Autonomy: Book 2 in the Invasion Day series (17 page)

She thought instead of Thrayke, and let her pain turn to longing. She truly wanted him above all others, and smiled as she let herself think of his arms as they’d wrapped around her, his kiss as he showed her how much he cared, and the heart he’d declared was hers for the taking…

The lights returned almost as soon as the buzzing had finished, dazzling her. Out of nowhere, the ground then began to shake beneath her feet, and Kyra stumbled forward, closer to the building’s edge. She thought she might actually fall, and quickly realized that despite her once so steadfast suicidal plans, she wasn’t actually ready to die. At first, she guessed the vibrations must be something to do with the crafts all having taken flight, but then she remembered how she used to feel tremors like this regularly as a young child. What she’d felt was an earthquake, albeit a small one, but they hadn’t had them in twenty years, and it was a shock to be standing atop a building that was somehow rattling uncontrollably beneath her.

An eerie silence fell, and then another tremor started, this time stronger than the last. Kyra lurched forward again, and readied herself for the fall to her death she guessed was imminent, but jumped when she felt strong hands grip her waist and pull her back from the edge.

“What are you thinking?” Thrayke bellowed at her when he’d yanked back onto the safety of the rooftop. Kyra couldn’t answer him. Instead, she flung her arms around his shoulders and held on tight. He’d come back, even if it was just to say goodbye, and she felt an amazing sense of closure now that she’d had the chance to see him one last time.

It’s okay. You can go. I’m so glad that I got to see your face again before it’s all over though,
she mouthed, and pressed her lips against his. Thrayke kissed and hugged her back so hard the breath left her lungs in a rush. It was exactly what she’d been missing, and she guessed he felt the same because he crushed her body into his as he caressed her. They were both lost in their moment, and it was only when another tremor shook the building a third time that she finally pulled back. Kyra looked up at Thrayke in shock, desperate to know what was happening, but he didn’t say a word. He held her close again, but it was only when her immensely powerful lover lifted Kyra off her feet and was throwing her in the backseat of his hovercraft that she realized he’d abducted her.
No!
she tried to tell him, but he simply shook his head.

She wanted to demand that he release her, but then she peered into his deep blue eyes and paled. Thrayke was watching her with an expression she’d never seen on his face before—fear. He buckled her in tight and then climbed into the pilot’s seat in front of hers, and they were airborne before she could even loosen the belt, let alone try and escape. Kyra kicked the back of his seat to get his attention, but he ignored her. With skilled piloting techniques, Thrayke took them up into the clouds a heartbeat later, climbing higher and higher at breakneck speed, but all she could see was the back of his head.

When she felt more pressure hit her chest, she knew they’d hit the first layer of Earth’s atmosphere, and immediately stopped fighting his kidnap. It felt like an elephant was sitting on her, and Kyra sucked in breath after breath in a bid to stay conscious, while he seemed completely unaffected by the changes in pressure.

“Just take deep breaths, okay? We’ll be there soon. I’m going around to find a different dock in the hope we don’t find any others there,” Thrayke called over his shoulder before he focused again on the task at hand, and Kyra felt the small craft swing to the right. “I knew all along that I couldn’t bring myself to leave you there alone, Kyra. I was coming back no matter what. But it looks like you had other plans, huh? I was going to stay behind with you. Do you realize how much I was willing to give up to be with you? And you were ready to just throw your life away,” he demanded, and she could hear the anger in his tone as he ranted question after question they both knew she couldn’t answer. She stomped her foot once, indicating yes. She had intended on killing herself, until the literal do or die moment. She also understood exactly what he’d done for her, and Thrayke sighed.

Kyra wasn’t going to deny her true intentions on that rooftop, and he punched the roof of the cockpit in his rage. “We’ll talk about this properly later, but right now I need you to do exactly as I ask. If you’re discovered, we’ll both be in big trouble, so for once can you do as you’ve been told?”

She stamped her foot once in affirmation again, and saw him nod in approval. Her head was pounding. Fear, guilt, anger, and the utter loss of all she once knew were overwhelming her, but somehow the love she felt for the man who’d saved her once again crept in, too, as well as her instinctual desire to survive. She knew how much Thrayke was sacrificing to save her, and felt indebted to him in ways she knew it’d take her a hundred years to repay, even if he never let her.

Kyra had been so sure that she’d wanted to die, but now that he’d saved her, she felt the exact opposite. Every part of her wanted to hug and kiss her alien savior in thanks, but she also wanted to slap him for being foolish enough to save her. His life could’ve been so much simpler without her in it, and part of her wished he hadn’t burdened himself by stowing her away. She wondered how he even planned to hide her on a ship filled with Thrakorian soldiers, or whether he’d actually thought that far ahead.

Kyra guessed it might’ve been a knee-jerk reaction to grab her and throw her in the craft, or had he already decided to take her along with him. She couldn’t be sure, but he’d also said he was planning on staying, so Kyra found herself wondering why he hadn’t flown them both somewhere secluded and safe on Earth rather than heading up to the mother ship bound for Thrakor. Her mind was running wild with questions unanswered, and they only served to make it pound harder.

Kyra shrunk back in her seat and watched through the tiny sliver of window as their craft moved through a pressurized dock and then landed in a dark hanger. Inside were hundreds of small crafts that’d already been cleared, cleaned, and stored, and thankfully the place seemed locked up and empty. “These are the ships from Australia and Asia. The owners are already tucked up in their quarters ready to watch the show.” He turned back in his seat and watched her intently, as though contemplating what to do with her now that he had successfully stolen her away.

What show?
she mouthed, and frowned when he couldn’t meet her gaze.

“You’ll see,” was all Thrayke answered, and he jutted his chin towards a large black lockable box in the back of the craft. “Get in there.”

Kyra did as he asked, still too dumfounded to answer him back or question his motives. It was clear he intended to carry her in masqueraded as just another part of his luggage, and she hoped he was planning on being gentle with his fragile cargo. There wasn’t much room to move around in the dark case, but it was airy enough that she didn’t feel claustrophobic, and so Kyra forced herself to stay calm and take deep breaths when he closed the lid.

Before long, Thrayke began pulling it along on its wheels by the handle, and within minutes Kyra could hear that they were amidst a bustling convoy of men, women, and children who’d docked along with them. She could tell without having to take a sneaky peek that people who would turn them both in without hesitation surrounded them, so she kept perfectly still despite her legs already having started to grown numb and uncomfortable.

It wouldn’t matter that Kronus had a soft spot for them both, their betrayal would surely be met with severe punishments, or else he’d look weak in front of his patriots. The only person Kyra knew she could rely on was Thrayke, and vice versa. He was her everything, and regardless of how they’d gotten here, she was glad he’d decided to save her after all.

Chapter Fifteen

What have I done? Someone will figure it out, and I’ll get us both killed…
Thrayke’s thoughts were running away with him, and he had to take a few deep breaths before he could press the button that would tell the elevator which floor he wanted to disembark on. With two bags hoisted across his back, and two huge suitcases dragging behind him, he knew he looked like nothing more than another Thrak who’d grown attached to a few things from his new life and wanted to take them with him back home. It wasn’t too far from the truth regarding his most precious cargo, and he was careful not to bump her along too much on his way to his quarters on the upper-level of the ship.

He nodded to the few people he saw along the way, but didn’t stop to chat. Thrayke almost made it to his doorway when a voice he simply couldn’t ignore called for his attention.

“There you are. I was beginning to think you’d gotten lost on your way up here,” King Kronus called, and he came towards him with a smile. He clapped Thrayke on the shoulder and eyed his haul. “Collecting keepsakes were we?” the King teased, and he shrugged.

“Yeah, I couldn’t help myself. How about you? I bet that movie collection didn’t get left behind?”

“No chance, I spent years getting them together and absolutely wasn’t about to leave them back on Earth,” Kronus replied with his hand over his heart, as though offended at the sheer thought of leaving it behind, and Thrayke was glad he’d taken the bait to talk about something other than Thrayke’s haul. He input his door code and grabbed the last of his cases, including the one with Kyra inside. As he stepped over the threshold into his quarters, he had to clench his jaw to stop from objecting when Kronus followed him in.

“I thought you’d be watching from the helm, sire?” he asked, and positioned his luggage in a corner as far away from his leader as possible. In the moment, he was eternally grateful that she was mute, but was worried she might panic and move inside the case, or worse, open it up to try and get some fresh air now that they’d come to a stop.

“I don’t want to see it,” Kronus answered, and his voice faltered a little. He then took a look around the office Thrayke had already had delivered to his private living quarters that consisted of an office, bunk, and private bathroom. He’d had his entire office from The Tower brought up to the mother ship shortly before in a conscious effort not to bring attention to the fact he hadn’t intended on heading home with them, and was now glad he had. Thrayke felt oddly at home among his things, and watched Kronus through his carefully calm guise. “Do you think she’s suffering? I couldn’t bring myself to check on her, but I know you kept a close eye. How was she?”

Thrayke sighed, and his gaze instinctively fell back on the case he knew Kyra was listening from. As much as he didn’t want to doubt her feelings for him, he couldn’t forget how easily Kronus had stolen her away before. Thrayke knew he’d preyed on her pain and loathing of Kronus and his selfish nature to ensure she remembered who was there for her when he had discarded her so easily, and couldn’t bear it if she eventually chose Kronus over him. Thrayke had proven his worthiness as keeper of her heart ten times over, but still fretted that he might still lose again so easily.

“The burden she carried killed her months ago, my King. She won’t suffer,” he answered, and watched as Kronus swallowed the lump in his throat.

“As much as it pains me to believe, perhaps it’s true. Maybe she’ll be better off this way. I made a lot of mistakes where she was concerned, and I’ve no doubt I’ll make them all over again when I’m Mariah’s husband,” he replied, with a dry laugh. “She’ll hate me, of course, but no more than I hate myself. The mission was a success, but other than that, we’re returning home nothing more than empty shells of our former selves, Thrayke. I’m not a King, not anymore. I’m a spoiled, selfish Prince, and you are to call me as such from now on. You did more as a leader than I ever did, and I’m going to make you a Chief when we get home.”

Thrayke was dumfounded. He didn’t know what to say or how to respond, and practically fell into his seat at the huge desk he’d sat behind for decades. He’d always wanted recognition for his hard and honorable work to the crown, but hadn’t worked hard all those years with only his desires as his goal. It was a dream come true to be made a Chief, of course, but he’d served Kronus willingly and out of respect, never for his own agenda. He was also acutely aware of how he’d lied to, and was continuing to lie to, his leader about the woman they both loved. Kronus had come to him for closure, and instead he was leaving with nothing but more lies, when he’d just offered his old friend a title of incredible worth and standing within the Thrakorian government back home. Traditionally, each King had only one Chief, but many of Kronus’ siblings had appointed numerous ones, and he had seemingly decided to follow their example.

“It’s been an honor serving you over the years, Prince Kronus. I don’t need titles or recognition to continue doing so, just a place at your side and a promise of more adventures to come, but I will accept whatever designation you wish to give me. I did so the day you named me the Besieger, and will do so again,” Thrayke replied, and stood to embrace his friend.

“Very well then,” Kronus said, and he then left Thrayke’s quarters without another word.

***

When the case was finally opened, it took Kyra a few seconds to get her bearings. Her eyes eventually focused in the dim light, and she saw what appeared to be Thrayke’s exact office from The Tower, but simply plucked from Earth and deposited aboard the huge ship. He was standing over her, his hand outstretched for her to take, and she took it. Kyra’s legs wobbled slightly and ached after being curled up for so long, but her strong man put an arm around her waist and kept her upright, and she smiled.

“The doors are locked tight, so no one’s getting in without a blowtorch,” he told her, and settled his lover in a perched position against the desk. Kyra nodded in understanding and then accepted a glass of water from him, which she promptly downed. She was parched, and the cool liquid was a more than welcome relief to her dry throat.

It was a few seconds before she had a proper look around, and Kyra immediately spied the window to one side of the huge room. Right now, it was frosted over, and she touched it expecting it to be bumpy, but instead it was smooth. Thrayke then pressed a button on a large panel to the right, and it went translucent instantly.

Kyra’s mouth dropped open. From the huge window she could see out into the vastness of space as it stretched out all around them, but what held her gaze wasn’t the abundance of stars or the brightness she hadn’t considered could be present up there—it was the planet dominating the space before her. Earth seemed so near she felt she could reach out and touch it, but she also knew it was thousands of miles away, despite the deceiving sight.

Why did you bring me here? You said you were planning to stay behind in the end?
she signed.

“Because all was not as I’d once thought, and the only way we could be safe was to sneak you here with me,” Thrayke replied, and he stepped close to her from behind. He pressed a kiss on her shoulder and snaked his arms around her waist, staring down at the planet below from over her shoulder. “I only found out early this morning that it wasn’t safe to stay behind like I’d planned, and knew I had to come and get you.”

What’s the show?
she asked again, and Thrayke sighed.

“The name many of our kind have given to today, and what’s about to happen. Fifty years ago we began preparing for our invasion, and it seems measures were put in place to ensure we had adequate time in which to complete our mission. Your planet was a mess. Earth was overpopulated and its eco-system and natural resources had been overused to the point of extinction.”

She nodded, still peering down at the planet she couldn’t deny had been abused by its indigenous inhabitants for far too long. “Earth was dying, Kyra. There was seismic activity all across the globe, and we had to put measures in place to stop them. Holes were drilled into the Earth’s core, and special casings were sent down into them right before we came on Invasion Day. The substance within surrounded the magma, causing chaos within the planet’s mantle. It then stabilized it and held it in controlled stasis, but came a great cost. We had to use an incredibly valuable metal to Thrakor called Coranium to put a stopper in your planet’s cataclysm. Because of our withdrawal, Kronus recently issued an order instructing that the Coranium be retrieved once all the DNA positive humans were safely aboard this ship, and that’s why you felt the ground shaking in Los Angeles. That city will be one of the first to crumble as it sits on one of the most dangerous of Earth’s fault lines, and when I discovered the truth, part of me wondered if I might already be too late to save you.”

Kyra looked back over her shoulder at him, and took in the weary, hard-worn frown that dominated Thrayke’s face. He still looked his usual self, but he wore his pain openly, and she frowned.

I’m sorry for what I thought I wanted. Up on that rooftop, I realized I didn’t want to die, but it was almost too late. When you pulled me back, it was such a relief, and I know now I can’t be selfish anymore. If you really want me, I’m yours. Now, forever, always…
she signed.

“Forsaking all others?” he asked, and she turned to properly look into his eyes as she gave him the answer he seemed to need so desperately.

Forsaking all others. You are mine and I am yours, for life.

When they could finally tear themselves away from each other, Kyra took a shower and was pleased to find some combats that fit waiting for her with Thrayke’s luggage. She was too short to pass for a Thrakorian, but guessed that at least she wouldn’t stand out too much in the black combats everyone wore if she was ever forced to leave his quarters, rather than in her civilian clothes.

Kyra looked out the window again, and part of her wished she hadn’t. Earth was already ablaze with fiery magma, and her heart bled for all the lives that had to have already been lost to its flow.

“They don’t deserve to die, but we were never there to save everyone, only those that mattered—despite how awful that sounds. The Gentry and the highest-regarded humans are aboard, and have been put into stasis along with the DNA profiled candidates ready to work for us on Thrakor. Technically, you can join them, but I don’t think Kronus would take too kindly to discovering how we sneaked you aboard. For now, you need to stay hidden, and safe. We’ll figure everything out later, okay?”

Okay,
she agreed, still watching the show with a frown.
Why are we staying to watch?

“In case there are any stragglers. Only once it’s all over and we know for sure that none of our comrades will be left behind can we leave. Our race is proud of our laws and our ability to follow orders. King Thrakor is a ruler, but also a warrior. He took our people and gave them purpose and structure, just like we did for you. Perhaps we aren’t so different, after all,” he said with a small laugh, and then checked his tablet device to see if there were any updates with regards to the itinerary. “We should be leaving in a few hours,” he informed her, and Kyra paled. It suddenly dawned on her, if they were waiting for stragglers, that could mean only one thing, and it hurt to even contemplate.

You won’t leave until the Earth is dead, along with everything on it, will you?

“No,” was all he could seem to answer. Thrayke reached out to offer her a supportive touch, but she yanked her arm away. Nothing a Thrak could offer her would bring her comfort right now, regardless of her love for him. She needed a minute, and was grateful when he seemed to understand that need without having to question her.

Kyra then watched the world that was her home perish. She couldn’t tear her eyes away, and felt she owed it to those dying at the hands of their angry planet to stay watch and morn them. She sat curled in a ball on the floor, and watched as the many spots of evidently gushing lava turned from red to black, along with some of the once blue oceans and white ice caps. The end of the world was happening right before her eyes, and there was nothing she could do about it. She thought it was finally over when all stilled, and she almost turned back to look at Thrayke, when she saw something start to move again.

Tears streamed down her face, and soundless screams roared from her lungs as her home planet imploded. Piece by piece it crumbled in on itself, evidently caving in to fill the voids left behind from the once spewing magma. Kyra pounded her fists against the window with rage, and screamed curses out into the heavens as the planet crumbled and perished. When all that was left of planet Earth splintered into huge pieces and then disintegrated into shards destined to float among the debris of space, she doubled over and wailed.

It was only when Thrayke pinned her to him and put his hand over her mouth that she realized she was screaming for real, and hearing her voice again after so long was suddenly so alien to her that Kyra immediately quieted.

Was that me?
she signed when she was calmer, even though she knew it had to have been.

“Yes, I don’t know how, but you’ve managed to dislodge something, or perhaps you simply got it to heal by sheer force. Take it easy, you sounded a bit croaky,” he told her, and she nodded.

Sobs were still catching in her throat, and when she looked back at the emptiness of space behind, Kyra had to turn away again. She couldn’t bring herself to consider the carnage the human race had just brought on its own world because of its historic foolhardiness, but also the destruction the Thrakorian’s had let happen once they no longer needed what Earth had to offer.