Page 50 of Asmodel

Izzy’s eyes widened as she locked her gaze on the man Asmodel spoke to.

So this was Raxx Jorlen. The guy who was supposed to be confined in Panterion Prime had somehow escaped not only the technologically advanced zaltrixan, but the powerful crystal lady. There he stood, chill as a polar bear’s toenails, in the middle of the craziness as the jungle continued to rumble with small aftershocks.

His attractive, rugged, handsome features told the story of a hard life in every line and scar his face carried from the piercing intensity of his dark eyes, to his strong jawline. The playful smirk on his full lips radiated confidence. His weathered, dusty leather jacket was layered over a dark, formfitting shirt. The crisscrossing of scratches and gouges on the jacket had to be trophies of his many adventures.

Durable cargo pants, loaded with pockets holding a bunch of gadgets, clung to his hips as he strolled toward them over the uneven terrain. On his feet were scuffed, sturdy boots that bore the marks of countless expeditions, making him look at ease even in the wild. At his belt, a strange device that looked like an old beeper with a sleek metallic finish emitted a soft, pulsing glow. Maybe it was some kind of smart-phone doohickey that guided Raxx through the jungle. If nothing else, the guy looked right at home in the current chaos.

“Somehow, I feel like this is all your fault.” Asmodel waved to the non-existent opening of the collapsed cave.

Raxx shrugged. “Maybe. Probably.” He put his fists on his trim hips. “I had to get out of there before that stupid crystal chick woke up.” He chuckled. “Dude, I was so totally not into her. Ya know what I mean?” He turned his dark gaze to Izzy. “Well, hello there. And who are you, besides the most sought-after woman on the planet?” He came close and extended his hand.

Izzy pressed her lips together to stop the laugh threatening to escape. “I am Isabella Torres. But you can call me Izzy.” She put her hand out to shake, but he instead turned her hand over and kissed the top of her knuckles.

He rubbed his palm over the skin he’d kissed and raised his head with a mischievous grin. “I am very glad to meet you, Izzy.”

“All right.” Asmodel broke their connection, moving to stand between them, and crossed his arms. “That’s enough.”

While Izzy didn’t have any trouble taking care of herself, she found Asmodel’s caveman tactics quite adorable.

“Chill, my man.” Raxx put his hands up and stepped back. “Just payin’ my respects to this bodacious chick, is all.”

Izzy giggled behind her hand. This guy sure had a strange slang, like something out of an old 80s movie. She glanced at the stern expression on Asmodel’s perfect profile. Maybe now wasn’t the time to delve into anything about Raxx Jorlen.

“Tell us about the Krystalii.” Asmodel’s no-nonsense tone and narrowed eyes focused on Raxx.

Raxx threw his shoulders back, and his own expression mirrored Asmodel’s. “I’m afraid that after I left, all hell broke loose.” He ran a hand over his short, thick hair, making the top ends stick up. “Echo told me that bitch used her strong psychic mojo on Panterion Prime in a blinding rage, demanding they hand me over.”

Several gasps and growls filled the air from the pardalions listening to the conversation.

Talira rushed to Raxx’s side and grabbed his arm, swinging him around to face her. “Were there any survivors?”

The stricken look on her face made Izzy’s heart drop. Talira had to be thinking of Jaltaar.

“Maybe?” Raxx drawled out his answer, and his sharp cheeks turned a soft red. “I really don’t know. I was deep into the jungle when the first tremor hit.”

“We’ve got to go to Panterion Prime,” Talira announced. A mulish scowl creased her snout. She looked at Praetor Vorlok with a hard glare. “We’ve got to go there, since there isn’t anything left of Nekojin. If there’s a chance any of the zaltrixan survived, we’ve got to see if we can help.”

“You’d be willing to save people who wanted to commit genocide on you?”

Asmodel’s question might have been harsh, but Izzy agreed, taking time to really study the destroyed entrance to the massive cave.

The mountain had torn itself apart, leaving behind a yawning chasm filled with shattered boulders and fractured rock faces. Jagged edges jutted out from the hole's mouth, the collapse having stripped away the once-majestic stalactites that adorned its entrance.

Debris scattered the jungle, feather-leaves and twisted branches were strewn around like the aftermath of a violent storm. Dust lingered in the humid air, taking its time to settle as the jungle grew eerily silent. The usual cacophony of wildlife hushed.

In the hazy light, Izzy put her hand over her aching heart at the sight of the rubble. Here was the profound history of a proud people now lost among the rubble, their legacy buried beneath the weight of nature's indifferent hand.

Talia snorted. Her whiskers fanned up. “What choice do we have? All of us have family there, and we can’t leave them at the mercy of that disgusting crystal alien.”

Praetor Vorlok raised his paws, his claws extended. “You are right, Talia. With Nekojin gone, we’d better find shelter before nightfall.” He lowered his paws and glanced around the jungle ahead of him. “If we’re left out here in the open, the skalderbeasts will be the least of our concerns.”

Izzy put a hand on Asmodel. “Can you use your psychic senses to see if anyone is still alive in the city?”

Asmodel nodded and gripped her hand back. “I’ve been doing that.” He glanced at the Praetor. “Most of the citizens of Panterion Prime survived. Only a part of the city suffered the earthquake. But many remain trapped under fallen buildings. The citizens are in a panic.” He closed his eyes, as if concentrating on something eluding him. “I also get the sense their leadership is missing? Maybe just unresponsive?” His distinctive eyes opened, clear and focused. “They aren’t getting any direction from the Supreme Regent, which is causing panic.” With an absentminded air, he tucked her arm under his. “I also sensed that the Krystalii is spiraling out of control. And if we don’t intervene, CeluriaVO will face total annihilation.”

“What do you mean, out of control?” Talia demanded. “And what’s this about annihilation?”

“It means if we don’t stop her, she’ll blow up the planet.” Asmodel clarified.

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