Page 60 of Celestial Bodies

Mindel shushed him. “Keep quiet. Whispers only. Yes, that’s an access hatch. I’ll climb up first and signal if it’s safe to follow. I’ve never been to Souzie’s, but she told me where it is. I can get us there, but we need to movefast. I’m out of here the minute you arrive.”

Mindel had been reluctant to help until Dacias explained everything. Looking sympathetic, he revealed that he had left Lapistra and understood why Julen wanted to start a new life in Cupidor.

They arrived at the access hatch, and Mindel climbed the rope ladder. After a peak outside, he signaled for them to follow, and they scurried from the merchant’s estate once they reached the top.

As they hurried to Souzie’s, making sure to be as surreptitious as possible, Dacias couldn’t quite get over the stark contrast between Lapistra and Rugiria. The nondescript buildings, the abundance of grey, and the black clothing most residents wore painted a depressing picture. He couldn’t wait to get Julen out of there.

When Souzie opened the door and saw the three of them, she looked like someone had punched her in the gut.

Mindel departed when Souzie confirmed leaving Dacias and Klorin with her was all right.

They entered her home, and Klorin scratched his neck with a sheepish expression. “Hello…”

Souzie folded her arms over her chest. “So, moving in, huh?”

Klorin groaned as he scrubbed his hands over his face. “I’m sorry. This is all so unbelievable. I didn’t know—”

Souzie closed the distance between them and gave Klorin a big, sloppy kiss. “You’re cute, you know that?”

Klorin blinked a few times before pulling her in for an even more passionate kiss, which probably would have continued until Dacias cleared his throat.

The lovebirds pulled away from each other, looking very embarrassed.

“Sorry.” Klorin shrugged.

“I’ll send a message to Julen,” Souzie added.

???

Julen ran in not long after their arrival, fully out of breath.

“What happened—oh!”

He squealed at the sight of Dacias’s face.

“No. Oh, no, what happened? You’re hurt!” Dacias touched the cut on his face. “Just a scratch. You should see the other guy.” He forced a chuckle.

Julen turned to Klorin, lying on Souzie’s bed with an ice pack on his head. He looked worse for wear as well.

Julen shook his head. “Tell me what happened!”

Dacias recounted the events from the night before. He also discussed the tunnels Mindel showed them and explained that this would be the best way to leave Lapistra once they executed their plan.

Julen’s eyes brimmed with tears, and his lips trembled. “Dacias, I am so sorry.”

Dacias wrapped his arms around him. “This is all Ferrean’s doing. You have nothing to be sorry about.”

Julen shook his head. “He wouldn’t have done this if it weren’t for me. ”

Dacias leaned in and looked deep into Julen’s eyes. “Julen, I chose to be with you. I don’t want to hear that this is your fault. It’s not. Don’t say that.”

Julen rubbed his hands on Dacias’s muscular chest. “You love Rugiria. This isn’t right. You shouldn’t have to leave because of me.”

“I loveyou—Rugiria’s a place. We’ll make a new home in Cupidor that will be just as wonderful as Rugiria. I’m not upset about this, Julen. I could have stayed and gone through the trial. I chose to leave. I want to be with you, and I want to use that damn hearttonight. The sooner you’re out of here, the happier I will be.”

Julen threw his arms around Dacias and kissed him, then rested his head on Dacias’s shoulder. Julen turned his gaze to Klorin and said, “I’m sorry this happened, Klorin.”

Klorin waved him off. “It’s fine. It’s an excuse to get this one to take care of me.”

---