Page 33 of Asmodel

“We’ve already sent an emissary to CeluriaVO to retrieve Ms. Torres. His name is Asmodel.” A portrait of an impossibly handsome man replaced the chancellor’s image. The 3-D picture rotated, giving everyone in the room a clear image.

Izzy gasped. The man’s Native American features were symmetrical, making his masculine beauty almost impossible to believe. Her heart thundered, banishing all weariness, as his imposing, motionless figure captured her. If he looked half as good as his picture, what would he be like in reality? She shuddered to imagine.

“This man’s sole purpose is to ensure the human woman's safe return.” The chancellor’s image returned, and his voice resonated throughout the cavern. He locked his gaze on Izzy through the screen as if to reassure her. “We have determined he has landed safely on CeluriaVO and is searching for you.” His striking turquoise eyes looked away as if he was reading a report on another screen. “From our last communication, he is on his way to Panterion Prime to look for you there.”

Talira gasped. “They’ll arrest him!” She glanced at Izzy. “Or worse, execute him as an example of good faith to the Krystalii.”

“Can you contact him to let him know she is here with us?” Madam Fexa asked.

The chancellor frowned. “Unfortunately, once he entered the city, all communication with him has been cut off. However, rest assured, we are looking into other options.”

A hushed silence fell over the cavern.

Dread pressed on Izzy at the gravity of the situation. A hard knot formed in her stomach, a mix of fear and anticipation at the mention of Asmodel—a man who came all this way to save her and didn’t know he was walking into a dangerous situation.

The gentle glow from the HD screen illuminated the concerned faces of the scikvak ruling body.

Their solemn commitment to not only her safety but saving their species was clear to see. Yet, despite the otherworldly beauty of the cavern and the sophisticated technology before her, Izzy couldn't shake the feeling she was a pawn in a much larger game—one that spanned galaxies with consequences far beyond her understanding. She didn’t pay attention to the last few words discussed between the chancellor and the pardalions as they ended their communication.

Around the table, the meeting continued. Heated discussions ensued, getting louder with each argument about what their next steps should be.

It dawned on Izzy she wasn’t part of the plans. She raised her hand. “Excuse me.” Her voice was too low to overcome the lively discussions at raised volume. She cleared her throat and increased her volume. “Um… good people? Hello? Can I say something?”

“Yes.” Praetor Vorlok nodded to her. He raised a paw at the male next to him, who continued to hiss in argument. Vorlok gave him a low growl that made the other guy shut up. “Now, human Izzy from Earth. You wish to say something?”

“Thank you, Praetor Vorlok.” She stood with her hands clasped in front of her. Keeping her expression firm, she eyed each one to let them know she meant business. “Since I am the only human here, it’s up to me to go to Panterion Prime and help rescue my fellow human, Asmodel.” Just saying his name caused a memory of that handsome man telling her he’d find her. Well, that went both ways. He vowed to find her, and she refused to do anything less.

The male next to Praetor Vorlok snorted. “You look weak at best, and a burden at worst.”

“Now, Caln. Let’s not be judgmental.” Praetor Vorlok admonished the male. “Let’s hear what she has to say.” He leaned forward with his elbows on the table. “Now tell me, my dear. Why should we allow you to put yourself in danger and join this rescue party? What skills do you bring?”

Izzy gave the obvious answer.

“Why, I’m a librarian!”

Chapter Seven

“Hey,organicman.”

JR13’s voice drifted up from Asmodel’s vest pocket.

Asmodel looked around, following close behind Raxx. They’d finished crossing the bridge and now traveled through a wide and airy tunnel leading to a large building that might be a military headquarters.

Scikvak of all shapes, sizes, and sexes rushed about with stern expressions. The tense, no-nonsense atmosphere permeated the air, as if fear was an underlying theme of their lives.

“Yeah?” He made sure his voice was a mere whisper. No need to alert the others about his droid friend.

“You want the good news or the bad news first?”

Good thing the soldiers surrounding Raxx weren’t paying attention to him since the bot wanted to play word games. Swallowing his impatience, the words came out between clenched teeth. “Let’s start with the good news.”

“My father just informed me they have located the human woman Isabella Torres here on CeluriaVO. She’s safe with the minority faction called the pardalions.”

Well, thatwasgood news. Sounds like JR13 knew where she was in this large metropolis. Then it’d be easy enough to teleport the three of them to Raxx’s ship. “Good. Tell me how to get to where she is.”

JR13 snorted. “Well now, that’s the bad news. She’s at Nekojin, a cave village several kilometers away. It would take you a whole day to get there if you went by foot.”

Oh, for the love of a motherless goat. It would’ve been helpful to know that before they entered the city. Asmodel looked around.

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