The Moon's Fangs | 1

Amelia

“Reks… Reks, I didn’t know. Well, I guess I put together I was seeing your memories. But I didn’t know how. Honest!” I tried to explain as he tossed the bundle of plants and seeds on his countertop, then began rifling through one of his drawers.

Before we stepped through his gate ring moments ago, I was pretty sure any nearby animals fled the area after catching the tiniest trace of tension emitting from Reks. I felt it too, like that terrifyingly still moment before two opposing animals attack.

He turned around, examining a vial containing an ominous deep purple liquid. When he tipped it back and forth, it slid around like the contents in a lava lamp. “Don’t you worry, Amelia. Luk shared everything I need to know. Now…” his eyes lifted to mine. Traces of purple glinted off them, sharpening the sinister look already in place. “Come here. I will not tolerate a disobedient Guide.”

The color drained from my face.

This had all been Nox’s fault. I gathered that much when the Guide apologized profusely to me upon my abrupt wake-up.

Even now, I felt it cowering within me. Nox seemed mortified, like it genuinely didn’t understand what it did was wrong.

“Absolutely not.” I pressed a hand against the top of my chest, feeling the strong need to stand my ground. To protect the little snake. “You’ve already scared Nox half to death. I don’t know what you think you’re going to do with… whatever that is, but I’m not okay with it. How about we give Nox the chance to explain.”

Reks laughed cynically, full of anger. “Nox crossed a line. One it should have never touched. Not only did it take action without your permission, but it also put your soul in danger.” He stepped closer, and Nox inwardly sank deeper. I felt the weight of his fury coming down on me as he closed the gap, but I knew it wasn’t targeted at me. His tone fell dangerously soft. “Tell Nox to come out.”

My heart raced, but after a small prompt, the snake’s projection slithered into view, using my neck to cower behind. He had every right to be angry. The memories revealed to me were private, and should have only been shared with me by his choice. It hurt to think I'd somehow stolen a choice from him.

Reks lifted his hand and firmly clasped onto Nox’s head. Luk slithered out of his wrist to loop around Nox’s neck. Sheesh. Even Luk looked peeved.

“Reks, don’t—” my voice spiked in sudden panic.

“I only wish to hear its response.” Reks said lowly. He turned Nox’s head upwards, forcing it to look him in the eyes. “Nox. The only reason Amelia’s soul is left unscathed is because Luk has adopted a fondness for her. The only reason you did not leave unscarred is because hurting you would hurt her in extension. Your actions violate your very principles, and it goes against the reason why I made you.” Reks pulled Nox’s head closer, and its tail clung around the side of my neck like an anchor as Reks uttered, “what do you have to say for yourself?”

Nox squirmed but didn’t resist. ~Ellison Lucil haunts Amelia like a faceless ghost. Her strong desire to know what the empress looks like along with an idea of what kind of relations you harbored with Ellison drove me to want to fulfill that desire, to answer in kind. After experiencing Luk usher you into Amelia’s mindscape prior, I replicated the actions. I admit, I predicted a much happier outcome than this… I hoped the two of you would become closer… then I’d perhaps be praised.~

Nox tried to advert its slitted eyes away from Reks, but he held the Guide in place. “Unless Amelia's life is on the line, you have no right to make that call. She should always be in the driver's seat. Not you. What you did makes you no better than Sio. If I ever catch you—”

“Nox is not yours to punish.” I interrupted, soft yet firm. I touched his arm, waiting until I had his eyes before continuing. “My Guide has nothing but admiration for you. What it did was wrong, and I’m sorry it happened. It won’t happen again. Right?” I looked down at Nox, who profusely agreed. “Nox will be hanging up Cupid’s bow and arrow from this point forward.”

Some of the anger left him, though not without effort. Both his and Luk’s grip fell from Nox. “Fine.” He said, moving to return the ominous lava lamp vial back to its original spot. “I’ll settle for some light disciplinary training in the armory.” He walked in that direction, then paused. His hand clenched into a fist against his side. Without looking over his shoulder, he added in that dangerously level tone, “Amelia… do me a favor and forget what you saw. The nightmares are enough of a reminder.”

The rest of the morning consisted of disciplinary training for Nox… but somehow, I was the only one sweating bullets.

Reks went over several training simulations which targeted my Guide’s response times to teach and incorporate new moves and strategies in both offensive and defensive maneuvers. He kept switching his personal interactive training projections to alter the quote-unquote environment to keep me on my toes, and adding human-like projection adversaries to the mix.

A few times when I thought I had the hang of it and seemed to have the upper hand, Reks would swoop in and catch me off guard. The vitiate found too much pleasure in provoking my growing need to beat him. Just once would suffice.

Sure, I learned some cool new moves. But he was too good! What made it worse, I knew he went easy on me. That, coupled with that cocky smirk of his made my blood boil with aggravation.

It was hard to focus on getting the upper hand on him when I kept picturing Ellison’s face and how she so effortlessly flirted with him. Gah.

On one hand, she had taken things too far. Way too far. But in the earlier memories at the celebration table where she seemed less… daunting, her flirting game was on point. Why couldn’t I do that? I wanted to make him nervous… in a flirty, endearing kind of way.

Our dynamic was the exact opposite. Reks would probably go all sexy, dominating assassin on me if I tried to make a move, turning the table completely.

It was difficult to believe someone had control over him. Though, it may be something he purposefully avoids after having gone through whatever he did with the empress.

“Look - this just isn’t working.” I breathed, pushing myself back up to my feet for the umpth time.

“Why do you think that is?” He tossed me a small towel, then lifted the bottom of his tank top to wipe the faint sheen of sweat from his face, providing an eyeful of his lower sweat-slicked abs. My stomach dipped.

This man was a walking temptation.

I dragged my magnetized eyes away from him, patting the rag across my forehead, then the back of my neck. “I don’t know. Maybe because I’ve never had to fight like this before? Or because I don’t want to fight you, in particular.” I tossed the rag back on the workbench next to the supplies we were supposed to give to the Black Market later today. “You’re way too strong, and I don’t have a desire to… beat you down. You know? I’m frustrated from losing, but it’s not enough.”

I didn’t mention how whenever his hands touch me, I lost all sense of reason. It sent a stupid, irritating thrill through my nerves that turned my thoughts into melted honey. And it didn’t help how the aroma of ashlets mixed with his woodsy, decadent scent, being a constant reminder of that kiss.

How was I supposed to win against him with that intoxicating my every thought? Gods… I was beginning to turn boy-crazy like Blaire.

Reks crossed his arms and slowly paced the mat. It was hard to keep my eyes from wandering down the length of his bare arms, golden and taut with a sheen of sweat, accentuating the two uneven scars stretched out around his shoulder. “Who do you want to, in your words, beat down? The Rhosyn boy who tricked you? Who lied to you?”

“N-Not exactly—”

“No? Then one of the crystalline monsters that ripped through your home? Or The Full Spectrum, who holds your best friend prisoner?” He cut me off, taking a daunting step forward. “Who turned her into a weapon against you.”

One of the faceless projections warped into a new figure. Dazzling colors like sun-soaked mosaic glass took the shape of a petite woman. The monster responsible for taking and hurting Blaire.

I flinched as a streak of anger rippled through me. “Yes.” I rasped, feeling the word grind through my throat like gravel.

I never met The Full Spectrum. But my hatred for that figurehead burned through my insides like a volcano ready to erupt. My nails dug into my palms in recollection of the pink diamonds under Blaire’s skin and that vicious smile that didn’t belong to her.

“Good. Keep your focus on that when training.” his shoulders eased, but there was a tense look in his features I couldn’t quite place. He moved to leave the mat. “Have Nox project holographic simulations for you to practice on while I’m out. If you can best me just once by the time I get back, I’ll promote you to weapon training.”

I blinked, digesting what he just said. “What? No. If you’re going to meet with the Black Market, I’m coming too.” I hurried over to the workbench, beating him to the bag of seeds he reached for. I snagged it, holding it behind my back for protection.

He grimaced, curling his fingers into the empty space the bag had previously taken up.

“Amelia…” he eyed me. “Luk verified they’re stationed at an illegal fighting ring. It’ll be too dangerous.”

He reached for my arm, but I stepped back, bumping into the workbench hard enough to make it wobble. “So? What hasn’t been dangerous? Don’t tell me you’re insecure in your ability to keep me safe.” I raised a provoking brow. “Plus, what if something happens and you don’t come back? What would I do then?”

“I’m coming back.” he stepped into me, reaching behind my back. My heart did a little flip when his chest brushed mine.

I outstretched my arm as far as I could behind me, holding myself up with my other hand clenched onto the edge of the bench as I leaned against it for leverage. “But what if you take too long? What if I fall asleep and end up disappearing before you get back?”

His lips tightened into a thin line. A victorious smile found its way to mine. I had him there.

“I’m going with you.” I stated, jabbing a pointed finger against the center of his chest. “Then when we get back and I get some practice in with Nox, you’ll promote me to weapon training. Got it?”

“So demanding.” he quipped. Though it didn’t seem like he minded it. “And that all depends on if you can best me.” He nudged my finger away from his chest, then opened his hand palm up, waiting for me to drop the bag of seeds there.

“So… we have a deal then? I can go?”

“What can I say? I’m a sucker for listening to you beg.” his lips kicked up in a sinuous half-smile, sending a jolt of groundless butterflies through my middle.

I turned my head and closed my eyes in a moment of pure frustration, aimlessly tossing the bag back at him. “Maybe you should go back and count your lucky stars. I think a couple crashed on planet pervert.

I moved to push away but paused when his index finger touched my nose. His chin lowered as he held the single finger up. “My lucky star’s accounted for.”

Heat scorched my face in an instant.

It had to be the corniest, yet sweetest thing he ever said to me. I looked down, pressing the back of my hand against one of my fiery cheeks. “That’s really sweet, Reks… but you may not think that at the end of all this.” I slid away, heading towards the armory’s exit.

“What makes you say that?” his smoky tone mixed with grim shadows. It tugged at my heart.

I knew he didn’t want me to mention the memories I'd seen in his mindscape. But they haunted me. She haunted me.

“I’m scared,” I admitted, slowing my pace, but not turning to face him. “I’m scared I’m going to end up being the only one benefitting at the end. I’m scared we’re going to find out the empress is still alive, and you’re… I’m sorry.” I stopped at the door, touching the frame with my fingers. “I just don’t want you to be taken advantage of. It really bothered me.”

“She’s gone, Amelia.” His voice went harsh for a moment, then softened. “If El was still truly here, I’d know it. Because of the vitiate bond, Luk would be able to sense her.”

I squeezed the doorframe. “But if that’s not the case. What would you do then? Would the vitiate bond even allow you to hold a grudge against her?”

“If she somehow managed to save herself, no matter the excuses, she wouldn’t have my forgiveness. But I'd still be bound to serve her. A vitiate's vow goes deeper than words, and cannot be easily severed.”

He’s told me some of this already. So why does it continue to bother me? The mystery revolving around the empress’ death and her actions leading up to it didn’t feel right. Incomplete and full of holes.

I pressed my lips together, braving a look at him. Reks leaned against the workbench with both hands gripping the edge. He watched me through thick lashes. Maybe I’m too paranoid for my own good. I pushed my lips out in a pout. “Maybe I need to hang up my detective hat next to Nox’s Cupid bow and arrow.”

He laughed. An intrigued smile tugged at one side of his lips. He raised a hand and curled one finger in to motion for me to approach him. “Come here.”

Heat blossomed across my body. I straightened. “Oh. Um, no thank you. I-I’m pretty sweaty, so I’m going to get cleaned up before we go—”

Oh, Hells. He wasn’t taking no for an answer.

Reks slid across the top of the workbench and strode across the room towards me. My heart hammered against my ribs in response, and my body froze in eager anticipation.

I fought against it and jerked around the corner to walk—no—run. Politely run down the hall to my temporary room and close the door as soon as possible. No. The restroom was much closer! I needed to make a break for the next closest room. Odds were better he wouldn’t follow me in there.

Something cool slid around my hip, then looped its way around my waist. I hadn’t made it farther than halfway from the armory before his Guide caught me. I stumbled back a step, falling into a hard chest and a pair of hands. A pair of predatorial hands which twirled me around and pressed me against the wall.

My breath hitched.

“That was the exact opposite of what I asked you to do.” Reks said in an intriguingly low tone, rich and husky. His other tendril looped avidly around my wrist as the heat of his palms smoothed down my shoulders. “Have I mentioned I’m fairly good at chase?”

My nerves tightened, face heating. “Has anyone ever told you using your Guide like that is cheating?”

“Careful, Stargazer. You might hurt Luk’s feelings.” he teased as his Guide made another loop up my waist, brushing past my ribs.

Stargazer.

My heart fluttered from that little nickname. That, and his sudden flare of sultry flirtation. He enjoyed this. Winding me up.

“Reks…” my fingers curled around his biceps, unsure if I’d push him away or pull him closer.

“I need you to hear this.” his fingers found their way under my chin. He held my gaze and a slow smile crept on his face from the sight of my cheeks reddening. “I think it’s adorable the way your whole face turns red around me.”

My breath caught in my throat, causing the heat to only get worse. “I just get hot easily. It’s an Earth thing. You w-wouldn’t know.” I tried to turn, but he held me there. The odds of me melting here and now continued to increase.

“And I like how you stutter when you’re nervous. Don't get me wrong, I've made many all types of nervous, but it tends to be out of fear and not because they've fallen for me as you have. So endearing. I think I’ve found something new I like about you every day since meeting you. Your random sparks of bravery, especially when it comes to me… despite having an idea of how dangerous I can be. Your confusing rambles. The heart you wear on your sleeve, no matter what’s going on. Your perseverance. How you are somehow able to light up the darkness, places I thought light could no longer reach. And I really like how you both find and lose yourself when looking at the stars.” he tilted my chin up a notch and swept a lock of hair away from my face, tucking it behind my ear. "Shall I continue?"

With his proximity, his chest grazing mine, there was no doubt in my mind he could feel the rapid thundering of my heart. It thumped against my whole body. “Where… are you going with this?” I asked, putting extra focus on not falling over my own words.

It drove me crazy how he saw through me so easily. Like all it took was a single look. Normally I was so much better at hiding what I didn't want seen, an expert at keeping my cards to my chest. But Reks knew every detail, every scratch and crease within my deck.

“I made a promise to you, per the conditions, so I feel obliged to confess…” he drew in the curve of his bottom lip as his gaze lingered over mine. “All I’ve wanted to do since you ended our kiss has been to continue what we’ve started. To see this through. We owe ourselves that much. Wouldn’t you agree?”

The heady edge his voice adopted made thinking much harder.

“Th-that was more for… critical information. Life-threatening things.” heavy pulses thrummed through me, getting thicker the longer he held me and with every new loop his Guide made. One curved up past my elbow while the other slithered in between my breasts. It was like he sought to claim me. Taking his time. Thoroughly enjoying my skin burn hotter and hotter under his touch.

“But it is life-threatening.”

“What?” I breathed out a short laugh. “No, it isn’t.”

“I would regret not telling you. And regret is a terrible thing to carry throughout life.”

I fought the urge to smile but failed. I shook my head, then used my only free hand to gently push against his chest. “Thank you for sharing. I’ll take your confession under immense consideration. But if we don’t leave soon, we’re both going to regret it if the Black Market decides they don’t want to make a deal with us anymore. And it’s like you said… regret is a terrible thing to carry.”

Reks smirked. “You’re lucky we’re in a time crunch.”

“Oh. Am I now?”

His fingers slowly loosened around my chin as his Guide’s tendrils receded back into his wrists, sliding away from my arm and waist. An involuntary shiver cascaded down my skin. “Yes. I had planned to find out just how red you could get… and if the fire exceeded beyond your pretty face.” his hand slid down the side of my neck, trailing across the goosebumps pimpling my skin. “Now I’ll have to start over when there’s more time.”

“That’s too bad. I can see you’re really worked up over it.” A shaky breath left me, defying my attempt to play it off.

He cocked a dark brow, taking a step back as the last of Luk disappeared under his flesh. “Wear something dark and concealing. Something you’d wear to disappear in a crowd. We don’t want to attract any unwanted attention if it can be helped.” he turned to go back into his armory, then paused at the door. “I know wearing her clothes isn’t ideal. But Luk went ahead and gave you access to everything she left here. It should all be in your closet space. If you can’t find what you need, feel free to find something in mine.”

“Got it. Thanks.” I shot him an awkward thumb’s up before resuming my track back to the shower. I’d need to take a devastatingly cold one to extinguish the fire he lit in me.