REVOLUTION: A Rebel Among Monsters ✔

Eighteen••Behind My Back

She'd manage the trip to Lexa's office with her eyes closed, by this point. Too many times today she'd been forced to confront her boss—not that she minded that much, as Lexa had always been more than great to her. She'd been her protector, the woman who believed in her and vouched for her with the Monsters.

But would she still do so now? After the disagreements with Melaynia and her objection to accept her fate?

This time, the door was closed, and a tiny slither of Valnia's being hoped she wasn't there. She knocked... but to her dismay, Lexa's deep timbre resonated from within the room.

"Come in, Valnia," she said.

Valnia frowned.

She knows it's me?

Inside, the gray-haired woman rested behind her desk, her light charcoal eyes finding Valnia immediately. "That was quick. What did she say?"

Sucking in her lips, Valnia sat across from her. "I tried to sway her, I did, but... she wants the procedure. She made it clear she doesn't care about the consequences or the discomfort."

Lexa nodded, not in the least startled. "I figured. It's not a wise decision, but... her impulsive mind has been made, hasn't it?" She stood and gestured to the door. "Let's inform the Monsters together."

Again they took the path to the Monster Rooms—another voyage Valnia might do with her eyelids slammed shut, without any need for guidance.

Twice in one day... and a failure to negotiate with Mel. I'm not doing well, and they'll smell it.

The Eldians sniffed out fear. And though she wasn't specifically terrified of them, she did worry what reactions they'd have to her being unable to keep her sibling under control. Their presence was suffocating, intimidating, imposing, and more than she could handle. Remaining calm and collected in front of them, the creators of Cerule, proved to be difficult.

Once in the hollow cave, the far wall shimmered as several sets of eyes popped up. "Lexa?"

"I brought Valnia again, to discuss Melaynia Roya," said Lexa, in Cerulean.

The six figures smoothed out of the facade, pupils wide and alert. "Then tell us, Valnia, what has Melaynia decided?" It was the same male from earlier, the one who appeared to have a slight height advantage over the others. "I must admit, that was fast."

Valnia gulped, rolled her shoulders, straightened her posture. "She... chose the procedure. I listed the risks, the implications, and... that's what she wanted."

The six sets of irises widened further, then closed. Whispers threaded out of their mouths as they consulted one another in Eldian, sprinkling the air with tension and mystery.

They didn't expect this, did they?

Lexa, hands clasped behind her, stared at them without emotion, without revealing an inkling of what they might be saying. Valnia wished she could nudge her, beg her for details, force her to translate. But ever the perfect soldier, the Attendant Supervisor remained immobile and expressionless.

At last, the eyes ahead of her opened, all in tandem. "Thank you, Valnia. We must discuss terms amongst ourselves, which can take a few days, less if we come to an agreement faster." The male's slimy, neckless head turned towards Lexa. "Inform Melaynia we'll summon her shortly to speak to her, and figure out an appropriate date to perform the procedure."

Lexa bowed. "Of course."

He reverted to Valnia, eyelids drooping ever so slightly. "Return to your usual activities, and we will contact you if need be. You're both dismissed."