Frustrated, the small failures of the day start to creep up on me. I think of how I didn’t kiss Ra’Sa, there’s no mating between us, and I’m no closer to getting back to Zlosa.
For a minute, thoughts of Griselda press in. I try not to think too much about how she treated me growing up—I was strong enough to handle it.
Some might even say I was better for it.
But now, knowing that they are alone with her is terrifying. I press a hand to my chest and then straighten.
You just didn't rest long enough.
I start looking for the small home that I share with Abi and Paoli. Sleep will do me well, and tomorrow, I will go to get my stone.
What happens if your plan fails and you are sent back to Eneko’s home? What will he do if he ever sees that on you?
Gods.
I shove the thoughts away. I already braved the trek here. Hell, I escaped. I’ll deal with Eneko. It won't be too hard to hide it or never lie with him again.
Besides, if the stone chooses someone for me, it might be easier than getting Ra'Sa to react to my advances like any other normal, female-preferring man. The ritual they described could do me good.
I try to consider it, but my thoughts stubbornly stray back to Ra’Sa. If I’d picked any other man, they would've been waiting for me at my bed or followed me around, ready to sweep me off my feet at a moment’s notice.
But he’s an Enduar, and he wants a mate.
I sigh and look around the neighborhood, suddenly realizing it looks familiar. This time, I actually find my way back to my house.
As I approach the circular, deep blue building, I see an elderly woman exit her home across the way. It seems strange that she isn't at the feast.
Pausing for a second, I decide to go to her.
She's out in the front, plucking mushrooms from pots that cover the front side of her home, but she stops when she sees me approach.
“Hello,” I say.
She smiles warily. “Morning, human.”
I blink at her greeting. “Are you hungry? They have food in the common area right now.”
I gesture over in the direction of the hall.
“Oh, that is kind of you.” She shakes her head and holds up the mushrooms in her basket. “I’m just fine, though. I don't enjoy the way they cut their mushrooms."
I smile. "Not too many humans for you?"
Her lips quirk up.
“Never too many humans.” She pauses and places some more of her fungi into a basket. "What did you say your name was?"
"I didn't. But I'm Melisa," I say.
“It was nice to meet you, Melisa. They call me Leuel.”
I nod, her name instantly ringing a bell. Ra’Sa had used the name… for his mother. A new feeling crashes over me.
I’m out of place here.
The woman seems to notice my distress.
"You best go back to what you were doing. I'll need to prepare my lunch," she says, still harvesting.