Page 38 of Beyond the Ruby River
Folding his legs so his knees where under his chin, Daka wrapped his arms around himself. “Are you sure?”
“You don’t have to,” said Mahu. Maybe it was too soon for this.
“I’ll show you, but after what happened, it makes me nervous.”
Mahu thought about that. “I understand. I’m nervous too.”
“I would never hurt you.”
“I believe you.”
Daka took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He whispered,“Sthi unda writcha vaici.”
Mahu saw the horns first. They shimmered into existence as if they’d been there all along, poking out and upward from just above Daka’s temples. Not too big, about as tall as the span of his own hand, the same black that gleamed blue like his hair. Ridges stood along the elegant curves that led to sharp, pointed tips. Somehow, they suited him.
Next, the tail, which Daka had wrapped around himself much as he had his arms, like a hug. Long, skinny, black, and smooth as if it would be soft to the touch, with a heart-shaped nub at the end. Mahu stared.
“Is this all right?” asked Daka, his face the picture of vulnerability.
The extra appendages weren’t nearly as frightening when you were expecting them. They were actually quite beautiful on him, but Mahu wasn’t sure how to say so. He nodded. “You’re lovely.”
A shy smile blossomed on Daka’s face. “You really don’t mind them?”
Mahu found that he didn’t. “No. Not now that I know what to expect.”
“Oh, Mahu, I’m so glad to hear you say that. I’ve been miserable without you.”
Mahu opened his arms just in time for Daka to fling himself into them. Crowded together with a rock for a seat, the hug was no less perfect for its awkward angles and desperate joy.
“I’ve been miserable without you too.”
“Let’s never part again. Please, I don’t wish to be separated a moment longer.”
Mahu didn’t disagree with the sentiment, but he still had many unanswered questions. He turned to speak into Daka’s ear and encountered the horn. He pressed his cheek against it. Hard, but not cold. Warm just like the body in his arms.
“Dakarai, how old are you?”
Daka leaned back to catch his eyes. “Twenty-two.”
“That’s it?”
Confusion clouded Daka’s gaze. “Yes. I know I haven’t been completely honest, but I also have not lied. I would not lie to you.”
“And Niya? How old is she?”
“Oh.” Daka frowned. “I see what you’re getting at. I’m not supposed to tell you, but I will. Please, you must keep it a secret. If people knew about us, they might be afraid. They might seek to imprison our kind, or to destroy us. There are so many more humans than there are incubi. We’d stand no chance. I love my family, Mahu, as you loved yours. Will you keep our secrets?”
Who would believe me if I told them?thought Mahu, but he wouldn’t be glib when Daka was acting so serious. “I will.”
Daka took a deep breath. “Incubi are immortal. Even me, even though I’m only half-blooded. There aren’t many like me, but the others have all lived centuries. And mother found another half-blood like me who’s lived over a millennia, so I have always known I will not die. Niya is old. Mother is older. I’m sure they’d rather I not say exactly. Is that enough?”
Stunned, Mahu managed a nod.
Daka’s concern showed on his face. He held nothing back from his expressions. It was a trait Mahu liked about him, and at times like these, the tendency was also useful.
“Please don’t worry. Only give me a moment to think on it. Immortality is quite a lot to consider.”
“Quite,” Daka agreed.
