THE ORB OF PLEIADIA

10. Tit for Tat

Two pleiadian guards halted him on his track, their eyes glowing faintly.

“I'm here to see Kregor,” Logan said, raising his hands slowly.

They exchanged a look.

“What business do you have with Lord Kregor?” one said. They stepped closer to Logan, weapons drawn, “talk fast.”

A voice cut through, “Let him in.” Logan's eyes narrowed—he knew that voice.

Yuri.

“The human returns,” he said. “Bold, or foolish.”

“A bit of both,” Logan muttered.

The guards searched him quickly, then motioned him forward.

Yuri led the way.

Logan followed, senses on high alert, until a structure came into view—smooth metallic walls blended with organic curves, pulsing faintly with blue light. ‘Here we go.’

“He's waiting,” Yuri said, his lips curling into a sly smirk.

Inside, Kregor stood rigid, no armour—just him, looking drained.

His glowing eyes dimmer than before. Grief sat heavily on him, even across species it wouldn't go unnoticed.

“You came,” Kregor said.

“I didn't say I wouldn't,” Logan replied. “I did what I had to.”

Kregor nodded in understanding. “And?”

Logan inhaled deeply. “Louis was investigating stolen elixir.”

“I suspected as much,” Kregor said quietly, jaw clenched. “Someone was diverting it before it reached Greenville.”

“You knew already,” Logan said. But, how wouldn't he, he’s like the King around here.

“Indeed.” Kregor turned away, fist tightening. “He was close wasn't he?”

Logan paused, “I think so.”

Silence stretched.

Kregor's voice dropped low. “What else?”

“Crownfell.”

The name hung between them like poison.

“Shawn Crownfell,” Kregor growled. “He’s always been a thorn on this side.”

He's been a thorn on every side.

Logan thought Crownfell and the pleiadians were in league, but turns out the pleiadians hated him as much.

“He stole everything from my family,” Logan said. “Now he's stealing yours.”

Kregor stared intently at Logan, studying him. Longer this time. “You hate us.”

Logan laughed humorlessly.

‘Isn’t it obvious?’ But when it came to his mother's life, any feeling had to move aside. He raked his brain for a much subtle response.

“You invaded my city,” he said.

“And still you chose to be here,” Kregor replied. “Why?”

Logan's resolve faltered, and his shoulder became tense. “Because my mother is dying,” he said, his voice low.

Kregor's expression turned somber for a split second.

“She needs the elixir,” Logan continued. “And I'll do whatever it takes to get it.”

The elixir arrived in Greenville under Crownfell's supervision, and it came with a hefty price tag only a few could afford. Logan had once considered stealing from Crownfell, but now he had a chance to get it through honorable means. Did I forget to mention, a very dangerous means.

Kregor nodded slowly. “Then we share a common enemy.”

Yuri stepped in. “Lord Kregor, the elders call for you,” he said, glancing once at Logan.

“Louis uncovered something else, vital information,” Kregor said. “And it cost him his life.”

Logan stared blankly at the retreating pleiadian. “So what do you want from me?”

Kregor halted, and he turned to face Logan. “You live among them. You have access.”

“You want me to spy?”

“I want you to expose them,” Kregor stated. “Crownfell, and anyone else involved.”

He would do anything to see Crownfell exposed, and thrown in jail.

“And the elixir?” Logan asked.

Kregor stepped closer. “You succeed, and your mother will have all the elixir she wants.”

Yuri scoffed. “You trust this human?”

Kregor gaze sliced at him, shutting him up. “Prepare a vial.”

“Now?” Yuri’s eyes widened.

“Now,” Kregor said. “This human has done well.”

The vial was placed in Logan's hand. The liquid inside shimmering like liquid night sky, the elixir.

Logan stared at it.

“This will make her feel better,” Kregor said. “Not cure. Yet.”

Logan held the vile tightly. “Thank you.”

Kregor tilted his head. “Don’t get soft, kid. This is war.”

Logan turned to leave.

“Logan,” Kregor called after him.

He paused.

“Be careful,” Kregor said. “Betrayal and hurt often comes from the ones you trust.”

Logan didn't respond.

He stepped back into the city, filled with hope and promises. The task ahead of him was becoming more dangerous and intertwined with dark secrets, but it didn't faze him—not with his mom's treatment on the line.

One step at a time.

The vial burned cold in his pocket, a sharp reminder—he needs to unravel this mystery, like yesterday.