The response comes not in words, but in the appearance of a figure emerging from between the circular homes. My breath catches as I recognize the tall, blue-skinned form of Teo. He cradles a baby in his arms, his expression soft and tender – a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere that has enveloped me for so long.
A mix of curiosity and something unfamiliar stirs within me, causing my feet to carry me a hesitant step forward while closing the windows on my thoughts. Why am I drawn to him, when I have fought so hard to remain detached, to keep my heart guarded and closed off?
As I watch from the shadows, Teo gently bounces the baby in his arms, cooing softly in a language foreign to my ears. His tender gaze remains fixed on the infant's cherubic face, each smile and gurgle eliciting an affectionate response from the imposing figure before me.
"Sama," he murmurs, as though he fears breaking the spell of serenity that has settled over them. "You are so precious, little one."
It is then that a surge of warmth floods through my chest, a sensation so unfamiliar it nearly steals my breath away. It seems as though a fire has been lit within me, its flames licking at the icy walls I have built around my heart. For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the cold that has defined my existence begins to thaw, giving way to something new and terrifyingly powerful.
The babe cries out. “Shhh," Teo whispers, his large hands cradling its tiny form while he rocks. It's a sight so disarmingly gentle that it sends a shiver down my spine, further stoking the fire burning within me.
My fingers twitch, longing rising up like a tide, threatening to sweep me away. To reach out and touch the soft tufts of hair on the baby's head, to experience the tenderness I have never known, seems both terrifying and tantalizing. A cold sweat breaks out across my brow, and my breath hitches in my throat.
My heart pounds unnervingly against my ribcage, my breath coming in shallow gasps as I struggle to contain the conflicting emotions that threaten to tear me apart. My fingers clench into fists, every muscle in my body tensing as I fight against the overwhelming urge to run away from these unfamiliar feelings, to retreat back into the safety of my solitude.
And then it comes—a sound that pierces the darkness and seizes my attention with a vise-like grip. Teo's laughter, rich and deep as the midnight sky, reverberates through the corridor, filling my senses with its resonant melody. It is a sound that tugs at something buried deep within me, an irresistible force that draws me closer to him—as inexorable as the pull of the moon upon the tides.
I turn away from him and hurry back to my room, not wanting to risk getting caught.
Chapter27
Tiger’s Eye
TEO
Once sweet dreams have turned to nightmares. When I close my eyes, I see Lijasa’s face. Then I see the bodies of those she killed, and the ones I killed to get close to her. Rotting corpses lined up for her like a garden of putrid flowers.
I sit up in bed, covered in sweat and nauseous. There is much to do that will distract me from these hellish memories. Much that can save me from myself and the darkness that lingers in my soul. The one that damns me from deserving a mate in the first place.
After peeling off the damp covers, my eyes wander to the door in the wall leading to Estela’s room. The window has been fixed.
* * *
Tunnel four has been closedoff with solid rock at both the front and the back section to prevent the further spread of the invasive species. However, while there haven’t been any attacks in the last few days, mist is seeping out from unseen cracks. It’s lowering the temperature of the entire city.
Svanna stands at my side, and a group of stone benders is watching the entrance. “Everyone is doing well with defensive techniques. The warriors seem ready, as well. The strategy you suggested—crowding, and then slicing at the creatures with the intent to sever—seems like it will work well.”
My fingers brush against the hard rock, which is frozen like the outdoor snow. “Is there a breach?” I ask Luth.
The stone bender scans the rock. “No. It is holding strong. I have tried to find a crack several times, My King.”
I nod. “Whatever magic these beasts have, it is strong. Run the attack sequence one last time with all of the hunters and stone benders, we will attack later today.”
This will not be an easy fight, even if we are prepared. Dyrn’s parting ceremony is still fresh in my mind and I am not eager for anyone else to die.
Svanna and Luth voice their agreements, though Luth stays while Svanna follows me back into the common area. The overall light in the cavern has decreased, and it’s not hard to see that thelumikapsare dimming. My head hurts and my back aches while I try to balance and solve a dozen problems day after day. “I need to speak with Ulla about the light,” I grumble as she follows.
“You intend to follow us into the fight,” she observes. “Training yesterday was arduous. It would be wise for you to sleep first. You could collect Estela and take her to your room. Time with Iryth always strengthens my weary body.”
I lean away from her as I walk, trying not to look at the glowing mating mark on her neck that peeks back at me. The last time I spoke to Estela, she rejected me. It was hard to be furious with her for protecting herself after having a better understanding of her life. “She would not come.”
Svanna is silent as we near the dining hall. The bustle of breakfast is everywhere, but Ulla is not. I sigh and we continue to the place where the meat is prepared and the mushrooms are harvested. As we walk behind the pavilion, There is a large group of Enduares—dotted with humans—moving through a sequence of defensive positions. While the humans lack the natural grace that comes to my people, their movements are strong.
My eyes land on one form, smaller than all the rest. She moves with an unexpected fluidity, ducking and weaving with a grace that seems almost unnatural.
Svanna huffs a laugh. “She is a little warrior. It’s a shame that Firelocks was called away to help Fira. They are good fighting partners.”
I glance up at my life-long friend. “She doesn’t like to be called that. Arlet is her name.”