He felt her block their connection again.
The princes looked at him and shook their heads before exiting the room. Chyox gave her a sad smile before turning to him with a nod and leaving.
Xylo walked to the door in defeat. He felt like he had failed her. He turned around for one last appeal.
“I will return with breakfast in the morning. Once again, I apologize for any hurt I inadvertently caused. Please forgiveme. I did not mean for you to find out this way,” he murmured, hoping she would tell him to stay.
His hopes shattered when she did not respond.
Only the sound of crying and the low hum of the ship filled the room.
Xylo turned and left, the door sliding shut behind him.
He fell against the wall beside the door. Closing his eyes, he tilted his head toward the ceiling, in deep thought.
He needed to do better if she was going to accept him. Failure was not an option—for both his health and her wellbeing. If he was going to accompany Selena when she joined the Aldawi, he needed to be fully bonded to her.
But first, she needed a cabin with a nesting bed—a space of her own.
He would ensure she would have one to move into come morning.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Selena
The darkness faded into the tropical paradise I’d grown familiar with over the years. I leaned against the stone railing of the porch of the villa that overlooked the island. As I listened to the peaceful sounds of the lilac waves crashing onto the white sand shore, I allowed their gentle cadence to soothe me. The island never ceased to amaze me, the kaleidoscope of colorful plant life glowing under the yellow sun in the clear blue sky.
My dreamscape was lonely tonight. But it didn’t matter, I needed to be alone to process everything that had happened.
Once again, there was someone keeping secrets from me.
Why did it bother me so? It’s not like I wasn’t used to secrets. The Yaarkins had certainly not been the sharing type. So why did I feel the need to trust both males I had somehow bonded with?
This was the spothewould always meet me in my dreamscape.
Memories of our time together rushed back to me.
Our explorations of the island as if it was our private playground. The Galactic Common lessons in the shadealong the shore or in the garden that looked out over the island. Conversations about what I’d read and been through. Hikes through the colorful jungle.
This island, meetinghimhere, had been the one bright spot in my bleak life. It was the only thing that had gotten me through the endless days of captivity.
And now it was over. I felt hollowed out, empty.
A strong wind blew the strands of my silver hair across my face, blocking the view of the island. I felt a powerful and familiar presence behind me.
Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath.
He came.
Brushing the hair out of my face, I opened my eyes and turned to face him.
A towering dark figure loomed over me, waiting. His amethyst eyes burning brightly, the translucent black tendrils that made up his body dancing like flames or smoke.
I felt a wave of disappointment he still didn’t show me his true form.
“Is everything all right? Only a few hours ago you told me goodbye.” Despite myself, I couldn’t repress a shiver as his deep raspy voice caressed my skin.
“No, everything’s not all right. I’m pregnant!” I shouted, clenching my fists.
