Asmodel (Alien Legacy Brotherhood #2)

7. Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

“H ey, organic man.”

JR13’s voice drifted up from Asmodel’s vest pocket.

Asmodel looked around, following close behind Raxx. They’d finished crossing the bridge and now traveled through a wide and airy tunnel leading to a large building that might be a military headquarters.

Scikvak of all shapes, sizes, and sexes rushed about with stern expressions. The tense, no-nonsense atmosphere permeated the air, as if fear was an underlying theme of their lives.

“Yeah?” He made sure his voice was a mere whisper. No need to alert the others about his droid friend.

“You want the good news or the bad news first?”

Good thing the soldiers surrounding Raxx weren’t paying attention to him since the bot wanted to play word games. Swallowing his impatience, the words came out between clenched teeth. “Let’s start with the good news.”

“My father just informed me they have located the human woman Isabella Torres here on CeluriaVO. She’s safe with the minority faction called the pardalions.”

Well, that was good news. Sounds like JR13 knew where she was in this large metropolis. Then it’d be easy enough to teleport the three of them to Raxx’s ship. “Good. Tell me how to get to where she is.”

JR13 snorted. “Well now, that’s the bad news. She’s at Nekojin, a cave village several kilometers away. It would take you a whole day to get there if you went by foot.”

Oh, for the love of a motherless goat . It would’ve been helpful to know that before they entered the city. Asmodel looked around.

The guards all wore serious, stern expressions. The fur on their tails was puffed and their claws were wrapped around the weapons they carried.

Asmodel focused his attention on Commander Jaltaar. The overwhelming sense of fear coming off the male was a surprise. Probing deeper, he discovered his terror had nothing to do with him personally. It was a female scikvak he recently met in the jungle. With a sharp tendril of psychic energy, Asmodel entered the male’s memories and discovered not only the illicit meeting he had with a female, but that he’d left Izzy with that female. Tal…. The female’s name was Talira.

Asmodel pulled out. It was obvious Izzy was in excellent hands for now. But the village where Talira took her to lacked the advancements of Panterion Prime. If any zaltrixan found out where she was, it wouldn’t be hard for them to capture her.

He took a chance to get into Raxx’s mind without Echo blocking him.

Raxx. He whispered mentally. It’s Asmodel. Can you hear me?

The man didn’t so much as stumble. Fuckin’ A, dude. I should have known you were some type of freaky. A mental sigh. Okay, what now?

JR13, just told me Izzy isn’t here. She’s in some type of village a day away from here.

Yeah, I know. Raxx shrugged his shoulder as if to settle a cramp. Echo heard the message from his father to him. He twisted his neck until it cracked.

Asmodel narrowed his eyes at the back of Raxx’s neck. He didn’t have time to bitch at Raxx for using Echo to listen in on JR13’s transmissions. Letting his irritation go, he addressed what was more important. We’ve got to get out of here and find her.

Yeah? And just how are we supposed to do that? The tone in Raxx’s answer was full of snark.

Once I put my hand on your shoulder, I can teleport us back to your ship.

Way cool, man! Wait, I think we’re here.

Sure enough, the troop stopped before a huge double door with elaborate etchings of gold on the wooden surface. As the soldiers faced it, they stomped their booted feet in unison and snapped their fisted paws across their chest.

Their leader, Jaltaar, faced the two guards outside the door. “Announce us immediately.”

“Yes, Commander!” The guard on the right snapped to attention and placed his paw on a panel on the wall behind him.

The doors had to be ten feet tall and slid open sideways, disappearing into the wall.

Hang on. Let’s hold off for now. Raxx suggested. If we just disappear, we won’t know what they’re planning. Besides, I’m dying to see what’s on the other side of this door. Maybe when this is all over, there might be an opportunity for me to open some kind of trade with them.

Asmodel grunted. He was right. And it couldn’t hurt to see the dynamics on CeluriaVO. Maybe they’d end up as allies in the upcoming fight against the Krystalii.

Once they crossed the threshold, Asmodel stopped. There, sitting next to the obvious Supreme Alpha Regent Krovex, was a crystalline creature of bright yellow. She had to be the same species as the blue crystal man Abalim showed them on the video he brought back from the Galaxy’s Pub on Hiigar. What took him aback was the alien was in a humanoid feminine form, dressed in a sheer, wispy luminescent gown that left nothing to the imagination.

“Who is this, Jaltaar?” The regent stood. The orange stripes bisecting his forehead went around his cheeks and down the sides of his throat. “I told you to bring back a human female.” His thick claws slid out as he waved to Raxx. “I may not know anything about humans, but I know that is not a female.”

“Too right, my man!” Raxx grinned and acted like he wasn’t in a life-threatening situation. “Glad you recognize I’m one hundred percent macho man.”

“Quiet, human.” Jaltaar’s voice had a bite of a hiss. “You will only speak if the regent or the Krystalii, Prisma-Solara, addresses you.”

“Sure, sure.” Raxx rocked back and forth with a grin. “Whateva you say, dude.”

The crystal female gracefully rose from her seat and approached Raxx, her glowing eyes deepening in intensity. She gave him a brief up-and-down look before focusing on Asmodel in his scikvak disguise.

“What have we here?” She reached out and poked his forehead with a slim finger.

Asmodel didn’t feel her touch as a wave of overpowering psychic energy hit him like a sledgehammer. He staggered as his body reformed without his control. When the sensation subsided, he slowly opened his eyes and stood in his full normal form. Thank the goddess, the scikvak clothing conformed to his bigger size.

The room filled with a collective gasp.

“Ah, another human.” The female’s voice was lyrical in its derision. “But yet not.” Her shrug came across stilted and abnormal, as if she was trying to imitate something she didn’t understand. “Tell me, abominable one, where is the female?” She moved in closer.

Asmodel’s eyebrows rose at the warmth coming from her body as she stood mere inches from his chest. At first, he didn’t understand the malicious glee crossing her face, until a small, worming sensation burrowed into his mind. With impenetrable firmness, Asmodel thwarted the crystal woman's attempt to enter his consciousness. But he couldn’t prevent the grip she had on his body. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” His slight grin wasn’t nice.

Her lips pinched, causing their deep-gold color to lighten.

Ah, frustration looked good on her.

“No matter. I don’t need to enter your mind to know you’re not suitable.” Prisma-Solara gestured to Raxx. “However, here is a pure human.” She narrowed her light-yellow eyes as she walked around Raxx’s bound form. “Yes, he just might do. Who says I need a female?” She glanced at the Supreme Regent. “Since I have a human right here, why bother looking for another one?” She placed a hand on Raxx’s chest and closed her eyes.

Raxx jerked out of her hold. “Hands off the goods, dudette. Or you’ll be sorry.”

Asmodel frowned at the man. Don’t antagonize her. She’s a powerful psychic. He warned Raxx mentally.

Oh, please. As if.

An evil leer crossed Prisma-Solara’s clear lips. She reached out to touch him again.

Raxx’s smile widened.

Once her hand settled on his chest, the crystal alien jumped back with a strangled cry, putting a hand on her forehead.

See. Raxx’s mental voice was full of triumph. Echo loves me. She’d let nothing or no one hurt me.

Asmodel’s eyes widened. Good to know. He nodded in solidarity. I’ll do my best to protect you as well.

“Put this human in a holding cell!” The yellow crystal woman stomped back to face the regent. “I will take him with me once my rejuvenation cycle is complete.”

“You mean after you’ve eliminated the pardalion infestation.” Regent Korvex wasn’t asking. He tapped an extended claw on his armrest with a scowl.

Her glance at the regent wasn’t warm. “Yes, yes, of course. Before I leave, I’ll take care of that insignificant problem for you.”

Supreme Regent Korvex snorted. His triangular ears rotated backward. “Jaltaar, have some of your guards take the human to our strongest cell deep in the forbidden cave.”

Jaltaar snapped to attention and motioned for the guards next to Raxx. “Make sure you keep an eye on him.” The male frowned. “I don’t trust him.”

Ah, look. Raxx’s mental brag made Asmodel smile. One of them has little bitty smarts. Well, gotta go. I don’t suppose you’ll come and rescue me, will ya? He batted his eyelashes like he was a damsel in distress.

No worries. He reassured his new friend. You and I will be long gone before that crystal idimmu misses us.

Cool beans, dude. I’ve asked Echo to sync with JR13 so we don’t lose touch. Raxx winked at him as he walked by, two guards in front of him and two following. Catch you later, gator.

Asmodel chuckled under his breath. Sometimes Raxx’s slang was harder to understand than the stuff Arakiba had picked up since they found themselves in the future.

“What about the other one, Prisma-Solara?” Regent Korvex shifted on his large throne. “Should we question…”

“No.” Her decision sounded final. “Just get rid of him.” She waved a negligent hand, and the stranglehold on his body was gone. “Throw him down the gorge for all I care. All I need from you is the place we discussed earlier to renew my energy.” She snapped her fingers. “Hurry, now. I must return to Lord Baelon before the next lunar cycle.”

“Jaltaar, have some of your guards deal with that.” Regent Korvex indicated Asmodel. “You are to personally escort our guest to the royal gardens. Make sure she has everything she needs.” The regent sat back, his tail flicking back and forth behind the throne. “When she’s settled, come back here. There is much to discuss.”

The pale-orange whiskers above Jaltaar’s emerald eyes furrowed as the crease along his snout deepened before it smoothed. He gave a slight head bow, his expression blank. “As you command, Supreme Alpha Regent Malstyr Korvex.”

When Jaltaar said the full name of the other scikvak, the elder’s tail swished harder as he frowned.

Asmodel studied the two. How interesting. The hidden dynamic between them was personal. Not that he cared enough to use his psychic abilities to find out why.

Regent Korvex sat back and waved an impatient paw at the door. “Yes, well, we’ll speak later.”

The guard next to Asmodel bound his hands then shoved him on his shoulder. “Come on, alien. This way.”

Asmodel took one last look over his shoulder at the enormous cavern as the guard led him away. His eye caught the cat-man on the throne and the unkind smile distorting his snout. He didn’t need his psychic sense to know the ruler was narcissistic enough to gain power anyway he could.

Even if it meant he had to commit genocide on half the population.

“So, where are you taking me?”

The guards didn’t answer.

Not that Asmodel thought they’d stop and chat. They silently marched him through the grand archway that led from the opulent throne room of Panterion Prime into the sprawling public plaza outside. The stark transition from the dim, hushed reverence of the royal court to the blinding light and cacophony of the plaza made him squint behind his raised hands. The suns of CeluriaVO hung low in the sky, casting elongated shadows, bathing everything in a golden hue that ignited the vibrant colors of the surrounding city.

Blinking to focus, he lowered his bound hands. Apparently, he was being paraded in the main plaza that was alive with activity as a bustling hub of scikvak society. Towering structures of sleek metal and gleaming crystals rose around him, their surfaces catching the natural lights that created dazzling patterns dancing across the ground. Foliage and plants intertwined with the architecture, adding a pulsating rhythm of color to the urban landscape. The air carried the mingled scents of exotic spices combined with the electric tang of advanced technology, the signature aroma he now associated with the scikvak civilization.

Asmodel shrugged at the weight of countless eyes studying him while he was led through the crowd. Whispers swirled around him, filled with exclamations and hisses of fear. Guess it didn’t help he had to be the only human they’d ever seen, escorted by the royal guard. Despite their advanced nature, there was an undercurrent of primal fear bombarding his psychic senses. A hard, collective mistrust made sweat roll down his back.

The tight binding of the synthetic restraints on his wrists, along with the firm grip of the guards on his arms, were constant reminders of his captive status. Not that he’d let that weigh him down. Even when he’d been a slave in captivity, Asmodel had no trouble maintaining a dignified posture, his head held high, his stride purposeful. The cool breeze caressing his face contrasted with the warmth of the suns. It reminded him of the planet's duality—its capacity for both stunning beauty and harsh realities.

Speaking of realities. Asmodel had better protect his little bot for what he had in mind. With quick telekinetic manipulation, he fashioned a leather pouch and attached it to a long necktie.

“JR13”—he made sure his voice remained low—“hurry.” He opened the pouch with his mind wide enough for the bot to enter. “Jump in here and hang on.”

For once, the bot didn’t argue. He leaped out of the pocket on Asmodel’s vest and scurried to settle into the deep confines of the pouch.

Asmodel snapped it shut and transferred the string holding it around his neck and nestled the thing under his shirt. Now that he wasn’t under the Krystalii’s control, it was easy enough to do this without the guards noticing.

Shrugging and twisting his neck to stretch, he was ready.

As the guards led him across the plaza, the sound of the crowd ebbed and flowed in a symphony of alien languages, the hum of hover vehicles, and a melody of scikvak music in the distance. All around was harmonious chaos, a testament to the bustling life of Panterion Prime. It wouldn’t surprise him if the city never slept.

Asmodel took it all in—the sights, sounds, and smells—a vivid tapestry of life on CeluriaVO that he wouldn’t soon forget. Despite the circumstances, there was an undeniable allure to this world and its people—a complexity and depth he’d give anything to explore.

Without the threat of death, of course.

All too soon, they left civilization and walked through a large cave with a huge opening facing an opposing cliff with no buildings or signs of civilization. The roar of cascading waterfalls drowned out other sounds, and mist coated the air with the earthy scent of damp moss and wet rocks.

There were several civilian scikvak milling around the railing that kept them from the dangerous edge of the cliff.

With stern barks, the guards ordered them to leave.

Guess the guards didn’t want any witnesses on what they planned to do to him.

“Go on. We don’t have all day to deal with you, human .” A derisive sneer from one guard. An elderly one by the looks of the silver lining of his black fur around his eyes and snout. He prodded Asmodel hard on the shoulder with his solid-steel pole weapon and directed him to an open area not protected by any railing. Just a path to open air. “Let’s make this nice and easy for everyone. Go over there and keep going.”

Asmodel raised his brows with a grin. When he got to the edge, he took a moment to peer down. Damn, the gorge was so deep he couldn’t see where the raging river below. Just a plume of misty water bellowing upward. He glanced at the smirking guards behind him. He nodded to the wide chasm. “You sure you want me to jump in there?”

One of the younger guards laughed. “Well, you don’t have to jump. All you gotta do is keep walking. Nice and easy like.”

Asmodel turned his back on the yawning space and laughed, making the bonds on his wrists disappear. “Oh no. Why do something as boring as that?” With a flourish, he swept his arms wide and with a joyous cry, leaped off the cliff.

He watched as the guards ran to the edge of the cliff, their snouts and eyes wide as if they couldn’t believe he jumped off the humongous precipice of his own free will. When he estimated he’d given himself enough room, he transformed. With a cavernous roar, he unfurled his wingspan that was almost as wide as the chasm itself.

Ever since he’d watched a popular cable series that mesmerized him a couple of months ago, Asmodel dreamed of transforming into one of those glorious, mythical creatures. With joy, he blew a fountain of fire at the guards. Not to kill them, just to scare the shit out of the bastards.

With an inhuman laugh, he watched them scramble like frightened children, running back into the perceived safety of the cave tunnel. The cries and screams they left behind created a satisfying echo.

With a contented snort, Asmodel made sure the pouch holding JR13 was secure around his neck. Shaking to settle into his copper-hued dragon form, he expanded his massive wingspan and raced to the brilliant sunset in the opposite direction of Panterion Prime.

Sensing now wasn’t the best time to find the alluring woman of his visions, he’d rest for the night in this form before heading out to claim her come morning.

“A what?”

Izzy jumped at Calin’s growl.

“Oh dear. That’s right. So sorry.” Izzy wasn’t on Earth anymore, so no one here would know what a library was, much less a librarian. She threw her shoulders back. “What I mean is I was the keeper of one of the largest archives of vast knowledge and discovery on my planet. It was a place where people of all ages, races, religions, and backgrounds came together to solve various challenges we faced as a people.”

At least that’s what it was supposed to be. Some days, not so much.

Taking a deep breath, Izzy glanced around the small audience. “Also, as a human, if I’m with you, he’d know you are the good guys and won’t hesitate to let us rescue him. I just know we’ll need his help to stop the Krystalii from coming to kill you.”

Fingers crossed, she hoped she wasn’t stretching the truth. She didn’t know his full capabilities, but if he traveled all this way to rescue her, he had to have some impressive skills.

Praetor Vorlok sat back and laid his paws on his wide chest, his claws retracted. “I see.” He glanced around the room. “I believe she has a valid point.”

“You can’t be serious!” Calin slammed his paw on the table, his extended claws clicking on the hard surface. “Look at her!” He waved in her direction. “We can’t afford to let the zaltrixan capture her, much less let her get in our way.” He leaned forward on his elbows, his whiskers wide as his gold eyes narrowed. “We can’t afford to anger the Federation’s chancellor by allowing her to get hurt or killed.”

“Valid points, young one.” Madam Fexa nodded. “However, as a free citizen of this Federation, this human may choose her own path. I agree, she should go.”

Calin snorted. “If that’s the council’s decision, then we’d better have our best warrior assigned to protect her.” He grumbled, leaning back, his ears flicking back-and-forth to show his displeasure.

“I agree. Thank you for volunteering, Calin.”

Calin frowned at Praetor Vorlok’s derisive smile, but he didn’t argue. Just gave a brief nod.

Izzy’s mouth dried as the tension between her shoulders tightened. Oh dear. What had she’d gotten herself into? No matter. She’d never allow another human to suffer if she could do something about it. Squaring her shoulders, she murmured a quick thank you and sat.

“Now, we need to plan how we’re going to Panterion Prime. Not only to get the human, but to capture that Krystalii. But first—” Praetor Vorlok glanced at Izzy. “—from what Talira has told me, this human has some personal needs to take care of. Is that so?”

Once he brought that to her attention, Izzy’s stomach growled loud enough for everyone to hear. Putting her hand over her stomach, she blushed. With gritty eyes, she nodded. “Yes, but I want to help you plan.”

“We appreciate that, Izzy. But your stomach argues with you,” Talira admonished her. “I’m sorry Zolune didn’t make it back with some food for you. Come with me.” The feline stood and placed a soft paw on Izzy’s shoulder. “And don’t worry, I’ll fill you in on whatever is decided. But for now, we’d better get you something to eat and a place to rest.”

Izzy stood and gazed around the group as they studied her. Some expressions were open, others were blank or filled with mistrust. “Promise you won’t leave without me?” She held her breath.

“Of course not, human female called Izzy.” The praetor gave a regal nod. “I have said we would honor your decision, and I never go back on my word.”

She pressed over her heart with a wide grin. “Oh, thank you. Thank you very much.”

“Come on, Izzy. Your stomach is growling so loud, you’ll scare all the skalderbeast away,” Talira teased.

Now Izzy moved her hand to cover her rumbling stomach. She sighed. “I may not know what a skalderbeast is, but I’m so hungry I could eat one.”

Talira laughed as she put her arm around Izzy’s shoulder and led her out of the meeting room to another part of the cave. “They’re actually pretty tasty. Let’s see if we can get a piece of one for you.”

As Izzy’s tension eased, she gave Talira a small smile and followed her to a communal eating place in another part of the warm, luminescent cave. The food was presented in buffet style, showcasing roasted meats alongside an array of colorful vegetables and fruits. The pardalion took her to one of the large tables where other scikvak ate. Old, young, and the very young came and went. Some lingered after their meals, but most left with happy purrs.

“I’m afraid I have to leave you on your own for a bit,” Talira told her, clasping her paws in front of her and nodding to an elderly female who approached them. “This is Tivessa, the presiding leader of those who prepare food.”

Tivessa, her dark-blue downy fur laced with white, came over to where Izzy sat. She placed a large trencher in front of the hungry woman, laden with succulent meats and a smattering of fruits and vegetables.

“Eat,” Tivessa urged. “You like.” She turned and shuffled away.

Talira laughed, her eyes softening as the elder walked away. “She’s always been a female of brief words.” She turned to Izzy. “But she’s reliable and will make sure you have everything you need. Once you’re done eating, she’ll take you to a comfortable place where you can sleep.” She patted Izzy on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll come back in plenty of time before we leave for Panterion Prime in the morning. Then I’ll fill you in on what we’ve planned.” With a last look around the room, Talira left.

Izzy watched her go, but her stomach demanded attention with a loud growl. She studied the food resting on the plate in front of her. The slice of meat still sizzled from the fires, releasing a mouthwatering aroma that made her stomach growl. Next to it was an assortment of root vegetables slathered in a harmony of fresh herbs. A separate small bowl held ripe berries that looked like strawberries but were white with zigzagging black stripes.

Next to the plate was a set of utensils. A long two-tined fork rested beside a blade with a razor thin edge.

With a fortifying breath, Izzy grabbed the fork and knife and sliced the meat. From the first bite, she chewed in ecstasy and set about devouring the meal. Lordy, lordy. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten anything as fine. The meal was a journey through a myriad of flavors, each mouthful a discovery of the scikvak culinary mastery. Succulent roasted meat melted on her tongue, each fruit burst with sweetness, and the vegetables were cooked to a perfect tenderness. The meal settled in her unruly stomach, creating warmth that sent a deep sense of contentment throughout her.

When finished, Izzy patted her full belly. Unbidden, her lips smacked and she gave a soft belch. “Oh, gosh!” She covered her mouth and sat up straight, her back stiffening. If her abuela heard her being so rude, she’d never live it down.

“See. You like.”

Izzy jerked as the voice of Tivessa spoke behind her. Darn woman was as silent as… well, a cat.

“Come. Leave plate.” She gestured for Izzy to follow her. “Sleep now.”

Tivessa guided her to a secluded corner of the cave. There, a bed of soft furs and handwoven blankets beckoned with a promise of a peaceful night’s rest. Eyes drooping, Izzy’s body lost all mobility as she lay down. How nice, the elderly female pulled a warm fur over her, enveloping her in welcome warmth. With a gentle stroke, Tivessa’s soft paw wisped across the top of Izzy’s head like her abuela’s palm did so long ago.

As she drifted, an image came of a man so beautiful he took her breath away. He sported a perfect square jaw accented by a manly cleft. Full lips, a nose as straight as an arrow, high cheekbones, and a broad forehead. His hair, a rich chestnut hue with deep undertones, was thick and wavy, cascading down his back in luxurious waves. Blazing hazel eyes of ginger brown and leaf green combined with a starburst of gold flecks looked into her soul.

And good golly molly… his body was as spectacular as his face and hair. Thickly muscled, big-boned, and not an ounce of fat in sight. His copper-hued skin was smooth and flawless.

“Izzy, don’t worry. I’ll be there soon.”

She melted at the sound of his deep baritone as it whispered in her mind. A sensation caressed her forehead as if a gentle touch came from his large, soothing hand. With a happy sigh, she surrendered to slumber.