The Unprevailant | Book 2 | The Irangel arc trilogy

Chapter 20 ~ An Angsty War Discussion

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~ Planet Iredescent ~

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Cydtin's heart felt heavy as he watched Tal's casket lowered into the grave, the glass top visible to see the body beneath, laid to rest atop a bed of glitter. He had the ominous feeling of death, and he was dismayed to see he had been right.

Everyone was wearing deralire, the deepest shade of ombréd dark purple. It was the color Iredescents wore to a funeral.

Iredescents and irangels stood united, mourning and seeking retribution. Tal was a great friend and an important person to the irangels. He was their go-to person and a reliable guide to everything Iredescent. They cherished their friendship and comanderie, remembering the good times they shared.

Red dirt covered the casket, sealing the past, though memories remain. A chapter ended, for a new one to begin.

Pain before gain. Bitterness before sweetness. Darkness before dawn. Tears before joy.

Sorrowful tremors rolled like earthquake waves from Zvizda's shaking shoulders as she knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. She looked small and fragile in a thin dress that clung to her body as if seeking warmth.

Warmth curled around the weeping woman as Elurõõm held Zvizda to try to comfort her. He took his coat off and put it over her shoulders, helping her stand up.

Cole was holding Ariel, weeping with her. The loss hit hard for them, since they were the first irangels to meet Tal and befriend him. Tremors and shakes rippled through the crowd, spreading like rain.

From afar, Demian stood numbly, overwhelmed by the overload of thoughts and memories from everyone's mind, feeling like an overloaded battery that charged endlessly.

Black rose petals followed Valerie as she walked towards Demian, shielding him from the strain of anguish. They held each other close, wrapped in their own sorrow.

From underneath warm arms and heavy tears, emerged a wail and a promise of revenge. A terrible loss and tragedy that was just one of many that plagued Iredescent, separating families and loved ones.

But it was the spark, the match that lit the maddening fury and hunger for injustice.

A spark was all that was needed to set fire aflame.

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"What?! You declared war without consulting me? Without my permission?" Raistin was aghast.

But Demian was uncomprising. "War is necessary to get through to a cruel callous murderer."

"I get it, but war seems too extreme."

"Aren't Gemini's actions too extreme? Tal is one of many victims, killed in cold blood. We cannot allow Gemini to proceed with such extremities."

Raistin gestured at the ship that kept prisoners. "What should we do about them?"

Shortly after Demian's declaration of war, the gemstars were rounded up and captured by the creator of irangels, held together within Valerie's telekinetic force. They were kept on Demian's ship, until further direction was given.

"They'll join us in the war discussion," Demian said, disregarding the astonishment in Raistin's thoughts. "And don't bother trying to convince me out of this. This became personal to me and the irangels."

Raistin seized Demian's arm to prevent him from walking away. "I understand. But understand that I am the ultimate authority in the Iredescent world. There are two things I ask regarding the war."