Page 53 of Compile (Project: Adapt #6)

53

Zirene

Z irene settled into the royal dining room’s plush chair, the lingering scent of sweet fruits and sizzling meats drifting through the air. The uppermost floor of the arena offered a panoramic view of the stands below, where some of the crowd remained long after the tournament concluded—perhaps wanting the best seats for the Mating Games after the midday meal intermission.

The scent of roasted meats, sweet treats, and spiced bread mingled with the laughter and chatter of family and friends. The warm glow of the twin suns spilled through the expansive windows, casting golden highlights over the polished table adorned with vibrant dishes and glinting crystal glasses.

Plates and cups clinked softly against polished surfaces as everyone helped themselves to a lavish meal. Zirene reclined in his chair, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he watched those who he’d deemed trustworthy enough to sit amongst his family.

Just a year ago, it was only him—and sometimes Kaede and the Fab Five joining him for meals. Rarely was he able to dine with his brother Royak, as he was at the capital and Zirene hunted for the remaining Yarrkins.

Now he was surrounded by many who would’ve been here if it wasn’t for his Nova.

Kaede was right—Selena had some sort of gravitational pull, gathering those who became attracted to her brilliance. How else would she be capable of surrounding herself with such a unique collection of not only friends, but family.

Through her, he repaired his relationship with both his sister, Masmi, and brother Royak—along with expanding his family through their clan.

He had clanbrothers—Xylo, Odelm, V’dim, Z’fir and Kaede—and even an extended family through Kaede’s sisters, the Fab Five and their mates.

And then there were her friends, who were becoming fast friends to everyone else… and their cubs, who would soon have a sister to run along with.

He never thought a war veteran such as himself would be a family male, but here he was…

Selena sat to his right, her soft laughter mingling with the others’. Kaede was on her other side, followed by V’dim and Z’fir—all enjoying themselves as the cubs reenacted their favorite fights from earlier. Royak, Vikvez, and Masmi sat to his left, with the rest of the group gathered around the enormous circular table. Its surface housed a large 3D projection system—unused and unnecessary as they shared their meal, though typically alive with games and visuals whenever there were conferences.

One of the servers passed with a tray of shimmering drinks, and Masmi reached out, plucked one, then raised it high.

She proposed a toast, voice cutting through quiet laughter and murmurs, the rim catching the sunlight as she pointed it in his direction. “You should’ve warned me, Sovereign ,” she teased. “Your Beacon just swept all my good warriors from under me.”

Zirene’s tail twitched, an amused chuckle rumbling in his chest. “I thought they were all good warriors,” he said, rolling his shoulders as if shrugging off her accusation. “She deserves no less than the best, especially to guard our family.”

Masmi waved a dismissive paw, a grin tugging at her lips. “A little warning next time, that’s all I ask.”

Zirene let a rumble of humor escape his throat. “As if I could control my Beacon.” He shrugged, feigning innocence. “Though I admit, it would make my life easier if I could.”

There was a sudden gasp, and Selena swatted his arm, her spots flaring a muted red and dark pink. “I was only doing what felt natural,” she huffed, leaning into Kaede as if seeking backup. “Besides, Kaede told me I could have an army if I wanted.”

From across the table, Masmi choked on her drink and sputtered, “He did, did he?” She aimed a clawed finger at Kaede. “Trying to empty Liskta of its warriors and take them back to Destima, are we?”

“If the Beacon wills it.” Kaede smirked, sliding his arm around Selena’s shoulders with an air of triumph. “It is easier to live on. Without all the sand and arid air.”

Selena rolled her eyes and nipped playfully at Kaede’s neck, missing intentionally. The dramatic motion drew chuckles from those nearby. “I’m not taking all of them, Masmi,” she assured, her voice softer now. “There were only forty warriors who entered, out of many. With the Quaww still a threat—and who knows what else lurking in the void—we need protection. I’m not taking chances with our children’s future—it’s important to ensure the empire’s future is protected. At any cost.”

The room quieted, the weight of her words settling over them. Selena was right. Forty warriors were hardly excessive when it came to safeguarding her, their children, and their growing clan.

It wasn’t just their future—it was the empire’s.

Selena frowned, her exposed spots turning a worried orange. “If you think it’s too many,” she said, directing her words to Masmi, “I can reduce the number. I didn’t mean to be selfish and thought—”

Masmi shook her head and waved a paw as if dismissing that notion. “No, Sister . You’re correct,” she said simply. “I was teasing you. I’ve more than enough warriors to fill my own ranks, and you need them.”

Selena’s expression softened, and her attention shifted to Zirene. “What about the Mating Games?” she asked, a hint of concern lacing her words. “Where will the cubs be? I’d rather they not be somewhere so…” She glanced over her shoulder to their cubs, who were wrestling in the seating area. “Energized. Especially since I don’t fully know how the audience reacts at such an event.”

Kaede cleared his throat and set down his cup. “B and Q have it covered,” he said, lifting his chin toward the duo seated a few chairs down. They both looked up from their plates. “They offered to watch them.”

Selena turned toward the couple, her brow lifting in curiosity. B lifted her goblet with a mischievous smile. “We’ve got plans,” she said, a twinkle in her eye. “We’re taking the cubs for a ride in the vessel. They’ll watch the games from above, then maybe let them roam the sol system a bit.”

Selena’s eyes widened. Her attention snapped to Zirene then to Kaede. “Flying?” she demanded, her spots shifting to a darker red hue once more.

Zirene chuckled, a soothing rumble escaping him as he placed a steadying paw on her arm, clearly enjoying her reaction. “Flying in empty space is harmless. They’ll be perfectly safe. I promise.”

Selena narrowed her eyes, skepticism lingering. “Safe how?”

Kaede placed a reassuring hand over hers. “They’ll be in the sister vessel to my Abyss ,” he explained. “Its Oetsae system won’t allow harm to come to them.”

Selena released a slow, controlled breath, her hand pressing to her chest as she leaned back in her chair. “No more surprises today,” she muttered, directing the words to the ceiling as though petitioning a silent plea to the Stars or the Fates themselves. “Please, no more surprises.”