’s strong,” Turi said, her voice barely above a whisper. “But the Axis… They’re cruel and relentless. They’vetaken so much from him already. I can’t bear the thought of losing him.”
Ara reached out, her hand resting gently on Turi’s arm. “I know Ellion well, and I know when he has a plan. Let him do what he’s doing and we’ll find our own way to help.”
Turi turned to Ara. “What can we do, Ara? All we have are these journals, which…” Her gaze locked on the datapad. “Which we need to read.”
Ara nodded. “Let’s do that now.” She picked up the first journal. “I’ll start with the one you and Ellion have looked through. You go with the datapad.”
Turi’s pulse increased as a flicker of hope winked to life despite the despair that had settled over her. “Let’s get to work,” she said, picking up the datapad.
TWENTY-ONE
The air in the Hecron town was thick with tension, a heavy fog that clung to Ellion’s scales as he stood in the center of the community marketplace. The Hecrons, towering beings with thick, muscular forms and sharp, predatory eyes, watched him with a mixture of curiosity and hostility. Their town was nestled deep within the heart of the Vaccion woods, which was a maze of towering trees and winding paths. It was quite different from the barren fields of the Terian settlements. The Hecrons were a proud, fierce race, their bodies honed for battle by centuries of conflict with the Axis and their minions.
Ellion’s wings were partially extended, a clear sign of his readiness to fight if necessary. His eyes, dark and unreadable, scanned the crowd of Hecron warriors that surrounded him. They were armed with blaster weapons. Their fingers twitched on the triggers as they regarded him with open suspicion. Ellion knew that his presence here was a risk, but also a chance to forge an alliance against a common enemy.
“I am not your foe,” Ellion said, his voice carrying across the marketplace. His words were met with growls and snarls. The Hecrons’ distrust of the Axis’ overseer was etched deeply intotheir features. “I have come to talk to Yuric on a matter of great importance.”
Yuric, themasar—or leader—of the Hecrons, stepped forward. He was a massive male. No one could deny that he carried himself with an aura of power and leadership. Ellion had clashed with him multiple times. His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, bore into Ellion’s own. “You are a servant of the Axis,” he spat. “Your words are meaningless. You are our enemy.”
More Hecrons emerged from their neat, metal and stone homes to witness this meeting. Most of them had never seen the overseer before, only heard stories. They were a fearsome people, with fangs and sharp senses. Hair grew on their heads and also down their spines. Some grew it long, making it look like they had a tail when in fact, it was just long hair. The warriors cut it short, but females and scholars wore it long and braided, or adorned with gems and silver threads.Noneof them looked interested in hearing what he had to say. Even the younglings glared from behind their parents’ legs.
Ellion’s jaw tightened, mind racing as he sought a way to break through their hostility. He had to make them understand that he wasnotthere on behalf of the Axis. That he sought to end their control as much as the Hecrons did. “I no longer serve the Axis,” he said, his voice filled with a raw, undeniable sincerity. “I know little of my early life, but I was taken from my family and raised by the Axis. I have learned that I have been as much a prisoner of them as the Terians. I was placed here as an overseer, but I refuse to continue in that role,” Ellion continued, his voice growing louder, resonating with the conviction of his words. “I have seen the suffering of the Terians. We areallprisoners of the Axis—Hecrons,Terians, and me.”
Yuric’s eyes narrowed. He crossed his thick arms and cocked his head. “Your words are impressive, Overseer, but they are just that—words. I have no reason to believe you.”
Ellion nodded, understanding the Hecron leader’s skepticism. He had to offer them something tangible, a gesture of goodwill that would prove his intentions. “I propose a truce.” His gaze swept over the assembled warriors. “Together, we can challenge the Axis’ control over this planet. Then, the lands the Axis took from you will be yours again.”
“And the Terians who live there?” Yuric asked. “What would you do with them?”
“Nothing,” Ellion replied. “They are harmless and weaponless, but starving and desperate for better conditions. Given the chance, many would leave. But for those who stay, you can workwiththem and you will gain an ally with different skills who can enhance life for everyone in this region.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mix of aversion and cautious curiosity. Yuric raised a hand, silencing his people with the single gesture. “And what do you seek in return for this…truce?” he asked, his voice heavy with suspicion.
Ellion took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest as he prepared to reveal the truth that he had only just begun to accept himself. “I seek your help in protecting someone very dear to me,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “A Terian female. The Axis are sending a ship here to take her and remove her memories. I cannot safeguard her alone.”