Vihann is up and around me like a rocket and has Zarah wrapped tight in his arms before anyone can say anything or even ask who she is. Tears stream down both of their faces as Vihann eases from her and cradles her face while gazing deep into her eyes. Zarah gifts him a gentle smile and then whispers something in his ear.
“What’s going on?” Max asks, scratching his chin.
Mr. Simmons quietly mutters, “I have no idea.”
Vihann twists my way, his eyes wide. “You healed my wife?”
How he knows, I’m not sure. But according to Zarah, I can’t tell anyone that I’m the Protector. I choose my words carefully. “I . . . I think I did.”
“Her consciousness connected with mine, and then she set me free from my prison,” Zarah explains.
The words she says are right; she’s just leaving out the part of how she transferred the power as the Intersection’s Protector to me.
Wrinkles crease Dad’s forehead as his brows push together, a slight frown to the curve of his lips. “Maybe this would be a good time to take a recess.”
“Yes,” Ms. Gray says. “We’ve been at this for a few hours, and I’d love a break.”
A few hours? Dad would notice if I were gone for a few hours. What was I doing the entire time I was with Zarah?
“Yes, yes,” Vihann says, his eyes still wide and glossy with tears. “I need some time with my wife, to figure out what is going on.” He glances to the other Alku councilwoman. “Would you please ensure everyone is comfortable? And keep Zarah’s return private until I’m ready to make the announcement to the community.”
The other Alku bows her head slightly, and as soon as Vihann is satisfied, he drapes his arm around Zarah’s shoulders and pilots her out of sight.
Feeling less confident than I did before, I shuffle on my feet, gnawing the inside of my lip, catching Dad’s attention.
Gesturing to the Alku councilwoman, Dad says, “Go with her,” to the Senate members and Max. “Get something to eat and drink.”
The Senate members agree and make their way to the door. Max eyes me momentarily with a furrowed brow and then follows the group outside.
I peer out the door to make sure everyone is gone before facing Dad. “I know this might sound weird, but was I in here the entire meeting?”
Dad pinches his lips together before he speaks. “Um, you left for a moment at the beginning but then came back. You’ve been in here ever since.”
I run through the events in my mind. “After I came back, I didn’t transport at all?”
Dad shakes his head and gestures to an empty chair. “You sat right there and listened.”
My mind spins, and I clutch the chair next to me to catch myself from falling. Everything with Zarah was in a vision.
Dad grabs my arm. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Like Zarah said, I had some sort of summoning with her—” I glance back to the door. “And I think it affected me.”
Actually, I know the connection affected me. It’s how that I can’t make sense of yet. If I’m the Protector, why don’t I understand better? The dizziness in my head is quickly accompanied by the weight of guilt in my stomach. I’m keeping so many secrets from Dad.
His frown deepens. “You need some rest. We all do. Right now, we’re running on fumes, and there’s no way we’ll be able to continue like this.”
I don’t need as much sleep anymore thanks to the Starfire, but I am tired. “Maybe I just need air.”
A little crease forms between Dad’s eyebrows. “You need more than that, but it’s a start.” The corners of his lips turn up into a sad smile. He’s trying to keep it together for me—for everyone. But from the purple blotches under his eyes, he needs rest too.
“Same for you, Dad.”
He nods. “Then let’s catch up to the others.”
“Give me a few minutes. I need to think through a few things.”
The crease between his brows deepens. “Now, as your father . . .”
A soft smile plays across my lips. “I promise. I’ll get food to eat and then rest. I’ll catch up to you.”
Dad pulls me into a loose embrace before we head outside. But when he goes to the right, I take a left, around the dwelling and toward the house Zarah was in before she woke up. I step up to the entrance, but voices—belonging to Zarah and Vihann—come from inside.
What could she be telling him? Is the secret she wants me to keep one she’ll keep from Vihann, too?
I one-eighty and spot a small garden next to the cottage. It looks to be mostly for food as the plants are positioned in rows. But there are also several trellised vines, the same variety of vines that were growing across the buildings in the city of Primaro. The same white-flowered type that lit up as I passed by the night I snuck into the Capitol building.
I walk to the garden and sit on a large stone next to the vines. Several of the white flowers are still buds.
The night those flowers lit up in Primaro feels like a million years ago. That was the second time I had met Javen. My stomach twists with the loss of him. To distract myself, I graze my finger along the edge of a bud’s outer petal, and the flower splits open, revealing delicate petals. The bloom’s cyan glow is faint in the daylight. Several other buds unfurl and a slightly sweet aroma fills my nose.
“May I join you?” Max asks.
I glance away from the flowers and at him. “Of course.” Grateful to see him, I pat the stone, which is more than large enough for us both.
Max takes a seat and then hands me a snack that looks like beef jerky. “There’s more food back there, but this was the easiest thing to bring out here to you.”
I take it, tear off a bite and chew on the surprisingly tender meat. “Wonder what it is?”
Max shrugs. “They said the name, but I wasn’t familiar with the word.”
We sit in silence for several minutes as I eat my jerky. I use this time to arrange in my head what I want to say to Max. Regardless, I’m sure the words will all come out wrong though.
“Are we okay?”
Max squints, as if thinking, when I don’t clarify. Then his eyes widen with recognition.
“Oh. Um . . . Right now, I think it’s best for us to just focus on staying alive.” Max’s voice comes out softly as he watches the toe of his boot make circles in the dirt.
“You know, you’re still my best friend.”
Max studies me, his lips pressed in a thin line, eyes still not willing to meet mine. “We should go get something else to eat and a few hours of sleep.”
Chapter 11
Asliver of golden sunlight peaks over the horizon as I sit alone on the hillside overlooking Azmar. I hold my hand over my eyes to block the glare. Beside me, the rays hit several droplets of morning dew that are about to drip from a blue long-stemmed flower.
Despite the prior darkness, Azmar has been bustling for hours. Beda was right when she said the Alku don’t need as much sleep as humans. A brief smile takes over my lips as I think of her cranky nature. But the smile disappears as quickly as it formed. She’s now among the aggressive Alku. I was just getting to know her when our possible friendship was ripped away.
I inhale deeply the earthy dampness. Normally this scent comforts me. But not even nature can suppress the sadness welling inside of me this morning. Longing to return to Javen’s side in the Intersection flutters wildly in my belly, the wispy, persistent feeling growing more uncomfortable with every minute. But I also dread the moment I learn if there’s even anything I can do for him once I get there. What if there’s not and I lose him forever?
Restless, I stand, dust off my pants, and then start down the hill to see if Dad or Max is up yet. Unlike me, they’re completely human, so they need more sleep. After what we’ve been through, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were still completely out.
As I watch my step down the winding path, I think about how I could probably transport anywhere I want to go. The Starfire is inside me, so I have no need to recha
rge like the Alku do by using the Paxon crystals. But I want to be careful with that ability. There’s the risk I could end up in a dangerous place or collide with a person or animal. Maybe as I have the inner Starfire longer, I’ll get used to the power and take advantage of the energy’s abilities. But for now, I would like to hang onto a bit more of my humanity. Being the Protector, who knows how long I’ll have that luxury.
I hurry through the center of Azmar without speaking to any of the Alku. Along the way, I catch a few glancing at me, but no one approaches. I could be wrong, but I don’t think they want to talk, and I don’t want to force the issue, either. As I near Vihann’s home, Laina appears from around a corner and her lips quirk into a smile. I quietly suck in a breath at the sight of her.
Was my meeting with her yesterday real or all part of a vision?
“Laina,” a woman’s voice calls out before I can ask. The little girl twists toward the Alku woman now walking out of her dwelling. “Please come in,” the woman says, not even sparing me a glance.
Laina swings her attention to me for a brief second, bows her head, and then races off toward the woman—probably her mother.
An exasperated sigh escapes my lips. I guess I’ll have to ask another time. I return my attention to my destination, and without any other distractions, I arrive back at our borrowed dwelling and push open the wooden door. In the living area is the familiar pillow-like bed I slept on for a few hours last night. I gave Dad the room in the rear, figuring it would be easier for me to leave if I couldn't sleep long, and I was right.
After passing the kitchen, I make my way down the short hall to Dad’s room. I raise my fist to knock, but before I make contact, the door flies open and I nearly jump out of my skin.
“Cassi!” Dad says, his voice full of surprise.
I step back. “I thought you’d still be asleep.”
Dad runs a hand through his hair. “Simmons and I agreed on an early start. I’ll have plenty of time for rest when this is all over.”
Not exactly ready to take on the day, I shove my fingers into my pockets. “So, everyone should be up?”
Dad nods. “We’re going to eat breakfast and then have a quick meeting with Vihann. Then we must head back to the Intersection.”
“And Vihann is on board with our plans?”
“He wanted the night to make his decision, but everything looked positive yesterday.” Dad gestures to the living area. “We don’t have to stay here, you know.”
I chuckle and rub my forehead.
Dad eyes the bed on the floor. “You sure you were fine sleeping out here?”
“It wasn’t a problem.” I scan the rustic room. “It’s not like the accommodations here are like what we’re used to on Earth.”
We exit the dwelling to find all four Senate members and Max already waiting for us outside.
Senator Simmons holds his hand out to Dad and they shake.
I peer at Max under my lashes, wanting to ensure he’s okay. But he’s deep in conversation with Senator Gray. From the few words I pick up, it’s about his father and Galaxis. I know if we get the portal to Earth to work, Kole Harris is probably one of the first people we’ll see. There’s no way I’m going to interrupt Max, since I’m sure the conversation is important.
I follow Dad and Simmons to Vihann’s dwelling. As we arrive, the front door opens and Zarah welcomes us inside. When she sees me, she waves me forward with a smile. Gulping down the lump in my throat, I comply.
“Hello, Zarah,” I say as I begin to pass her by.
“I need to see you alone before you go,” she says in a hushed tone.
Like yesterday, the Alku Council and Vihann are already inside and ready to begin our meeting. But this time, the table is loaded with food—far more than what is needed for our group. Bowls of cooked vegetables, assorted raw fruits in almost every color, and plates of sliced meats. My stomach lets out a growl the moment I find a seat. A flush creeps up my face. But no one is looking at me, so apparently the sound wasn’t that loud.
As I survey the table, I grab a spoon from the nearest veggie bowl and load on a helping of this dish first. It looks almost like the meal Beda made for me at her home, and that was delicious. Without further thought, I grasp the handle and plunge it into the concoction.
“Before we begin,” Vihann says as Zarah comes to his side and wraps her arm around his waist, “I wanted us to share a meal together. Because that is what friends and allies do.”
Zarah turns her attention from Vihann to us. “This meal is in honor of Cassi.”
My heart jumps as she says the unexpected words, and I drop the spoon. The metal clatters against the side of the bowl. “Me?”
Zarah nods. “Cassi brought me back to life and is giving us all a second chance.” She grabs a cup from the table and raises it to me. Everyone else follows suit. Dad wears an expression that lies somewhere between pride and sadness as he lifts his cup. I can only imagine how he wishes that his wife could come back to him. My chest hurts, but I force a smile. I wish I could bring Mom back too.
“Thank you,” I manage to choke out. “This isn’t necessary, though.”
Zarah pulls out the seat beside me. “But my dear, it is.” She holds my gaze for a second and then returns her attention to the others. “Please. Find a chair and enjoy a meal prepared by our finest cooks.” Zarah eyes the food. “Believe me, I will.”
Everyone sits, and I wait for a cue that we can serve ourselves. I guess trying to dig in like I had was rude.
Zarah leans close to me. “Go ahead, if you are waiting.”
I waste no time, and into my bowl I spoon a large heap of vegetables—way more than I’ll probably eat—as well as a juicy slice of meat. We’ll start with that. I use a pounded metal fork and knife to slice with ease through the tender meat. This looks so good. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.
Inhaling the rich, spicy aroma, my mouth waters as I bring the bite to my lips. Once inside my mouth, the layered flavors explode on my tongue, and I chew the meat quickly, eager to enjoy the next bite.
I’m not sure if my love of Alku food has anything to do with my DNA or if they’re just amazing at preparing food. Could be both, I guess.
Despite all the previous stress and the stress to come, everyone seems to enjoy the feast and Azmar’s hospitality. I chew my second bite of meat and scoop up an overflowing spoonful of green vegetables.
“There’s more, so please do not hesitate,” Zarah says just before I place the bite in my mouth.
I pause but then decide to eat anyway. Ignoring my manners, I say with a mouthful, “Everything is delicious. And I’m so hungry!”
Zarah nods. “You will need strength for what is to come.”
A shiver moves down my spine and I stop chewing for a moment.
I finish my meal, trying a few other dishes on the table, each one at least as good if not better than the last.
Finally, Vihann stands and gestures to Zarah, who rises and walks to his side. “Thank you all for joining us,” he says. “We have made our final decision.”
Vihann takes Zarah’s hand before continuing. “My wife and I are greatly saddened with how the Mother Starfire has influenced our son and my brother to revert back to the ways of our ancestors.”
Tears well in his eyes, and he does nothing to stop them from falling.
“We cannot allow this to happen.” He straightens and meets the waiting gaze of each Alku at the table. “The Council and I have decided that, although we must proceed with caution, it is imperative that the damage be repaired. There is too much risk now that the Mother Starfire will be used for evil by either Alku or humans.”
Mumbles of agreement come from the group.
Vihann clears his throat. “My wife also reminded me that, despite my good intentions for not acting before now, I should have been better as the Luminary at listening to every concern of my people, not only the ones who fell in line with what I believed to be correct. If I would have do
ne this, we may not have brought the discovery of the Mother Starfire upon our people. We could have contained Hammond’s Starfire mining earlier and more successfully. What I was trying to keep from coming to fruition happened anyway . . . and in a way that is far worse than I imagined possible.”
Zarah grips his hand more tightly and he squares himself, as if she’s now his anchor.
“But we can repair this,” she says. “Vihann, several Council members, and I will be following you into the Intersection.”
My heart shudders at her unexpected words.
“Will traveling to the Intersection be safe for you?” Dad asks the very question on the tip of my tongue.
“We understand the dangers,” Vihann answers. “But I stayed up all night going round and round with the Council. We explored every option, and entering the Intersection to prepare for Earth is the best one we could find. We need to be able to speak with your allies directly. Face-to-face is the only way to truly know a person. And if your father,” Vihann looks to Max, “and the others spoken of are willing to support us, we need to be able to look them in the eye.”
“But the Mother Starfire is very powerful, Vihann,” I say. “Will you be able to resist the energy?” My thoughts move to Javen, whose motives were pure, and he was still seduced by the crystals. I push the image of his angry face from my mind and try to focus on the good I know still resides in him.
Vihann looses a shaky breath. “We believe that Wirrin and Javen fell under the influence because they regenerated with the Mother Starfire. We will not do this and will only use the Starfire from Paxon. This means that we will need to limit using our abilities and should only as a last resort transport ourselves or use the power for protection.”
“And how much time will you need before you are ready to depart Azmar?” Simmons asks.
Vihann lifts his head high. “None. We are ready to make the journey as soon as this meeting is adjourned.”
The Starfire Wars: The Complete Series Page 41