Page 63 of Between Earth and Eternity
“If you have questions or concerns, please speak to your designated steward. Thank you for your time. Captain Carter out.”
Ori’s eyes are wide with shock and fear. But I feel neither surprise nor terror. The only things that circle in my mind are the questions that keep me up at night and continue to plague me day in and day out. Specifically, what does it all mean?
What might be good for your heart
Might not be good for my head
And what was there at the start
Might not be there in the end
“Gethsemane,” Sleep Token
Ori and I get the word out with Runa’s help about the single young adults group. We’re planning a little meet and mingle for our first meeting in a drink lounge, and Payson and Laz both confirmed they would attend. We’ve sat with them at dinner afew times since Pace and I last spoke, but we’ve kept things short with each other. Luckily, Ori and Laz usually start talking about something else before it gets too awkward. Pace has given me some space for the most part, besides a message saying he was still my friend if I ever needed anything. I never responded. Not to be rude, but because I honestly didn’t know what to say.
With the meet-up this evening, I need some alone time to mentally prepare, to clear my head. I can’t think of a better plan than getting lost in a book for a couple of hours. I pick a few books to take back to my reading nook, but I’m reminded it’s not really mine when I find someone already taking up the space. He takes up space everywhere he goes.
Vallen.
The last time I saw him, he was all rage and threats, but now, he looks serene, sitting with a book. The book appears small in his large hands and ringed fingers. I turn slowly, hoping I can escape without him noticing.
“Skyler. Wait a minute.”
Damn it.
I turn around, not sure what mood he’s in, bracing myself for the worst, but I stagger a bit when he looks at me with a concerned expression. Soft eyes meeting mine were the last thing I expected as he says, “Runa told me what happened. She came to me to report that officer for stepping out of line.”
I blink back, confused. “You’re not going to scold me for getting into trouble again?”
“I get the feeling trouble foundyouthis time.”
That’s an understatement. I never took Vallen as someone who would be understanding when his orders aren’t followed, but for some reason he seems, dare I say, empathetic.
“I assume you heard about the message from your father as well then?”
“Yes. And I wanted to say”—he pauses, clearing his throat—“I’m sorry. The questioning wasn’t meant to go that far.”
My eyebrows shoot up. Apparently, he is the only one allowed to threaten me. I’m not sure Alister Mannox would agree with that.
“Vallen Mannox, apologizing?"
“Don’t get used to it.” He smiles his real smile, and the butterflies are there in my stomach in an instant. I play with the charm on my bracelet, and it catches his eye. “What’s that?”
Out of instinct, I put my hand behind my back. “Nothing.”
“Is it from a boyfriend?” The fact that Vallen Mannox cares if I have a boyfriend is laughable.
“My best friend. It was just a funny joke that he got me on my birthday. The day of the Lottery, actually.”
“Hmm.” He hums deeply, the sound coming from the back of his throat. “Is that why you’re so mad that you were drawn? You were forced to leave him behind?”
Leave him behind.
It bothers me how quickly he figured it out, but what he doesn’t know is how, since Sega, I’ve been grappling with doing more than just leaving him. I disappointed him.
“Yes. Among other things,” I say, clearing my throat.
“Like?” He looks genuinely intrigued, and that pleases me so much that I tell him without hesitating.
