Page 58 of Asmodel

The hairs on Izzy's arms stood on end.

The look of agony etched on Prisma-Solara’s face was hard to watch.

“Oh, my goodness!” Izzy shouted. “She’s in pain and losing control!” The roar of another quake drowned out her words.

Asmodel pressed her close to the column, his solid body shielding her. Without him, she’d get tossed around like a kite in a high wind.

When the tremor subsided, Asmodel moved to her side, giving her some space. Fortunately, his comforting warmth remained close. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Raxx give Asmodel a grim look.

His eyes were wide, his tone urgent. “If she keeps this up, she’ll bring the entire city down on us.”

Asmodel’s brief nod told Izzy he was assessing the alien's deteriorating state.

“I’m trying to probe her mind without her knowing. So far I haven’t…”

“I must… I will… my duty... Lord Baelon!” The Krystalii screamed with her arms wide and her hands clenched in fists, causing wads of packed earth to fling free. Her words came out fractured and garbled by the spasms shaking her body. Prisma-Solara, caught in her psychotic storm, continued to thrash. Her yells and shouts created a haunting echo that resonated through the ruins.

As Izzy watched the alien suffer, she couldn’t help but wish there was something she could do to help her. The spectacle of the alien’s madness—a radiant being torn apart by her own powers—made Izzy both terrified and sad for the tormented female.

Asmodel, his jaws set, turned to Izzy and Raxx next to her. “I have an idea.” His grim declaration came through his steady voice. “If I can make her believe I'm Lord Baelon, maybe she’ll calm down enough so I can put her in a stabilizing hold.”

“Dude, that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” Raxx intoned. “So lame it just might work.”

Izzy blinked. Things were happening too fast. “I…”

“Here, hold him while I do this.” Asmodel held out his hand with JR13 on his palm.

With a quick toss, the small spybot landed on her arm. She didn’t feel his pointy toes touch her through her shirt as he scrambled to rest on her shoulder. “I…”

Before Izzy had a chance to say anything, Asmodel's figure morphed. His stature grew, his features shifting to adopt the imposing presence of Lord Baelon, a crystal male figure twice the size of Prisma-Solara in height and width. His body was a mixture of crystals, mirrors, and glass with sharp protrusions jutting in all directions in various lengths of brilliant blues.

Izzy clutched her hand over her heart. The only thing she heard was the sound of her thundering heartbeat as she watched Asmodel’s imposing figure. Her throat closed in terror.

“I’ll be right back.” Asmodel’s attention turned to the out-of-control yellow Krystalii.

“But…” Izzy reached for him.

He was already gone.

“Do not concern yourself.”

JR13’s matter-of-fact tone took her by surprise. She’d forgotten he was there.

“Organic man will be just fine.”

“Okay, if you say so.” Izzy couldn’t help the doubt creeping into her voice. Watching the man she loved put himself in danger like that was beyond… wait. In love? Really? When did that happen?

“Hey, look.” Raxx chuckled. “She’s buying it.”

As Asmodel approached Prisma-Solara, his steps emanated a false sense of sovereignty.

Izzy caught her breath as he extended a hand in a gesture of peace.

“Prisma-Solara.” Asmodel commanded with the authoritative cadence of the false Krystalii. “I will not tolerate this primitive display. Cease this destruction at once and attend to me.”

Prisma-Solara's glowing, multifaceted eyes fixated on the figure approaching her. She still radiated chaotic energy as a cruel laugh escaped her cracked lips. Her voice came out grating and otherworldly. “You insignificant flesh born.” She sneered. “You think you can deceive me, Asmodel?” She spat shards of glass at the ground that trembled beneath her fury. “I see through your paltry mind tricks!”

With a swift, sweeping motion, she extended her arms, making more dirt to fly free.

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