Page 151 of Sohut's Protection

There were umus that looked like little balls of fluff and a field filled with hairy fruit that she and Lauren joked about not chopping down lest the Lorax appear.

Needless to say, neither Sohut nor Riv caught that joke.

As she was being given a tour by Lauren, Cleo took her time looking around.

This was where she was going to live now.

She’d never lived on a farm before and this one reminded her of a lovely homestead.

There was something warm and welcoming about seeing the well-fed, happy animals, feeling the cool breeze, and the fact it was out in the middle of nowhere with people that were now to be her extended family.

“So, this is the Sanctuary,” she murmured.

“Yep!” Lauren answered and Cleo’s eyes widened in surprise a bit.

She hadn’t realized she’d spoken loud enough for the other woman to hear.

Staring at her now, she still couldn’t believe there was really another human on this strange planet.

“Do you like it? I know it’s not much in terms of facilities, but we try hard and the animals are nice.” Lauren grinned at her and Cleo got the impression she was the type that usually tried to find the sunshine on rainy days. “You can have Sohut’s room.”

Lauren’s cheeks grew warm. “I mean, of course you’re going to stay in Sohut’s room. You’re together.” Her cheeks grew warmer. “Nia is using the spare room anyway.”

“Nia?”

As she said the name, another human female rounded the corner, a bucket in hand.

“Nia!” Lauren exclaimed, waving the woman over. “Meet Cleo. She just arrived. I know we have a lot to talk about, but we can do it later after you come in.”

“Nice to meet you,” Cleo said, awestruck.

Nia smiled and extended her hand for a handshake before she grimaced and pulled it back.

“Hey! I’d shake your hand but mine is full of umu poop. Not the best of introductions.”

Lauren chuckled and Cleo smiled.

This was unbelievable.

To meet not one, but two more humans, after she’d spent so long thinking she was alone.

“How’d you come? Did Geblit bring you in a box?” Nia asked.

“No, I came with Sohut.”

She was about to ask about Geblit and the box before Lauren spoke up.

“She’s Sohut’s gnora.” Lauren beamed.

Nia’s eyes bugged out.

“Really? Wow.” She smiled, but there was a sudden sadness behind her eyes. “That’s…That’s amazing.” Nia forced her smile wider.

“Thank you,” Cleo answered. The woman’s response was a bit confusing and she couldn’t help but wonder if Nia and Sohut had met before.

He hadn’t mentioned her.

As if she summoned him, Sohut and his brother rounded the corner of another building.

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