Chapter 29

I have been shivering for so long now my teeth are sore from gritting them so hard. Taze hasn't moved in hours and I am starting to get worried he isn't going to make it out of here. Now that my eyes have adjusted and I can see better, there is no missing the fact that his wounds are horrendous. I have no idea how he has managed to even stay alert all this time. Huge hunks have been bitten out of his legs, some clear to the bone. One arm has been severed right under his elbow; the skin is blackened like it's been burned. There are marks and small cuts all over him. He isn't as large as ZoD, but he is still a big guy. I can't imagine the strength you would need to survive something like this.

Imake myself get up off the ground, every joint in my body is hurting. Trying to make myself focus on something else. I start walking slowly around this new cell I am in, but the place is so dark I can't hardly make out anything. Several times now I swear I have been able to feel ZoD. It's almost like he is standing right above me, but I figure it's just my mind playing tricks on me.

Thesound of the door being unlatched has me running or I should say hobbling back towards Taze. His eyes open just as the big one walks in.

"Female, I hope you are enjoying your new accommodations."

"Yeah, nothing like freezing to death to really make you enjoy a place. What do you want?"

"I come to inform you that you will be staying slightly longer than we anticipated. It seems like your worth has diminished rapidly since CommanderDaR issued a warning about owning your species. ThePleasurePlanet doesn't want you. TheJynrel refuse to relocate you and the Korgons just dumped an entire cargo container holding the ones they had like you. Cryo units and all at an unknown location. So, that has forced me to rethink our options. At first, I thought about sending you back in little pieces, but I couldn't get any volunteers to perform the procedure. It's a shame your insides are riddled with poison because you look soft and delicious on the outside. I can't image how exquisite your internal organs would taste."

"Stay away from her! You revolting ball of talking slime."

"What is this? I had forgotten that you still dwelled within these walls. Guards, take him out of here."

"Back off, worm." I pull the bandage off my arm and grimace as I tear off the scab. Blood instantly starts dripping off the ends of my fingers. Leaning over Taze, I make sure I get as much on him as possible. "He is contaminated now; you can't have him." Suddenly, light-headed, I barely catch myself from falling over as blood drips quickly down my arm and onto him. I know it's the blood loss that is starting to weaken me, but what other choice do I have? Taze looks up at me, confused, but I can't explain any of this to him while they are here.

Theworm slings his many arms around. "He is of no matter. I have already achieved everything I wanted from him, anyway. I couldn't care less if he perishes here or in the pools."

"You lie! I told you nothing."

"I didn't need your words. Your flesh holds all your secrets. OnceI consume you, I get all the information I need for free."

Mylegs give out beneath me, and I crumble to the ground. It takes the last of my strength to tighten the wrap back around my arm.

"It appears your species is also weak, female. You appeared to be hardy, but appearances can be deceiving. One could look upon you and see a female of great potential. Only to find out later that your species destroys everything it touches to the point your own blood is poisonous. No wonder your planet decided your species should be destroyed. Sacrificing itself in order to make sure none survived."

"That's calling the kettle black, buddy. You're the one here trying to steal someone else's world." I sling the words back at him, but he acts like I didn't say a word.

"Some look upon me and are disgusted by my form, but here lies the real beauty. I have conquered many planets and consumed so many beautiful breathing things. The knowledge I hold within is enough to devour this entire sector, and I plan on doing just that. I am beginning to wonder though if I allow you to be drained completely if you could be consumed then? I will investigate this further as you are going to be my guest here a little longer."

Hedoesn't say another word, simply turns and walks out. The moment I hear the door latch from the other side the tears start flowing.

"Come here Tessa, lean against me if you can. Why did you weaken yourself further? I am not worth the essence that is running through your veins."

"Stop saying things like that, I am no more important than you are. Just let me fall apart here for a minute and then we have to come up with a plan. I don't think either of us is going to have the luxury of waiting on ZoD. I can feel him searching, but I don't know if it's real or my imagination."

Helifts his arm slowly, touching my cheek with his fingers. "I have never seen a mark such as this. It's like a great artist took a fine instrument and painted it on your smooth skin. Were you born with it?"

"It's a consolation prize for being kidnapped and sold to the highest bidder that just happened to be your boss, ZoD. Sorry, he doesn't deserve that. I don't mean to be snappy and grouchy as shit, but hell's fire when is enough enough already? You are not seeing me at my best here, Taze.

"Your boss and I got our groove on and when it was over and done, I had this mark. If my eyes are not too messed up, I think there are more on my legs now. They seem to be showing up in places where I have been injured."

"ASoulkin, I thought it was a legend."

"I don't know what that is, but sweetie, I ain't no legend."

"If you are my Commander'sSoulkin, he will never stop looking for you. You two are now linked, that's why you can feel him from time to time. If this bond was continually reinforced, he could never even hide from you. It's a rare blessing."

"Well, I wish he would bless his little heart right through that gate at any moment because I'm tired, hurt, and hungry and that makes for a bad damn day."

"Try to rest Tessa, gather your strength. Once your mind is at ease, concentrate on him, it will soothe your spirit. A true Soulkin, what a blessing! I can't imagine what my Commander is going through knowing you're so close, but still so far away."