"The youngling has been spoken to by her triad," Senator Night Rain explained.

"She is not to blame," Shale raised his palm and shook his long quills. "My orders were clear, no trophies were to be worn. The Zhaguai in error has been reprimanded."

"Oh," the Senator touched her lips. "I hope not too harshly. Carnival is inherently lively. I'm surprised this was the only incident reported."

"The Zhaguai lives and he feels the sting of his lost spoils," Shale held his head high. "But he disobeyed the orders of his Alpha. Command must be upheld."

"I understand," Senator Night Rain made a courtly nod.

"In the future," Shale added. "We intend to incorporate a non-invasive coating to better protect our trophies from unintentional bites or, at the very least, an additive to make our trophies unappetizing to razkurs."

"That would help," the Senator giggled. "The skulls really are the tastiest part."

It was the final day of Carnival and the Day of First Light, and every important razkur across all of Menthla had made the pilgrimage to Karwarak to meet the Abura and partake in the First Encounter Summit.

Everything in the spacious ballroom felt vertical. From the neon swirled glass sculptures, to the tall Okli flowers hanging down from the ceiling to brighten the upper half of the gala hall into gradient shades of white and pink, all the way down to geometric patterns carved into crystalline floors.

There was an assortment of bones stacked into a pluckable frame shaped like the skeleton of a walking Coyo for the razkur delegates to pick and pull from and a wall-length spread of roasted lamb and beef for the Zhaguai. The organizers also opted to forego seated tables and instead speckled the room with small luminescent hovering table tops and added a notably large amount of gossamer red fabric draped between the ceiling flowers and along the walls.

Eh'kt was off in front of the wall of windows framing the midday city. A mass of medical professionals and scientists encircled him recently arrived from various city-states. His head bobbed with his quill in full sway, and his eyes bright and electric. From the pep in his gestures, he wasn't struggling to focus in the same manner that I was.

How are either of them even standing?

I turned to Shale, standing tall with Senator Night Rain and several other razkur city-state leaders. His voice rumbled throughout the ballroom, even with the additional echo dampeners built into the architecture.

I was certain the other Zhaguai could smell what we had been up to and I suspected the razkurs were aware as well.

I wasn't terribly concerned with anyone else's opinions about our bonding, but I couldn't ignore the potential impact it could have on our mission.

Ni Eh'kt's will never falter in their duty...

"He was always skilled, but after the vanishing his music shifted drastically," Senator Night Rain hushed herself as I approached. "Forgive me, Mourning Crow. Is it alright if I bring up your father?"

"It's still weird to hear lawmakers talk about him like he's a war hero," I flexed my fingers together. "But I'd like to know more about the context of his later work."

"Right after the event," Senator Night Rain spoke to me. "Our world was on the verge of spiraling into belligerent hate. People were desperate for anyone or anything to blame. Then the mourners heard your father. It began with him singing alone by the hole, then the crowds began to gather. He refused payment and instead reverted to the old ways our people used before we arrived on the surface and adopted useless influences leftover from the Iddril."

"Kinda funny," I wagged my ears. "After all that effort he made to leave his tribe's traditions behind."

"Tragedy has a way of stripping us down to only what is important," The Senator consoled. "I don't mean to put your father on a pedestal, but his music saved Menthla's soul. His songs inspired nations to set aside their differences and unite for the betterment of all razkurs. Monetary currency was already on its way out, but his example gave us the nudge we needed to cut the cord."

Shale turned to me. He didn't speak, but his crimson eyes were warm. I wanted to slide my hand into his, but I knew that wouldn't be appropriate.

"We razkurs only get about four hundred years to piddle around this dirt ball," the Senator had her ears curved toward me with compassion. "I doubt it was his initial intention, but he devoted the last two-thirds of his life sharing his undying hope."

I had difficulty picturing my father old. He was just starting his second century when I was born. A young adult by razkur standards. I saw the pictures of him in the museum, but they felt surreal, like a computer-generated estimation. The timeline of his life read that he never joined another triad or produced any other children.

What would he say if he saw me now?

For years, I looped in a state of loathing my actions in Thorngate and dreading that any of it would find its way back to him.

I no longer hunted the Graven or any of its infected minions, and I wasn't a perpetual thirteen-year-old girl anymore.

I had a home, a clan, and a triad of my own. No doubt, Eh'kt was eager to drag Shale back to Sahei and directly into Kazz'mon's office to solidify our status as a family.

"Do you know if he ever visited the azure crystal peaks in Daguma?" I'm not sure why the round blue towers suddenly came to mind.

"Yes," the Senator bounced her ears. "If I recall, he'd played there more than a dozen times."

"Is this a place you would like to visit?" Shale leaned toward me.

"Sometime... yes, I would," I was compelled to smile at my mate. "But not if it's an inconvenience."

"Allow me to make a call," Senator Night Rain grinned, presumably aware of my interest in the razkur-made landmark. It was long rumored that the largest of the monuments was specially designed to echo any voice that sang within its walls and carry the vibrations quietly into infinity.

"See my Adjutant to arrange an adequate time," Shale added.

Governor Silver Wing approached us, towing a large group of hawkishly groomed generals.

"I'll go let him know," I snuck in a small touch of my claws on Shale's hand before wandering off to Eh'kt.

My father's triad enjoyed three years of bonded bliss before they managed to conceive. Then Black Sun was kidnapped by some rando-independent militia and murdered before my mom, Blue Tail, could sneak in and set him free. I never met her. She attached my pouch to my dad and died on the front lines of who-knows-where a month after enlisting.

No matter what, I intended to cherish every second with Ni Ehkts.

Eh'kt scent filled my already Shale-musk saturated lungs and suddenly my veins felt heavy with each encroaching step, like I'd mistakenly guzzled down a flagon of that spicy Zhaguai alcohol.

Eh'kt's head spun abruptly.

That's right, I don't care if you can smell me! It's yours and Shale's fault that I can barely keep my vision straight.

There were thousands of ballads and pop songs regaling full couplings and I've listened to countless thruples humping from afar. The figurative depictions were always packed to the brim with intense language and the sounds created by actual bodies were a mishmash of painful rubbing sounds. I knew the combination of my mates was a possibility and expressed as much to Eh'kt, but he was convinced Shale was too conservative to participate.

It's nice to be wrong. But also fucking scary!

I think Eh'kt and I may have inadvertently released a very horny demon.

Not that I'm complaining.

Being with them was like snapping all the puzzle pieces in place and gliding your hands over the completed smooth picture. Only this one was terrifying, and warm, and all that rumbling made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

I knew to be wary of what you wished for, but we genuinely didn't expect Shale to initiate. Maybe that's why he'd been so reluctant. Eh'kt mentioned Shale's rearing was stricter than most.

During our practice sessions, Shale was a far superior student than I ever was. He'd sit and listen quietly, then throw his entire focus into solving the problem on his own, even when he was going about the process backward.

It was nothing like teaching Eh'kt Ahnzi. My Tomo would ask a myriad of questions and demand to be rewarded for every success.

Shale, on the other hand, was determined to succeed flawlessly on each and every first attempt. That's just not how music works. Guess it explains his political rank and skill in the arenas despite being nowhere near the age of an Elder.

Though I'm glad he didn't withdraw when I stepped in and offered unrequested support. Music was meant to feel good and be shared with loved ones. More than anything, I wanted him to feel safe and know that he was worthy to be imperfect around us.

I knew it wasn't great for the mission, but I was kinda proud of him for blowing off the concert. There were a ton of backlogged notifications buzzing on our comms the next morning and Shale was oddly calm about it.

Eh'kt even tried once again to give us paired-off time together while he hobnobbed with the razkurs but Shale wouldn't have it. The big Forged pulled us both back into bed. And then again later, while I was trying to demonstrate how to use a Menthla-style washroom.

I think Zhaguai brains get rewired during the bonding process.

Shale had his fangs exposed all morning and into the next day after. I didn't know he was physically capable of smiling for such an extended period.

Eh'kt removed himself from the horde of intellectual razkurs and met me in the middle of the ballroom. His silver eyes were wide and trained on me and there was a serious-looking vein pulsing up the side of his neck. "Do you wish to leave?"

His breathing came out measured. Apparently, he wasn't as composed as he let on.

"I'm ok," I tucked my lower lip between my teeth and tried not to blush too obviously.

The soft, mesmerizing thwips of Shale's quills circulated across the ballroom.

Shit, I didn't mean to distract him too.

"It's understandable if you're tired," Eh'kt joined me in glancing at Shale, but kept his vocabulary in check while in the presence of soo many perceptive razkurs. "I wouldn't blame him for wanting a nap as well."

"No," I closed my eyes and took a long, settling inhale. "I don't want to interrupt his work any more than we already have."

"We could step outside," Eh'kt motioned to the terrace. "Get some fresh air."

"Maybe," my eyes wandered to Shale's muscular red-scaled back. "I'm sorry. One second I'm fine, then something minor slips by and my insides get rowdy. I'm still not used to this."

"It's the same for us," Eh'kt consoled but he was mindful not to lay his big warm hands on my body.

"Really?" I flicked my ears between him and Shale.

"Yooohoo!" Governor Silver Wing waved me over. "Oh, Mourning Crow!"

Uhg.. this guy, again.

I manufactured a hospitable smile and nodded reluctantly before returning to Shale's cluster.

"Don't get too agitated, my mate," Eh'kt walked with me, wearing an impish grin. "That makes it even more tempting."

I rolled my ears and huffed while snapping my knuckle sharply into his chest. "Now you're just begging for an ass-kicking."

"Oh, more than begging," Eh'kt chuckled beside me.

I had to hand it to him. At the very least, he was taking my mind off my craving.

"These Graven," Governor Silver Wing spoke to the circle of generals. "They stole so much from our world."

My stomach clenched.

"Like many of you," the Governor continued. "I came to terms with accepting the unknowable-"

Senator Night Rain jabbed the governor in the ribs with her elbow when I stepped up.

"Yes, cousin, I'm getting to that!" Silver Wing flinched, flattening and sharpening his ears while rubbing his side. "The preliminary data coming in from the survey teams is as mind-boggling as it is undeniable. I was skeptical and, Mourning Crow, I must apologize to you for doubting your claim and sharing your offering to your father without your consent."

I gave him a small nod of acceptance.

"Menthla was attacked," the Governor stated loud and clear to the group of mostly female generals. "I can't speak solely on behalf of the Karwarak Council or the Lyca Unified Territories, nor am I not eager to seek revenge, but, Zhaguai present or not, I don't believe Menthla can truly move forward without serving justice."

"They preyed on the weak, on children, and those with no skill for fighting," Shale added. "They have no honor. Nexus member or not, Menthla's motivation is pure."

"Razkurs and Zhaguai may only have known each other briefly," Governor Silver Wing dipped his ears respectfully. "But we are pleased that our two people agree on this one thing."

Then the Governor shook a few hands and then dispersed with a number of the generals.

"And what does Jahaa think of razkurs," Senator Night Rain turned to Shale. "Having witnessed us at our most disheveled and entrenched in the madness of Carnival and also while reintegrating the Abura, Red Veil?"

"Red Veil?" Shale cocked his head at an angle.

"Oh," Senator Night Rain covered her mouth with a chuckle. "I've been hearing it constantly these last few days. I assumed you knew. It's what the people are calling you. Since the night you came to the aid of our sister, Mourning Crow."

Shale turned to me, but I could only shrug and shake my head. I hadn't noticed, though my attention had been more than a bit preoccupied.

"And they call you," Senator Night Rain pointed brightly at Eh'kt. "Iron Coyo. No one will ever forget the Zhaguai who held open the mouth of a matriarch with his bare hands and pushed her back over twenty feet!"

"Hmm..." Shale clicked agreeably. "And does the title still hold now that I am bonded to she and him as mates?"

The room hushed and a wave of tall ears shot up, followed by a frenzy of foot thumping rumbling across the ballroom.

"Yes!" Even the Senator's foot was tapping involuntarily.

Whispers and ears flicked throughout the room, percolating with excited chatter.

"I take it this response bodes well?" Shale scanned the invigorated room.

"We had our suspicions," Senator Night Rain bounced her ears. "Though we were concerned when you missed the Abura concert because you don't come across as a frivolous individual. We assumed it could only be due to a circumstance that required urgency."

"Once again, I submit myself to your mercy," Shale lowered his head. "Some matters can not be hurried. Nor can they be neglected. I hope this doesn't-"

"Oh, not at all!" Senator Night Rain disrupted his formal apology. "The council and my fellow Senators were fearful we had done something to offend you unintentionally."

"The people of Menthla have committed no transgression or cause for ire," Shale raised his head. "Jahaa persists in its endeavor to induct your world into the Nexus."

"Thank you for being forthright," Night Rain arched her ears politely. "Let me say this, Red Veil."

Shale listened intently.

"Our co-habitation with the Iddril was never like this," the Senator explained. "We were treated as a primitive novelty and there are countless accounts of their society expressing their disgust for our natural mating mechanics. We always sought to know them better, but their rules of etiquette made integration impossible. Razkurs were only tolerated because we kept the Abura tranquil."

"That is not the relationship dynamic Jahaa seeks with Menthla," Shale spoke sincerely. "Moving forward, I will be vigilant to keep Menthla apprised of our intentions and provide more robust feedback. And, on my blood," Shale nicked his palm open with his claw. "I will do my best never to miss another concert."

"That's very good the hear," Senator Night Rain couldn't hold in her laughter. "Sorry," she wiped away a joyful tear. "I'm not accustomed to how serious Zhaguai get. I know this is all heavy-handed diplomacy stuff, but no one is going to ask you to sever a limb as an apology. At least not on this planet, anyway."

"Understood," Shale nodded, letting his upper lip raise a little higher.

"To be honest," Senator Night Rain leveled her breath and pointed to Shale, Eh'kt, and I. "It's a marvel that the three of you are coherent and on your feet. The early days of triad mating are well-known to be all-consuming. My own bonded and I locked all the doors to our villa and severed all communication with the outside world for over three weeks."

Shale twisted his mouth shut. None of us could deny that this was the exact agenda we desired, but couldn't yet enact a plan to make it happen.

"Be at peace in your duty," Senator Night Rain raised her ears sharp and high toward the sky. "You've shown us who you are from day one, Red Veil. You sang to us, overcoming your species' inability to carry a tune. You and your landing party communicate in not one but two of our languages unaided by technology and it's obvious you can read our ears. You speak to us as equals without fear or judgment. And most importantly, you expressed your true instincts when you came to the aid of our sister and daughter of our greatest bard after listening for hours to songs you may not have fully grasped. Regardless of the Graven and your gift of the Abura, the Zhaguai heart beats loud and clear across Menthla and we demand to hear more of it!"

A gong went off, signaling that it was time to adjourn to the adjoining concert hall for an official presentation of what the two survey teams discovered.

...

I took my seat between Shale and Eh'kt on the side of the auditorium, refitted with large Zhaguai-sized chairs. It was easy to spot, as it was the only razkur-sized seat that remained in the front row.

Two razkurs entered the stage while a holo-image of the Menthla's solar system lit up overhead. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I was excited to be able to hold both Shale and Eh'kt hands for the first time in public.

The first debriefing was about the cataclysm, and to everyone's surprise, its connection to Iddril.

We were wrong.

The Iddril were not native to Menthla. There was an abandoned station on the fifth planet's moon and several satellites, all composed of the Iddril's radioactive emitting technology. The station logs detailed the Iddril's migration and how they believed the third planet, our home, was uninhabited.

Menthla was and has always been only the razkur's homeworld.

When they finally did discover our presence underground, it was over a century after fully colonizing, and there were detailed stratagems and bio-weapons specifically designed for our extermination.

Then the Abura arrived on a rogue asteroid. Without our connection to the insects, the Iddril colony would have been devoured.

The male razkur took over and tapped the hologram to zoom in on an old Iddril orbital beacon.

When the Abura first arrived, the Iddril tried to fight them and set up a failsafe in case they lost control of the colony. Razkurs prevented the inevitable scenario that typically occurred when an Abura pride gained a foothold, but the Iddril never deactivated the beacon.

It went off centuries later, when the Iddril cities collapsed due to their own negligence, triggering an outdated deep space transmission to the Iddril homeworld.

The Iddril attacked Menthla.

And the data proved that the Iddril homeworld was aware of the razkurs existence.

They fired a deep space automated missile aimed at our planet to eliminate the Abura but because of the extreme delay in transit; it struck one of our newly constructed orbital space stations. Large debris struck our largest moon, and the rest was known history.

I heard my mates clicking and realized I was squeezing their hands too tightly.

An intermission was initially planned, but the razkur crowd overflowed into a frenzy. There was no way anyone could walk out of that room and enjoy refreshments.

The female Alpha from Lor's Graven Taskforce took the stage, paired with a prominent razkur astrologer. They walked through an expanded display of our solar system and confirmed that every nearby planet displayed signs of Graven contamination. The working theory was that the assemblage of Graven matter was what enabled them to target and snatch Thorngate.

Eh'kt ran his knuckles over my arm to soothe my trembling, and Shale leaned over and touched his head to mine.

Fucking hell, am I crying?

I wiped my face and forced myself to continue listening.

It got worse.

There were signs that the Graven, upon completing the Thorngate ritual, reset their wretched mechanism to steadily build up energy in preparation for stealing another city.

NO! NO! NO! Don't you dare do that to anyone else!!!

I realized I was standing and growling.

"You are right to be angry, sister," the Alpha Zhaguai stared at me. "All the data indicates that Menthla is standing on the front lines in the battle against the Graven. The Vo'zuiel will not stop unless we make them."

I needed air.

"Is there more?" Shale rose at my side, cognizant that the razkurs in the room were approaching their limit.

"Of course," the Alpha dipped her head. "But only more corroboration that the Graven are spreading. The critical information has been communicated."

"Then we will exit and let his information settle," Shale commanded. "Thank you, honorable sister."

The Alpha saluted and left the stage with her fellow razkur.

"Come," Shale held out his hand and let me exit into the aisle before him.

I went straight to the terrace and screamed.

Shale and Eh'kt kept their distance until I crumpled down with my head on my knees against the crystal railing.

"I am sorry it was not better news," Shale knelt next to me. "But trust in Lor's Taskforce, they know the magnitude of their duty. And know that the survey teams intends to continue gathering information."

"Will the Nexus still want Menthla?" That was all I could utter from beneath my tears and folded arms.

Eh'kt crouched to my left and looked at his Primary.

"Because your world comes with two repugnant enemies?" Shale sat down with a sigh and leaned his back against the railing with one long muscular leg stretched out. "The alternative plan, if the razkurs rejected the Nexus was and is to challenge them like any other worthy adversary."

I suppose I always knew that...

"I had hoped you understood this by now, my mate," Shale stroked my hair. "Zhaguai do not let fear dictate our choices. We kill it."

.

.

.

TRANSLATIONS:

Ni Eh'kt = My Heartbeat/Bonded

Vo'zuiel = Abomination

NEXT CHAPTER: Weakness🔥 (Eh'kt)

"I did not fail," Shale hung his head in shame. "But my actions were unworthy of victory."

To be continued...