Enceladus 4: The Invasion

“I don’t see the Council telling the humans,” Justin’s face on the computer said.

Early the next morning, Cassiopeia, John, Delphinus, Lynx, Caelum and I were gathered around Cass’ throne and the laptop in her lap.

“We didn’t think so. But maybe you could bring it up to them. Maybe tell them some of our arguments in favor of telling Earth,” Cass told him.

Justin paused, probably thinking. “I will request a meeting. I must also remind you of the law. You may not let Earth know of Space Enforcement.”

“I know, Agent.”

“I’ll keep you posted.” With a nod, he vanished from the screen.

“That went well,” Lynx said sarcastically.

I left before anybody could say anything to me. The conversation with Jae yesterday had left me sad and confused.

Caelum caught up to me on the stairs. “Is your father really the Devil?” he blurted loudly.

“Hush,” I said, grabbing his wrist and rushing him to my room.

“Well, is he?” he asked once we were safely alone.

I nodded.

“Šĉôt,” he breathed.

I nodded again.

“You’ve really seen him?”

“Yeah.”

“What does he look like?”

I sat on my bed, running my hand through my black hair. I’d had to tell too many people what my father looked like. “He has red reptilian skin. Yellow eyes. A tail and horns. Hooves for feet. Wings bigger than mine.”

“Reptilian?”

I waved it away. “Scales.”

“Bæt,” he cursed again while sitting half on my desk.

“He calls me Stacia, the one who shall rise again, the Destroyer.” I hadn’t told anyone that yet. Not even Talia.

“That’s not who you are, you know.”

I shrugged.

“How is he your father?”

“Vela prayed to the gods and got him. She apparently didn’t think anything of it when she had to kill people to make me.” I rolled my eyes. Mostly to keep them from watering.

Cal didn’t know what to say, obviously. He was biting his lip.

“It’s okay, brother.” I switched to speaking Enceladian. Hopefully he wouldn’t be as awkwardly uncomfortable.

“Yeah, well, it’s not. It won’t ever be. Come here.” He got up and walked over to me. He sat on my bed and I flinched before I realized what he was doing. He put his arms around me and pulled me to his chest. I took in a shaky breath and before I knew it, I was crying in my big brother’s arms.

That night, Talia curled against my chest peacefully. We were talking about everything under the moon.

“So, Caelum just sat there and let you cry?” she asked while playing with my hair.

“Yeah, it was uncharacteristic. I guess sleeping for months woke him up.” Ironic. It seemed he had realized what was important to him.

“You should be proud of him.”

“Oh, I am. I was thinking about Earth and the invasion.” I hesitated. “I thought about Lainie. I should warn her, right? Even if the council decides not to contact Earth?”

“You should. I think that would be good.” She must have sensed my uneasiness to talk about my ex to her because she said, “Amelia, it’s okay to care about her still. She was your first real love. It’s understandable. We should maybe even meet her and hide her to make sure she doesn’t get hurt.”

I smiled. Talia was so understanding and caring. “I’ll email her tomorrow.”

“About Jaeel yesterday . . .” She stopped. “He really seemed like he was sorry.”

“He did.”

“I don’t think he meant those things.”

I shifted in my bed to look at her even though it was pitch black. “Love, he threatened to hurt you. You know what means right? Talia, I don’t think I could live without you.”

“Oh, Amy . . .”

“The thought of losing you makes me feel so horrible that I want to throw up. It makes me want to lose myself.” I shut my eyes to block out the pain. “The love I feel for you is so intense. It’s so deep I can’t find the end.”

“No one has ever made me feel this way.” Her voice shook.

I squeezed her tight. “I love you, Talia. Forever.”

“I love you too.” Her tone was thick with emotion.

I really loved this girl.

It was a few days before Lynx’s wedding, now 2022. We didn’t celebrate the new year on Enceladus because time wasn’t a big concept to my people. We didn’t even have clocks.

I was so excited for their wedding. I couldn’t wait to see my brother get married and live his happily ever after. Our family deserved some peace and happiness.

Delphinus was now a year older, constantly complaining about the “annoying” baby inside her. I knew that once the baby was born, she wouldn’t think it was annoying. She would love him or her with her entire complaining heart.

In the last month, I had emailed back and forth with Lord Mel. He was right; we had become fast friends. It felt good to make a new friend. I was lacking in that department.

I had spoken with Jae a little bit. It was awkward. We only talked about the building we were painting together. Talia worked her magic to put us together.

I emailed Lainie a week ago. She responded immediately. Her fears were clear through the screen. I told her I’d meet up with her before everything happened to make sure she would be safe.

Today, I was with Lynx while he was trying on his suit in Karen’s office. He had chosen the prettiest color. Maroon. It was a slim, silky fabric. The color contrasted well with his snow-white hair. It also brought out the miniscule flecks of maroon in his hazel eyes.

“Lynx, you took amazing.”

He grinned. He knew he looked flawless. “Why, thank you.”

“I’m so happy for you, Lynx,” I told him.

His smile this time wasn’t cocky. It was pure joy.

I bit my lip. “So, I was thinking maybe you and Alexander should stay here for the invasion? You guys will be newlyweds.”

Lynx didn’t say anything so I looked at him. He was glaring at me. “Fat chance.”

I laughed without humor. “Had to throw it out there.”

“I’m not letting you go risk your life for the humans alone. And Alex would never, ever say no to protecting people who need it. That’s why I’m marrying him.”

“Okay. You’re right. I have to go. Have fun.”

He mumbled something unintelligible as I walked out.

I met with Talia, Cassiopeia, Delphinus and Golda. We were getting what Earth called manicures. My planet had nail polish but no such thing as “fake nails” or “press-on” nails like Lainie enjoyed wearing.

After the night Talia and I talked about how I felt, I had felt so deeply. Every time I looked at Talia, my heart ached (in a good way). I grinned and I was surprised I didn’t tear her clothes off right there, in some room in the palace. There was a new level of connection between us and I reveled in it. It felt so good. I was so into her; it was hard to see anyone else.

Then my father’s voice reached me. He told me I wouldn’t have to feel this way for long. He thought love was burden, a hindrance. He couldn’t have been more wrong.

I leaned over and kissed Talia, telling my father to go to Hell. Which was stupid. He lived there.

“What color, Princess?” the beautician asked me.

“Silver,” I replied. My dress had silver sequins on the top that flowed into a silky black at the waist.

As she painted my nails, I couldn’t stop staring at Talia. She was in deep conversation with the lady doing her nails. I couldn’t even focus on what they were saying. I watched Talia’s lips move open and closed. All I wanted was to feel them. On every part of my body. It was like a dream. What did I do to deserve her?

She caught me staring and blushed, no doubt remembering last night.

I remembered it too, vividly.

“Amelia,” someone said. My eyes didn’t leave her. The skin where her neck met her shoulder was peeking out of her blouse. I wanted to bite it. “Amy.”

I jerked my head up to see many eyes on me. Cass had called my name. “Yes?” I felt my cheeks warm up.

“I was telling everyone that the Council has decided not to warn Earth.”

“Oh,” was all I said, wildly distracted.

“That’s a shame,” said Golda quietly. Her now short, curled, blonde hair shook with her head. “They won’t be prepared.”

I stole a glance at Talia. She was still speaking to the maid and I focused on the sound of her voice. I couldn’t help remembering the noises she made when I was on top of her.

I was lovesick. Head over heels. It was a good feeling. I basked in it. No one would steal this from me. Not even the invasion. I would fight, we would save Earth, and live happily with Talia. Nothing was stopping me.

Except me.

Whoa, that wasn’t my father’s voice. That was . . . That was my voice when I went dark. How did that happen? I shook it off and resumed my stare at Talia. I’d think about it later.

Talia stared back at me, unflinching. I knew she had felt it too. That change in our relationship. Her tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip. I wished I was there, taking it into my mouth.

After our nails were painted and dry, we ate dinner on the roof. Just the two of us.

Once we finished the meal, I had her on her back, towering over her. Her breathing hitched when I took off my shirt. I put my hand under her skirt and I swore she stopped breathing altogether. Her arms wrapped around my neck and pulled me down. I kissed her between her shaky inhales.

I loved hearing the difference of her breathing when I touched her. She was mine and she knew it.

I slipped off her skirt and then her shirt. She was bare beneath me and I had never seen a more beautiful sight. I lowered myself so I could kiss her navel. And below.

She moaned and gasped. Writhed and wiggled.

She was delicious. And she was all mine.