Page 84 of Sol Survivor

He clasped her hand and led her off the ship and down the ramp.Pausing, she gaped at the lilac skies, tall, majestic spires that were their buildings, and the flying crafts.She peered over the edge of the platform at the endless waterfalls and rivers beneath them, some enshrouded in gray-lilac mists.

“It’s breathtaking.”She smiled, admiring the vistas again.“Water is not scarce here at all.Like you said, Drafe.Despite the symbiotes sharing your memories and those of the Qaldreth who came before you, I refused to believe it.”

“As did I.”He kissed her knuckles.“Come, they do not tolerate tardiness.”

They sound like they have sticks up their asses.

Drafe jerked back, his mouth twisted in horror.Is that possible?

She means, they hate for anyone to enjoy themselves.Aehort glided behind them, his hands clasped before him.

She giggled.It is a saying, gevatia, and not meant to be taken literally.

He chuckled.Good to know.

Willing her armor to remain hidden, she let Drafe escort her in silence along a narrow bridge beautifully patterned and carved with what she now knew were hudu, vasquva, and massive flying birds she did not yet know the name of.Excitement burst in her belly and butterflies fluttered, catching her breath.Soon, she would see her first sandworm.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Year: 2220

The Qaldreth Command Council

Planet of Ivoy

Astheystrodeintothe hall, many Qaldreth, in a kaleidoscope of hair and eye colors, quietened and watched them head to the center.Despite being used to thousands observing her, this small gathering of warriors twitched her fingers and scattered her heartbeat.

Drafe squeezed her hand.Breathe,mhi’ vatia, you will not be harmed.I am forever your guardian.

She met his gaze and winked.As I am yours.

They paused in front of a dais where seven Qaldreth warriors sat.One had the same coloring as Drafe’s—Meorri aac Kish Udap.

His scowl was monstrous to behold.“We receive no recent word of your mission, no status updates, then you arrive with a live specimen.I am not impressed, Meorri aac Drafe Arrak.”

Red hot fury exploded across their bond, but when she snuck a peek at Drafe, only his jaw clenched.

“Our mission was successful, revered members of the Q.C.C.”Aehort stared down each man.“The source of the pods were discovered and vengeance taken for the Ots killed.”

“Good.”Kish Udap studied her.“You are without Awayar aac Caah Taed, the finest in his field.How did his death serve the Qaldreth?”

Drafe scanned the council.“I tasked him to remain with the humans, to help rebuild, and to serve as a bridge between our species, Kish Udap.”

A white-eyed udap nodded, his hair flowing down his back unruffled.“An excellent choice, Drafe Arrak.We of the Awayar make outstanding ambassadors.”

“He is not trained in such a capacity, Rath,” Kish Udap growled at the white-haired commander at his side.“But the deed is done, the Ivoy avenged, and your bond with Aehort has strengthened, Drafe Arrak.”He tapped the desk.“Yet before me, I find a stranger.”

“She is as I foresaw.”Aehort chose to sit on a stone bench, his face a mask of boredom.

“Oh?”Another commander, Zuphayr aac Srim, arched a blue brow.“And what did your visions reveal?”

“An ally.”

Oh, Aehort, thank you.She smiled at him then looped her arm through Drafe’s.You have helped me heal, my love.The loss of Ande still haunts me, but with you and Aehort, I am whole again.

Warm adoration from Drafe crossed their bond.

It has been a pleasure, Vic of Earth,Aehort sent.

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