But, then again, she once confided that Enduar mates can speak to each other’s mind. The lack of privacy sounds awful.
As each exit strategy proves futile, nerves congregate in my chest, and I keep exploring. Everything is beautiful in this city, from the golden metalwork to the red crystal temple in the middle of the city, pulsing with life. The houses are finer than any hut I’ve ever seen.
Letting my hand stretch out, I brush my fingers along the smooth stone walls. A small spider steps onto my hand. I watch it dance across my palm for a second.
I’ve always felt a strange kinship with creatures after working with the cattle, even grotesque ones such as spiders. Insects and beasts do not inspire fear—not when giants and men can be so much worse.
That was why I tamed Coco. She’d been a snarling, injured wolf found bleeding between the trees. I nursed her back to health, and then she helped me through some of the most gruesome moments of my life.
Unexpectedly, I find the entrance to what looks like the bathing pools. I take a deep breath and walk inside. This place has a pleasant sound, like music playing in another room.
The tune plucks out echoes of bittersweet grief, and if I try hard enough, I can feel little hands pressed against my thighs and hips, wanting to be picked up. I push those thoughts away. They have no place in my head right now.
The closer I get to the humid pool, the more I feel itchy with grime. I hate being dirty. Washing away the trek should help me sleep, and tomorrow, I can find a way back to Zlosa.
The lighting in the room is dim. It’s like dozens of cool-toned candles flicker on the walls. Pretty effect, but I prefer the sunlight.
More glow lights up the end of the small cavern, and I stare at the round, glowing bulbs with delicate curly tendrils splayed across the stone walls. They bloom in clusters and remind me of twirling sea creatures.
Movement from the water draws my eyes to the pools. I look around, not expecting anyone to be here. Then I see a man, suspended in the middle of the pool, head tilted downward.
Silvery, braided hair floats behind him, and his arms are outstretched on either side. I recognize the broad shoulders and pointed ears.
Ra’Sa.
He looks like…
Oh gods, he looks like he’s drowned.
Godsdamnit. I need him alive.
“Ra’Sa?” I call.
No response.
Fuck.
My chest tightens to the point of pain. I grab my cloak, untie the ribbon at my neck, and throw it to the ground along with myred dress. With nothing more than a thin slip and the loincloth tied around my hips, I dive headfirst into the water.
“Ra’Sa!” I shout. The pool is much deeper than I thought.
Large crystals shine underwater, pulsing erratically, and little bioluminescent flecks sparkle along my skin as I swim forward.
Just as I reach to grab him, he turns around, pulling his head out of the water.
“What on earth are you doing?” he demands.
I stop swimming and swish my hands back and forth to help me tread water. It doesn’t work as well as I’d like, and some water gets in my mouth.
I sputter and push over to the side of the pool. “Saving you! You looked likeyou had drowned.”
His hand moves gracefully, and he glides through the water with ease. A strange expression appears on his face as his eyes search me. Then those glittering blue eyes dip lower.
I look down at my breasts. They are just barely skimming the top of the water, and the cool cave air causes my nipples to harden.The thin fabric reveals just about everything.
My eyes go to my arms and wrists, and I see the notches carved in my flesh. I’m glad the water hides them because a mostly naked woman could be just what Ra’Sa needs to lose control.
The Enduar quickly snaps his gaze back up to my face.