Dark Nine [18+]

Chapter Fifty-Four

Diana's POV

Mars escorts me back inside the Kor Hold, and he seems rather protective of me as we walk with Maelstrom at my side and Diasphora napping in the crook of Mars' arm.

We walk into a massive chamber deep in the Hold, where the rock is midnight-green and sparkles with turquoise gemstones. The light comes from the gems themselves. At the centre of the circular carved out room is a sleek feline-like throne... for a Fey-sized female to sit on.

I don't ask Mars about it, but I know this room is specifically for an Empress. I feel calm inside here, it's a perfect temple to meditate and think. Despite the massive chamber having nothing but that one throne, I take a seat and Mars reclines on the floor. Little E is soon awake and sprinting off with Maelstrom chasing him. They both run off laughing together as they decide to go play... now that their 'parents' are reconciled, I guess?

All I know is I've accepted the weirdness of it all. Yup. What else could I do?

I've accepted that I'm a Galactic Queen, with Elions lusting after me, with altered genes to breed for them. I've accepted it's not going to change. And I've accepted I kind of like being a mother to the little rapid-evolving rascals they call their pure-Kor off-spring.

It's not all bad.

And I almost feel at home with them... even though they're technically the enemy. To every subspecies. In the entire universe.

Yikes?

But, I mean, what could I do about that?

I didn't have the capacity to understand their ancient history in this universe and beyond. I only knew I was here and they were here and here we were... existing very strangely all together...

"So, I noticed Venus is nowhere to be seen since we visited the Kor Prison," I speak my current concern to Mars, "What's happening to him?"

"He lied to us for sixty thousand years," Mars looks up at me, and then glances around the room, as he casually explains, "Our secret is not one we speak of. E broke under Cinta's torture and told her our truth. For six destinies he covered up what really happened. No wonder E fell from power, we used to revere him for his mind. I had to take over when he lost his senses to his own weakness that he hid from us. Cinta wasn't just extracting his venom from his bones. Now that we know he told her we're Elion, he will face a heavy punishment."

"What kind of punishment?" I wonder, hoping ironically that it's not death.

"Venus will face exile, most likely," Mars murmurs very quietly, "We've locked him away for now until we decide the appropriate course of action. He is the smartest among us, despite his volatility... which we all recognise. So, he has value we have to take into consideration."

"Why is it always the smartest amongst us who are unhinged... but I also want to remind you, E isn't just smart, he is now a father," I think of little E, "To Diasphora, who is just as emotional as Venus already... should that not count toward some kind of leniency? And even I know you're Elion now, so it's not like exiling him will make a difference."

"Knowing our secret makes you this close to death, Diana," Mars cannot look me in the eye as he admits this, "...our survival comes first... above all... so be careful how you proceed..."

"Diana is not the only one who knows you're Elion, Alpha Centauri told me the secret too," Orlai suddenly shows herself.

We both look up to watch Orlai walk in with Arcturus. Around her neck is a heavy collar connected to a chain leash that Arcturus holds. As he walks with Orlai toward us, I watch as the rest of the Kors follow the enslaved human-mate of the Estori.