Free Embracing Ember by Astrid Cielo Page B

their ancestors had started so many years ago. The other colonies of Eden would pay dearly for refusing to answer their distress call, and since the ancestors of their planet were the ones to suffer, so would those ancestors of the other colonies. It would be his pleasure to take revenge on the entire universe.
     
    “High Lord?” a reedy voice asked, taking him from his musings.
     
    “Yes,” he replied his tone sharp with disdain that any would disturb him.
     
    “I apologize, High Lord, but it seems the astronomers have located another planet. This one the inhabitants call Earth. The scientists have prepared a report that is now available to you,” the reedy voice stated before edging toward the exit.
     
    But he couldn’t let the young man get away with his insolence, no everyone had to know who the undeniable leader was or there would be mutiny. “And for your disruption, all of your rations have been forfeited for the next two days,” he announced hardly able to hide his pleasure at the thought of this young male hungering all because of his whims.
     
    “Yes, High Lord,” the male stated before leaving the room as quickly as he possibly could knowing the punishments would continue should he dawdle. Yes, it was good to be in charge. He decided the fate of every one of his subjects from birth to death. What foods they ate – his decision. What careers they had – his decision. Their pay at that job – his decision and quite entertaining to pay a prisoner caretaker the same wages that a doctor would make, but to make things fair the doctor had to make what the prisoner caretaker would make.
     
    He turned to peer at the photo now uploaded to his personal database and smiled. This planet was blue, that meant lots of water and with water came other valuable resources. Yes, this planet would become his, the same way Salin would fall. He pressed the intercom button to talk with his scientists, “Ready the science team. Earth needs to be studied,” he said.
     
    ***
     
    Serenity couldn’t believe she was back in that sterile hallway once more. A female stared at her expectantly. This time Serenity knew the deal. She knew this girl wanted her to follow. “Where are we going this time?” Serenity asked as she followed the female. The girl stopped and turned looking into Serenity’s brown eyes. This girl was different from the one that she met last time, younger, more fragile.
     
    “You can speak my language?” she asked as her blue eyes widened in surprise and joy at the thought. Her hair was long and touched past her waist, its jet black masses were knotted and dirty. She wore a simple dress that probably used to be white. Her face, though the reddened appearance Serenity had come to expect from a Salinian and even herself now that she looked into the mirror, a scarlet tint that accentuated her lovely blue eyes, was smudged with dirt. Serenity’s heart constricted at the all too conspicuous tear tracts that ran the length of her face. Her feet were bare and she noticed small cuts on her legs that almost blended in with the scarlet colored skin she sported.
     
    “Yes. I have been on Salin for close to two years now. I decided it best that I learn your language. But I don’t understand what’s going on?” she replied. The girl seemed confused at her words.
     
    “I don’t understand how you can only have been on Salin for two years. Where were you before?” she replied finally.
     
    Serenity smiled when she realized that the girl didn’t realize that she wasn’t a Salinian. “I believe some explanation is in order. My name is Serenity and I come from the planet known as Earth. I came here with my mate, Eon, almost two years ago. What is your name and do you mind explaining what exactly is going on here?” Serenity replied to the girl’s question.
     
    “I am Cekayda. I used to live on Salin before I was stolen from my parents’ years ago by these evil beings. My family has always been able