“Sounds like a plan.”
14
Ixik’tryl
I was the happiest male in existence.
Nothing could ruin this moment. I would forever remember her declaration of love and pledge to join my flock. Our flock would only hold us two until all the dangers have passed, and she was comfortable in her career.
Then we could grow our flock with as many hatchlings as she wanted, if we decided it something we wanted at that time.
And if we never produced offspring of our own, I was sure we would be happy helping others with their own, as long as I had my Ami by my side.
I stepped out onto the porch of the villa, into the darkness of the night. Ami wasn’t in our nest, and it was late. Since she couldn’t fly, there were only a few places within the villa’s grounds where she could be.
It appeared that I was correct, and there was some unrest brewing along the Yzefrxyl borders—but by the time anyone looked into the matter, all evidence had vanished. Missing ships lost cargo as a result of pirates, and rumors of a rebellion forming circulated, sparked by those in the black market furious at Yzefrxyl for shooting the Humans—their main source of entertainment for those who loved playing the game of “who could excel their civilization the most.”
Duty would call us away again, and soon, but we could relax knowing that we had been granted permission to make our villa our permanent residence.
The Yzefrxyl hostility toward the humans was something I couldn’t shake.
The council didn’t want war, but they would prepare because it was their responsibility to ensure that no battles came close to Earth or their star system.
There could soon be a time for me to require the Calyzis and the Makezu representatives to join me. I would rather have them on X’thyrl, leading its defense squad, but if a war was declared, I would need every experienced military personnel under their available in order for me to feel comfortable leaving Ami alone in our villa.
I was so afraid that something terrible would happen to her that I wouldn't even consider letting her stand on the front sidelines.
Keeping her hidden behind a strong defense at our new house would almost certainly ensure her survival, especially since we lived in a remote location within Lyave's territory.
I would not allow thoughts of war to distract me from the exciting news I had for my Ami.
Ami was leaning on the stone railing, gazing at the ocean waves crashing into the cliffside below, stray strands of her brown hair blowing in the gentle ocean breeze. The sheerness of her silver nightgown left nothing to my imagination.
She hadn’t noticed me standing by the door, watching her. Slowly, I stalked toward her, not wanting to interrupt the view.
She sighed and looked up to the night sky, causing me to still my progress.
“You know you can’t sneak up on me with your talons clicking every time you walk.”
“I assumed you were too preoccupied with the scene below to notice me creeping up on you,” I countered, stepping out of the shadows.
Ami stood and turned toward me, finding me effortlessly in the darkness. She pursed her lips as her wary eyes trailed me.
“What are you doing here?” She tilted her head, pursing her lips. “I thought you were working late tonight.”
I stopped within arm’s reach, her head reaching mid-chest as I stared down at her. Instinctively, I brushed back her loose strands of hair and tucked them behind her ears as she stared up at me skeptically.
“I could ask you the same thing,” I retorted. “You should be all snuggled up in our nest right now. Not out here on this cold night.”
She closed her eyes and leaned into my hand. I cupped her cheek and traced it with my thumb.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she breathed.
As I snaked my wing around her waist and drew her close, a rumble rolled through my chest. She grabbed my side feathers, and her chest pressed against my stomach.
“Tell me what ails you, my love.”
Resting her head against me, silence fell between us as I waited for her reply.
