“If there are no further questions, I’m going to go collect Selena for dinner. It’s about time to eat and she has expended a lot of energy this afternoon.”
Xylo logged off his workstation, nodding in agreement.
“I believe that is sufficient for today. Kaede is right. It is almost time for dinner. We can go over the files together tomorrow after Selena’s morning checkup. I will bring her to the infirmary before breakfast,” Xylo stated.
He exchanged glances with Chyox, Ayces, and Usthu.
Chyox huffed and started, “I do not know how I feel about you having access to everything, Kaede. I am going to report this to the princes—”
“It has already been explained to them, and they understand the situation. My goal is the safety of Selena and her offspring and to ensure your safe arrival at CEG HQ.”
“I will feel more comfortable if I speak with them myself. But I agree, Xylo, we might as well quit for the evening and go over Kaede’s files tomorrow,” Chyox grumbled.
He was clearly not happy about Kaede having complete access toDestiny.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Xylo
Xylo stepped inside the terrarium with Kaede by his side. The male next to him hadn’t said much during their short walk, other than the occasional comment about the ship. The terrarium was humid and warm; his vines could taste the saltiness in the air.
Xylo glanced down at his wristband.
Selena had been in the terrarium for some time, and it looked like she was still at the pond. The tug on his courting bond agreed. He wondered why she was still here. There could not possibly be enough to keep her occupied for so many hours.
He picked up the pace as he strode through the fields, trying to ignore the siren call of the grass and the soil. He missed the feeling of rooting his feet in the ground to feed—to connect with nature. They had been on theDestinyand away from Circul for far too long. Though he could sustain himself by consuming food and drink, it was not nearly as soul-satisfying as feeding from nature. But that would have to wait, there was certainly no leisure to do so now. Perhaps he and Selena could come back to the terrarium totalk while he connected with the land. They had important topics to address, and he wanted to find time for them to get to know one another.
Kaede interrupted his musing. “What do you think about Odelm?”
Xylo eyed Kaede, wondering at his question.
“He is a good musician. Keeps to himself usually. Why?”
“Selena had lunch with him. He brought her here to teach her to swim.”
“To swim?”
Xylo was dumbfounded. Why would she want to do that? Though she was certainly safe learning with Odelm. Swimming was the Ulax equivalent of a Wudox connecting to the soil. There were none more proficient.
“See for yourself.”
Xylo sped up, quickly outdistancing Kaede.
Nearing the pond, Xylo’s eyes skimmed the dark blue water, searching for Selena. He found her out in the center—the deepest part of the pond. She had her back turned to him, laughing and splashing, her bronze skin shining in the terrarium lights.
Odelm hovered nearby. He noticed Xylo’s approach and said something to Selena, too distant to hear. Selena turned to face him.
“Xylo! Come in! The water’s amazing!” she yelled, her face lit with an infectious smile as her tinkling laughter echoed across the water.
Water lapped at Xylo’s feet as he watched with a bemused smile.
“Aren’t you going to go fetch her?” Kaede questioned as he strolled up beside him.
Xylo glanced nervously at the mysterious man before looking back at the pair in the water. Selena and Odelmwatched him, the huge smile still spread across her face as the water dripped from her silver hair. Odelm smirked.
“Selena... Wudox do not swim well. I am sure Odelm must have mentioned this. How about you come to shore and dry off? It is almost time for dinner. If we leave now, we can beat the crowd,” Xylo coaxed as he inched into the water.
“You aren’t any fun!” Selena accused with a playful pout.
