The Unshadowed | Book 1 |

Chapter 33 ~ The Aftermath

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~ Planet Earth ~

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Cydtin was relieved to be left alone on the ship. He didn't feel comfortable under Amanda's hateful glare, Ariel's look of suspicion, Civic's cautious glance, or Cole's apologetic atmosphere whenever he was around. Even though Cydtin no longer had his mind control ability, the irangels were wary around him and treated him like an outsider.

Saunduit's ship hovered above the rose-shaped building since it was too big to land and there wasn't enough clear space within reasonable distance of the Rose complex. The irangels were beamed down, along with several Maximescent crew members. Saunduit chose to drop down via rope. He jumped down, landing on planet Earth for the first time.

The irangels reacted enthusiastically to their arrival, relieved they had made it safe. They were delighted to meet native Iredescents and a different humanoid alien species from a neighboring planet within Iredescent's dimension.

Matson had been hoping to see Valerie. Consequently, he was disappointed when he was told Valerie remained on planet Iredescent.

The irangels held the funeral at Wachstyen Forest, burying the dead irangels in the same place as the original irangels.

Before they buried Yennisse, Cydtin said to her ruefully, "I'm sorry you didn't get to see me become a better person. I'll always regret what I've done to continue to dash your hopes."

Cydtin touched Kaylie's hair for the last time, saddened to see it no longer sparkled now that she was dead. He stepped back and allowed Cole and Stripes to bury her, tears sparkling in his eyes as he watched the dirt fall over her.

Annika stood near Neveah's grave, saying woefully, "Neveah and Yennisse never knew Demian was the one who created them."

Flowers were placed above each grave. Each irangel had their choice of flower: sunflowers from Civic, violets from Cole, Queen Anne's Lace and cornflowers from Stripes, blue forget-me-not flowers from Cydtin, white gardenias from Anders, pink freesia flowers from Annika, bluebells from Kirrie, glitter flowers from Desmond, chrysanthemums from Elivra, and created flowers from Viraj, permanent ones that would never wilt.

The irangels stood at the graves for some time after the burial, silently remembering the irangels that passed. Cydtin went to each grave, feeling each individual loss through tear-soaked eyes.

"I'm sorry I ignored you, Neveah. You were so attention seeking, and I had my sights on Kaylie. You wanted my approval on everything, and it made me feel uncomfortable, given you were one of the irangels I was controlling the most. I should've guided you into making your own decisions, should've made you see that you don't need the approval of others, or me.

"But I didn't pay attention, and now I'm paying the price. I'm so sorry, Neveah. I learned how important it is to be aware; I won't ignore anymore. I just wish it wasn't too late."

Cydtin sniffled, wiping his tears on the back of his sleeve, before he continued to the next grave.

"Neva, I am so sorry. I have given you a new life, only to control it. I didn't know you well, only that you desperately needed a new life. I should've set you free, but I'm no better than the ones who made you feel trapped. I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

Cydtin touched a hand on the gravestone, then he moved to Qiang's grave.

"Qiang, I am sorry. I think I may have missed Inlivido when I turned you. I'm sorry I didn't give you much of a life. I apologize for thinking you were useless because you didn't have an ability I was seeking. I am so sorry."