Nyota
Smart question. "They are," I said. "Essence is the power of your soul. Scent is one way your body manifests that power. A glimpse into your true self so that you can recognize compatible mates. Aura is the other way the power is manifested. A warning label, to incite or subdue seekers, of your worth." I observe her out of the corner of my eye. I see the curiosity war with caution in her eyes. "If someone's strong enough, all three align. People will be either attracted to or fear you. Depends on what they want from you."
She sat down on a nearby bench, the light filtering through the courtyard leaves painting soft patterns over her hair. In the course of our walking, we'd drifted toward Aspen and Lux's wing. Over her shoulder, I caught sight of Aspen pulling the curtain back to check on us before giving a small wave and letting it fall closed again. Not sure if I should be upset they are monitoring us, but then again—my gaze slid to the medical bracelets on her wrists—she is always being monitored these days. I don't think she knows those bracelets double as lo-jacks. "So this is why some people react so strongly to alphas?" she asked, tilting her head toward me.
"Not exactly." I came to stand beside the bench, close enough that our shadows overlapped. "You could react to another beta or even an omega just as strongly if they're of a higher tier than you. You could also react this way when you encounter your fated Velari. It comes down to resonance. You'll understand more over time. Just pay attention—you'll learn."
Her brows drew together as she thought it over. I rested an elbow on the bench's back, letting the afternoon light catch the faint shimmer of my aura. "Your aura hasn't stabilized yet," I said with a slow grin, "but when it does, it'll get you into trouble. I can already tell."
I winked at her, pride curling warm beneath my ribs. She will be like a force of nature once she is ready to face the world again.
Her cheeks flushed. Adorable. She looked away quickly, muttering something about having a crazy dad support her world domination plans. I totally would support her if she wanted to take over Asari. I actually have a file in my study for such a scenario if that is the path she chooses to take at any point. Better to be prepared than scrambling when it's time to annihilate the opposition.
We stayed sitting on that bench for a while, just letting the quiet embrace us. It felt meaningful to just exist in this space with her, so I enjoyed this moment for as long as it would last. After a while, though, I felt she had decided on her next question. "Do you think…" she hesitated, "I should continue my training to be a Sentinel? Lux explained how it could be beneficial to our enclave, but you weren't there for that conversation. I would like to know your opinion."
I don't immediately give her an answer. I take a moment to gather my thoughts on the matter. "Politically, as the Crown Consort of this enclave, I do agree that having one of our Tharym become a Sentinel would be a boon we have never had and could benefit from. Unless it is a special circumstance you wouldn't be able to represent or prosecute us, but you could be an advisor in such cases. Any case you handle that increase your prestige would in turn increase the prestige of the enclave. Having you in this role would also give us more direct influence on the judicial side of government. This would strengthen our political power base." I pause to come around the bench, taking a seat next to her.
Her eyes glowed, hanging on every word I say. "A Sentinel of the Accord doesn't protect for glory or recognition. They protect the balance between the influential. They protect the balance between the general population and the influential." I reached out, brushing a stray curl from her face. "So yes. I do believe you would be an amazing Sentinel. You had the heart for it before. But now I believe you have the heart and spine for it. Yet, as your Azrail, I couldn't want you further away from this position."
I can see I shocked her. I don't doubt the others have all been positively supportive of her career decision, but I'm not the type to bite my tongue when I sense it isn't needed. "You will have to deal with the under side of Asari. Being a sentinel allows you certain privileges including the right to cross into any region on both continents. This makes you, a tantalizing target for those with power. They will either try to corrupt or kill you. I don't want that for you. But I also won't take away your choice. So I will support you openly and subtly. I will protect you so that I will never have to bury you."
She looked at me like she wanted to believe in my vow but wasn't sure if I would keep it. I held up my fist, forgetting in the moment that she wouldn't remember that bumping our fists was our super secret way of sealing an unshakable vow.
She stared for so long I was beginning to feel embarrassed, then she bumped fists with me with tentative hope in her eyes. "Forever and always. This promise will last until our last breath." She muttered under her breath, and I felt the tears well up in my eyes.
"Yes, Little Queen, forever and always until our last breath. Can I hug you again? Your Azrail is feeling big emotions and needs a hug right now. Please and thank you." I held my arms out wide, ready for the embrace. This earned me a soft laugh, quiet but real. It echoed in the garden as she scooted over, embracing me as tightly as I embraced her. She inhaled my scent like a little drug addict. I remember the days she would find me and huff me just like this, when we lived at the mountain estate and she needed to not feel alone.
She would steal my clothes and make a nest of them on the occasions when I couldn't sit with her. We sat there, holding each other, breathing the same quiet gratitude. For the first time since my heart stopped for a moment when I felt her death two weeks ago, I thanked the Creators that we were given another chance. We are really going to be okay. No, we are going to be cosmic. I just know it.