Page 57 of Hope Forged
He bounded out of his quarters and into the common, twisting so that Seba filled the tiny vid on his O.D.I.
“Oh,” Macy gasped. “It’s like a tiger with two tails, four ears, and one, two, three…six feet.” She gasped in awe.
Seba chose that moment to wake up and stretch, blinking his pink eyes at them. He nudged Illan on the thigh, requesting a scratch behind the ears.
“I want one,” Macy said.
“No,” Xeus said. “Not until we know more about his species.”
“That is also the plan, to find Seba a mate. Hence, the enclosure I asked Kanzo to organize.” Illan lifted his chin and said, “This is what I promised Ziamee would be possible.”
“And it is.” Xeus looped an arm around Macy and pulled her close. “Whatever you need, Illan. Of course.”
Illan’s chest swelled. “You have my eternal gratitude, King Xeus.”
“I suppose you have to go?” Macy pouted.
Illan smiled. “We will have time to catch up when I am home.”
“True,” she said. “Goodbye for now, old friend.”
The comm ended on her side, as expected of her position as queen. Illan grinned. Not that she cared about protocol.
“What do you think, Seba? Ready to find a mate?” He knelt beside him and nuzzled his neck.
The beast purred, then threw one paw over his shoulder, keeping him close.
“I like you, too,” Illan teased. “Want to stay for a comm with my brother?”
With a snort, Seba flopped down, then rolled over, offering his back for a rub.
Illan grinned. “Fair enough. Iddan Tur-Lekbez.” He directed his request at the closest display vid.
“Illan, so glad you commed,” Iddan said, switching his attention between him and something off-vid. “Much has happened since you left.”
“How so?” Illan sank onto his ass, his spare hand buried in Seba’s fur.
“An assassination attempt, a human female with psychic abilities, and a Durn with dishonorable intentions.” Iddan leaned in to say, “Andworking with the Yithians. He claims he was forced to, but that has yet to be confirmed.”
“Is he behind the deathkill switch?”
“We suspect so, yes,” Iddan said. “Also, Maloidian has shown to be involved in the upcoming war, and not for Etteria’s good.”
“Maloidian?” Illan jerked back. “Strange that you should say that. We stumbled upon an odd facility buried in the jungle. Guarded by Maloidians.”
Iddan hummed, his brow furrowed. “I thought the planet was uninhabited.”
“So did I. Perhaps the archives were altered?” Illan scowled at that thought.Who would dare?
“Such data changes leave fingerprints. I will investigate. Send what information you have on this facility.”
“Brac is there, now, trying to understand its purpose.” Illan drew in a steadying breath. “That is not why I commed.”
Iddan waited.
“I need a dhutyani. Any ideas?”
Iddan’s cheeks paled, excitement brightening his eyes. “You found your truemate?” His voice was above a whisper.
