Page 24 of Devil's Night

The journey passed in a comfortable silence, my head resting on Sargon’s shoulder as I watched the stars streak past in brilliant streaks of light. When at last we began our descent, I straightened, eager to catch my first glimpse of our destination.

What I saw stole the breath from my lungs.

A verdant world shimmered below us, swaths of vivid emerald and sapphire broken up by bursts of vibrant pinks, oranges, and violets. Towering crystalline structures glittered in the faint sunlight, and strange, delicate creatures with gossamer wings flitted amongst the flora.

“Sargon “ I whispered, pressing my face to the viewport. “It’s beautiful.”

“One of the most tranquil, unspoiled planets in this sector,” he rumbled with clear satisfaction at my awestruck reaction. “I thought you might enjoy a respite from the chaos.”

The shuttle set down with a gentle bump, and Sargon was at my side in an instant, offering his arm. I took it gladly, allowing him to lead me down the ramp and onto the soft, mossy ground.

Instantly, my senses were assaulted by the vibrant world around me. The air was thick with the heady perfume of alien blooms, their petals unfurling in a mesmerizing array of colors I could scarcely name. Strange, melodic trills drifted on the breeze, emanating from the delicate winged creatures dancing from flower to flower.

I bent to run my fingers over the plush vegetation beneath my feet, marveling at the velvety texture. “Sargon, this place is “

“A dream,” he finished for me, cupping my cheek so I met his smoldering gaze. “And one I intend for us to enjoy to the fullest.”

His thumb traced my jaw, sending an anticipatory quiver through me. Then, clearing his throat, he gestured toward a path winding through the alien flora. “Shall we?”

Hand-in-hand, we set off to explore this waking dream of a world. Sargon seemed to know where he was going, deftly leading us over mossy rises and around shimmering pools. At one point, I paused to examine a cluster of fuchsia fronds, their tips glistening with dew drops that threw kaleidoscopic shards of light with every tremulous movement.

Then suddenly I snatched my hand away. I’d been so caught up in the sheer wonderment, I had momentarily forgotten my precarious situation – a human dropped into an alien world, naive to its potential dangers.

But Sargon was here. Fiercely intelligent and protective, he would keep me safe. That thought was a balm to my worried mind, and I gripped his hand a little tighter as we continued on our way.

At length, the path opened up onto a secluded cove, the likes of which I had never seen. A shimmering expanse of water stretched out before us, its surface rippling with a rainbow of soft hues – pinks, lavenders, periwinks, and pale cerulean. Jutting up from the shallows were twisted, gnarled trunks adorned with fronds of feathery lavender that swayed in the faint breeze.

“Oh, Sargon “ I breathed, unable to tear my eyes away from the ethereal sight.

He gave a low chuckle, wrapping his arms around me from behind. His chin came to rest on my shoulder, his lips brushing my ear. “I thought you might appreciate the view.”

“It’s incredible. Magical, even.” I turned my head to meet his intense red gaze. “How did you find this place?”

“Trade secret, I’m afraid,” he said with a wink. “But I’m pleased you like it.”

Like it? I was utterly entranced. With a contented sigh, I allowed myself to sink back against the solid wall of his chest, reveling in the simple pleasure of being here, with him, surrounded by such splendor.

We stood that way for endless moments, simply basking in the tranquil beauty. At length, Sargon stirred, his hands skimming down my arms.

“Hungry, little one?”

My stomach gave a rumble as if on cue, drawing a rich laugh from the Vinduthi beside me. He released me with one final nuzzle against my neck and strode back down the path we’d arrived by. When he returned, he was laden with a basket overflowing with alien delicacies – jewel-toned fruits glistening with sugary dewdrops, plates of some sort of airy bread riddled with herbs and spices, and a heavy ceramic jug that sloshed enticingly.

“You certainly came prepared,” I teased as he spread out a plush blanket and began unpacking our repast.

Sargon smiled at the compliment. “I do try to be a gracious host.”

He patted the space beside him, and I settled onto the soft blanket, cross-legged and eager to sample the tantalizing fare he had procured. As I bit into one of the strange, oblong fruits, a burst of tart sweetness flooded my mouth, the flavor at once familiar and entirely new.

“Mmm, that’s delicious!” I hummed in appreciation. “What is it?”

“A k’lavi,” Sargon replied around a mouthful of the airy bread. “A delicacy on this world, or so I’m told.”

My brows rose at that. “You’ve never been here before?”

He shook his head. “Not until today. But I did my research.” His gaze grew pointed. “I would never risk bringing you somewhere potentially hazardous without being fully prepared.”

I felt a flush creep up my neck at the intensity of his stare, the promise it held. Clearing my throat, I reached for the heavy jug, unstoppering it to find a rich, amber liquid within that smelled faintly of the perfumed alien flora around us.

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