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Orin

IT HAD BEEN MANY ROTATIONS since I joined the city guard, and the attacks on hybrid Alarans had only gotten worse. We had arrested and detained at least ten of them, but every time we did, they would be released later the same day.

A senior member of the city guard voiced their disappointment to me about the release of the males.

In order to obtain information, I spoke with other guards who acknowledged that Commander Tinuk was the one who authorized the release of the males.

When the Commander asked me to come to his office, I eagerly went to speak with him to understand why he was letting the offenders go. It made our job much more challenging.

“Take a seat,” he said, sitting down at his desk and leaning forward.

I settled into the chair, keeping my emotions in check. Given that all pure Alarans had telepathic capabilities, it was crucial for me to do my best to conceal my thoughts and emotions around him.

The city guard’s Commander was distrustful of anyone who wasn’t Alaran and he had no difficulty in expressing it. I had a suspicion that he might be aware that I had been asking questions, so I made sure to be prepared in case he confronted me.

He placed his hands together on his desk and sat upright. “We’ve arrested the vendor from yesterday’s altercation.” There was a hint of contempt on his face as he observed me, no doubt hoping to elicit a reaction from me as he spoke

I sat up, clutching the chair's arms and attempting to hide my intense distaste for the male individual. “Vendor, sir? He was the victim in the attack. We arrested the perpetrators.”

My superior laughed and narrowed his eyes. “Come on. He’s a hybrid.... we both know they don’t belong here. I released the males you brought in.”

I tightened my jaw. “They?” Is he serious?

“Non-Alarans should not be permitted on Alara. After the incident with the shapeshifter, any one of them could be one.” There was something in his voice that hinted he didn’t believe what he was saying.

I shook my head in disagreement. There was only one known shapeshifter on Alara, and he was in a jail cell. “Sir, the shapeshifters have only disguised themselves as pure-blooded Alarans.”

His sneer intensified as he nodded. “I am sure the King told you that...The truth is, we are clueless about the identity of those flutzing griks . That’s why they are called the Unknown for flutz sake. Who knows how they will appear to us. Anyone could be a shapeshifter.”

“Exactly. Anyone.” I said through clenched teeth. Even you.

Not long after I arrived at my temporary position at the city guard, I probed Tinuk’s mind and confirmed that he was not a shapeshifter. But his irritating attitude infuriated me. His lack of honor was evident, and he brought shame to the entire Alaran community.

It was clear he suspected I was a spy for the King.

He spoke again. “I’m pulling the guards from the marketplace. We have better places that need to be patrolled within the city.”

I fought the urge to say something not so polite, but I had a mission to complete.

Tinuk sat back, looking smug.

I cleared my throat. “Why are you choosing to leave the market unprotected?”

He pressed his lips into a line. “Things will take care of themselves there. Don’t you worry about it.

I’m looking after it. I have another assignment for you.

” He paused. “There have been reports of Krilex ships seen landing near Fruner mine. I am sending you to investigate. Report back if you see any ships, but don’t engage them without notifying me first.”

“Understood, sir.” I didn’t understand. Tinuk’s role as Commander of the city guards was just that. He had no jurisdiction over such things as ships landing outside the city limits. His request made no sense.

If Krilex ships were seen landing, the King would have been notified. I wanted to discover the truth here. But first I would report to King Trex.

EVERY TIME I ENTERED the palace my mind was dominated by thoughts of the enchanting goddess with brown hair, who possessed a piece of my heart and soul.

Acknowledging that I mishandled my opportunity to be with her was disheartening.

The fear of disappointing Olivia or the fear of her rejecting me.

It was all the same. And it was too late.

She had chosen someone else who would never be her destined fated mate.

The deep ache of loss filled my entire being.

I’d lost my K’sha, and with it, any chance of happiness.

On my way to update King Trex. I inhaled the sprawling building’s unique aroma. The scent was always fresh, with a hint of flowers and polish.

The royal suite was on the opposite side of the palace from the guest suites, where Olivia was living. Although I knew she had moved on, I yearned for another glimpse of her.

Instead, I forced myself to head toward the King’s suite. Queen Grace’s smile greeted me when the door opened. “Orin. Hi. Come on in.” She waved her hand to usher me inside.

Bowing my head, I greeted her and stepped inside.

“I’ll fetch Trex for you,” she said before rushing off.

Multiple interconnected rooms formed the expansive royal suite on this wing of the palace. A burst of vibrant colors filled the space. The ambiance was a one-of-a-kind and cozy fusion of technology and cherished Ul family heirlooms, complemented by contemporary furnishings.

No staff were present, making it the perfect time for private meetings with the King.

Trex entered the spacious main room, and I stood tall, pulling my shoulders back and lifting my chin. When he approached, I saluted him and he replicated the movement.

He smiled and gestured to the amber chair across from the matching sofa. I bowed my head and sat down.

Trex had fostered a laid-back environment as Captain on the Chetok, but I always respected him as my superior. Even in his position as King, he displayed a much greater level of kindness than I had anticipated.

Carrying a tray of drinks, Queen Grace glided into the room. The scent in the air gave away that the drinks were made from fruits, which made my mouth water.

She offered one to each of us, then joined the King on the sofa and he clasped her hand in his. When they were together, he prohibited any form of telepathic communication. He had stated he wanted nothing hidden from his Queen.

In the beginning, this troubled me. I felt unsure she could accept some of the things we were forced to do as warriors.

However, I witnessed Grace's remarkable strength and courage firsthand.

I had faith in her ability to handle whatever challenges came her way. It was a logical decision for him to want her to be involved in every issue concerning the planet they governed together.

“Tell me.” Trex requested. His expression was somber. “What have you to report?”

Before explaining, I asked. “Have the Krilex attempted to land on the planet?”

The corners of his lips turned down. “No reports have been made so far.” He eyed me and lifted his chin. “What have you heard?”

I shared both the conversation with Commander Tinuk and the previous day’s incident with the troublemakers. “Leaving the marketplace unprotected doesn’t seem safe to me. I fear for the safety of the vendors and anyone who is not full-blooded Alaran,” I said.

For a brief moment, King Trex narrowed his eyes.

“Agreed. Tinuk doesn’t have the authority to send you or anyone else beyond the city limits.

If the Krilex ships that were spotted above the planet had touched down, I would have received an update.

Go to your assigned position at the market.

And I will dispatch patrols to look into the rumors surrounding the Krilex. ”

“Yes, sir.” I acknowledged.

“In tomorrow’s public speech I will address things for those being targeted.

First thing in the morning, I will talk to Commander Tinuk.

I will replace him with someone who will prioritize protecting Alaran citizens.

All citizens . The threat posed by the shapeshifters is minimal.

I will put an end to his part in the purist movement.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. ”

“With the recent increase of ships in the Alliance Forces, is it possible to request a couple more ships to monitor our atmosphere?” asked Queen Grace.

Trex’s lip curled and his chest puffed with pride for his brave mate. “I’ve already ordered extra patrols to monitor our immediate airspace. They are on the way.”

I sipped my drink and reflected on Alara’s vulnerability to incursions in contrast to the planet Graacux. Our neighbor. The Ixul had armed the space around Graacux to deter invaders or anyone who tried to get close to their planet.

I forced myself to redirect my focus back to King Trex and the purpose of my visit.

King Trex scratched his chin as he said, “It is the ships of the Unknown that are an issue. The Ixul leaders and I have been discussing trading technology, which will grant us the ability to detect cloaked ships with ease. Our warriors stationed on the surface are prepared and ready to fight if it comes to that. I’m confident we can keep Alara’s people safe if the enemy lands on our soil. ”

Happy with the news that Alara would have a fighting chance against the Unknown thanks to Ixul technology, I smiled then finished my drink.

As our discussion concluded, Trex smiled thinly at me.

“Thank you again for your report. Once I sort out the situation with Tinuk, I will have you return to the palace. For now, I don’t want to take any chances with anyone being hurt.

Once we halt this group of purists, things will settle. ”

I smiled in relief as I left the King’s suite. Thankfully, I wouldn’t have to be away from the palace for much longer.