ZIONs POV... One Day Later... As I stand in the middle of the flight deck going over the co-ordinates of where the Scourages ship was last seen docking, I swear I can hear Miya's voice in my head.  My mate is screaming.  She sobs with terror. Wails with torment. Fuck... I need it to stop. It won't stop!  It's crippling, almost paralyzing to listen to as it takes over my senses and overrides my entire body.  Agony, despair, and misery sweep over me. I fall to my knees, my left knee hits the hard surface first, then my right as I cover my ears with my hands. Leaning forward, my forehead rests upon the cold surface and just when I believe I can't take it any longer... An overwhelming scent of terror, confusion and shock slams into my large body like the rough waves of our rivers crashing into dunes.  "Zion!" Sylvans' voice booms across the deck matching the s

ZIONs POV... Walking down the crafts corridor on my way to meet with Sylvan for a mind-blocking sparring session,  "Zion..." Miyas' sweet voice fills my head I come to a standstill, bracing myself against the corridor wall with my hands placed above my head and my chin touching my chest.  "I'm here, bonetta." [fated one] I mutter hoarsely as I squeeze my eyes shut. Her voice is full of panic and it causes my throat to close up. "I'm sorry..." She whimpers. "Please, please don't give up on me...."  Clenching my hands into tight balls of fury, "Never!!" I growl fiercely. "Hang tight, bonetta. We are coming!" I hiss and I slam my hand into the wall, causing it to crack around my fist.  I take a moment to gather my composure, straightening my posture, I run my trembling fingers through my hair. "Brother," I mind link with Jaja. "Please tell me you have their location?"

ZIONs POV... EARLIER... As I watch Tyber working his magic on the Scourages ship entry, manipulating the code to their security system with his mind. I steel my nerves, twirling my wide-bladed daggers between my fingers. I look over my shoulder, my eyes drinking in the faces of my warriors who have joined me in my battle to recover Nova, Miya, and our females.  Their bravery, honour and courage will not go unnoticed.  Some of these noble and fearless warriors will return, walking, back on the craft with me. The rest, unfortunately, will be returning in body bags and it strikes a chord in my twin hearts knowing that this will be their last dance. Their last crusade.  A battle to the death. It is only right, that I face these spirited warriors and say something encouraging. I turn, tapping my blades together and in response my warriors do the same with their weapons, creating a glorious beat for me to speak

ZIONs POV... I shake my head, clearing the blinding spots prancing in my vision.  Maddox is a slimy fighter, and I should have known better than to align myself with him. He is attempting to buy himself extra time to heal. Seeing him in my skin makes me furious, and it tastes hellish bitter to look at him donning my face. Especially when he has my special gift, sizzling through his loins.  I will make him pay for everything.  The trauma he has bestowed upon me and my siblings.  The suffering and misery he has etched into the roots of my peoples' twin hearts.  "NO...!!" Nova screams at the top of her lungs which has my head snapping up. Sylvan rushes towards us, throwing his body in front of me. My twin hearts cease, "Sylvan, NO!!" I roar, lurching forward to catch him as he lets out a grunt, swaying side to side with his hand resting on the dagger.  I collapse alongside him,

ZIONs POV... "It's finally good to see that the Alpha King has returned home safely and with the other half of his soul in tow." The light oracle sings as we walk through the garden of wisdom. "It is a victorious day, a day that will be remembered for many eras to come." I bite my tongue, unwilling to inform her that our mission's success came at a high cost. We lost at least two dozen warriors, and a grandiose burial does not do justice to the contributions and sacrifices they made for our people. Nothing will ever be adequate.  The war is over, but the heartache and sorrow will live on for eternity in those they have left behind. "It does feel good to be back, to be able to return home with our promise to the people fulfilled," I reply with my hands behind my back. "I feel like I can breathe properly too. I also hope the females will find some peace on Mahji after everything they have been through with the Scourage."  "You'