Page 100 of Pet: Genesis

“Take your time. We only wish to know of any locations that are not on the map,” he says. Irritation ripples through my veins at the sound of Iriel’s voice.

I don’t trust Iriel.

I’m unsure if it’s because he is Leviathan or not, but our initial meeting did little to put me at ease with him being in charge of this operation. His plan seems rushed and full of holes. Not only that, but his heavy lack of information regarding his own leader gives me a feeling of unease. It begs the question, why would they break intothe height of Leviathan society only to rescue me? I know there is something deeper than what I was told. I’m terrified, however, to find out.

I look at the map, taking in the areas. And there is one area that I don’t see.

“He had a place on the beach,” I say.

“Can you tell us which beach?” someone asks. I shake my head.

“By then, Remus never allowed maps or plans in the same vicinity as me. He would always leave to conduct business,” I say softly.

Cypress begins writing on the map as murmurs wash over the room. When I think back to my childhood, I can remember Cypress as a kind and gentle soul. But he has changed significantly since then, becoming a stranger to me. I don’t understand his motivation for rescuing me. Other than our initial greeting, he’s barely spoken to me if it doesn’t involve information to help their plans.

I can feel the oncoming signs of a headache and I drop my head rubbing my temples. Iriel seems to notice my distress speaking again.

“I think that’s enough for today.”

Heavy rage washes over me once again at the sound of his voice. I don’t know why it is that I hate Iriel so much. Everything about him brings me rage.

“Iris, wait.” I tense as Cypress calls out to me as I make my way to the door.

“Let’s talk,” he says gently. Confusion comes over me at Cypress’s sudden desire to speak to me. He’s been distant since myarrival, treating me like he doesn’t trust me, but I follow him regardless, making my way out of the facility by his side.

After we’re far enough away from the facility, he reaches into his pocket, holding something out to me. My eyes widen as I take it in. It’s the pendant Remus always wore. The one he placed in my hair the night of the celebration. Remus favored this one. He wore it on more than one occasion. I imagine the final night was a very special occasion if his sister was set to arrive. And he gave it to me.

I gently pull it from Cypress’s hand, studying it.

“We had to check it for tracking capabilities. It’s clean. Iriel says this is a rare jewel that is not from their homeworld. Remus and his siblings were the only ones ever to wear it. I guess my question is, why did you have it?” he asks. I study it, my mind shifting to that night. Remus was warm and inviting as he tucked my hair away from my face, placing the pendant in my hair.

“He gave it to me on the night of the celebration,” I say softly. A sense of comfort comes over me at the pendant being in my possession. Even if it is the only thing I have left to remember Remus.

Irritation rips through me at the direction of my thoughts.

“Are you sure he’s gone? Did I really kill him?” I ask, running my thumb over the jewel. The color is similar to Remus’s eyes.

“Of course. We watched him die. The blast turned his body into nothing. You saw what it did to the Leviathan—”

“Do you not remember what I told you when you were a prisoner to Remus?” I ask.

“You can’t compare him to a regular Leviathan. He isn’t one,” I say.

“Well... I know what I saw.”

My fingers are trembling as fear I’ve become accustomed to washes over me, but I nod nonetheless.

“I don’t trust Iriel,” I say. Cypress doesn’t respond, so I look up at him to see him looking in the distance.

“Don’t you think it’s strange he himself avoids battles?” I ask.

“Come on, Iris. You wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Iriel. None of us would. He’s on our side. Why can’t you see that? I know your time as a slave was difficult, but you have to trust me... Iriel is the one who authorized your rescue. Would he have done that if he was untrustworthy?” he says.

I look at Cypress in confusion.

“Iriel authorized my rescue?” I ask.

Cypress nods his head, his green eyes intense as he watches me.

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