“There better be good reason you called us here, Tyrex Luk'ta,” the oldest Elder announced. “The Council is very busy.”
Tyrex stood before them again, just as nervous as the first time. He needed every bit of courage to get him through this. He gulped. “I have found my Intended, my lords.”
The Council relaxed in their seats. Tyrex couldn't see their faces but could feel their smiles.
“We are very pleased to hear this. The Council was confident that Rajla of Tuk'na would be a suitable mate.”
Tyrex bit his bottom lip. “My Intended will not be Rajla of Tuk'na.”
The Council whispered to each other. Their plan was not going to work.
“My Intended will be Sophia Jordan of Earth.”
The Council of Elders gasped and burst into a cacophony of yelling. Tyrex couldn't hear any single council member over the others. He knew it would be bad but not this bad.
The middle shadow slammed his fists on his stand. “This chamber will have order.” The Council quieted down but not without a few grumblings. “Tyrex Luk'ta, the Council does not entertain jokes.”
Tyrex held his shaking hands behind his back to hide his nervousness. Nobody had ever defied the Council. “I'm sorry but this is no joke.”
A different member shouted, “You can not be Joined with an alien.”
Tyrex smirked. “I already have.”
The Council gasped a second time. Outbursts of “blasphemy” could be heard. It took twice as long for them to quiet down.
“What gives you the right to defy our ways!”
“I do not wish to defy the Council.” Tyrex centered himself. “My heart has chosen and I will not defy myself.”
The Council convened, whispering amongst themselves while Tyrex waited patiently. He had no idea what they were going to do. He hoped that they would give up and allow him to be with Sophia.
But he had no idea what the Trials involved.
The middle figure finally spoke. “The Council of Elders have not accepted your choice of Intended.”
Tyrex's heart jumped into his throat. “And if I do not comply?”
“The punishment will be the same as if you never found your Intended.”
Tyrex knew exactly what that meant: death. “You must reconsider! I found the one that I was supposed to be with.”
“We will hear of this matter no longer. You have two days left to find your Intended. It is the Council's recommendation that you choose Rajla of Tuk'na.”
“Why? Because you guys want to get rid of Sophia?”
“We will not hide the fact that the village of Tuk'na requires the alien in exchange for their best female mate. A small price to pay in our minds.”
“I won't let you take her away.”
“That is your decision, Tyrex Luk'ta. We will convene again in two days to hear that Rajla is your Intended.”
The Council of Elders left before Tyrex could fight back. He stood there alone in the dark chamber with tears in his eyes.
He had no idea what to do.
Tyrex would do anything for Sophia. But execution loomed over him as he walked slowly back to his hut.