Page 54 of Asmodel

“Listen very carefully, son.”

Asmodel winced at the sound of the monarch’s painful rasp.

“Father, save your breath.” Jaltaar placed a paw on his father’s. “The healers…”

“Pay attention, boy.” The firm note in the monarch’s tone didn’t leave any room for argument. “No one can do anything for me now. That Krystalii tore me up inside, so I only have a few moments.” He took in a rattling breath. “It’s up to you to save CeluriaVO from her.” His cloudy green eyes looked over Jaltaar’s shoulder at Talira. “How did Nekojin fare?”

Talira stood straight, but kept her paw on Jaltaar’s shoulder. “We all survived, but our village lies in ruins. Our leader, Praetor Vorlock, is bringing the pardalions here to aid in rescue as we speak.”

“Good.” Regent Korvex nodded. “Good.” He sucked in a rasping breath. “By royal decree I lift all sanctions against the pardalions and welcome them with open arms.”

“Your majesty!” Viscount Syrin’s outraged roar echoed. His ears flattened as he blinked. “We can’t allow…”

“Enough!” Korvex sliced a paw through the air, his thick claws extended. “I so have decreed, and my will be done.”

The elder zaltrixan sputtered, but bowed and stepped back.

“Guards, stand down.” Korvex’s voice was weaker, but no less commanding.

Without hesitation, in unison, the guards pulled their weapons back and stepped away from Asmodel and his two companions.

“Cowabunga. ‘bout time, dudes,” Raxx grumbled under his breath.

“I agree.” JR13 intoned.

“Jaltaar, stand before me.” The next command from the dying regent.

“Father.” The anguish in Jaltaar’s voice matched the tears gathered in his eyes.

Asmodel often wondered what it would have been like to have a parent, but witnessing the pain Jaltaar experienced as his father lay dying changed his mind. He glanced at Izzy, noticing her pinched lips and tear-filled eyes. Her hands were clasped in front of her, knuckles white. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he pulled her close.

Korvex grasped Jaltaar's paws in his own. His emerald-green eyes, so like his son’s, blazed as he bared his fangs. “In the presence of our ancestors and the timeless stars, I, Supreme Alpha Regent Malstyr Korvax, bestow the mantle of sovereignty on you, my son, Jaltaar Zarvix. With this edict, you inherit the wisdom of our lineage, the strength to guide our people, and the resolve to uphold our sacred laws. May your reign be just, and may our realm flourish under your leadership.”

Korvex released his son's paws and flopped back onto the lavish bed. “It is done.” His deep sigh rattled deep inside his chest. “I now join with the mighty Solithar in the majestic hunting grounds.”

The sovereign king of CeluriaVO closed his eyes and rumbled an exhalation, signaling his final farewell.

Chapter Eleven

Theroomeruptedinloud roars.

Izzy gasped as the scikvak declared their sorrow when the ruler of their planet died. The booming chorus from the feline scikvak were not only in the room, but echoes came from outside as well. Apparently the population shared the grief at losing their sovereign.

Jaltaar’s agonizing howls broke her heart.

With his forehead on his father’s still chest, he wrapped his extended claws around the deceased monarch’s wrist.

Talira knelt beside him, her head on his shoulder as she rubbed her whiskers against him, a rumbling sound vibrating from her in a comforting melody.

Putting her hand over her throat, Izzy swallowed a piercing ache. Poor Jaltaar. Who would’ve thought he was the king’s son? He was the one who’d saved her by taking her to an outlaw faction for safekeeping. With a frown, she watched him as he muttered in a low tone only Talira could understand. Guilt was a terrible burden for anyone to bear.

A hard shake from the ground broke the spell.

Izzy grabbed Asmodel’s arm to steady herself.

He swept her into his arms and braced his legs to keep them upright.

The scikvak growled, some resorting to all fours while others fell onto their backsides.

---