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“Hope! Please stop.” She teared up.

Hope’s eyes widened further, and she gripped Aculus’ hand. “Tell me he’s going to be all right. Tell me!”

Aculus knelt in front of Hope. “Nadzia, I will do everything in my power to make sure your sire is fine. Cartil is tending him now.” He was sincere, but the grim expression on his face said it all.

“Oh God,” Hope sobbed and reached for her.

It’s bad, really bad.

Ashtoret de Origa

“Hold on, sire,” Ashtoret prayed as he stayed by Brennan’s side.

Brennan was barely holding onto life. If it wasn’t for Aculus’ medic, Cartil, the male would be dead already. Brennan’s left side was badly charred, and he was missing his leg below the knee.

May Kali rain torment down on you, he cursed the human warriors responsible for this horrific act. He couldn’t believe the dishonorable bastards launched munitions at the building, disregarding everyone’s lives. Providence and Giselle spoke of how their people were warmongers, but he never imagined they’d so cavalierly sacrifice their own.

They reached Aculus’ vessel on the moon and docked. He quickly moved Brennan out of the cruiser before the females could see their sire.

“Thank you,” he said grimly to Scala and Cartil.

“No need,” Scala replied as they moved Brennan through the large ship to the clinic.

“Place him here in the sanative capsule.” Cartil pointed to the sterile pod, then began tapping on the console.

Scala aided him in placing Brennan in the capsule then it sealed shut.

“The humans are similar enough. We should be able to save his life.” Cartil patted Ashtoret on the back.

“Thanks.” He nodded in appreciation as he stared at the poor male.

Abby’s going to be devastated. His heart achedas the machine worked to stabilize Brennan.

“The females are getting anxious to see their sire,” Aculus commented. He hadn’t even heard the armored warrior enter the clinic.

“The capsule is still stabilizing the human and assessing his vitals, although it might help the male to hear his offspring nearby,” the Osivoire medic replied.

“What’s your honest outlook, Cartil?”

“The damage is too extensive to repair with what we have here. If we were home he’d have a chance.”

“Will he make it that far?”

“If we keep him in stasis inside the capsule,” Cartil replied.

“We need to let Abby and Hope know.” Ashtoret dreaded this conversation.

“Let’s go get them,” Aculus sighed with just as much enthusiasm.

It was a long walk to the lounge. Payim and Thunder sat with the females, keeping them company and distracting them with conversation.

“I remember your sister’s arrival on our dying world. She was fearless,” Payim translated Thunder’s hand gestures.

“Pro is pretty fearless.” Hope smiled wanly.

“She guaranteed our safety when we were sucked into the pale one’s ship with her mate, Dagaa. If it wasn’t for her help, I never would’ve seen my own sister again.”

“I’m so glad she could be there for you, Thunder.” Abby patted Thunder’s furry arm. She glanced up and saw him. “Ash!”