Page 112 of Interion

Breno knew that Ross and Lagherta had died when I was little. The memories I had of my father were even fewer and more faded than those of my mother, but every time I thought of the tall, red-haired man covered in freckles, my heart warmed, wanting to linger forever in those little scraps of memory.

We sat on that bench for a long while, talking about our lives as the colorful maple leaves swayed in the wind around us. Before I knew it, the hour had slipped away in conversation, and it was long enough for Zion to notice my absence and appear at the campus entrance.

“I didn't know you had an escort home now,” Breno murmured, looking at the general who was staring at us from the gate.

I sighed, getting up and giving Breno's hand two affectionate pats.

“I didn't know either, but some things changed after the party.” His fingers caressed mine, as if he didn't want me to leave.

“For better or worse?”

“For better,” I replied, blushing, and released his hand. I could feel Zion's gaze burning into us. “I need to go now, but we'll find a solution to your problem.”

“We will,” he said without much humor, and stood up as well. “See you tomorrow, Kay.”

“See you tomorrow, Breno.”

I said goodbye to Hiro and Aish before leaving and headed to the main gate. It was still 1 p.m., and I had a lot to deal with. Good thing the source of all my problems was right there.

“Why are you here?” I asked, keeping my expression neutral as I stopped two steps in front of him.

“I waited for you at home, but you didn’t show up. So I came to check if everything was okay and offer you a ride.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, wondering if this was some remnant of his rule-following behavior or if it was actually a change born from the closeness we’d shared in recent days. I studied him carefully, thinking about what the sonar had said. I had the feeling that every day I discovered a new side of Zion’s personality, and the more sides I saw, the more I realized that the image I’d formed of him was nothing but an illusion.

Zion seemed to understand that something had changed in the past few hours and moved a little closer, lowering his voice.

“What did the sonar tell you?”

I had no idea how he knew my discomfort had something to do with the sonar, but now I was beginning to understand that Zion knew the man’s personality well.

I stared into his blue eyes with their hints of green. Green like the eyes of my people—our people, the ones he protected. I took a deep breath and said it:

“We need to talk, General.”

Chapter 28

Zion transported us to the garden at home, his posture so rigid I wondered if he was even breathing.

“The barrier has been restored,” he said, leading us to the door. “It was recreated in your name and is already set to the old configurations.”

“How efficient, general,” I teased, but he didn’t react—not even to the nickname.

I walked with him to the door, still holding his hand. I traced the barrier with my fingertips, and it turned blue at my touch. I turned to ask about his return and whether he’d stay for good, but his expression shut down that conversation before it started. I wondered what was bothering him so much—whether it was my level or if he already knew I’d pieced together the puzzle.

I snapped my fingers twice, and the barrier reacted, solidifying.

“Zion Voluz is welcome,” I commanded, opening the door.

His eyes followed my every step, and it was unsettling. The atmosphere was heavy, as if the general were holding his breath. He took a step toward the door, then we heard a car tearing around the corner. Zion spun around, alert, shielding me with his body. The car stopped in front of the house, and a man in military uniform jumped out. He seemed so rushed he didn’t even bother closing the door.

“Thank the gods you’re here—I was trying to call,” the man exclaimed, practically running toward us.

To my surprise, I recognized the voice. It was the former trainer. Zion assessed him, and the shadows expanded, scenting a possible threat. Cauê seemed to notice and froze mid-stride, uncertain how to proceed.

“What are you doing here?” Zion demanded, still keeping me behind him. Cauê seemed relieved but very nervous.

“We had problems in the forest—the telepath couldn’t relay all the information because she’s injured, but the 7th squadron was surrounded at the Sarahi gorge.” He gestured urgently.