“You know, I’m the kind of person who thinks that the universe gives us exactly what we need at the right time,” I say, knowing that our meeting isn’t coincidence—that it’s luck. “I’m sure the person that’s perfect for you is out there, someone who thinks the sun shines out of your ass and would do anything to make you happy. And you deserve to find them. It’s okay to grieve what you’ve lost, though, but I know happiness can find you in the most bizarre circumstances.”
“I don’t know, I feel like a lot of the fi’len don’t really want us here—unless you’re someones fated mate. I feel trapped sometimes.” She draws her brows together and runs her hand over her gorgeous, cloud-like hair. “Do you really think I can find someone here?”
“I know so.” I squeeze her hand reassuringly.
“Thanks.”
“Of course, us humans have to stick together right?” We both laugh. “This place is like Little Italy but for our entire species, isn’t it?”
“Yeah but the food’s way worse,” she says as we both grimace.
How can the food be that much worse than the delicious things I ate at the estate? Maybe Raf’ere’s palate matches his taste in clothing—extravagant and over the top?
“Can you help me find the council room?” I ask my new friend.
“Sure, it’s back through the courtyard, straight through the doors and your first right once you’re back inside.” She points the direction I was walking.
“Thank you, Kamari,” I give her hand one final squeeze before I stand. I know she’s probably not done grieving, but I think she’ll be okay, and I have to find Raf’ere.
She just nods and wipes her eyes again. “See you around, newbie.”
* * *
There’s a throng of people in the courtyard watching another cruiser descend.
I can only hope that girl gets her cotton candy vape, but I don’t have time to see who is landing. I’ve got a mate to claim.
I find the set of doors into the building on the other side of the courtyard. This building seems more polished than the one that houses the cold dorms. The style of the decorations is like a more subdued version of the estate at the Reefs.
The halls are practically empty, and I assume almost everyone is queuing up for smuggled goods. So I’m surprised when I round the first right turn and smash hard into a gorgeous, tall redhead.
“Ouch!” she yelps, clutching her arm after we collide.
“Oh god, sorry!” I say with my hands up, wanting nothing more than to rush past her.
“It’s fine. I keep telling Gra’eth we really need blind spot mirrors around these corners. I’m not really coordinated on the best of days.” She looks down at my face, and confusion spreads across hers.
“I don’t think we’ve met, are you new? My name’s Jessy. I wasn’t informed of any new refugees…did you just arrive with the marauders?”
“No, not with the marauders.”
“Who then? They really need to tell me. What’s the point in being in charge of orientation if we’re just setting new girls loose in the palace?” She seems flustered.
“Um, Raf’ere brought me,” I say, trying my best to look around her shoulder. I need to find my mate.
“Oh god.” Her face drops. “The duke brought you here? You poor thing—if he said anything to upset you, I want you to know that he’s an asshole. Not all the fi’len are like that. Don’t let him scare you.” She reaches for me in comfort.
“Why does everyone think he’s terrible? He didn’t scare me, he saved my life, you know!” If Raf’ere won’t fight for us, I guess I fucking will.
“Raf’ere? No way…he’s like a total pervert.” Jessy stares at me in disbelief. “Are we talking about the same guy? The duke of the Liin’gan Reefs, dresses like an asshole, hates humans?”
“He doesn’t hate humans.” I set my jaw.“But he does dress like an asshole, I’ll give you that.”
“Well, I mean he hates dealing with refugees. He’s plenty happy to objectify us.” She crosses her arms, matching my energy.
“He says a lot of dumb shit. I’ll give you that. But did you ever think that maybe people can change? I can’t speak about how he was. I only know how he’s treated me. Why do you hate him?” I ask, because the Raf’ere she’s talking about doesn’t feel like my own.
“He made a very deliberate pass at me.”
