Page 15 of Compile (Project: Adapt #6)

15

Zirene

I t was late.

And by the way the relaxed and blissful look on the Circuli princes’ faces, and the light tingling noises in the back of his head, he knew his clanbrothers had done their job―making sure Selena was comforted and relaxed.

However, if he was going to follow through on his promise, he would have to wake her up before he called his brother.

But all of that would have to wait, because he was stuck playing host to the group of souls his Beacon had collected in the short period of time she’d been free.

The Circuli princes sat beside him, both refreshed and now fully awake, sitting up on the lounge couch that they shared. Ryzen and Zyxel were beside them, both nursing drinks, the serpent male coiled upon himself next to the commander twin.

Oeta, Tori, and her Swynemi clan were seated around the lounge table across the path, enjoying their time together and chatting excitedly about the Harvest Festival.

“So tell me, Mwe—if I’m allowed to call you that,” Zirene said, raising his mixed drink toward the Head Chairman from across the lounge table. “How did my Beacon do it?”

Mwe paused, his drink halfway to his lips, and studied Zirene with a keen, appraising gaze. The sanctuary fell silent, private conversations halting as everyone turned their attention to the exchange.

Mwe’s lips curled into a teasing smile. “I’ll follow Selena’s villa rules, just like everyone else,” he said lightly. “But what do you mean by your question?”

Zirene grumbled under his breath, his tail lashing back and forth with restless energy. Each flick of his tail mirrored his mounting irritation. “Stop acting coy, Mwe. You know exactly what I’m asking. It’s not like you can’t read my mind.”

Smirking, Mwe took a leisurely sip of his drink and let out a satisfied sigh. “Where’s the joy in that? Besides, contrary to what you might think, listening in on people’s thoughts and mental conversations gets tiring. I respect everyone in this villa enough not to eavesdrop. I prefer to give you privacy, even though sometimes your thoughts are as loud as a shout.”

Zirene’s growl deepened, his patience wearing thin. “How did my Beacon get your blessing?”

Mwe’s expression sobered, his playful demeanor fading. “She earned it,” he said simply. “Through her strength, her compassion, her willingness to sacrifice for others. She proved to me that she wants to help the refugees—as she’s done with her citizens here.”

Zirene huffed and shook his head. “I know there’s more to it than that. What exactly did she do?”

Mwe set his drink down and leaned forward, his gaze intense but not challenging. “She bared her heart and soul to me. Earth-born humans and demi-humans are considered endangered species. They deserve the CEG’s protection, after how we’ve failed Earth. I assume that you agree with your Beacon and want the same.”

Zirene’s eyes softened, his frustration giving way. “You’re correct,” he admitted, his voice low. “I was willing to travel to the CEG and stand by her side as she petitioned the Assembly. But the longer I thought about it, the more I was tempted to send a unit and just tell them what we were doing. After all, you left us to defend ourselves at the end of the Yarrkins War. Think of this as the Aldawi continuing to clean up the mess the rest of the CEG won’t do anything about.”

Mwe’s gaze was steady as he addressed Zirene. “Even though it would go against procedure and galactic laws to allow people from outside our galaxy to roam freely, especially considering how the Yarrkins War began, we must prevent history from repeating itself.”

Zirene opened his mouth to argue further, but before he could speak, Mwe’s magenta aura flared, and he raised a hand to halt Zirene. “The Quaaw have seemingly been instigating war with you by kidnapping Selena and sparking skirmishes along your shared border. And yet you haven’t gone to war again. For that, I’m thankful.”

Zirene’s tail twitched, but he held his tongue, listening intently.

“You’re right,” Mwe continued while swirling his drink. “The CEG failed the humans—demi and pure—as well as the Aldawi. It would be wrong to prevent Selena from saving those refugees, especially when the CEG is partly responsible for putting them in that situation.”

Mwe’s gaze softened slightly. “If you’re willing to officially co-sponsor the rescue, provide the refugees shelter and necessities, make them Aldawi citizens, and take full responsibility for those not from this galaxy, then I can’t stand in your way.”

Zirene’s mind raced. He wanted to trust Mwe, but a gnawing skepticism lingered, casting a shadow over his thoughts. “What’s the catch?”

Mwe lifted his hand, signaling to Oeta, who walked over and grasped it. “The catch,” he said, giving his daughter a warm smile, “is that we must work together, fully and transparently. This isn’t just about following procedures or adhering to laws. It’s about building trust, ensuring safety, and creating a future where such conflicts can’t take root again.”

Zirene’s eyes narrowed as he faced Mwe. “Explain to me what you get out of this deal. What do you want me to do in return?”

“If my daughter can afford a break from her studies, I want her to go with your extraction team. So she can be my eyes and ears, vetting every passenger who boards the Aldawi vessel.”

Zirene knew it would be a boon if they both agreed to his offer. It would get Selena what she wanted and ensure her safety, along with everyone else within his borders.

But he didn’t want to blindly trust them—not when anyone could betray them.

“If Oeta agrees and goes,” Zirene said slowly, wishing for once Kaede was beside him. He would be able to use his family network to communicate his wishes to his sisters. “Then I want some of my Fab Five to go with her.”

Oeta’s eyes lit up. “I accept!” Her fuchsia aura brightened as she batted her wings with excitement. “I’ve always wanted to go on a mission with some of Kaede’s sisters and experience their fun energy. It’s been amazing being able to work alongside Kaica and her mates since I’ve been here. I would love to be able to work alongside the others, even if it’s just once.”

Zirene lifted his drink toward Mwe. “Do you agree?”

Mwe kissed Oeta’s hand before letting it go and focusing on Zirene. “It will be up to you to come up with the crew and escort vessels for the journey. My only request is for Oeta to ensure the people we bring into the galaxy are cleared.”

Zirene growled. “Like Ryzen’s twin, Xenak.”

Mwe nodded. “Precisely. Which is why, before my visit is over, I want to have a discussion with Ryzen to determine whether he should be allowed into our galaxy.”

Before Zirene could respond, Ryzen stood up and rushed over to their table. “While I don’t agree with Xenak’s methods, nor the fact that he hasn’t apologized to Selena, he isn’t an evil male. He wanted to save me, so he wouldn’t be alone trying to manage the base and figure out how to survive. The two of us only had each other since we were born. If I’d been in his position, I don’t know how I would have behaved.”

Zirene watched the passion in Ryzen’s eyes. His defense of his brother was sincere. It reminded him how close he used to be with his own brother, Royak. While they weren’t twins, they were littermates, as close as the Verya commanders. That was, until their late sire had ruined everything.

Now, he’d had the role of Sovereign thrust upon him and…

Selena was right. He’d lost touch with his strongest ally. All because losing her had made him spiral into darkness.

But he didn’t know why he’d been so resistant in reaching out to Royak.

Was it shame? Or something else?

He took a deep breath, bringing his thoughts back to the task at hand. Having access to Mwe and Oeta’s help could be a significant advantage, but it required trust and careful planning. He was still learning how to extend his trust to those outside of his clan and closest friends.

“All right,” Zirene said finally. “We’ll proceed as discussed. Oeta will vet the passengers, and some of my Fab Five will accompany her. But know this, Ryzen,” he added, his tone firm as he stared directly at the commander. “Any misstep by your brother, and there will be consequences. I rarely do second chances, and never a third.”

Ryzen bowed deeply to both Mwe and Zirene. “Thank you for this opportunity,” he said, his voice resonating with gratitude. “I’m acutely aware of what’s at stake.”

Zirene finished his drink in one swift motion and slammed the glass down with a definitive thud . “Now that’s established,” he said, his voice carrying an edge of finality. “It’s later than I intended, and I have things to attend to before I can join the rest of the clan for the night.”

He stood, his commanding presence filling the room as its occupants watched him in silence. His gaze shifted to the Circuli princes, who grinned back at him. “Would you two like to join me?” Zirene asked, his tone softening to one reserved for only members of his clan. “Selena is waiting.”

The Circuli princes exchanged a quick glance, then nodded in unison, their movements fluid and graceful. They rose from their seats, excusing themselves for the night.

Zirene didn’t care what the others thought.

They were all guests in their clan’s villa—Selena’s villa.

And he had played his part, hosting Mwe while she recovered after what’d happened.

Now, it was time to keep the rest of his promise.