“I will question Mave,” Cyprian said soberly.
Both Kagan and Tytus’ eyes widened in surprise.
“I know I sometimes suggest it, but I could never truly ask you to do that. I remember when we were young and you disobeyed your sire to join the Anzac Guard.”
Cyprian recalled the day his sire stormed into the training camp roaring about honoring his legacy, and upholding his duty to Vidya Cadi. Cyprian could feel the hot breath in his face, as Yenor called him a coward and a disappointment. A male should never be forced to challenge his own sire, but Yenor left him little choice. Cyprian still remembered the eyes of the other young warriors, looking at him like he was a monster, as he held his blade to Yenor’s throat, while his sire lay defeated in the dirt. They heard everything he spat out at Yenor, as they fought. They knew the worst of what he’d done, and the real reason he refused to follow in his sire’s footsteps. It wasn’t just the calculated suffering and violence he inflicted on the enemy. It was the way he felt when he forced them to betray every secret they possessed. Cyprian felt himself and his honor slipping away piece by piece, as something vile took its place. People thought he was a cold bastard now. If they only watched him work by Yenor’s side, they’d never turn their backs on him.
“This is different,” Cyprian replied, shaking loose of the memory.
It would haunt him for the rest of his days if they didn’t discover who was behind this plot. Now, it wasn’t the intel from a single battle at risk, but the whole of Cadi. He couldn’t let that happen. However, his duty wasn’t the only thing that drove him to release the monster from its cage. The traitor was directly responsible for Riley’s misery. For her, he’d storm into perdition and challenge the demonic Vrag himself. Cyprian just hoped Riley would be able to accept him, darkness and all, because she was the only one capable of taming the beast.
“Thank you, my friend. I am humbled by the offer, but we do have a plan,” Kagan said, his gaze filled with deep appreciation.
“And you got back just in time to help us with it,” June said as she joined them.
“How is Riley?” Cyprian asked, as he and the other males stood to greet her.
“Jorg and Ion were about to start, when I left. I couldn’t watch them open Riley up,” June blanched. “But based on the scans, the implant in her neck doesn’t appear to be attached to anything.”
Thank the goddess, Cyprian sighed.
“What’s this plan,” Cyprian prodded. He wanted to be done with this mission.
“I’m not sure I’m happy about this idea,” Tytus grumbled.
“Don’t blame me,” June exclaimed with mock innocence, as she held up her hands. “It was Sundara’s idea.”
Cyprian’s brow rose quizzically. He wondered what the sister of the dulcis plantation owner had to do with this. Granted many of the abducted Toufik had come from her land.
“Oh, I’m sure you didn’t help at all,” Tytus mused.
“So, June is as wily as Riley?” Aculus asked in amusement.
“All human females are, and it’s rubbing off on the Cadi females,” Kagan chuckled.
“Like Riley, June has a knack for blowing things up, as well as sabotage,” Cyprian informed Aculus.
Aculus appeared impressed as he considered June.
“I’m sitting right here,” June declared, giving the general the evil eye.
“How about you explain what you and Sundara have conspired,” Tytus encouraged with a lopsided smile at his mate.
“This ought to be good,” Cyprian commented.
“Okay, so Sundara wants to formerly mate Metcor,” June began.
“That’s the large Toufik male, right?” Cyprian asked.
“Yes. Because of past tragedies, Sundara’s worried something awful will happen to Metcor. So, it would be best if the ceremony is witnessed by important people all over Cadi. We think that’s the only way to keep prejudice people from acting out.”
Cyprian was surprised. It was the first time he’d heard of a Toufik mating a Cadi. No wonder the couple wanted as many regents there as possible. The mating might not be recognized otherwise.
“Till recently the Toufik were slaves on our planet. Some still refuse to accept my edict that they are free citizens,” Kagan explained to Aculus.
“Sundara suggested a dual mating, since that’s apparently good luck on Cadi.”
“Who else is getting mated?” Cyprian asked innocently, even though he already knew the answer.
“Tytus and I, smart alec.” June rolled her eyes at Cyprian. “Anyway, the dual ceremony is a good excuse to invite all the regents to one location. We’ll have the ceremony at the plantation, since it’s big enough for the whole gathering and has beautiful gardens.”