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KAI
What was wrong with me? Reconnecting with my heartstone had turned me into an emotional wreck. The Valos were a peaceful people. We didn’t fight each other and kept rivalries to friendly challenges. Duke’s gaze upon Lydia held no covetous edge. His kindness toward her followed our customs of hospitality. Yet, the attention she bestowed upon him bothered me to no end. An irrational aggression had robbed me of coherent thought the minute Lydia’s lips had connected with his cheek. I’d recognized it as a mere sign of gratitude but it still made my heartstone burn. Her current coverings looked pitiful. I should have thought of it first.
Duke’s rippling muscles played under the ice-blue skin of his strong back as he marched toward the living area. Almost as bulky as Miners, Builders like Duke developed muscular bodies. I remembered all too well how Lydia’s eyes had scrutinized my brother. For the first time in my existence, I felt inadequate. As an artist, I could make pretty things for her, but Builders were better suited to provide the exotic female with convenience and comfort. Gatherers and Hunters could supply a greater diversity of food and meal preparations. And there was no question Lydia loved food.
The memory of her warm skin against mine as I fed her awakened sensations beneath my loincloth I had long forgotten. Who could have imagined I’d ever welcome again anything other than frost? Yet, the heat of her body had seeped into mine, melting the ice that ran through my veins. Her softness made my fingers itch with need, especially those ridiculous bumps that had risen all over her. Lydia’s pliable curves nestled perfectly with mine. I wished that meal had never ended so that she’d remain on my lap, in my embrace, forever. Remembering the sounds of pleasure she made while eating fanned the fire in my belly.
What would it feel like for her to press her lips to my cheek as well? What would it be like to have her entirely naked, pressed against my own bare flesh?
What does she look like beneath those rags?
Her shyness at exposing herself made my brows twitch. Why hide? Showing her legs, arms, and face didn’t seem to bother her. What could be so special about her torso and groin that it should remain covered?
An unpleasant thought crossed my mind. Her breasts were big, swelling under her coverings. Our females’ chests only inflated when with child or during their nursing years. By their size, and considering Lydia’s flat belly, no babe grew inside her. Did she have offspring somewhere desperate for the return of their mother?
Duke came to a halt in the middle of the living area then turned to face me. His serious expression put a damper on my thoughts.
“The female is strange, but clearly not a Creator. Has she told you where she came from and what brought her here?”
I ran a hand over the braid at the back of my head, my heartstone heating with embarrassment. Lydia and I had talked a number of times now, but I’d learned very little about her. Eager to please her, I’d done most of the talking, spilling a lot about us.
I cleared my throat. “No. We couldn’t communicate well enough for that. I explained to her what the Creator had done and only part of the reason why she took away our heartstones.”
He narrowed his eyes at me. “Part?”
“She doesn’t know about our females.”
Duke pursed his lips, his bulging arms crossing over his chest.
“Do you believe she might be a threat to them?”
I recoiled and shook my head from side to side. “No. I am certain she wouldn’t harm our females. But until we’ve found a way to access the island, there’s no point burdening her with that knowledge.”
Duke tilted his head and sucked in his bottom lip in his typical baffled expression.
“What?” I asked.
“What’s wrong with your neck?”
I blinked. “Nothing’s wrong. Why?”
“Why did you do that?” Duke asked, shaking his head sideways.
Really?
My heartstone heated again. I’d never imagined myself so easy to influence.
“A habit I’ve picked up from Lydia. Her people express negation with that gesture and agreement by shaking their heads up and down like this,” I said, nodding my head the way she did.
Duke’s eyebrow twitched. Mine followed suit. It had been too long since we’d had cause to be merry.
“Your female is strange. Very strange.”
My female.
She wasn’t mine, but I liked the sound of that, and in particular that he perceived her as such. I didn’t correct him. His knowing smiled indicated he wasn’t fooled.
“Yes, she is. It is refreshing.”
The amusement faded from Duke’s face and I braced for what would follow.
“After her bath, Lydia must go retrieve more heartstones,” he said.
My spine stiffened at the finality of his tone.
“She’s not our slave to be ordered about,” I said, my voice clipped. “That first trip drained her.”
The lines of his square jaw hardened as did his gaze.
“This has nothing to do with enslaving her. The first trip may have tired her but she looks well-rested enough now.”
“She’ll be even better rested in the morning.”
“Our brothers don’t have until morning,” Duke snapped. “I went back down while Lydia slept. Even from the entrance, I can see many heartstones flickering, more than before her rest cycle. By the next sunrise, they will be dead. She must go back, even at the risk of her discomfort.”
Fist clenched, I turned away from him and stared through the frosted side windows at the deserted plaza outside. His words held an undeniable truth. I’d seen it with my own eyes when she’d retrieved our heartstones. But I’d also seen how she’d stumbled through the last stretch, drained to the point of collapse. Even without my heartstone, I had felt a sliver of fear... for her. Now that the full range of my emotions had been restored, dread twisted my insides that something bad would happen.
Still, I couldn’t let my brothers die. Lydia said it wouldn’t be too bad if she didn’t waste energy beforehand.
I heaved a sigh and looked at him over my shoulder.
“You are right. The flickering ones need to be retrieved in all haste. I will speak to her but we must take care. If we push her too hard she may balk and refuse to retrieve the others. There are a hundred and fifty of our people still trapped down there.”
“You must convince her, Qaezul.”
Turning around to face him, my temper flared. “I said I would speak to her.”
Duke pinched his lips but kept silent. I ran my hand over my braid again. It didn’t give me the comfort it once did. Since the change, the texture of my skin and hair no longer felt the same.
“Zaktaul is assessing the state of the garden,” Duke said, breaking the uncomfortable silence between us.
Grateful for the change of topic, I perked up. After the Miners had exhausted the resources in the cave, a number of them had joined the Hunters and Gatherers to have a new purpose following the departure of the Creator. Although not as knowledgeable as the valos of that class, Zak could help get things moving again.
“The mirror system needs repairs after centuries of disuse. They are not realigning properly with the movement of the sun. The crops get too little light during the day. Once functional again, he’ll be able to provide Lydia with more variety for her meals.”
I caught myself almost shaking my head again at Duke’s comment, but this time, in agreement. My Lydia had a healthy appetite and seemed open to trying new things. The way her ability constantly drained her, she would welcome diversity in what she ate to recharge.
“She will be most appreciative, I’m sure,” I said with gratitude.
“The lower-city isn’t adapted to Lydia’s needs. She should stay here or I can clear another—”
“No,” I interrupted, bristling at the suggestion. “She stays with m... us. We’re not isolating her.”
I averted my eyes and tweaked the waist of my loincloth that didn’t need adjusting. Duke spared me the humiliation of pointing out my slip of the tongue.
“It should be her decision to make,” he countered. I opened my mouth to argue but he didn’t give me a chance to speak. “If she wishes to stay in the lower-city, I will build a hygiene room and a kitchen for her. Remember your own words, Qaezul; she’s not our slave to be ordered about.”
I lowered my head, dismayed by my irrational behavior. A sour taste filled my mouth.
What if she prefers to live alone in the upper-city?
Duke’s heavy steps approached. Stopping in front of me, he raised a hand and rested it on my shoulder. A sympathetic expression softened the sharp lines of his high cheekbones and made his wide eyes appear a tad smaller.
“Lydia is an intriguing female. She seems to have a good heart and looks at you with kind eyes. I do not begrudge you the emotions you feel. She has awakened your protective instincts. It is not my place to question or challenge it. Nature will follow its course however it sees fit.”
Duke placed his second hand on my other shoulder, his glowing blue eyes, a shade darker than mine, leveled on me.
“However, remember well, my brother, that she is a stranger. You know nothing about her except that she too came from the sky.”
That stung. I shrugged to pull out of his grasp but his hands tightened on my shoulders.
“The Strangers abandoned us without a word, leaving despair in their wake. Until we know why she’s here, guard your heartstone well so she doesn’t destroy you... and us.”
“She won’t.”
“You don’t know that, Qaezul.”
“SHE WON’T!”
“She won’t what?” Lydia’s gentle voice called out behind me.
Duke’s head jerked left to look at her and I spun around. My brain ceased to function. Lava burned in my chest, my heartstone glowing so bright it nearly blinded me.
So beautiful...
Although too big for her, the tunic flowed effortlessly down her slim body. The length of garment hid nothing of her long, slender legs, despite falling almost to her knees. The light blue fabric, a perfect match to the color of her almond-shaped eyes, made them pop. She’d somehow managed to tame her hair, tying it in a single long braid that dropped over her shoulder, down to her breasts.
I realized my feet had carried me over to her when my hand reached out to touch her braid. It caressed my palm as I slid my hand down its length. The rise and fall of her chest accelerated and the pulse on her neck picked up. My eyes locked with hers and my heartstone flared, its heat diffusing through my chest, down to my belly. Her pupils dilated and her lips parted.
“You look stunning,” I whispered.
Lydia’s gaze lowered to my lips. For some reason, my body responded with my rod stiffening. The fire in my belly made me ache.
Duke cleared his throat, ruining the moment. Lydia blinked and took a couple of step back, a guilty look settling on her face. The tips of her strange, rounded ears took on a reddish hue.
“Thank you,” she said, fiddling with one of the overly long sleeve of her tunic.
It took me a second to understand what she was thanking me about.
“I hope you enjoyed your bath,” Duke said, behind me.
I stepped back and turned sideways so that I could see both of them and gave him a warning glance. He ignored me.
“Yes, thank you, Duke.”
She beamed at him and walked into the living area.
“And thank you for the fabulous clothes.”
“My pleasure, Lydia.”
Duke waved at the interior of the house.
“These dwellings have many accommodations which the lower-city lacks, since valos don’t have the same needs you and the Strangers do.”
I clasped my hands behind my back to hide their angry clenching and forced a neutral expression on my face.
“Yes, they are quite impressive,” Lydia said, her voice hesitant.
Despite my efforts, she could sense something was off.
“Would you like to settle here or in one of the other mansions? I can clear the path for you,” Duke offered.
Lydia cast a worried glance towards me.
“Is that what you were discussing when I arrived?” she asked.
“We discussed many topics,” Duke answered non-committal. “Including that one, yes.”
“Do you want me to stay here?” she asked, her gaze riveted on me.
“I want you to stay wherever you will feel the happiest,” I said.
“Then I’d rather stay with you,” she said without hesitation.
I couldn’t hold back a grin and a triumphant look aimed at Duke. He snorted, his eyebrow twitching.
“Very well. I will build a hygiene room and kitchen for you in the lower-city then.”
Lydia’s hand flew to her chest, her eyes widening.
“Oh no! You don’t need to do that!” she said, shaking her head.
Duke cast a furtive glance my way, a mocking smirk stretching his lips, having recognized the gesture I’d done earlier.
“I don’t mind coming back up here when I need to use the facilities,” Lydia added.
“It is no trouble, Lydia,” Duke said. “Building is my purpose. It will take a few days to complete. In the meantime, let me show you how to operate the kitchen here when you want warm food.”
“All right. Thank you.”
Her eyes glimmered with gratitude as we watched him walk to the dais at the end of the living area. He climbed the three steps and indicated yet another hidden switch to open the invisible doors to the dining and kitchen area. I had never known if the Strangers hid everything out of secrecy or tidiness. From all accounts, they had behaved in a similar fashion in other cities.
Duke gave her a quick tour of the kitchen, showing her how to access and operate the grill, oven, and heated plates. He also indicated the location of the polished stone plates our Crafters had made and the metal utensils acquired through trade with the City of Light. Before taking his leave, he showed her the Strangers’ bedrooms and wardrobes, telling her to put on the bed anything she wanted brought down for her.
With one last meaningful glance my way, Duke turned around and left. No sooner did he exit the bedroom than the weight of Lydia’s stare settled on me.
“What’s going on, Kai?” she asked, her voice filled with suspicion. “Why were you arguing about me?”
I sighed and indicated for her to follow me into the living area. Too many distracting thoughts coursed through my mind for us to stay in the privacy of the bedroom. Lydia sat on one of the long stone benches covered with a thick, red cushion. I settled next to her and turned my head to face her, wishing I could have pulled her on my lap again instead.
She studied my face as if she could find the answer in my features.
Choosing my words with care, I explained to her the source of our concern, stressing that while her welfare remained paramount, time flowed against us.
“Of course, I will help,” Lydia said, sounding a little offended. “Letting your brothers die would be murder. Why would you even doubt my willingness to assist?”
“We did not doubt you, Lydia,” I said with conviction. “But you collapsed in my arms this morning. I fear for your safety. The thought you might drop from exhaustion too far away for me to rescue you makes my heartstone ache.”
Her eyelids fluttered and her blunt, white teeth grazed her lower lip. Reaching out to me, her delicate hand rested on top of mine in a comforting gesture, sending a pleasant jolt through me.
“I’m fine, Kai. I overextended myself this morning but now I know better.”
She looked up and to the side, her face taking on a pensive expression.
“There were quite a few heartstones with weak or flickering lights.” She refocused on me, grim determination settling on her features. “I need to retrieve them as soon as possible. If I pace myself and only use freeze when carrying the heartstones, I should be able to make two or three trips tonight.”
My chest swelled with something beyond respect and gratitude. Pride came to mind. Lydia wasn’t mine to be proud of, and yet a bond had taken root between us. A bond I intended to nurture until it blossomed.
“Thank you, Lydia.”
Taking her hand between both of mine, I gave it a gentle squeeze and our eyes locked. In that instant, I wanted nothing more than to drown in the frozen depths of her eyes. Lydia’s intoxicating presence made my heartstone throb and my mind splinter. Her lips brushing against mine confirmed I hadn’t hallucinated her leaning forward. My abdominal muscles clenched, desire spreading its wings into the pit of my stomach. The contact of her mouth, soft and warm against mine, awakened a ravenous hunger deep within me. Releasing her hand, I raised mine to cup the back of her head, holding her in place. I pressed my lips harder against hers. She allowed it for a moment before pulling back. I fought the instinct to tighten my hold and let her go.
The delicate tip of her pink tongue licked her lips, then she smiled.
“I like you, Kai,” she whispered. “You’re a nice guy.”
Head swimming, I latched onto the only coherent thought I felt capable of.
“Guy?” I asked.
She giggled, eyes crinkling. “Man, though you probably say male. You’re a nice male.”
“You’re a nice female,” I said, beaming at her.
My smile faded when her gaze dropped to my exposed teeth. Their sharpness had previously scared her. I didn’t want her to ever fear me and especially, I didn’t want her to not touch her mouth to mine again. It made me feel wonderful things.
“Do not fear my teeth, Lydia. I promise to never eat you.”
She laughed again. I loved the sound of her laugher, like the tinkling murmur of the water running down the river, flowing over me in a gentle caress.
“I don’t fear your teeth. They’re a part of you. I know you don’t want to hurt me, so they won’t either.”
My throat constricted and my chest burned from the heat of my heartstone. She wasn’t of my kind, but never had I felt such strong attraction to a female. Duke said nature would follow its course however it saw fit, but I intended to give it a nudge in a specific direction.
* * *
EAGER TO GET STARTED on retrieving the heartstones, Lydia postponed searching the Stranger’s bedroom and wardrobe to another time. She did take a moment to look at their footwear, only to pass on them as they were far too big for her small feet. During her rest cycle, I would try to retrofit a pair for her until my Artisan brothers, once awakened, could make her custom ones.
Zak and Duke stood by my side at the entrance of the lowest level, bearing witness to Lydia’s efforts. Withstanding the ambient heat in her natural form, Lydia headed to the Miners’ altar, the furthest one down the path. Only once there, her brown skin covered with frost, making it almost blend with the ice-blue fabric of her tunic.
Moving swiftly, she picked up a number of heartstones. I couldn’t count how many from the distance. She placed them in a thin leather bag Duke had retrieved from one of the Strangers’ dwellings. Without pausing, she raced back to the entrance, her arms wrapped around the pouch pressed to her chest. She released her frost as soon as she turned the curb into the last stretch towards us. Despite the heat, the chilled bag kept the heartstones cool.
Zak relieved her of the burden, deep respect shining in his eyes. Although it only contained eight heartstones, Lydia shook her arms and rolled her shoulders to shed the strain from them. This rescue demanded far more effort from her than any of us had realized. Zak turned on his heels and raced up the stairs to start seeking the owners of his precious package.
“How are you feeling?” I asked, my eyes flicking between hers.
She smiled. “I’m fine. Those things are heavy, though. I’ll probably stick to five or six per trip instead. At least, I got all the weaker ones from the last altar. I’ll have to use my frost on a shorter distance so I might be able to make more trips.”
I didn’t bother hiding the worry on my face. “Please be careful, Lydia.”
“Don’t worry, I will be.”
She pressed her lips against mine. Before I could react, she pulled away and turned toward Duke who stared at us with bulging eyes. Lydia grabbed a second leather bag from his hand and headed back down the path. Duke’s glowing gaze bore down on me. I gave him a sideway glance and shrugged my shoulders like Lydia often did to indicate she didn’t know or it didn’t matter.
“She likes me.”
“You’re becoming as strange as your female, Qaezul.”
Unable to resist the urge, I shook my head up and down. He laughed and I turned my gaze back to my female.