Nyxia Unleashed (The Nyxia Triad) by Scott Reintgen

Author:Scott Reintgen [Reintgen, Scott]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2018-07-17T00:00:00+00:00

For the second time, we stand in front of a Babel stronghold and wait for the Imago to arrive. This time, though, Speaker stands formally at our side. It’s a reminder that we’ve already been accepted and welcomed. In the distance, twelve black dots loom larger. Dirt and dust spin skyward. We watch them each unfold like the wings of strange insects. Imago pour out from the linked vehicles in smooth formation.

I recognize Thesis from the first meeting. He’s smiling his too-wide smile like we weren’t just attacked by some of his people. All the guards, though, are new faces. Every one of them comes armed. A short gasp leaves Speaker’s lips. We watch him bow unexpectedly.

Our entire group goes rigid, unsure if we should do the same. The formation of soldiers fans out, and we finally see the reason for Speaker’s reaction.

“Genesis,” Thesis announces. “I present one of the Daughters of Sevenset.”

Thesis takes a knee as the woman strides forward. She walks with all the grace and bearing of a queen. Her dress takes the sunlight and spins patterns out of it. Flowers, abstract shapes, curling leaves. The shapes change and slash with each step forward, dizzying to the eye. Like Jerricho, she’s taller and slighter than the male Imago. Her wide-set eyes are the same color I saw as I fell from space: the deep and dangerous blue of their world’s oceans.

A veil of brown hair frames a full face. Babel hadn’t seen a female Adamite in decades, according to their reports. I’ve seen two in less than twenty-four hours. Thesis gestures to her.

“This is Ashling. Known as the Beckoning Star, the Bright Reach.”

Ashling’s smile is brief and stunning. “Welcome to Magnia. On behalf of the Daughters, I invite you to Sevenset. Our home is open. Our people await. Will you come?”

Parvin steps forward as our spokesperson. “Of course. Thank you.”

The Daughter’s smile brightens to blinding. She’s just as excited to meet us as the other Imago were, but she wears it regally. “You are a gift our people will cherish for generations. I understand that one of your number has been Gripped. Will she come forward?”

Before we can answer, Holly strides out, unable to resist the beckoning of a queen.

“She will come with me,” Ashling says, and it is not a question. It’s a statement that becomes reality. “I will watch over her with my own life. Arrangements are being made to treat her. The process will depend on her instincts and toughness. If it is in our power to guide her back, the next time you see your friend, she will be as you knew her.”

A whispered word from Ashling has Holly marching toward the nyxian carriers. Ashling eyes us for another moment, nods once in expectation, and turns. Two guards follow, protecting her flank. No one says a word as nyxia swallows them, as the vehicles become dark streaks along the distant hills. My heart beats hopefully. I have to believe Holly is tough enough to survive.

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