Madness Unmasked: Dragons of Zalara

by ML Guida

  Each row he passed, he could feel their deathly stares on his back and hear whispered remarks, but he couldn’t make them out. Not that he wanted to know what they were saying. For the past month, he’d had his fill…reject…traitor…butcher.

  In the first pew, the crew of the Orion watched him curiously, some with open hostility. Anonghos, the chief of the security, stood next to the captain. Taog was a fierce and brave captain. A man that Ysam would have sworn his loyalty. But he didn’t want to serve him as a navigator like Daidhl but be a member of the security team.

  Ysam’s palms turned sweaty, and he wiped them on his pants. Taog flashed his gaze over him, his expression completely blank. How could he prove he was worthy to be on the team when every minute he was beaten to a pulp?

  King Greum scowled. “Who hit you?”

  “I don’t remember.”

  He raised his eyebrow. “Listen, Zalarians, and listen well, Ysam is not responsible for Daidhl’s actions. Taking your frustration out on him is the coward’s way out. I will not tolerate another beating.”

  Ysam hung his head and heat drained from his face. In those few words, the king had destroyed his pride. For the past month, he’d fought his own battles, never asking for a champion. Any respect he’d earned from his tormentors flew out the window.

  “Ysam.” Avenor reached out her arm. “Come here.”

  He obediently approached her.

  She smiled. “You want to be part of the security team?”

  “Yes, more than anything.”

  She looked at him curiously. “Tell me why?”

  “Because I don’t like bullies. I don’t care where they come from.” He lowered his voice. “Even if a bully was my brother.”

  “Before this is over, you will heal your brother and yourself.”

  His mouth fell open. He was too stunned to speak or breathe.

  A loud scoff burst through the crowd. Ysam hung his head and angled himself away from the congregation, unable to meet their hostile stares.

  Greum glared. “Silence!”

  His loud growl echoed off the citadel walls.

  “Thank you, Greum.” She motioned to her sister. “Yethi, please give him the blue Mate Stone.”

  Ysam reluctantly held out his palm. Yethi carefully placed the stone in his scuff up hand. Heat radiated from the stone. Burning energy burrowed through his veins like lightning. The Citadel whirled around him faster and faster. He shook so hard his teeth chattered. A vision formed in his mind of a tall, curly dark-haired woman in a courtroom. She defended a young man and argued passionately with the judge. He squeezed his eyes tightly. He knew her.

  The vision faded. He opened his eyes and sucked in air. His muscles tightened, and he drew his head back stiffly.

  “This can’t be right. Not Kathy Strong. Anyone but her.” He leaned closer to Avenor and whispered. "Daidhl murdered and mutilated her sister. You can’t be serious.”

  “Nevertheless, she is your mate, Inquistian. Without you, she'll never heal.”

  He shook his head. “What? Me?” He threw his hands up in the air. “How the hell am I supposed to heal her? I’m her enemy.”

  Avenor shrugged. "The Mating Stones are never wrong. I will tell you this, Inquistian, if you win her over, you’ll achieve your dream of being appointed to the security team.”

  Anonghos, the chief of the Orion's security team, jerked his dark head up. “Impossible.” He glowered at Ysam.

  Ysam turned his head from his cold gaze. Anonghos had pursued Daidhl alone and knew first hand of the grisly murders.

  “His brother cursed us all,” someone yelled from the pews.

  “He’s an Inquistian,” another agreed.

  “He’s too small.”

  Only the king could make the decision on who was worthy enough to be a member of the Orion's security team. The king had a dark scowl on his face, and Ysam already knew the answer.

  Queen Cosima clasped his hand. “Greum.”

  The soft word spoke volumes. Greum stared down into her eyes. Ysam held his breath, waiting for his answer.

  King Greum tore his gaze from the queen and studied Ysam. “If you can win over the woman, Inquistian, I’ll grant your request.”

  The angry gasp and curses from the congregation nearly shook the roof off the Citadel.

  “But your Majesty,” Anonghos stammered.

  The king glowered. “You’re questioning my decree?”

  Anonghos bowed his head. “No, your Majesty.”

  “There’s one more thing.” Avenor looked between them.

  A sour taste filled Ysam's mouth. He dragged his scraped palms down his pant legs.

  “Daidhl’s mate is Lisa Strong.”

  Ysam’s heart shrunk in his chest. He took a step backward. Avenor’s beautiful face spun around him, and he shook his head, trying not to pass out.

  “Before the next Mate Stone can be revealed, Daidhl’s stone must be united with Lisa’s ashes. Only then can they be together. However, your mate must give her blessings on this mating.”

  Ysam ran his shaking hand through his hair. “You ask for the impossible, Fate.”

  “Nevertheless Inquistian, this is your task,” Avenor said. “You are the key in healing your mate. Without you, she’ll live a life of bitterness and loneliness, and you will condemn your people.”

  Queen Cosima took Ysam’s wrists. “There is more to you than meets the eye. Your strength will save you both. You are no more responsible for what the Mistonian did than Daidhl. The Mistonian possessed great power and was a deadly enemy. I believe in you. Soon you’ll believe in yourself.”

  Ysam pressed his lips together tightly. Heaviness weighed on his gut. She was wrong. He wasn’t a Dominan or Bravian dragon. Daidhl had proven that Inquistians weren’t strong enough to defeat an alien by themselves.

  He glanced at Taog who had a blank stare. No doubt, the captain of the Orion didn’t believe Ysam could accomplish this task or was worthy of being a part of his crew.

  Ysam hung his head with the weight of Zalara on his shoulders.

  Chapter 4

  Ysam crept along an elegant apartment, decorated with wooden antiques. His dragon eyes could pierce the darkness. He slowly made his way down a hallway, his bare feet shuffling across the hardwood floors. He opened a door.

  A pair of jeans and a sweater were discarded on the carpet. A digital clock turned to midnight.

  Soft snores drew him to a four poster bed. Kathy was asleep, the sheet only covering half her naked body. Her long curls flared over her slender shoulders. One toned leg peered out from underneath the sheet. She sighed heavily and snuggled deeper into the pillow.

  She was so beautiful, so strong, so vulnerable.

  He crept closer to the bed, wanting to stroke her dark hair and moved his hand down her silky skin. The floor creaked.

  She woke with a start and turned her head. Her eyes widened in horror, then she screamed. “Don’t kill me!”

  Ysam dropped the bloody knife in his hand that he hadn't even known was there.

  He jerked awake, sweating in his bed, and gasping for breath. He put his arm over his forehead. Ever since Avenor had announced that Kathy was his mate, he’d been having the same nightmare. What if it was an omen?

  He rolled out of his bed and hurried to the bathroom. He splashed water on his pale face. Today was the day he’d meet Kathy and he couldn’t shake the feeling it would be the worst day of his life.

  A few hours later, Anonghos arrived. He took one look at him. “You look awful.”

  “I feel awful.” He put on his leather jacket. “Didn’t sleep well last night.”

  “Are you worried about the mission?”

  “No. It was probably just something I ate. I won’t let you down.” Avoiding his questioning gaze, Ysam shut the door. “Let’s just get this over with.”

  “That’s not very convincing.”

  He trotted past him. “That’s the best you’re going to get.”

/>   Ysam’s home was less than a mile from the port. Dragons and space ships flew over their heads. The rays of the suns warmed his face as they walked along the paved path that led to the port. The air was crisp. The tall leafed out trees and sweet, smelling flowers lined the path. Their boots crunched on the pebbles, but with every step, soreness rippled through Ysam’s battered body.

  Anonghos looked behind them and then back again. “There’s doesn’t seem to be anyone around, so I don’t think we will have any problems.”

  His cautious voice sent Ysam’s body overheating, and his pride took a nose dive.

  He stood taller and squared his shoulders. “I don’t need a body guard. I can handle myself.”

  Anonghos snorted. “By your bruised face, I think that’s a lie.”

  Ysam clenched his teeth. “Hey, ever since you came back here, my life’s been a living hell. Every dragon wants a piece of me.”

  Anonghos’s eyes turned hard and flinty. “It’s not my fault dragons have been taking their anger out on you.”

  Ysam rubbed the back of his sweating neck. “Look, the fights haven’t exactly been fair.”

  Anonghos shrugged. “Your brother pissed off a lot of Zalarians.”

  “Really? I hadn’t noticed,” he grumbled, kicking a rock.

  “Look, Ysam, I don’t have a problem with you. I just don’t like anyone telling me who can or can’t be on my team.”

  His fast-talking tone hammered that he thought Inquistians should be locked up in a laboratory. Ysam shoved his hands into his back pockets, wishing he could go on this mission alone. He didn’t want all of his mistakes broadcasted back to Zalara.

  Anonghos flashed him a hungry grin. “Besides, it’s been too long since I have seen my mate.”

  Ysam stopped. “Tell me, how many Inquistians are security agents?”

  “That’s no a secret. None. Inquistians aren’t as strong as a Bravian or a Dominian. You’re liable to get yourself or someone else killed. Inquistians are designed for research.”

  Ysam bristled. “I’m not a librarian.”

  “I never said you were. To be part of my team, you will be flying the ship. Everyone on my team needs to know how every aspect of a ship in case of an emergency.” He raised his eyebrow. “You do know how to navigate a ship?”

  He accelerated his walk to a sprint. “Yes, of course.”

  “Not so fast.”

  Ysam refused to wait and broke in a jog. He just wanted to get this test over with and try to keep the damn nightmare from coming true.

  When they arrived at the port, the King and Queen awaited them along with Taog who looked less than happy to be there. Ysam’s chances of becoming a security officer became slimmer and slimmer each time he saw the captain. Wooing a mate would not be enough to convince the captain he was worthy.

  The sun shined off the hull of the shuttle craft, the Stellar. It seemed bigger than normal. He’d maneuvered shuttle crafts all his life, but he had never steered one off the planet. What if he couldn’t handle the ship? His clammy palms twitched, and the heat of the suns shot his temperature up. Fates, if he couldn’t handle the ship, then he really didn’t deserve to be a member of the Orion crew. All of them were able to fly a ship solo.

  The queen flashed one of her warm smiles. “Good morning, Anonghos and Ysam.”

  Ysam squirmed uncomfortably, but composed himself and bowed slightly. “Your Highness.”

  “Greetings, Your Majesty,” Anonghos said.

  “Are you both ready for your mission on Earth?” Queen Cosima asked.

  “I am.” Anonghos grinned.

  The king gripped Anonghos on the shoulder and gave him a knowing smile.

  “Yes,” Ysam answered, but his voice wasn’t as confident as Anonghos’s.

  Greum’s smile faded when he looked at him and Ysam felt ten times smaller. The king motioned with his arm. “Let us know when you have made contact.”

  Anonghos frowned. “My mate has said that Kathy Strong wants nothing to do with us, your Majesty.”

  Greum put his hands behind his back and leaned back and forth on his toes. “Nevertheless, this is his path. Anonghos, you know the plan. You and your mate will introduce him to his new mate, but he alone must win her over.”

  “I would suggest Ysam brings her here…alone,” the queen said. “On Earth, she’ll be able to escape.”

  Ysam stiffened. Obviously, she didn’t think he had the wits to bring her around, but who was he kidding? Neither did he.

  Taog held his gaze. “That’s not a request.”

  “Yes, Captain.” Ysam put his legs together and stood at attention.

  “But Captain…” Anonghos interrupted.

  “He does this without your help. He’s the only one that can convince Kathy to be his mate and allow him to put the other Mating Stone in her sister’s ashes.”

  “I’ll manage, Captain.” Ysam stood taller and lifted his chin, as if to prove he was more than capable of this assignment, even though he thought it was a lie.

  “Good. Bring her here.” Taog handed him a canister. “Use the ragon gas. From what Anonghos has said, you’re going to need it.”

  Ysam reluctantly took it. Kidnapping was leaving a distaste in his mouth, but he wasn’t given much choice. For once, he thought the Fates were wrong. How could he be Kathy’s mate?

  Anonghos squeezed Ysam’s shoulder. “My mate, Agnes, knows you’re coming. She’s agreed to introduce you to Kathy. We can trust her. She knows what’s at stake.”

  Pride echoed in his voice.

  “She’s not moving to Zalara?” Ysam asked.

  “My mate has some unfinished cases she wants to wrap up. As far as Kathy knows, I’m coming to see my mate.” Anonghos released his shoulder. “I really think she’s worried about Kathy. She was less than thrilled to know that you’re Kathy’s mate.”

  Tingles swept up the back of his neck and across his face. He rubbed his sleek forehead. “Great.”

  “But don’t worry, she won’t betray us.” Anonghos patted him on the back. “Good luck. You’re going to need it.”

  “Thanks.”

  The queen hugged him. “Good-bye, I have faith in you.”

  Ysam just wished he shared her same conviction.

  Greum shook his hand. “Our race depends on you mating with Kathy Strong.” He tightened his grip. “Don’t let us down.”

  “I won’t.” Ysam forced himself to look into the king’s firm gaze.

  Taog tilted his head. “If you need assistance, contact Anonghos.” His dismal voice cut into Ysam’s hope. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to report back to the Orion.”

  “Of course, Captain.” Greum motioned his arm. “Anonghos will report to you regarding the mission.”

  Ysam felt smaller and smaller. “I won’t fail.” His voice was loud enough for the captain to hear, even though the man didn’t slow his pace.

  He and Anonghos turned and entered the Stellar. The door slid closed behind them. They made their way to the helm. Normally, the bridge seemed so small, but now, it seemed to have grown twice it’s size. The enormity of the task slammed into him.

  He cracked his neck, then pulled on his t-shirt collar, as if it was choking him. If Kathy spurned him or refused to allow him to put his brother’s stone with her sister’s ashes, no mates would be selected, and they’d die as a race.

  No pressure there.

  Anonghos sat at the communication station. “Prepare for take off, Ysam.”

  “Yes, sir.” Ysam flicked on the engines. He wiped his sweaty palms on his thighs. The engines softly hummed then the ship lifted off the landing port. He plotted a course for Earth.

  Anonghos contacted the command. “Permission to leave orbit.”

  “You’re clear for take off,” a voice said over the intercom.

  Ysam grabbed the control with his shaking hands, held his breath, and slowly guided the Stellar off the landing deck.

  “Nice take off,” Anonghos mumbled behind
him.

  Ysam exhaled loudly, not glancing at him.

  The bright blue sky and clouds disappeared and slowly evaporated as he jetted out of Zalaria’s atmosphere. The galaxy opened up to purple, pink, and silver colors streaking through the stark blackness. He broke out in a wide smile. Space, glittering stars, and Zalara’s two suns, Blotso and Clotso, sent adrenaline shooting through him. He’d never been this far out in space, and it was just as beautiful as he’d imagined.

  The Orion crew experienced this everyday. Did they take the beauty of space for granted or did they appreciate it? He’d appreciate it everyday of his life.

  “Oh, by the way,” Anonghos interrupted his thoughts. “Agnes has arranged for us to meet at a bar. Kathy loves to dance, and she thought dancing would be a good way for her to forget her troubles.”

  “What?” The beauty of space vanished as reality came crashing back.

  Anonghos smiled mischievously. “You do know how to dance, don’t you, Inquistian?”

  Heat rushed over Ysam’s ears, and he turned away from Anonghos’s smirking face. “I have…never…uh…seen a reason to,” he grumbled.

  Anonghos laughed. “You better learn.”

  Ysam refused to look at him and gripped the controls tighter. Dancing? He had two left feet. How the hell was he going to pull this off? He pulled the Mating Stones out of his leather jacket. One glittered blue while the other was a drab gray. He clutched his fist tight and put it against his forehead. Sorrow squeezed his throat. Daidhl had been his brother–his idol. Ysam had laid awake at night wondering over and over again if his brother had been present in his body as the invader made him kill, or had his conscious been shoved so far back that he hadn’t been aware. It was enough to drive a dragon insane.

  “Here.” Anonghos pulled up a small screen. “Watch the video and maybe you’ll not step on her feet.”

  For the remainder of the flight, Ysam steered the ship through space and kept glancing at the video of a man and woman dancing. The man would twirl the woman around, then grab her hands and bring her close to his chest. The man pushed her arm distance away.

  He was good at remembering how to do things mechanically, but actually doing it was another matter.