“Do you,” heat spread on his cheeks as he struggled to get the words out, “do you know where I can find human music?”

“Human music?”

“The romantic kind.” He rubbed the back of his neck. Though he did not wish to discuss his personal matters with Leel, there was no choice. The other females were not back yet.

Leel scrunched her nose. “You’re asking me to find human music up here? On this planet?”

“Neh.” He scrubbed his forehead. “I simply need a suggestion. One that pairs well with…” he coughed. “Roses and candles.”

Suddenly, Leel burst out laughing. “I get it, Tiegan. And yeah, try some of these.” She listed off human names that meant nothing to Tiegan but certainly put a sparkle in Leel’s eyes. “She’ll love those. They’re classics.”

“I appreciate that.” He moved up a step and then turned back. “And Leel?”

“Hm?”

“Tell no one of this.”

She chuckled. “I won’t.”

Flustered, he stumbled back into his dwelling. “Sim-pony, you’re causing me to do all kinds of strange things,” he mumbled. And then he smiled because Tiegan would not have it any other way.

Thirty-Nine

Symphony

Symphony openedher eyes and saw shadows stretching over the room. Was it nightfall already? The bright rays of the sun shed a path on the floor.

For a second, she stalled in fear. Where was she? She’d never seen this room before. Not that it meant much. Symphony had spent most of her time on this planet in the Healer’s sacred damas. She’d gotten used to the cave walls and the hard floors. But this place seemed… cozy.

The walls were clean and glossy. The floors were smooth and the ceiling did not have any sharp protrusions threatening to fall and impale her if there was an earthquake.

She sucked in a deep breath and her nostrils filled with Tiegan’s scent. Glancing down, Symphony realized she was lying on a thick quilt.

“Tiegan?”

He appeared in the doorway as if summoned, a tall, shadowy figure that was mildly frightening. She lurched back, her heart hammering in her ribs.

He stepped closer and moonlight spilled over his lean frame, striking purple eyes and square jaw. A small, excited smile tugged on his lips.

She stared at it for a minute, not used to seeing him looking that mischievous. “What happened? Where is this place?”

“My dwelling.”

“Yours?” Her head bobbed around to take it all in with new eyes. “When did I get here?”

“You have been sleeping for a while.”

“I did?” She glanced down at her arm. It was a regular dark chocolate shade. Had she dreamed of being kidnapped by Qin, getting her arm activated by Adhi and fighting off Plutonian rebels?

“You did.” He knelt beside her so she didn’t have to crane her neck to meet his eyes. Tiegan looked especially handsome with his hair pulled back like that. She wondered what the occasion was that he changed his hair style.

Feeling like she was missing something, Symphony touched the side of her lips. “Did I drool?”

“Neh.” He tilted his head, his stare intensifying. “You are too beautiful. I cannot stop looking at you.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Well, that’s… has something gotten into you?”

“Neh.” He took her hand. “But as soon as you are well, I would like to get into you.”