Page 33 of Abalim

“Will you and your companion rely on your intellect or your emotional makeup to make an agreed decision between the two of you?” The taller alien bent to look Abalim in the eyes. His sideways lids blinked over his black orbs in slow motion. “And are you astute enough to choose?”

Abalim clenched his fingers as a muscle twitched in his jaw. He met the alien's gaze, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Was that a flicker of a smile from the Xeltrian with those words? Abalim’s mind raced, trying to decipher the hidden meaning while keeping his expression carefully neutral. “Challenge accepted.”

Lisa jerked when Abalim said he accepted the challenge. What challenge? The minute Abalim peeled his clothing off, her brain went bye-bye. The sight of him revealing his naked body turned into a searing flame that burned its way into her heart and mind. With each tug of his clothes exposing his magnificent form, it was hard for her to remember to even breathe. Like sucking in oxygen was far beyond anything she could handle.

The man was an exquisite work of art, second to none. Each contour of his body begged to be touched, caressed, and explored. Every inch stroked by her tongue, lips, hands, and anything else she could use to bring them closer together. His breathtaking beauty ignited a fiery cascade within her, transforming every fiber of her being into a simmering pool of liquid desire.

How many nights had she lain awake and dreamed of someone like him? One of her favorite things about writing romances was creating and describing the male heroes in her stories. Damn if she didn’t fall in love with every single one of them. The hard part was letting the characters go when the story ended.

Soaring space dung, Lisa. Get a grip.She scolded herself, wiping a puddle of drool from the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand. Jeez, how attractive was that? Her face heated, and she glanced around. Hopefully, no one noticed she’d mentally checked out.

“Come on, Lisa.” Abalim gripped her elbow and led her to the wall showing the village on Nexoros. “Let’s take care of this.” His stride didn’t slow as he approached the wall.

“Wait, what are you doing?” She tried to pry his hand off. Smashing into a hard surface wasn’t something she looked forward to. “We’re going to get hurt!”

“I would never let anything hurt you, my inkheart,” Abalim whispered the last words.

Inkheart? What… She never got a chance to ask before the looming sight of the Nexoros village filled her sight. She put her free arm over her eyes, hoping to protect herself. Which she didn’t have to. From one step to the next, she went from Qorath to another planet. And the only way to tell she’d gone from one place to another was the change in temperature, air, and how heavy her footsteps became. She stumbled and would have planted face-first if it weren’t for Abalim’s firm hold on her elbow.

Lisa inhaled deeply.

The air on Aroonshire was rich with the scent of exotic blooms along with the gentle hum of various insects. Off in the distance light hoots, whistles, and catcalls, lending a musical tone to the air. The soft, radiant glow from the plants around created an enchanting, serene ambiance. As the villagers walked around, the patterns on the trees and bushes pulsated with life and responded as if welcoming each person passing by.

“Hello to you!”

The high-pitched, sing-song voice of a female Lumarian was accompanied by chuckles from the male next to her. Both were hale and hearty young adults coming forward with beaming smiles and open arms.

“From soil to sky, we welcome you,” the male said. Both stopped in front of Lisa and Abalim with their bodies held slightly to the side with their hands open, their palms facing outward in a universal gesture of peace.

“Life’s journey is sweeter with new friends.” Abalim returned their gesture.

Lisa tried to copy him, but it came out stilted and awkward, as if she were a shy kindergartner on the first day of school.

“Are you here to celebrate the Ritual of Renewal with us?” The female’s bright, colorless eyes were wide. “Pray tell, what village do you hale from?”

Abalim clasped his hands in front of him. “We hale from the southernmost village on the east continent.” His tone was smooth as silk. “Our humble village is called Eelry.”

The male’s pale eyebrows squished together. “I have never met anyone from the east continent before. I am surprised you were able to make the arduous journey.” He turned and gestured to his companion. “This is Nyvira.” He then placed a hand over his heart. “And I am Tharion.”

“I am called Abalim, and this is Lisa.”

Both Lumarians rounded their mouths and emitted a single whistle note in harmony.

“What strange, foreign names!” Nyvira exclaimed with a frown. “Have you two life-bonded?” She clasped her three-fingered hands together.

Abalim put an arm around Lisa’s shoulder and brought her close. “Yes, we recently performed the bonding ceremony. As a gift, our council gave their blessings for us to represent our people here at your Ritual of Renewal celebration.”

Nyvia tittered with musical clicks and whistles. “Tharion and I have also recently joined in the bonding ceremony.” She threw her slim shoulders back. “And we have also been chosen as leaders in our ruling council.” She waved a hand behind her to the rounded clearing where several small structures outlined the grove. “Come, you are fortunate. We have several domiciles set aside for any visitors. Please follow us, and we will show you to the one you can use while you’re here.”

Lisa hooked her arm through Abalim’s and followed their new hosts. She tried not to gawk as they passed other Lumarians moving about their various businesses.

Small children shouted excitedly as they laughed and played in a circle, clapping around an adult in the middle.

A braying sound caught Lisa’s attention. She glanced over her left shoulder and watched a herd of some type of domestic animals being led by a young female to the outskirts of the village.

While the sights and smells of the alien village were foreign, a lot seemed familiar enough.

Merchants had their wares on display by the massive tree with a spiraling trunk. Others had food, while some carried various trinkets or household products.

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