“Still that message is unnecessarily aggressive,” he continued in a loud voice. “Why have me, a skilled diplomat and a seeker soul who holds a prominent position in the Council of Seekers, if you are not going to listen to me?” he demanded, silver eyes flashing. The drakcol had dark gray scales with pink and gold glimpses of his skin. He was easily in his fifth decade, but his appearance suggested he was cycles younger.However, his delicate features and flamboyant aspect tickled some recognition deep within me.
I tried to focus on where I’d seen him instead of the all-consuming darkness within me. His name was somewhat familiar. He was obviously part of the peerage from his long name. Perhaps averydistant cousin. I wasn’t sure.
It hit me. Talvax. I had seen him with Talvax and Doctor Qinlin at some party. Why or how they knew this man escaped me, not that it mattered. I didn’t truly care. I didn’t care about any of this. I had been so desperate to leave the planet, and I stood here pointlessly.
A void of numbness consumed me, and everything around me had lost its importance. Why was I even here? I had nothing to offer like my brothers did. I never met with other species or represented my people. I was nothing. I should have remained on Tamkolvanloknol.
A voice yelled right before something crashed through me, making me shiver. The cold was so severe that it burned.
Caleb stood right in front of me.
“Caleb,” I gasped.
Kalvoxrencol whipped in my direction. “Caleb? He’s here?”
Dontilvynsan peered at me, and I tried to empty my mind so he wouldn’t hear me; though, it most likely didn’t matter. Dontilvynsan had probably already intercepted my bleak thoughts earlier.
Powerful joy swept through my body at the sight of Caleb standing in front of me. His brown curls, blue eyes, and strange clothes had never looked better. My mate was here. He was back.
“Caleb,” I said softly.
Caleb shivered. “Where are we, Sunshine?”
“Caleb.”
Everyone on Command was staring at me, and I didn’t care. My Caleb was here.
“Zoltilvoxfyn,” Dontilvynsan said, drawing my attention away from my mate. He stared at me, and I crossed my arms. He no doubt heard my thoughts and sensed my sweeping emotions, but I refused to be embarrassed. “Why don’t you take your mate outside for a moment to collect yourself.”
“He knows,” Seth whispered.
“I read thoughts, Seth Harris,” Dontilvynsan replied, and Seth blanched.
“You’re not mad?” I asked.
“At you?” he asked. “No. Pest and Speedy? Yes.”
“Why are you mad at us?” Kalvoxrencol demanded.
“No secrets, Pest. You or Serlotminden should have told me.”
“Now, Hallonnixmin is the only one who doesn’t know,” Monqilcolnen said, arms crossed and tail flicking in agitation.
I ignored them and focused on Caleb. How had he even gotten here? He had been on Tamkolvanloknol. Could he fly? I shook my head at the ridiculous thought. He couldn’t have left the atmosphere, let alone found me in space.
“Come, Mate.”
People watched as we, or rather I, left Command. I slammed my hand on the closest door, Dontilvynsan’s office, and directed Caleb inside. I pressed against him, then hissed. His soul was freezing, like ice. “What happened?”
“I don’t know.”
“Caleb.” I brushed his cheek, ignoring the sting. “What do you remember?”
“What?” His pupils were blown wide.
“Talk to me.”
Shivers wracked his body. “I kissed you and vanished. I don’t remember anything else.”
