Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 58483 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 234(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58483 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 234(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
“Hmm.” He nods. “As a judge, I need to keep my emotions at bay and make logical, well-balanced decisions that serve the greater good of Zandians. It means I shouldn’t mate. At least not to a human, because they create a state of emotionality in Zandians that is unstable.”
I blink up at him. What?
“Is that true?”
He rubs his nose like he feels guilty about saying it. “It is true. It’s common knowledge on Zandia. But humans are the best option we have for reproducing because there are very few Zandian females.”
“What do you mean by a state of emotionality?”
He stands up and rubs the back of his neck. “Emotional. Feeling emotions. Normally Zandians are extremely logical. Humans awaken emotions we’re unaccustomed to feeling.”
I also stand. “Do I evoke emotions in you?”
He looks away. “You do, yes.” He clears his throat. “So it’s good this is only a temporary situation.”
Right. A temporary situation.
His whole demeanor is cooler now. So different from the fiercely protective way he held me while I shared my story with him. A flash of pain hits me in the chest. Every time I feel like he’s allowing himself to trust and care for me, he just takes it all away a moment later.
He picks up a satchel from near the door. “Come. I will take you to the lab to meet the team.”
He turns back. “And you are strictly forbidden to mention the mission to get the discs to any humans, is that clear? It was a need-to-know mission, and we do not want idle talk derailing it in any way.” He gives me a stern look. “This is important. Tell me yes.”
“Yes, Master. I promise.”
Chapter 13
Taisha
“Taisha, hand me the serum, please?” Bayla points to her left.
I pick up the small vial, careful to hold it secure in my gloved hand. “Of course.”
“Thanks.” She puts it down in front of her station. “We’re on planet rotation seven and we’re running low on our supply of venom. I really wish we could get the ratios to match the ones in your sample.”
I’m desperate to help, really, but I’ve already told her every single thing I can remember Leylah ever doing with toxins, which isn’t all that much, since Keerah—not I—was her snake venom trainee.
“I wish I had the answer.” I shake my head in frustration. I’ve been coming here for a few weeks now. Although I’ve bonded with Bayla, and enjoy learning new techniques in the lab, I don’t feel like I’ve actually been very helpful.
“Maybe you watched her do something one time, and didn’t realize what you were seeing?” Bayla’s voice is hopeful. “If you think back, it will come to you?”
“She made a habit of speaking to me alone while she was working. But I was focused on listening to her stories and legends. About powerful humans, ones who defied the odds and rose up against oppression through the millennia.” I rub my lips together. “She said those were the things I needed to bring”—I wave my hand—“out. Here. With me.” I tap my head. “She said everything I needed was in here.”
Bayla strips her gloves off with a snap of latex and lays them on the counter. She sighs and puts a hand on my shoulder. “And I love hearing them, and we are documenting them for future generations. They are wonderful stories, especially the ones about the Greek heroes—Greece, yes?” She turns the word on her tongue. “Greece. The legends of humans and gods are spectacular. It’s just”—she takes my hands in hers—“marvelous as they are, they are not what we need right now.”
“I know.” I pull my hands away and wipe them on my lab garment, because they suddenly got sweaty. “I know that.”
“It’s not your fault.” Bayla smiles. “Let’s take a break, shall we? I’ve gotten permission from Drayk to bring you to a meal with another human friend, Mirelle.”
“Great.” My mood is buoyed instantly. “Not that I don’t love you and Dr. Daneth, but I’m so eager to meet others.” I pause and eye her carefully. “Like… Lamira? Do you think I could meet her sometime soon?”
“Lamira? King Zander’s mate?” She gives me a speculative gaze. “He’s rather protective of her, especially with newcomers. Why her, specifically?”
“Oh, I, um… just think she must be very powerful and interesting, to have captured his interest. That’s all. I guess I’m curious about her.” I keep my gaze wide-eyed.
“Well. Probably not until you pass probation.” She taps her comm. “Mirelle, are you ready? Let’s head over, Taisha.”
* * *
Taisha
“This is gorgeous!” I put up my arms and spin around, laughing in delight. “I’ve never seen anything like it!” I don’t know what’s better: My freedom to be somewhere other than the lab, out in fresh air, or the company.
We’re in a grotto not far from a waterfall, sitting around a low rock and using it like a dinner table. “I can barely focus on the food, although these berries are fantastic.” To illustrate my appreciation, I sit back down, cross my legs under my flowing gown, and pop a ruby red strawberry into my mouth. “Yum.”