Page 39 of Orin

The Voletti were responsible for the deaths of my mother and many others?My jaw ticked, and I held back a growl.

The virus had all but wiped out the Alaran people, causing the remaining females to become unable to bear children.

Our race would face extinction, leaving only fragments of our DNA to survive in the offspring of Alaran and non-Alaran unions.

And for what? Access to the products needed to make flonium?

The Voletti were a cruel and selfish race. They needed to be removed from Alaran space. Did Tinuk not care that this was his home, too? He too would have lost family members due to the virus.

The shock of the revelation left King Trex as stunned as I was.

“Why? Why would you do anything they ask? What did they promise you?” Trex accused.

“My life. They promised not to kill me if I cooperated. One of the shapeshifters approached me with an offer. If I helped them, I would be allowed to live and be part of the new government.” He glanced from Trex to me and back to Trex. “I am telling you the truth....They will attack. It is only a matter of time.”

“When are they planning to attack? What are their plans?”

Tinuk shook his head. “I am requesting assurances I will face banishment rather than being sent to Ronroth prison...or executed.”

Alara didn’t have a prison, at least not on the planet.

The Protectorate Alliance designated a minor planet, previously unoccupied, as a repository for high-risk criminals.Technology was non-existent and escape from the planet was impossible.

Rather than landing, ships teleported prisoners to the surface, leaving them to fend for themselves. The nightmarish reputation of the place reduced crimes in the Empire.

Trex let out a roar as he reached across the table and grabbed Tinuk by his shirt. “You will tell me the truth.”

Tinuk’s face turned sour, but he quickly surrendered.” The Krilex will create a diversion, while the Voletti launches an attack on Struna. Their goal is to eliminate you and the Protectorate.”

Trex shook him. “Why would you turn against your own people?”

Tinuk frowned. “My people? I have no one left. The reason I helped was because they threatened me.

At first, I thought the shapeshifters just wanted to create tension between our own people. I went along with it, thinking it couldn’t do any harm. If it kept me safe. Shortly after, a member of the Protectorate Council approached me. He said we had no option but to obey the Voletti’s demands, as they had the power to annihilate us. He was adamant.” Tinuk stopped and cleared his throat. “There was nothing I could do but follow orders. But once I was arrested and began thinking about what was coming...I knew I had to speak up.”

Trex released him and plopped into his seat, running his hands through his hair. His emotions showed plainly on his face. He had been betrayed and was ready to end the person who turned against the Alaran people.

“Who is the Council member that approached you?”

WE WERE DESPERATE FORevery detail we could gather. Within minutes, we were standing outside the cell of theshapeshifter who had attempted to assassinate Trex when we arrived on Alara.

The moment I laid eyes on him, it was evident that the creature in the cell was unlike any Alaran or any other race I’d encountered before. Despite its frail, spindly physique and pale skin, Trex and I were well aware that these creatures should not be underestimated.

After killing his father, a Voletti shapeshifter abducted the Queen, but she’d been saved by King Trex and Captain Krin.No thanks to me.

I kept my gaze fixed on the creature, trying not to race to Olivia to make sure she was okay. However, I had a duty to the King and Alara that I had to fulfill.

The news that we might be attacked was more than unsettling, but the palace was well protected.

The Voletti shapeshifter did not move toward the cell door when we entered.

“Prince Trex, this is unexpected. What brings you here? Are you ready to execute me?”

Trex’s fists were clenched at his sides.

I folded my arms and gave the alien a stern glare.

With venom in his voice, Trex confronted the being whose people posed a severe threat to our planet. “You will not be executed byme. You are far too eager to die. Perhaps your people...the Voletti, may want to kill you themselves for failing your mission.”

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