Drelix

Iwatch the priests busy themselves cleaning up the shrine. A mixture of species, they carry out their tasks diligently.

The All Gods shrine is the venue I have picked to dance for my Crystal. Not because it is a shrine, but it was the place I met my destiny, where I decided I could no longer be a priest for my ancestors but a warrior for them instead.

I want it to mean as much to her as it does to me, especially now Draco has announced Orias will be the new home for the Sarkarnii.

"It is a good place," the now familiar voice of the elder Oykig priest says from behind me. "Good for you, your warriors, your mates, and your young."

"Shame about all the Alajaz," I respond without looking around.

"I always knew you would be the Haisarkarnii to deal with them," he replies.

"And at what point did the Sisters of the All Gods become Alajaz, or were they always that way?" I ask.

"They were infiltrated around the time you lost your planet. It seems they thought Orias a good place to hide in plain sight. They simply eliminated anyone who discovered them."

"And that's what happened to you?"

"I departed this mortal plane some time ago, young warrior." The Oykig chuckles. "But you, your mate, and your pet are the reason I stayed for so long in this place."

This time I do look, to see the elder seated on a large rock next to a small stream of running water which gently makes its way into the shrine itself.

"You stayed for us?"

"I stayed because I was needed. Revenge isn't for everyone, Drelix. It wasn't for you. I could see that the moment I saw you. When you brought your mate, I was sure."

"Why not just tell me when I was here in contemplation and study?"

"I cannot see the future." He laughs, and it's a sound which makes me smile too. "You had to make your own way and you made it back to where you belong."

"I lost my family," I reply, gazing back down into the sacred temple. "I'd have done anything to have them back."

"And your revenge would have only brought you bitterness. This way, they stay in your heart forever, without the taint of what you might have done. What's more, you have a new family, a new mate, a new beginning." The scales around his eyes crinkle at the corners as he gets slowly to his feet.

"Will I see you again?" I ask.

"I doubt it. You have no further need of an elder, not now," he replies.

"Drelix!"

I spin at the sound of Crystal's voice and see her waving at me from down near one of the altars.

"Thank you," I reply, but there's already just air where the priest was, as I expected.

"Were you talking to him?" Crystal asks as I gather her in my arms.

"He says he was waiting for us."

"I guess he's the only one who expected ‘us' to happen," she says against my chest. "Because if you'd told me last year I'd be in another galaxy mated to a species who can turn into a dragon, I'd have run a long, long way away."

"Sometimes I forget how ancient the galaxy is and what wonders it holds," I say, sucking down the scent of her hair because it grounds me.

"I managed to get away from the others for a few seconds, but I'll have to go back to the fitting," Crystal says with a beaming smile up at me. "I just wanted to check how you are."

"You don't need to. I am Sarkarnii, and it'll take a lot more than some pulsar bolts to keep me down."

Crystal rolls her eyes. "So I've been told, but what I mean is, are you sure you want this?"

"To dance for you? I've never been more sure."

"I want you to dance for me," she says. "I don't think I've ever wanted anything more in my life. You mean everything to me, Drelix." Crystal wraps her arms tightly around my waist and squeezes in such a way my rut hikes up a notch, when I was certain it couldn't get any more intense. "I love you. I love the idea fate pulled us out of the stars to be together. I love that you want to dance for me."

I slide a finger under her chin in order to see her gorgeous face.

"Time stands still for me when I'm with you. I will always want fate to hold us, just like this." I press a kiss to her lips, and we dissolve into each other.

At least until an entirely flesh and bone priest coughs loudly and we break apart. Crystal's face is flushed, and she hides it against my chest.

"Crystal!" several human voices shout at once.

I spot Draco's mate, Amber, and Daeos' mate, Opal, making determined progress towards us.

"Looks like you're wanted."

"Oh god," Crystal says. "They're obsessed with getting me the ‘right' dress." She lifts her head and gives them both a wave. "How much longer until the ceremony?"

"One nova-day." I grin at her.

Crystal grins back. "Good, I can't wait."

She lets me go and I catch her hand.

"What do you mean, you can't wait? We'll be together this eve."

"Oh no." Her grin becomes wicked. "Did Drasus not tell you? There's an Earth tradition that the male isn't supposed to see his intended until the day of the dance." She skips away from me. "Which means we don't spend tonight together."

Nev it to the ancestors! My cock is already pushing at my pouch with the need to be inside her. My rut is in no way dimmed by my recent injuries. If anything, it's worse. And now this?

What fresh torture does the galaxy have for me?