by Joy Spraycar
Karaticus nodded. “But he won’t do it himself. It will be up to me.”
The way Karaticus’s hands trembled revealed how deeply the cost of saving his family had affected him.
If Zalphia could look into his mind, would she find pain like Max carried? Seeing the sadness in his eyes told her she would.
She leaned close. “I’m so sorry. I’ve judged you harshly. I saw the way killing affected your father, and I’m sure you are as sensitive as he. But wouldn’t it have been better to sacrifice three in order to save millions?”
Karaticus looked up, his eyes narrow and his lips a thin line. “Really? You ask me that? Are you willing to let Father die to save these humans? Are you willing to let me rip the child you carry from your womb in order to save this planet?”
His words sank like a cold, hard rock into the pit of her stomach. She’d do anything to save the child she carried.
Tears brimmed in her eyes, and her shoulders sagged as the dreams of the night before sprang to mind. How could Karaticus know what she had done there to save one or the other and what could she possibly do now?
“I see the answer in your eyes.” Karaticus grabbed her hands. “Don’t you think I would do all that I could to save the ones that I love?”
Zalphia nodded.
The torment in Karaticus’s face mirrored what she felt in her heart.
Moisture filled his eyes. “I’ve tried to change the minds of the people, help them to see that Vitus is evil.” He took a shaky breath. “But as soon as enough of them begin to believe, he kills them in front of me.”
He dropped her hands and turned to look out the window. “How could I continue to make the cause known only to have Vitus crush them between the stones for believing what I placed into their minds? I can’t do it anymore. I’ve prayed the time would come for The Prophecy to be fulfilled.”
Karaticus turned back toward Zalphia. “And then you were discovered. Oh, Mother. I don’t want to do what I will be forced to. Can’t you change this?”
Zalphia shook her head. “I don’t know how. Max said we could combine and end it.”
Karaticus sat forward, a look of hope on his face. “Yes, together you and Father have the same powers as Vitus.”
“But Max isn’t here. So, I see no way to end all this.”
“But you’ll find a way, right?”
She shrugged and shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
Karaticus again grabbed her hands. “Please, end this reign of terror and release me.”
Zalphia saw the same agony in his face that she felt in her dreams. He, too, could only save his own family or her and her child. Either way the horror of causing someone’s death would rest on his shoulders. Max could have changed things by releasing her from the dungeon, but he hadn’t. So she must face this terror alone.
The butterfly feeling tickled her insides. Zalphia pulled her hands away from Karaticus’s and rubbed her belly. A child. Their child, her and Max’s, grew inside. How could she save it from what was about to be?
“Karaticus?”
He swallowed hard.
“Tell me how Vitus combines his mind with yours.”
“I don’t know. It’s like he comes in and pulls all thought away. I only see what he wants and then watch as it is accomplished. I could never do the things he’s made me do on my own. I’m a weapon he uses to kill those he wishes to be rid of. Now, he’ll use me to kill your child and then you and Father.”
Karaticus paused. His breathing shuddered, and a tear slipped down his cheek. “If only I couldn’t remember who you are. If only I didn’t know about The Prophecy, then it wouldn’t cut so deep. But how can Vitus do this? He knows with everything inside it is wrong. He has always known.”
Zalphia shook her head. “Sometimes we do what we must. Maybe he gets his desire for power from me. I’ve killed for years, and I admit I almost enjoyed being the undefeated champion. I hid the guilt deep inside and didn’t allow it to affect me. Maybe his heart is iced over, frozen and unfeeling. He surely inherited those traits from his mother.” She wrapped her arms around her middle.
Maybe if she felt more emotion, been more caring, then maybe her older son would have inherited that. But he was a killer. As much a Glad as his mother. No wonder this world was doomed. They sent two who only cared about themselves to try and save more who only cared about themselves. Only Karaticus and Max held the lives of those on this planet in such reverence, and yet being loyal to the second part of the twosome turned both of them into reluctant executioners.
“No.” Karaticus leaned forward. “You are nothing like him. We came straight from Selestia as fully aware of our mission as we could be. He made a conscious choice to become as he is. But you, Mother. You he forced to be a killer. I’m sure he thought you would never be discovered or, better yet, killed before Father could find you. But he never counted on the Elders of Selestia interfering with his plans.”
“So, where does that leave us now? What will you do with me once we reach the palace?”
He turned toward the window. “I will be forced to do as I always have. Once you are confirmed to be with child and your trainer attests to the fact you and Father were together, then I will be forced to rip the life growing inside you to pieces. Vitus will put them on display to show the world how powerful he is.” He turned back to her. “Then he will do everything in his power to force Father to come in and rescue you. You will suffer greatly at his hands, I’m afraid.”
Zalphia ground her teeth. Max should have let her out. He should have considered that no matter who was at the head of the Glad games, they would torture her again. If they truly were connected, she hoped he would feel each and every pain along with her. Then he would regret breaking every promise he’d made.
A smile tipped her lips. Yes, Max deserved to suffer for his actions.
Zalphia turned her attention back to Karaticus. “Don’t worry. I’ll endure whatever I must to end this once and for all.”
“But what about this world? You and Father are the last hope to save it.”
Zalphia lifted her chin. “Max has left me to suffer whatever Vitus decrees. So I will endure whatever I must.”
Karaticus reached out and took her hand. “You are the bravest person I’ve ever met.”
Zalphia smiled and patted his hand.
The rest of the trip continued in silence. When the ship landed at the palace, Zalphia stood.
“Well, Son, let’s go meet our fate.”
CHAPTER 19
All reason fled. Nostrils flared and eyes narrowed, Max stared momentarily at the woman in the cage before a low growl formed in this throat.
Platy shrank back to the bars of the cage, which nestled against the side of the ship.
As if mere iron could stop him. Max’s fingers rolled into fists, and his face reddened.
“You!” He spat the word like blood brought into his mouth from a blow.
The memory of being in the forest, hiding behind a tree as Platy and her trackers dragged Zalphia away, seemed only moments ago. He would have never put Zalphia’s life in jeopardy by taking Platy down at that time. But she held no such bargaining chip now. The helplessness he felt then fled. If there weren’t bars separating them, Platy would already be dead.
A roar filled the cargo hold as Max charged. He rammed a shoulder against the cage, tipping it on edge and throwing the helpless woman to her knees. She scrambled for a foothold while mere inches separated his fingers from her. He backed away, allowing the heavy box to bounce against the floor, throwing the occupant forward. But she twisted and regained her footing.
He took two steps back, adjusted his position, and charged again. The trainer braced herself, but the momentum threw her into the corner, and her head bounced against iron with a solid thunk.
The sound was like music to Max’s ears.
In spite of the blow, Platy still managed to roll out of reach.
If only the bars were a little furt
her apart or his arms were thinner.
Platy twisted and turned, evading capture.
“Damn you,” Max growled.
He dropped the weight of the cage, throwing the woman forward. His fingers skimmed across her arm, but she tugged free. He had to give her credit for being quick and slippery. A moment later, he grabbed a piece of clothing, but it tore away in his hand.
“I will kill you!” He threw the material to the ground and again tipped the cage on end. Platy slipped and lost her footing, and her head slammed against the bars. In one quick motion, Max dropped the cage and moved to the side, but she slid out of reach.
“You cannot get away. Before this trip is over, I will choke the life from you with my bare hands.”
Max continued to rock and shake the cage.
“Please,” Platy begged as she slithered across the bars. “I can help you. I can get Zalphia out of the palace in one piece.”
“Why should I listen to you? You are in just as much trouble as she, are you not? I am sure the Emperor will punish you for cheating. Besides, you must pay for taking Zalphia from me while we were in the wilderness. And as for Zalphia, I will save her!”
“No, listen to me. I can help you. I know someone inside the palace. How do you think I found out about the chip technology? He gave them to me. He showed my physician how to implant them. He has a stake in Zalphia and her career as a Glad.”
“Exactly! You all want her to continue to fight. I will not have it. Never again. I will tear her from the Emperor’s grasp, and together we will destroy all those in power.” He glared through the bars at the captive woman. “And you, Platy, will be the first to feel my wrath.”
He lifted the cage from the bottom and tipped it on its side. Platy crashed against the bars. As quick as a flash, Max righted the cage and tilted it toward him. The motion threw Platy right into his waiting hands.
With his fingers wrapped securely around her throat, he smiled as he slowly tightened his grip, giving her plenty of time to think about her lack of oxygen.
Frantically she dug her fingernails into his hands.
“I hate to tell you this, Platy.” He lifted his brow. “We do not need you to escape. Zalphia and I can do whatever we want. You should know that.”
Max loosened his grip enough to allow her to speak. “Tell me what you told the Arena General.”
Platy coughed. “I suspected...” she said in a raspy voice. “You... are... the prophesied couple.” She pulled at his hands.
Maximillion’s eyes narrowed. “So what does that have to do with the Emperor?”
“Promised...” Platy coughed some more. “Reward.”
“I see. And I suppose you’re hoping for that reward?”
She nodded.
Max’s fingers tightened again.
“Wait,” Platy managed. “Zalphia... pregnant. Child of prophecy.”
“How does the Emperor know about Zalphia’s child?” Max glared at her and loosed his grip enough for her to answer.
“Same way he knew she had mental powers.”
“And...?”
“I told him.”
Gasping, Max pulled his hands away. Everything that had happened to Zalphia had been because of Platy. He staggered back a couple of steps.
“Yes.” Platy fell to the floor of the cage. “You see now why he won’t kill me. But I could convince him to let you and Zalphia return home, to Selestia.”
“You know why we are here then?”
Platy nodded. “Yes. But the Emperor is only concerned about the child. You two could leave.”
“Then you see exactly why you must die. He cannot have the child. I will kill you, and anyone else who stands between Zalphia and freedom. Our child will be born if I have to destroy this planet to accomplish it.”
“Let me live. I’ll help you.” She eyed him. “Vitus trusts me. You don’t know who I am to him.”
“What do you mean? Who are you?”
“I’m his soon-to-be Empress.”
Max gasped. “Then why are you in a cage.”
“Because.” A wicked smile spread across Platy’s face. “Only those in residence at the palace know who I am and my connection to the Emperor.”
“No, it cannot be.” Max fell back another step. “You are lying.”
“I’m not. Vitus trusts me.”
“He may trust you, but I do not.” Max strode forward, reached through the bars, and grabbed Platy’s arm. “If I could read your thoughts, I am sure I would find that you are trying to deceive me.” He pulled her to the bars and again placed a hand around her throat. “You deserve to die for all you have already done.”
Platy’s puny efforts couldn’t stop him as Max dug his fingers deeper into her skin.
“No, please,” she begged. “He’s been bedding me for as long as Zalphia’s been fighting.”
Max pulled his hands away as if she had turned to a hot ember.
“This cannot be. Vitus has a family on Selestia.”
Platy fell to the floor coughing and sputtering.
“Tell me it is not true.”
She shook her head.
“Can’t,” she whispered. “It’s true.”
Vitus had taken her into his bed over and over. He promised to make her his Empress.
“This can’t be.”
Platy shook her head, and Max saw the truth in her eyes. Vitus had forsaken all. Selestia, his family, and his mission to save this planet. And once he’d destroyed Zalphia and her child, no one could stand in his way.
Max stalked back and forth like a tiger in a cage, his eyes flitting to the trainer then back to the floor. How could he trust someone like Platy? Someone who had tortured and almost killed the woman he loved? Someone who seemed to know from the time they were small how they had been sent to change things.
He whirled around to face her. “How do you know so much about us? About Vitus, Zalphia, and me? How could you possibly have positioned yourself to gain the favor of someone from Selestia?”
Platy sat, fingers rubbing the welts around her throat. She chuckled softly. “It’s not like you are the only four who ever visited. Your people used to come in hoards, grabbing a person here or there and doing God knows what to them, and then setting them back into their lives with big holes of time in their memories. The stories go on and on.”
“How do you know about this? I do not believe it. Those on Selestia are not concerned with coming and taking a human for a ride or interfering in their affairs.”
“Aren’t they? Really! Strange you should say that because it seems to me you people from Selestia are always here interfering. I have a case in point right in front of me. Vitus and his brother came. And now you and Zalphia are here. Don’t you think they’ve sent others before you?”
Max leaned against the wall. Ships regularly left their planet on fact-finding missions, but they had strict instructions to only observe, never contact humans, or let themselves be seen. If what Platy said were true, it just might be someone from Selestia who started the mess on this planet to begin with. And they might still be working against those trying to save it.
Max slammed his shoulder into the cage, throwing Platy into the opposite bars, causing a hollow thud as her skull connected with the steel. He then marched as far away as the small ship would allow and sat atop a wooden crate.
When Platy sat back up and her breathing quieted, she turned to him. “I’ll do whatever you want. The Emperor won’t know you’ve followed Zalphia here. No one will find out. Together we can save her.”
Max’s hands trembled, and he fought the urge to again put them around her neck. If he could just talk to Zalphia, he might be able to teach her how to shield her thoughts from Vitus. However, the chips Platy implanted already blocked anyone from reading her mind.
The last thing he desired was to form an alliance with this vile woman, but he had no idea how to get Zalphia away from the palace without some sort of help. And then there were the chips Platy contr
olled. Too well-laid traps. Too many people fighting against Selestia’s plan to save this world. Now, it was painfully obvious what happened to their sons. They had become the root of the problem on this wretched planet.
“Okay, tell me your plan. It better be good, or I will finish the job I started.” Max’s eyes narrowed as he waited for Platy’s reply.
“They’ll take Zalphia to the infirmary before she goes before the Emperor. Karaticus will remove the chips I implanted when I got her back.”
Again, Max fought the urge to wrap his hands around her neck and watch her face turn purple. He took one step toward her.
Platy held up her hands. “Stop! I know. I shouldn’t have done it. But she could only think of you and your time together. How could I put her back in the arena without tempering her emotions? You know what that would have done to her. I had to replace that chip.”
“You did that for your own purposes, not for Zalphia’s welfare.”
“How can you say that? You know what the punishment is for running from the Glad arena. I saved her, came up with a story about her being electrocuted in her cage. You should thank me. I saved her from the stones.”
Max rushed to where Platy rested against the bars and barely missed grabbing her as she slid away.
“Thank you?” he roared. “I should rip you apart for all but killing her while we were in the woods. You have only done what would help you. Do not pretend any concern for Zalphia.”
Platy shook her head. “You’re right. I wanted my Glad back. But how could she fight again if I hadn’t done it?”
“That is all you cared about, making money. However, you suspected we would fulfill The Prophecy, and you saw a way to make even more money. You knew I would follow Zalphia wherever she went. You hoped to deliver the both of us to the Emperor. Well, I will tell you what. You will never remember this conversation or what you know about Zalphia.”
“No, wait. I promise to get you and Zalphia out of the palace. I know exactly how to get Vitus to let you go with the child.”
“And why would you want to do that?”