Page 84 of Dark's Savior

Ryziel's hand slowly clenched into a fist. Where was she going with this?

Aly cast her eyes downward, as if thinking, then slowly shook her head. "No. It doesn't bother me. I'll be with Ryziel." She looked up at each of them. "And I'm sure I can somehow keep in contact..."

"You think so?"

Aly shrugged but didn't seem to have an answer.

"The humans will come with me," Xilya said. "And, assuming your tale is true, that this Dr. Hart you mentioned is likely on my homeworld, she may know how to get them back to human territory. But the likelihood of them returning to find you is assuredly impossible." She took a sip of her tea then set her cup down. "I'm just saying if you choose to go to Nihl, there's no going back. You will never see a human again."

Aly frowned but didn't seem completely disturbed by this revelation. "I understand."

"Do you?"

"Yes."

Xilya sat back and bowed her head. "And you understand, then, that, no matter what happens, once you are on Nihl, you can never leave."

"Careful, Xilya," Ryziel warned softly.

She ignored him, her eyes staying on Aly.

Aly looked back at her, her brows furrowed tight. "If that is true," Aly began, "then so be it. As long as I am with Ryziel, it doesn't matter. It will be my home."

"A home you barely know anything about?"

"Enough, Xilya," Ryziel growled.

Xilya finally turned her eyes to him, her gaze almost accusing. "You are very sure you will be able to go and challenge your uncle without issue?"

The question was unexpected, but Ryziel knew his answer. "Yes."

"And you are very sure you will win?"

Ryziel took a hit from his own cup then set it down. "Yes, I am sure." He didn't think he needed to explain his plan, but he did so anyway. "I will challenge him on the First Night, when I am strongest. My uncle's ego will drive him to think he can still defeat me, even then. And, as heir to the house, my brother will allow us to fight."

"Just as you think he will allow Aly to be your bonded mate?"

Ryziel's eyes narrowed, and he waited a moment before saying, "He will if I ask it."

Xilya narrowed her eyes back at him. "And have you told her what it's like for non-nillium within the great Houses?"

"It doesn't matter."

"I think it does."

Ryziel bared his teeth. "We are done discussing this. It is not your decision."

"Not mine," Xilya agreed. "But hers." She gestured to Aly.

Aly looked to both of them. She was quiet for a moment, looking to Ryziel for reassurance. She turned back to Xilya. "I think it will be fine."

Xilya stared at her for a second longer. Then, as if it was no longer a concern, she tilted her head with a shrug. "So be it." She drank the rest of her tea and so said no more.

Aly's techband rang out like a little bell, letting them know it was time for her to head above. "I'll go get my things," she said hesitantly, looking to Ryziel as she rose from her seat.

"I'll be right there," Ryziel said to her as he went to stand.

"Let me take her up," Xilya offered. "I have to return to the top as well, and one tank is nearly complete. You could stay and help Nar."

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