Red

By Jolina McConville

“Check in there,” a male voice says. “I’ll check that one.”
“Be careful,” another man says, and he sounds soothing and elegant, his voice soft.
There’s the sound of a sword being drawn and a small click right outside her door. The door swings open, and light floods her cell. Squinting, Xela looks up and can barely make out a young man dressed in a black jumpsuit through the haze. In his hand is a silver sword gleaming in the light with Nevarian blood. The man’s eyes widen, and he drops to his knees in front of her, calling over his shoulder.
“Azir! It’s a young woman!” The man puts a hand on her shoulder, and Xela hisses at him in pain, causing him to recoil, remorse filling his face.
“What?” A man dressed in matching black comes over and looks down at Xela. “Who are you? Are you a prisoner of the Nevarian?”
Xela attempts to speak but succeeds only in coughing up more blood. She wants to scream, “No shit I am!”
“We can’t leave her, Azir,” the first man says, biting his lip.
“You’re right. Carry her, Reed. I’ll cover you.”
Reed nods and leans down to scoop Xela up. She cries out in pain as he lifts her, and she struggles against him. His touch burns her; she doesn’t want to touch a male. He holds her tighter, and she’s so weak she gives up. “I’m sorry,” he murmurs, looking down at her, as he hurries after Azir, who takes off down the hall.
Unable to respond, she closes her eyes and lets Reed and Azir whisk her to what she can only hope is safety.
*****
Captured and tortured by the Nevarian Empire for a month, Xela is unexpectedly rescued by two members of the Black Fighters rebel group. Friendships form and soft love blossoms. But there's an epic fight raging as untold secrets come to light, old and new enemies step forward, and the war for the safety of the universe begins.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781458368539

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Hey! Stop! Guards! Stop that thief!

A figure cloaked in black runs down a long hallway. A bag is clutched in one hand, a glittering silver sword in the other. Nevarian soldiers hurry from around the corner, guns at the ready, their golden hair bright against their teal skin. They fire at the figure who skillfully eludes the shots. The figure runs toward them, launches off the wall, flips in midair, and brings the silver sword down on the soldiers. They fall to the ground as the figure lands in a crouch. The blade is now tainted with the thick blue blood of the Nevarian.

The figure looks back, and for a split second, the dim light reveals a pretty, tanned face. Beneath the hood, red eyes glow like embers in a fire pit. More Nevarian soldiers arrive as the woman stands. She grins wildly and throws herself at them, her sword a whirl as she takes them down.

Guards! Lock down the ship! The voice screams through the ship radio, echoing in the bare hall.

Great. The woman huffs, grabbing her bag and rushing down the hall. Her heart pounds, skipping every few beats. All around her, more and more soldiers come pouring from adjacent hallways. The obnoxious alarms continue to wail as she hurries to reach the exit in time.

As she comes to the door, her escape is blocked by a horde of soldiers. She slides to a stop, chest heaving. She grips her sword, blood dripping from it onto the floor. The captain of the ship stands right in front of the crowd of militaries. He’s a disgusting-looking fellow, large and brutal, which is surprising for a race as beautiful as the ethereal Nevarian.

Stop, thief! He points a long-nailed finger at the woman. You won’t be going any further.

I’d like to see you stop me, the woman challenges, raising her sword, its emerald glitzed hilt sparkling. Tossing her bag to the side, she charges at the soldiers. They fall quickly as she fights her way through them, their blood staining the floor. Her sword slides through their bodies like a knife through butter.

I don’t think so! The captain charges and comes up from behind her and grabs the woman by the throat. His fingers dig into her jugular, and she chokes, grabbing at the captain’s arm.

Her sword drops from her hand, clattering on the smooth cyan floor as he picks her up and hurls her at the wall. She hits it with a smash and collapses to the ground. Her body explodes in pain, the breath knocked out of her. Groaning, she weakly raises herself up. Spotting her sword, she makes a desperate dash for it. Her hand is outstretched, her fingers ready to grasp it. The captain intercepts her and hits her into the ground. He flips her over, slamming her onto her back. Ripping off her hood, he gasps. You’re a woman?

No, I’m a bolgua. Using his surprise to her advantage, the woman kicks him in the chest, knocking him backward. Panting, she reaches for her sword. Her fingertips brush the hilt, and her hand starts to close around the leather-wrapped handle. Seemingly out of nowhere, a bolt of dark magic suddenly strikes the woman. Screaming in agony, she drops to the floor, her body writhing as the magic consumes her. The Nevarian Magician stops his attack, and the woman falls to the ground, body limp, her breathing fast and labored.

Laughing, the captain walks over to her and lifts her by her dark, golden flecked hair. Barely conscious, the woman lets out a breathy moan of discomfort. Her mouth is bleeding, and she spits in the captain’s face, coating his face with her bloody saliva. He punches her hard in the gut, and she whimpers lightly. That’ll teach you not to steal from me. He snaps his fingers. Two guards appear next to him. Throw her in a cell.

He shoves her toward them, and she falls to her knees in a slump. Her body aches in pain. One of the guards grabs her roughly, and she looks up at him, recognition prompting her to meekly ask, Fenian? He sneers down at her.

The other guard takes hold of her other side, and together he and Fenian drag her down the hall. In one last attempt to get free, the woman trips them and tries to stumble away. A gunshot hits her leg, and she cries out as she falls, unable to go any further. Hot blood trickles down her leg. Fenian grabs her and slaps her. Losing consciousness, the woman gives up and allows herself to be dragged like an animal to a cell. Filthy snake. The guards throw her inside. She sprawls across the cold, damp, and dirty floor.

The woman watches as the door closes and darkness overtakes her.

This woman is Xela Condor.

×××

Food, thief. A tray of garbage is tossed in front of her. It oozes and smells unpleasant, clearly scraps of the scraps from the kitchen.

I think you’ve made a mistake. Xela coughs weakly, her red eyes fiery with insolence. That’s the captain’s meal.

Why you-

Her vision goes blurry as she’s whacked across the face. Her cheek stings and she looks at the soldier with tired fury. Just for that, you won’t get any food. He kicks her, and she hisses at him before the door slams closed, and she is plunged into blackness.

Xela sighs, leaning her head back against the wall. It has been almost a month since she had a proper meal. She picked at the scraps left for her every day, eating anything superficially edible. Her shot leg aches in pain, and she winces as she moves slightly. Her whole body feels like it’s been set on fire. Coughing, she closes her eyes and tries to sleep, doing her best to ignore the pain that tingles up and down her body. The door opens just as she begins to doze off.

I hear you’ve been disrespecting me again. Her eyes open and meet the captain’s blue ones.

It’s not disrespecting you if you have no respect in the first place, she says coolly.

The captain’s eyes flash, and in a second, he has her pinned against the wall, his hand tightly around her throat. You better watch what you say. You remember what happened last time, don’t you? Xela swallows. The captain grins, recognizing the sliver of fright that runs across her face. And you wouldn’t want me to call my Magicians, would you? he continues.

Fear flashes through her, but Xela refuses to back down. Go right ahead. See if I care.

The captain squeezes her throat roughly and digs the fingers of his left hand into the flesh of her upper arm before stepping away. Maybe I will. Turning to his guards, he says, Summon the Magicians and tell them to do as they please with this woman. Leaning close to her, his putrid breath in her face, he growls, You’ll be sorry.

Stalking off, he slams the door. Groaning, Xela tries to prepare herself for the pain of the Magicians’ magic. Within minutes the door opens, and the four Magicians float in. Their eyes are the typical Nevarian colors, blue and red, with the same pointy ears and the same shifty appearances. One feature is different from the usual Nevarian, though; their hair. Their hair is dark as night, a mark of being a half-Nevarian.

This will be fun, one says, her blue eyes satanic before the four of them summon up their power, and they hit Xela with all of their magic.

Their magic takes the form of flames and ice, earth and air, ripping away at her. Her blood turns to fire in her veins. Screams fill the cell. More and more magic hits her until she can’t scream anymore. Her body twitches and convulses, inhumane shouts and blood escaping her lips, running from her eyes.

Hour after hour, this continues with Xela in utter agony, until finally, the Magicians stop. Xela falls back on the ground, panting, tears streaming down her cheeks. She wipes her mouth, and when she pulls it back, her hand is streaked with thick blood. There are deep gashes and cuts all over her body, soaking her clothes as they bleed. Gasping for air, she struggles to stand and turns to them. Is that all you got? she asks breathlessly.

The first female Magician makes a finger gun and shoots her. Xela slams into the wall, a fire bullet hitting her gut, flames erupting from the wound. She moans loudly in pain, doubled over, her hand cupping her abdomen.

Enough. The head Magician says. The captain wants her alive.

The woman stops, and Xela falls to her knees, coughing violently. She gulps for air, her chest heaving, her body weak and in agony. Her blood continues to drip steadily down her skin and onto the ground. It pools around her feet, soaking her boots. Let’s go. I think she has paid enough. For today.

The door closes behind the four Magicians as they leave, and Xela is left to lay on the cold floor. Exhausted, she collapses, her cheek pressed against the filthy ground. Her eyes close, and she passes out.

×××

A few hours later, Xela wakes up, startled by thunderous noises outside. Her head pounds. The march-like footsteps of Nevarian soldiers hurry down the hallway, and they shout. There are grunts and crashes on the other side of her door. She wants to stand, but her strength is completely gone, and she’s unable even to raise her head. When she manages to sit up a little, her vision is cloudy, and pain wracks her body. Blood spurts down her chin, and weakly, she puts her head down again.

Check in there, a male voice says. I’ll check that one.

Be careful, another man says, and he sounds soothing and elegant, his voice soft.

There’s the sound of a sword being drawn and a small click right outside her door. The door swings open, and light floods her cell. Squinting, Xela looks up and can barely make out a young man dressed in a black jumpsuit through the haze. In his hand is a silver sword gleaming in the light with Nevarian blood. The man’s eyes widen, and he drops to his knees in front of her, calling over his shoulder.

Azir! It’s a young woman! The man puts a hand on her shoulder, and Xela hisses at him in pain, causing him to recoil, remorse filling his face.

What? A man dressed in matching black comes over and looks down at Xela. Who are you? Are you a prisoner of the Nevarian?

Xela attempts to speak but succeeds only in coughing up more blood. She wants to scream, No shit I am!

We can’t leave her, Azir, the first man says, biting his lip.

You’re right. Carry her, Reed. I’ll cover you.

Reed nods and leans down to scoop Xela up. She cries out in pain as he lifts her, and she struggles against him. His touch burns her; she doesn’t want to touch a male. He holds her tighter, and she’s so weak she gives up. I’m sorry, he murmurs, looking down at her, as he hurries after Azir, who takes off down the hall.

Unable to respond, she closes her eyes and lets Reed and Azir whisk her to what she can only hope is safety.

CHAPTER 2

Why is it taking so long?

She was badly wounded; she’s going to need a few more seconds.

What difference can a few seconds make?

Her eyelids flutter, and she lets out a small moan, her body shifting uncomfortably.

I think she’s waking up!

Ouch, Kay! That was my foot.

Xela’s eyes open, and she’s met with the sight of several people staring at her. There are two girls, one younger and one older, and two males who look about the same age. They’re all looking at her with concern and interest. She’s lying down inside a glass box, but as she watches, the glass slides away, and she’s pushed out sideways. One of the boys, a handsome young man with tan skin and black hair, hurries forward and catches her.

Whoa, he says, holding her steady. His dark brown eyes gaze into hers.

Xela’s heart pounds, and she quickly pushes him off of her, panic rising in her throat. Don’t touch me! She falls over and into one of the girls who grabs her arm, helping her stay on her feet. The boy looks a little pissed, and she feels a bit guilty. Xela takes a deep breath, body shaking. I- sorry,

Are you alright? the girl asks kindly. She’s petite with short, poofy, bright-red hair, her eyes a sparkly light brown. Her voice is easy-going and sweet, though, and it helps calm her racing heart.

Y-yes, thank you. The words are strange in Xela’s mouth. They don’t feel like hers. Her head spins, and she shakes it, trying to clear it. Where-where am I? Who are you people?

My name is Melody Mira. A young woman with pale skin and long brown hair comes forward. She has cute brown freckles that dot her nose like cinnamon and lovely pale-blue eyes. And these are my fellow freedom fighters. You are in our spaceship. Have been for a couple of days. You are safe from the Nevarian here.

At the word ‘Nevarian,’ her knees buckle, and Xela’s body trembles even more. Melody reaches a hand out to steady her. She urges Xela to sit down in a nearby chair, and nodding slowly, she obliges, sinking into the soft and comfortable cushion. She grips the edge of it tightly, her knuckles white.

What is your name? Melody asks gently.

I’m Xela Con-uh, Campbell, she says, her heart still pounding rapidly. Xela Campbell.

I’m Kay Alcor, the girl with red hair says.

I’m Wren Santonilyo, the tan boy shoots her a glare, crossing his arms.

I’m Kigrundur Rigel, the other boy says. But everyone calls me Kig. He’s a tiny, friendly, and good-looking guy with- was that an apron around his waist? His hair is a dirty blond, and his eyes are the color of soft spring moss.

And, of course, you are already acquainted with Azir and Reed. Melody points past her right shoulder.

It’s only then that Xela notices the two men standing off to the side against the wall. Azir smiles in her direction as her gaze sweeps over him. Now that she’s not half-dead, Xela can see that he is tan with brown hair and chocolate eyes. Reed is next with messy dark brown hair and surprising, beautiful gold eyes. Her eyes meet his, and he nods shyly at her.

Thank you for saving me, Xela says quietly, her cheeks heating up for no particular reason.

Of course. Azir walks over, a little too close for her comfort, a warm smile on his face. We couldn’t just leave you.

She smiles faintly. Yeah,

Are you hungry at all? Melody asks gently.

Xela’s stomach growls painfully, hunger slicing at her insides. She remembers how long it’s been since she had a proper meal.

Yeah, I’m a little hungry. She swallows. A little. What an understatement.

I’ll fire up the kitchens. Kig claps his hands and scuttles out of the room. The others mosey toward the door.

Come, Melody stretches, beckoning to Xela from the doorway. Just take your time, She disappears into the hall outside as Xela pulls herself to her feet. Wobbling, she starts toward the door. She trips a little and curses under her breath.

Here, let me help you.

A warm arm wraps itself around her, and Reed pulls her against him. Her body freezes. Xela instantly pushes him away from her, only to tumble backward. Her legs hit him, and he falls over on top of her. Xela stops breathing when she opens her eyes and sees how close his face is to hers. She can feel his entire body weight on her. Her mouth goes dry, and her heart skips several beats. She can feel the panic rising up in her lungs. She hears an intake of shock when her eyes meet his.

I’m so sorry, Reed stammers, his cheeks red now that he’s embarrassed.

It’s fine. Xela feels the bile rising in her throat. Please get off me. I-I’m going to be sick.

His gold eyes widen, and he quickly clambers off. She sits up, head in her hands, eyes squeezed shut, gasping, trying to fill her lungs with as much air as she can. He watches as she slowly gets her bearings.

I’m sorry, Xela murmurs when she finally feels calm again. It’s not you. It’s me. Her eyes open and meet his, and she can tell he’s once again taken back by the unusual color of them.

It’s okay. It seems you’ve been through a lot, Reed says quietly. You have pretty eyes. He clears his throat. "They’re very, er, red."

Her maroon eyes flash in slight amusement. Thank you.

You’re welcome, he says meekly.

Xela shakily stands, her legs wobbling. She nearly falls again, but she grabs the wall for support. She takes a deep breath.

I’d offer you a hand, but I don’t want you to freak out again, Reed remarks lightly.

I am sorry, Xela starts, but he shakes his head, a smile on his face. I’m only kidding.

He’s pretty, she thinks, peeping at him from behind her long hair.

He stands close to her as she stumbles out the door, but far enough from her for her to breathe. Xela notices he smells kind of nice, catching a whiff of spice and cologne as they walk. Right down here. He leads her down the hall. It’s a reasonably large hallway, lightly illuminated by dim lights that send an eerie but pleasant glow across the walls. Reed’s face is softly lit, his gold eyes shining even more. When they reach the kitchen, dinner is spread out on the table, and the others are all talking around it.       There you are, Melody hurries over, worried.

Sorry, I just needed to sit for a moment more. My legs were still shaky, Xela lies, and Reed glances down at her as he takes her to a chair, but he says nothing of her fib. She sits down, wincing slightly.

A plate of food is placed in front of her, and Kig tells her to eat up, his voice a small squeak. It smells delicious and her stomach grumbles. Her hand is shaky as she picks up the spoon next to her plate. She tentatively takes a bite. The second she swallows, pain hits her, and her stomach heaves a little. She gasps, her hands grabbing the table’s edge as she leans forward. The spoon falls from her hand and clatters onto the tabletop. The light chatter stops instantly.

Are you alright? Kay asks, concerned.

Yeah, Xela forces a laugh. It’s been a while since I’ve eaten, is all. My stomach just needs to adjust to food again.

They all exchange glances.

What happened to you in there? Azir asks tentatively.

As the nausea subdues, Xela looks up, a lump in her throat. I don’t think you want to know.

Um, I think we do, seeing as when Reed and Azir brought you here, you were all bloody and broken. Wren crosses his arms, apparently something he did often.

Wren. Kay gives him a look. Don’t make her talk about it if she doesn’t want to. She’s clearly uncomfortable.

No, it’s okay. Sighing, Xela adjusts her spoon, pushing the plate away from her. Everyone looks at her expectantly. I was caught stealing supplies from a Nevarian ship. My spaceship’s engine wasn’t working. I had hijacked it from some Nevarian a while ago and needed their supplies to fix it. I was captured on my way out. This was almost two months ago. Her eyes close as she continues, voice quivering. I disrespected the captain a lot. The first time, he sent several of his men to molest me. There are gasps from those around the table and shuddering, Xela recalls that horrible moment.

No, please! she screamed, her back pressed against the wall, tears streaking her face, her body frozen in fear.

The sentries laughed, and sobs wracked her body as one of the three came and pinned her to the wall. His mouth attacked her, his hands grabbing at her.

Shrieking, she tried to get away, but he was too strong for her in her weak condition, and she couldn’t run. The other sentries came over to her.

We’ll take care of her.

Just save some for me, the one holding her chuckled menacingly.

They grabbed at her, hands probing and poking. They forced her to do what they wanted, no matter how much she cried and screamed, no matter how much she thrashed. When they finished, her body was bruised and dirty. They’d left and hadn’t come back.

Xela. A gentle hand is placed on her shoulder. She flinches a little, and Melody’s hand removes itself. She opens her eyes and meets the horror-stricken faces of her saviors. Reed’s jaw is clenched, and Azir looks furious. The others look grief-stricken. It’s only when Kay leans over and brushes a tear away does she realize she’s crying.

The captain would also do that to me. Over and over. He’d torture me with machines, she chokes out, and she pauses to gulp for breath. He sent his Magicians to torture me for hours on end. The day you two saved me – Xela glances at Reed and Azir, They tortured me with their magic for hours. I would have died if I stayed there any longer. Thank you for taking me with you.

Those bastards! Kig bursts out. You didn’t deserve any of that!

We should go back and beat them to the ground! Kay scowls.

Xela chuckles humorlessly, her façade of strength slipping back into place. There’s nothing you can do to fix it. It can’t be undone. She looks down at the plate of food in front of her. Unsurprisingly, she’s lost her appetite. Is there a place I can rest? she asks. I’m rather tired.

The others start. What? Oh, yes. Of course, come with me. Melody helps her to the door and leads her down the hall.

She can feel the gazes of the others on her as she leaves. Xela doesn’t look back.

CHAPTER 3

Melody leads Xela down multiple hallways before stopping in front of a door. I hope this will do, she says, the door opening.

Inside is a room with a simple bed and a brown chest in it. There’s a bookshelf filled with books and a window that allows one to gaze out at the open space surrounding them. It’s so lovely Xela could cry. It was nothing like the rat’s hole she had been held in for the past two months.

Xela turns to Melody. It’s very nice, she manages to get out. I like it.

Melody smiles. Good. My room is on the other side of the ship near Azir’s, but the others’ rooms are further down the hallway. Reed is directly across the hall if you need anything.

Xela looks over her shoulder at the door opposite hers, her cheeks pinking without her permission as she remembers his gold eyes. Grand.

Would you like me to bring you some clothes? Melody asks, her eyes wandering up and down Xela’s outfit. The clothes you’re wearing now aren’t exactly flattering.

Xela looks down at the torn, dirty, and bloody clothes she wears. That’d be fantastic. She forces a smile.

Melody clasps her hands happily. Alright, I’ll gather some of my clothes for you. We look around the same size. I’ll put together some other necessities for you as well. Are dresses okay?

Xela nods. Thank you, Melody. Her voice cracks. Xela stares hard at the ground to stop the stinging in her eyes. Thank you.

Melody smiles sadly, and she starts to put a hand out to touch Xela’s shoulder gently, but at the last moment, she retracts it. Of course. I’ll send your things when I get them put together. She points to a door leading off the room. There’s a bathroom in there. I’d suggest you bathe, and the clothes will be here when you are done. She turns to leave.

Thank you, Xela says once again, full of gratitude.

Melody smiles before her long brown hair whisks away. The door shuts behind her, leaving Xela alone in the silence. She takes a deep breath and casts another glance around her room. Sighing, she makes her way to the bathroom, where inside is an elegant bathtub and a sink and toilet. She struggles for a moment with the tap on the bath before she finally turns it the right way, and water floods the tub, hot steam rising.

A tall mirror hangs on the wall. Xela stands before it as the water continues to pour out of the faucet, staring at her complexion. If she were going to be honest, she’d say she was a wreck. But even that barely describes me, she thinks. Her dark brown hair is matted with dried blood. Dirt and grime stick to it, and it’s all tangled. Her face is filthy and hollow, her maroon eyes even more noticeable than ever in her sunken cheekbones. As she tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, she lets her fingers trace over its pointed tip. Quickly, she pulls her hair back over it. She doesn’t want the others to see her ears. They must not know what she is.

Looking down, Xela notices her long jagged nails. As she undresses, she sees how skinny she is. Her ribs show, and her skin seems to hang off her body like a piece of loose clothing. She feels sick again,