Garza stands in a supply closet. Grip tight around her phone. "He's back."

  ...

  She cracks the door. Zachariah and his group march through the medical unit. "Yes, they'll be gathering troops shortly."

  ...

  Garza watches Melody leave. "No more than a dozen at least."

  ...

  Garza huffs, then pockets her phone and leaves the closet.

  Sisis talks with Zachariah. "The child was dead?"

  I nod. "I brought him back, but—"

  She looks up my nose. "Your souls are bound." She snickers. "That's not good!"

  I scoff. "No kidding!" I hand Nathaniel to her. "I need you to run some tests on him. Figure out if he's..." I look around and whisper in her ear. "Figure out if he's a King."

  Sisis jolts. "A King?"

  I hush. "I have to go, but I want a full report when I come back."

  She purses her lips. "You aren't leaving without giving me some blood."

  I sigh. "How much do you need?"

  Sisis shrugs. "2 pints should be enough."

  I jump. "2 pints? You tryna kill me?"

  She wags her finger. "You're the one asking me to look after it. Your blood can protect me in case it...attacks."

  I groan. "Fine!"

  Garza walks through the unit. A healer approaches her with documents. "Ma'am, we've suffered four vehicular fatalities."

  Garza flips through them. "Again? That's 12, Agnus."

  Agnus bows. "Ma'am, Chuboki is speaking with the engineers."

  Garza sighs. "Good. Thank you, Agnus." She glances at Zachariah. "There's something else you can do for me."

  Agnus bows. "Yes, ma'am?"

  She gestures. "Help Sisis with her research."

  Agnus flinches. "She doesn't like to be watched."

  Garza chuckles. "Tell her you'll watch the baby."

  Agnus bows. "Yes, ma'am."

  I spot Garza eyeing me. I wave. She smiles, then wanders off.

  Chuboki stands by a broken truck with several engineers. He taps his foot. "They wouldn't have died if there was a defense system inside the vehicle."

  An engineer waves their clipboard. "We've done everything you've asked! Designed belts to keep the body still when in motion. Reinforced the tires. Fireproofed the inside and out! What else can we do?"

  Chuboki sighs. "We need something to soften the impact in the event of a crash."

  The engineers mumble.

  Melody, Jackson, and Lucas approach them. Melody crosses her arms. "A pillow, Chuboki?"

  Chuboki raises a brow. "You're back."

  Lucas touches his chin. "We could pad the inside."

  Chuboki shifts. "Too heavy."

  Jackson hums. "Have you tried ejecting the seats?"

  Chuboki nods. "Too risky."

  Melody tilts her head. "You could trap pockets of air in the vehicle's body."

  Chuboki taps his foot. "Pockets of air... We could eject bags of air during a crash."

  The engineers write on their clipboards.

  Jackson grabs Lucas by the arm. "Come with me." Lucas giggles, then they run off.

  Chuboki nods to the engineers and they leave. Melody walks over. "About the mission..."

  Chuboki shakes his head. "Doesn't concern me."

  Melody snorts. "Yes it does!"

  He looks around. "Walk and talk."

  Melody paces beside him. "Zachariah believes there's something in Sector T that's worth investigating. I'll be going with him, but I'm afraid."

  Chuboki looks down at her. "You're skilled in combat. Zachariah can heal you. What's there to be afraid of?"

  Melody touches her chest. "I think the Axeheads will show up."

  Chuboki hums. "I see... How would they know you'll be there?"

  Melody swallows. "I had a vision... They'll take me as their prisoner."

  Chuboki halts. "And you're worried about Zachariah?"

  She nods. "Yes."

  Chuboki continues walking. "Shouldn't you be worried about yourself?"

  Melody hugs her arms. "I am... But he'll try to protect me. If I go willingly—"

  Chuboki chuckles. "You want me to prevent him from rescuing you?"

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Her nails dig into her arms. "It's the only way. If he protects me, they'll fight him."

  Chuboki grunts. "Won't be much of a fight!"

  Melody grabs his arm. "Please, Chu."

  He huffs. "The Axeheads aren't like you and me. They'll do as they please. Zachariah can handle them."

  She shivers. "He told me about the mines." Her eyes peer into his. "Don't let him repeat the past."

  Chuboki shudders. "You want me to fight Zachariah?"

  Melody picks at her skin. "I want you to protect him from himself."

  He groans. "He'll resent me if I do this."

  She smiles. "He'll appreciate you."

  Zachariah's voice bellows throughout the Wyre. "Attention! Daily combat drills will be in effect. These drills are mandatory. All ground troops report to the arena for training."

  Chuboki huffs. "Shall we?"

  The soldiers wash off in the locker room.

  One whines. "How? He moved like a leaf floating around us!"

  Melody smirks and dries her hair. "He’s a master in combat."

  Chuboki chimes. "That’s the creator of the Wyre, ya know?"

  Everyone turns to face him. He crosses his arms and scans the room. His squad does the same.

  Melody rolls her eyes and looks in a mirror. "Why don't you step into the arena with him?" She touches a bruise on her cheek. "Not fair for you to watch." She locks eyes with him. "Is it?"

  The soldiers holler.

  Chuboki scoffs. "Yeah right." He walks away.

  Melody snorts. "Chicken shit!"

  Chuboki? I lift my blindfold. "What are you doing here?"

  His squad surrounds me.

  I gulp. ”You sure you want to do this?"

  He grins. "I’ll stop when you give the order."

  Chuboki aged well. His squad has the Wyre's most elite soldiers. All with the same tragic story. Dead families. Villages raided. Nebula their savior.

  The only person missing is Tatiana...

  I pull my blindfold down. “It’s been a while since we quarreled."

  Chuboki murmurs. “Let us see who's stronger."

  The buzzer rings. I can feel their eyes assessing me. What do they see? An opening? Weakness?

  Lightning ripples from behind. I step. Fists! I kick one into the other. Pop! A tooth in my knuckle.

  Chuboki keeps his distance. Is he letting them wear me out first? Sword! Up. Lightning. Side-step!

  Chuboki's fist strikes my cheek. Four arrows! They erupt. Electricity in my veins! Ice? I can't... Sword! It shatters against the back of my wrist.

  It's reforming? That panting sounds like Zanir. Where'd he get a weapon like that?

  Zanir strikes again. I dart behind. A shadow? It cuts through me. I roll across the ground. Shit! My insides...

  I shovel my intestines back in and stand. Heal... Dammit, heal! An arrow through my shoulder. My arm goes limp. What a cheap trick!

  Chuboki—I catch his fist. "Don't you swing those big fists at me!" I shove him. He kicks me in the groin.

  I drop to my knees. "Ouch!" Faster... I've got to be faster! My intestines squirm. I clamp my gut closed.

  Energy swirls. Sian! I rush towards her. She expels energy. I'm forced back. Her staff moves. I'll break it! I step—2 fists! Where'd they come from?

  Something stretches. Another fist! Those knuckles... Must be Vendetta. She wraps around me. Hit! Hit! Hit! Sling!

  I smack into a wall. They've been training without me. What do I have to teach them? I drop to the ground. Still bleeding...

  Maybe I'll go for Chuboki... I charge. He blocks. Skin stretches. I leap. A scratch against my spine. Blood spills. I can't regenerate fast enough! Change of plan...

  I punch Zanir's sword. He jabs at my chest. I kick—the shadow! Down! He swings. Kick! His sword flies into the crowd.

  Zanir drops to his knees. "You win!"

  The draw of a bow... I move behind Zanir. "Hold still!"

  Where is the marksman? Skin stretches. Back! Vendetta grabs my leg. She throws me into the air. An arrow in my hip—BOOM!

  Can't move... The smell of my flesh... I reach down... Where's my stomach?

  Heavy footsteps. "Ready to give the order?"

  My skin reforms. The crowd whispers. Organs regrow. Dammit, Sisis! Did you really need 2 pints?

  Vendetta stretches. I kick off her chest. Chuboki blocks. I sweep his legs out from under him. He slams me into the ground.

  I cough. His fist! I roll. Vendetta—I grab her fists and wrap myself in her arms. She whines. "Get off of me!"

  How far can she stretch? I hold her still. Got it! I fling her into Sian. Sian repels her.

  I stand in front of Sian. The draw of a bow... Release! I tilt my head. The arrow hits Sian's staff—BOOM! She sways. “That hurt!"

  My mouth waters... She smells good... What's she taste like?

  Chuboki growls. "Fall back!" The rest of his squad stands around him. "Ava!"

  Ava chants. Energy shifts. Something around me. What is this?

  I push for her—Ouch! Is that...bark? Chirping. Am I in a forest? No, It's an illusion!

  The draw of a bow... Heavy heartbeat... Stretching... Whispers...

  I hide behind the tree. 2 arms wrap around. Up! Chuboki's foot. Side! Arrow. Down!

  I climb a tree and wait. They're not moving. Can they see through the illusion?

  Stretching... I leap... They chase... Around a tree... Then another. Up! Around! Down! Double-back! She's stuck!

  I run across Vendetta's arms. Chuboki strikes. Miss! I headbutt her. She drops.

  Lightning. Back! Fist. My stomach! Kick. I'm on the ground.

  Fog... Leaves dancing... I can't sense them.

  I rise. The blindfold falls from my eyes. This illusion is strong! It's like a real forest.

  Ava snickers behind me. "I've worked hard to master this ability!" A gust of wind. She's gone.

  Electricity? Above! I move side-to-side, then kick her across the face and slam her into the ground.

  She lifts with a snarl. Her skin is broken. A disgusting creature underneath. “I’ve waited so long to meet you!" Olive-colored scales.

  Her head extends from her body. Jaws snapping at me. I jab her neck. Gas sprays from her mouth. I hold my breath, then punch her in the stomach. She crumples on the ground.

  I glare. "Stay down...or I'll make you."

  She shudders.

  Flames? Zanir's sword aimed at my head. Down! Arms stretch through the ground and wrap around me. 2 arrows in my back. Cut across my chest. Punch! Punch! Punch!

  A soft voice. “It's okay... You can open your eyes... But, maybe it’s better if you keep them closed.”

  Taste blood. Where's that ringing coming from? It's like static from a radio. Buzzing. Do I smell dirt? Think my head's caved in. My skull cracks. Shouldn't this hurt? Eyes emerge. Everything's the same.

  Chuboki's voice shakes. "Is it over?"

  I cough. "Fine, I yield. You beat me."

  Days blur... Soldiers line up to train. Every day they fight harder. Complete every drill without complaint.

  My phone rings. "Hello?"

  Theresa whispers. "Zachariah?"

  I smile. "Hey, how are you?"

  She breathes. "There's a man tracking Melody. He knows where you're going. Don't let him get her." She hangs up.

  Why her? Who is he? Melody's set on this mission. If I leave her behind... I crush my phone. I won't let them take her! They can't have her! I'll kill them!

  A tap on my shoulder. "What?"

  Melody jumps. "You okay?"

  I sigh. "Sorry... I need to be alone." I go to my office.

  Chuboki stands behind her. "Don't take it personal. He's always been like that."

  Melody rubs her arm. "I know."

  He leans in. "What do you think happens when a man who cannot die realizes he's been beat?"

  She swallows. "He surrenders?"

  Chuboki laughs. "Almost!" He hisses in her ear. "That day... Zachariah lost his ability to fight... and someone else took over."

  Melody trembles. "What do you mean?"

  He cups her ear. "There's another person inside Zachariah. Crueler. Deranged. And he's the one the Sentients want."

  Melody turns. "How do you know this?"

  Chuboki grins. His eyes flash pink. Melody steps back. "What's wrong with you?"

  He steps forward. "You're so close to understanding. If you join the Axeheads, you'll have all the answers."

  Melody raises her hands. "Get back!"

  He reaches for her. She screams and fire shoots from her palms. Chuboki lies on the ground and groans. Melody covers her mouth.

  He rubs his head. "What happened?"

  Melody looks into his eyes. They're brown again. She shivers. "I think you... I don't know. You came for me. It was like you weren't in control of yourself."

  Melody picks at her skin. Chuboki rises and reaches for her shoulder. She steps back. He lowers his hand and walks away.

  Veronica holds a book and glances up to watch Theresa welcome customers into her shop. Greene shows them around. Theresa waves down someone and invites them inside. Micheal sits on the ground with a device in his hand.

  Veronica hums. "Bunch of nobodies! What does he see in them?"

  Neptune shrugs and flips through his notepad. He clicks his pen. "Probably gives him a sense of normalcy."

  She scoffs. "Normal? Nothing about this is normal. These people have no idea who he is."

  Neptune crosses something out and writes. "Let it go, Vera. These people like the monotony of every day life. Disrupting their routine wouldn't solve our problem."

  Veronica slams her book down. "Our problem is..." Theresa stares at her and smiles. Veronica looks away. "We're stuck playing detective while the others get to draw straws. It should be me out there!"

  Neptune sets his pen down and sighs. "Vera, the others didn't have the kind of relationship we did."

  Veronica sits back and crosses her arms. "Which is why we should be leading the mission."

  A man serves them tea. Neptune picks his cup up and inhales. "The mole rat will give us Intel and bring us closer to understanding what happened."

  Veronica sneers. "I know what happened... I just don't understand... Why does he look like that?"

  Neptune sips. "The curse probably."

  Veronica growls. "Ever seen a curse copy someone's face?" She whispers. "He took Theodore's form."

  Neptune sets his tea down. "I imagine she is scheming again. After we capture the mole rat, she'll want us to keep him distracted. What are you planning to do?"

  Veronica huffs. "I told you 3 times, Tune. We wound him. Capture the mole rat. Let him heal. I step in and ask for his help."

  Neptune nods. "And?"

  Veronica drops her arms. "I... I'm still figuring things out."

  Neptune raises a brow. "We need to crush the Wyre permanently."

  Veronica jolts.

  Neptune stares at her. "They're going to cripple him. Your job is to pick him up again."

  She thumbs a page. "She told you this?"

  He shifts. "I know how she thinks. She'll want you to keep him distracted while she looks for a cure."

  Veronica shuts the book and stands. "If that's what she wants." She leaves.

  Neptune turns to look at Theresa. He finishes his tea, then approaches her. "Can I place an order?"

  Theresa peers up at him. "You're a big man!"

  He chuckles. "I need a custom carving."