Fahan
The room we were teleported into on Palmyra was so grand and beautiful that all the trouble we had gone through was worth it. Two days of consistently traveling thirty of my people at intervals had not even made a dent in our staggering numbers. I had traveled a few times, ensuring my army and the women and children had come through safely. But when Kubra left, I turned to the scientist and said, "You have to travel the last people through yourselves." The five Vampires stared at me as if I was mad. "Chris and Caleb left."
"We can't."
"You what?" They had my full attention.
"Kubra took the plate with him."
"What do you mean?"
"We mean, it takes a long time to figure out any coordinates on a planet to travel to. We do not have yours. Nor did we even know there was one here in the Palace. It all happens from En-gannim. Why we needed the ability in the first place. And we need plates to make it all work. It will take time."
"Explain better."
"Every planet has spots. Palmyra has ten. Zoreah has five. And Earth… Is open, like En-gannim and your old world. Before he died, Ahasuerus hid all his information. He did not want Juliet to have what five generations of Vampires had to work for. Not to mention all the information of all the planets he had cataloged and traveled to."
"So what you are telling me is that even though we have the ability… It means nothing! You do not have any coordinates? To anywhere? Avrio did not think to copy some? You did not think we would need it?"
"Palmyra was not on the table back then. We were pulled out so fast. Avrio did have some… But he kept it close. And we would never think to take any of it for ourselves… What would we do with it? It would have gotten us killed."
"Well, I'll kill you anyway for wasting my time."
"We do not have nothing. We know where Ahasuerus hid it. And we know some of the bases of the formulas… If we can get to his vault... You will be the most powerful man in all the galaxies."
I paused for a moment. I did not want to ask. "Tell me you have the coordinates for that specific site."
The five men exchanged glances. "We do…"
I pulled out my sword and hit it on the ground. The red glow illuminated the blade. They all lifted their hands into the air. "It is in another galaxy."
I hit my sword again. "And?"
"You need a powerful machine. The only one is on En-gannim. It can travel a million entities at once. Or even over great distances like that."
"So killing Raas and Avrio was maybe not the best idea."
"It does not matter. En-gannim is… half of what it was. Juliet had eradicated Ahasuerus's army. Moved the factories to another planet. With Avrio dead, the population would be even more divided. And even if she did keep killing men who did not want to conform. The rest will soon rally. If they have not already. Avrio had many plans in place to take over. Remember, we still have our contact inside the tower. By now, they might have figured out that someone was leaking information, which would have lessened the number of workers trying to find out who it was. It will take time. They will infiltrate again."
"Time is all I have." I put my sword away… Aries came to mind. I was sure that I would be able to go and get him. Even if I had to steal him in the dead of night. I did not know how I would tell Jade it would be months or years before she would see her son.
"How will we know where Aries is? If Earth is… open. Should it not be easy."
"The problem is knowing where they are. Where we want to come out."
"That is the first thing you should be figuring out. That location should be your number one concern. I don't care about the vault right now. Start working."
The men left my presence. They would have to find a place to work. It would take weeks to settle everyone where they needed to be, and if we could not travel around Palmyra… I stepped out after them. My mind instantly diverted from the negative aspects to the future. The chamber we were in opened up onto a walkway and steps leading up into the building. I marveled with my head lifted up at the sky. The Palace was beautiful and towered into the sky. Their blue star was far away from the planet, hardly a dot in the distance. The air was clean and fresh, and there was water… Everywhere. It seemed that everything worked and was focused on water. It even misted onto my scales where I stood. I could feel every drop. It was worth it regardless of losing Aries, and I still had Chris's agreement that Juliet would give him back. He would not be able to do anything for some time. I needed to give Chris a chance… Or else I would kill Caleb eventually.
***
Charlene
Romero and I had been jumping from one rock to another for what seemed like an eternity. Landing on the last one, I couldn't do it anymore. "I have to get off." I tapped his knee next to me.
"What's wrong?" He pulled on the reins. Our horse pushed its nose upwards, stopping reluctantly. Romero slid down next to me.
"I don't know… I feel strange." I lifted my hands into the air. I didn't want to travel, but something was nudging on me. If I did go. There would be no way I would be able to come back. How would I be sure where I would land. My breathing accelerated. Who would be pulling on me? It couldn't be Kubra. The only one it could be…. "Juliet! She is challenging me. Searching for me… Knock me out! Quickly."
Romero reached for the nape of my neck, pulling my lips onto his. He kissed me with everything he had. Gave me all he could at that moment. He manifested into whatever he was, and his black shadow wrapped around me. The gold in his veins shone on the surface, flowing into me. At the last moment, he pulled away and smiled. More veins mingled with the gold. Purple ones. Even his eyes changed color, and he kissed me again. Oh, I was so screwed. He could control my lust. I almost had my release right there before I passed out.
***
Juliet
"And?" Jessy asked, waiting expectantly at the edge of the seat.
"I almost had her. You were right. But she was fighting me, something fierce. Like a wall blocked me off. It was a warning." I stood up, shaking my hands in the air. "I won't be doing that again… What if I'm doing it at the wrong time or something terrible has happened."
"I'm sure she's fine. You didn't get to her." Jessy tried to console me.
"Then you shouldn't do that again. And you have to forget about trying to help her." Selena said. "Maybe you should just leave her where she is."
"You're right. She's been gone so long. She could've come to me at any time… Me going to search for her was maybe selfish. I always think everyone needs saving."
My head turned to the door. Louis was coming in, taking off a jacket and his shoes. Followed by Marcus and Michael doing the same. I checked my watch. It had taken me hours to get it right. Left me a little drained.
"What are you three up to," Louis asked, regarding our circle in the lounge.
I didn't answer him. "Time for you two to clock off. Finish those books I gave you." Selena saluted in a fun manner, and they left down the lane towards Charlene's house.
Caleb came out of the hallway. "Just checking who came through the door."
After we left Zoreah… Jessy and I came back to settle Selena and Jamal in the house down the road. The boys were all gone, and Kubra reported that they were in my new offices. Each at a desk. So we stayed in France rather than going back to my cabin for the night. I did tell them that Louis would get two nights. They did honor our agreement. Little Aries was in Caleb's arms. He was a little bit more broody than Chris. More of a family guy. Didn't mind having a kid with him. Sammy came running out after him, Miné in tow. "How was your nap?"
"I don't like naps," Sammy said. I chuckled. She ran to Louis, who picked her up and spun her in a circle, playing with her.
Caleb came over and put the little boy in my lap. "If you don't mind, I'll go read for a little bit upstairs."
"Of course. I'll take him for a while and give him to Maya for his feed."
Aries was so small. I ran my fingers over his skin. He had the most beautiful gold color markings all over his chest and up his neck. Louis sat down next to me with Sammy on his lap. He leaned over and stroked Aries's face with one knuckle. Louis and Sammy were talking about Aries. He didn't sit too close… Was giving me time to decompress. It seemed that they were all going to. Marcus and Michael grabbed a beer and headed for the patio.
I picked up the glass plate and sent Kubra a message, telling him what had happened. It wasn't five minutes before he walked through the door. I glanced back as he took off his shoes. "So? You think we should leave her." He shook off the water. It was still pouring out.
"Yeah. I do. You're the one that doesn't want to trap her here. I'm just agreeing with you." I retorted.
"You really think she is okay?" Kubra asked nervously, sitting down across from us.
"I do. Sleep here tonight. Let's see what happens."
"We really need to build a landing somewhere connected to the house. We can't keep getting out in that bush. Today is a mess." Kubra raked his fingers through his hair and ruffled some more water out.
I glanced at Louis. "What do you think?"
His eyes met mine. They spoke volumes, imploring me to let him back in. "You mind if I handle it?" I asked. He shook his head slowly. He rested a hand on the couch, palm up. I saw the gesture. It made me get to my feet running away. "Come, Kubra. Let's go see where we could add it."
Later that night, Aries was sleeping in between Louis and me. All he did was eat and sleep. I didn't mind the sleepless nights and, when needed, took him to Maya and gave her time to rest in between feeds. I didn't know how she handled being a midwife year in and year out... I knocked on her door and opened it slowly, giving her time to wake up. "It had to be tough for you with Caleb. I can't see Chris helping you like this."
Maya sat up back against the headboard and let Aries latch. I sat down on the edge of the bed. "Actually, he didn't let Caleb out of his sight for months. It was hard for him in the beginning. He ignored Ira almost all the way to Yaroon. Me… for much longer."
It was hard hearing what Chris had to go through. He was all alone for so long. No wonder he had a hard time adjusting when he came back. "There was another girl… But Chris dismissed her. I do not know what happened." I smiled, thinking I would have to ask him what was wrong with her. Maya wasn't his type. "After Caleb was about two, Chris changed. His heart hardened every time he and Ira fought. I was resigned to look after Caleb during the day. And Chris started his training… I would be at the daycare and nursing there. Doing my swatches in my free time."
"Why do you do it? Are you going to stop at one point?"
"No. I am happy with our way of life."
I got up to leave. "I'll come to get him in a little bit."
"It's not needed... You go get a few hours of sleep."
"Thank You."
I left Maya, reluctant to go back upstairs. Aries gave me a buffer between Louis and me. I climbed back into bed. The rain had finally stopped. Only a slight tapping on the roof remained. It was going to be a mess outside for a few more days. My back was to Louis. His hand rested on my shoulder. I shrugged him off. Louis scooted closer and pulled me into his chest, wrapping his arm around my waist. I tried to push him away. His hold tightened. "Baby, we have to talk about Aries… You'll have to give him back."
"What I did has nothing to do with you. Not anymore. This is not a partnership. If I have to grow up. You have to, as well. That was the last time you lied to me. And Aries is not going anywhere. You'll have to get used to him, or I'll sleep somewhere else."
"Juliet, you're making life decisions during your pregnancy. It's the most emotional state of mind you will ever be in. And coupled with Chris… Don't do this…."
"I have to. Someone has to have my best interest at heart. And it's not you." I lifted up his hand. "Now let go, or I'm sleeping on the couch."
"Juliet! How is keeping someone else's child in your best interest? You never took him to keep him."
I didn't say anything, and I kept Louis out of my mind. He fell back in exasperation, letting it go.
***
The following day, all three of them left for En-gannim early. It grieved me. It vexed me… Sent my senses spiraling. Jessy was right. All I wanted to do was rule and make life better on En-gannim. It might not have been what I wanted at the beginning, but it had become a bonus to all the trying years I had gone through… I could've helped the Earth with all its problems. I was on my couch reading, waiting for Kubra to come out.
"She didn't come again," Was his first words that morning.
"What?" I sat up. It wasn't what I wanted to hear. I was hoping she would come, and I would know she was okay.
He shook his head. "Maybe tonight. We'll have to take it day by day… We do not know how the time works wherever she is. I'm going to get Miné and Sammy ready and take them to your mother. I'll be back so we can start calling contractors."
***
I walked into the medbay on En-gannim after Kubra, and I had done everything we could in France. Selena and Jessy were alternating days. They would have shifts to look after me. Not that it mattered. I wasn't queen anymore. Marcus needed the convoy more than I did, but he had Louis and Michael. I figured Marcus had told Jessy to stay because of the baby. Warden had a few days off because we had no more space in France. Chris was still asleep. I sat down next to him, taking his hand, and for the first time, I let myself cry. The last time I did was when he was with me. Comforted me and took over for me. Helped me when I asked. One of the reasons I was keeping Aries was because the guys didn't even threaten Fahan with his son. Used him the way I wanted. I cried out all my anger, fear, and frustrations. When my cries turned to sobs, Selena came over and laid a hand on my shoulder. I dismissed her, and she ushered all the doctors out. I got into bed with him and checked the wound on his neck. It was still the same. He was not getting better at all. They would have knocked him out the day before, but there should've at least been some change.
After some time, the doors opened. Ira saw us and halted at the scene. He stood for a long time, staring at me. "I really don't know why I blame you for everything?" He said as he sat down. "Like you wouldn't have done anything in your power to stop it from happening. I didn't even consider helping."
"I don't understand why Chris didn't come and talk to me? If he had. The two of us alone could have had Michael out of there." Ira didn't say anything. "What happened with your father? Did he make it?"
Ira's head ended up in his hands. "He never even manifested again." More tears spilled over. I stayed for the rest of the day, hoping he would wake up.
I squeezed Ira's shoulder as I left. "I'll see you tomorrow." Selena came in.
"Why are you not staying? Where were you last night?"
"I'm not giving back Fahan's baby… Not yet, anyway. I can leave him with Caleb during the day. Maya is there. But at night I'd like to be there. And Sammy and Miné are with us after my mom brings them over… You haven't really spent any time with Sammy? Neither has Chris."
Ira didn't say anything to me about Sammy. He watched the tall blond by my side. "Did Silvanus talk to you? About Jamal and Selena?" I asked nervously.
Ira nodded. Before we got to the door. Ira said, "I think everything might change. You'll see a lot more of me… Let's wait until Chris wakes up."
***
The three men came home like clockwork. It was at least some consolation that things were happening over there. I wanted to ask what they were up to. Make sure that they were doing what I had left in my inbox. But when someone else takes over, the task list probably also changes. I was curious about what Marcus thought would be a priority. I had all these simple fantasies about us working together. Traveling the galaxies. Negotiating treaties and figuring out how best to serve En-gannim.
That night was Louis's second night. Every time I walked into our room, my eyes caught the chains and my ring that hung on the nail. And every time, I wondered if whatever Louis did would eventually break us apart.
Louis soon followed and tried to make conversation when we were alone. I wished we were back at the compound where I had my own room. It was a much better setup for the family than Louis's fancy villa. I could bring my army back, and there was space to train. I could run the Colosseum for money. I would have something to do. Louis was reading me as my thoughts rambled on. I kept thinking about crap so he wouldn't know how I really felt.
***
Charlene
When I opened my eyes, I was happy we were still on that same rock. Our horse had its legs pulled in under it and slept like a camel in the desert. Romero quickly pulled up the beast, and we got comfortable on its back.
"Ready," Romero asked.
We crossed the chasm that whole day. I had never seen anything like it. Every time our horse made its jump, my heart raced. I was pushing Romero and the beast under us. I didn't want to fall asleep on one of those rocks. Or spent the night there. I didn't want to leave Romero there either. Or have to explain why I needed him to dull me.
In some places, the stepping platforms were smaller and less sturdy under the weight of all three of us. I was waiting for one of them to be too loose to carry us. For some time, we had to get off, and all three of us made the jumps in succession. The horse at least followed us faithfully, and I wondered how long he could go on like that. There was no water. No reprieve.
"What is the last league of our journey? The one you said would bring us some relief? And what does this thing eat for food?"
Romero stopped and didn't take the next jump. We had been going for hours in silence because we needed to concentrate. "Do you want to take a break?"
"I want to get out of here. Is it just me, or are the rocks getting smaller? Every landing is more tricky." A gust of air hit us at that moment. Our horse moved around on the small platform. It wasn't even large enough to move around on. Romero took the next jump quickly to the largest flat surface he could see. The one that looked the most sturdy. The beast followed, and he pulled it down onto its legs. A second gust hit, sending dust into the air all around us. I sat down against the thing. Romero nestled in next to me. He took out his tarp and covered us and the beast's head. The platform beneath us started swaying. I groaned inwardly. I wanted to get out of there. "Why are you so nervous?"
I shook my head against his chest. "Can we really wait for the wind to subside?"
"We can't take the chance to be dragged off. It doesn't last long."
"I want to get out of this place before tonight."
"We will."
The winds only got stronger. It was so sporadic. "If you want to talk? Now is a good time."
"Should we give him a name?" I suggested.
Romero chuckled and nodded. "If you like. I thought "horse" was his name."
"Funny. What do you call these things anyway?"
"Vasudu." Romero pulled my face up to his, kissing me. "Can you please calm down. You still have not told me why you were so quiet. You almost fell down there."
Could I tell him that I was cheating on him? It felt like I was. Would I tell Kubra where I was that night? If I traveled again, he would probably clutch onto me and force me to stay. A heavy gust of wind blew over us, lifting the tarp. We swayed heavily. Our rock didn't stop drifting. Romero threw off the tarp. "We have to get off."
As soon as the beast got up, it tilted the rock too far. We were slipping down before we could even find our footing. The reins were still in his hand, pulling him down into the abyss. My hand was in his, dragging me closer, reeling us in closer to the beast. "Change. Use him to teleport us up." I looked into its frightened eyes and kicked down on its face with Romero all wrapped up in my arms.
We stood peering down at it, falling and disappearing into the dusty, windy darkness. I turned towards the horizon. Without asking, I started teleporting. Each landing was a little further, staying focused on our next target. The wind hit us every so often as I landed. I didn't stop until my feet hit solid ground, turning to look back on all we had to go through. "I don't understand where we're going!" I yelled. I was losing my mind. "How could the ruler of this place live so far from the planet's secrets? You can't tell me that every time you want to study. You have to make this journey. What is going on, Romero? Your sister told me you had so many things to do… But how do you rule your planet?"