Chapter 66: Chapter 66

Raven

Captain Oito was a master of making things uncomfortable, from the skimpy outfits to the effects of the aphrodisiacs.

She couldn’t even get to the communications room. He always had a reason to keep her away, the main one being that she’d be notified if someone called. Raven was starting to doubt that.

Soi-Ji had been so insistent about her being there until recently.

Tonight, Soi-Ji wanted to meet somewhere new. He was usually a creature of habit. Every day, he ate the same food, wore the same clothes, and styled his hair the same way.

This change made her nervous. Either something special was going to happen or something awful. It was her first time on the palace roof.

Who would’ve guessed that a peaceful garden overlooking the city would be up there?

Tiny lights guided her path. The end was hidden by tall hedges blooming with white flowers. The breeze was gentle, but it carried a sweet scent that made her stomach flutter.

She followed the winding trail, ending at the railing. The view was stunning. The moons always took her breath away, but tonight, the swirl of colors spun in the sky.

That was a first, too, seeing the different shades of blues dance.

“How was your day?”

Soi-Ji was some distance down the branching path. Even from where she stood, she knew it was him despite his new look. They moved along the trail, meeting in the middle.

He’d chosen a more flamboyant look tonight, and she didn’t mind it. His hair was styled intricately with some strands braided and some not, but all of it was pulled up high.

He’d done his face in the party style men often wore with eyeliner and eyeshadow.

“Terrible. What about you?” she said.

“Lots of meetings. Boring meetings,” he said, gesturing down the path.

As they rounded the last turn, they arrived at the center of the garden. A blanket was spread out, and on top of it was a box. She sat down next to the box. Something was scratching and whining inside.

She tilted her head to the side, then it hit her. Raven flipped the top off. A tiny cub poked its head out.

He looked just like Bellamy, except this one had a rich chocolate coat instead of black. His eyes were a deep sea blue. She picked up the cub, cuddling the fussy thing against her chest.

“I didn’t peg you as an animal person,” she said, smiling.

“I’m not. It’s a gift for you. As is this,” he said, holding out her gold bracelet.

Raven thought she’d lost it in the forest the night she was captured. It was the only thing she had that reminded her of Tori. They both had one.

“You had it the whole time?” she asked, taking it from him.

“About Solstice. I—”

“You mean the orgy I have no choice but to participate in?”

He shifted uncomfortably. “Yes, but you have nothing to worry about. I won’t be a part of it and will stay by your side.”

She expected as much from him.

“Is that smart? You—”

“Do you think you know better than me?” His voice rose.

The rustling cub became still and cowered into her. Soi-Ji’s eyes darkened a bit.

“Am I wrong to worry about you?”

His expression softened. “No. I’m sorry. It’s been a trying day.”

Silence overtook the whistling wind and squeaking cub.

“Did someone make contact?” she asked, rubbing its head.

“Yes, and a deal was made.” He smiled.

Her smile turned into a frown.

“Why didn’t you send for me?”

“You did your part. Now I will take it from here,” he said.

“There’s only one thing I care about right now,” Raven said.

“I know… I’m sorry, Raven. She’s dead.”

He spoke, but his words just went in one ear and out the other. His hand crept over, and she swatted it away.

“How? When?” she whispered.

“On a mission about three cycles ago.”

All this time, everything she had done was for nothing. Everyone she loved and knew from home was dead. Her hands became cold, and she started to tremble. What would she do now?

What did she have left to live for?

“Rize-Ji,” he said, wiping her wet cheek. “This feeling will pass in time. I will be with you through it, and so will he.” He picked up the escaping cub and handed him to her.

“I don’t need anyone,” she said, standing.

“All of us need someone. You and I need each other,” he said, following behind her.

Her heart ached and raced. The pit of her stomach got hot. Had Tori wondered in her last moments if she’d forgotten about her? Could Raven have helped her? Had she suffered?

“You need me for your deal to go through—a figurehead showing that you accept humans. Nothing more,” she said.

His body stiffened. “We both know you don’t believe that.”

“I don’t know what to believe anymore,” she said, stepping into the elevator. “I want the report about her death.”

She had to see it for herself. There was no way Tori went out without a fight, without trying her hardest to survive. Without coming back for her.

“I tried, but I was told it was classified.”

“It is to you, but not to me. Let me speak with the commander,” she said.

“He was very clear that no one could get access to it,” he said.

“Soi-Ji, I want to speak with the commander or—”

“Or what?” he asked, cutting his eyes over to her.

“Or I won’t be able to live with myself,” she said, stepping off the elevator.

“If I allow you to talk to the commander, you have to do two things for me,” he said, grabbing her by the elbow.

Always a condition.

“What?”

“Don’t ever say you don’t want to live again. And give that little guy a name,” he told her.

She glanced down at the sleeping ball of fur in her arms, and a name just seemed to fit.

“Valdis.”