Kaede broke out laughing, and Xylo turned to him in shock. Kaede crossed the sand and dropped down next to Selena’s gown on the grassy edge. He settled back and crossed his legs, typing something into his personal armband. Xylo watched him work the projection that sprang up for a moment, trying to figure out what to say.
Kaede glanced at him and shrugged. “It seems like this is going to take some time. I’m going to wait here and work while you have fun gathering her.”
Clearly Kaede had also realized Odelm had set him up and did not care to help. Xylo thought about it. He did not want to make a fool of himself, but he also did not want to upset Selena.
“Selena—”
“Xylo, Odelm told me how the Wudox float and have issues swimming. I wanted to see. Can you show me, please?” Selena switched to mind speak as she begged,“I promise I won’t do anything to embarrass you or ask you to do this again.”
Xylo took in a deep breath and let it out to ease his nerves. He wanted to keep her smiling, to hear her radiant laughter. He would do almost anything for her.
“Just this once.”
She screeched, and her eyes lit up. He could feel her happiness through their bond.
Xylo took a few hesitant steps further, the water warm against his cool skin. When he was knee-deep, he unwrappedhis vines and spread them out for balance. As the water deepened, he could feel it’s resistance increase. It was now or never. Steeling himself, he leapt into the air, attempting to dive into the water—only to float back to the surface instantly.
He now lay on his back, staring up at the terrarium’s dome. He considered a moment, then tried to paddle with his vines beneath the surface, keeping his arms and legs locked against his body. Slow. He was making some progress, but his petal-wings dragged like anchors, no matter how tightly he tried to fold them to his body.
A splash from the center of the pond made Xylo glance over. Selena smiled at him. Something wrapped around his vines beneath the surface and yanked. Xylo gasped and swallowed a mouthful of water. As he choked, struggling to free his vines, his body was propelled through the water. Just as his vines were released, Selena grabbed his arm with both hands.
Her face beamed with happiness and he was struck by her beauty.
“It’s true. You really can’t swim.”
Odelm’s head broke the surface beside Selena, the ripples rocking Xylo’s body in the water. Odelm’s faded violet hair wreathed his head as he tilted it toward Selena.
He smirked. “It seemed you could use some help. And Selena could use the flotation device since she seems to be starting to tire.”
Concern flooded him. “Are you? Why did you not get out sooner?”
Selena rolled her eyes and slapped the water’s surface, sending a large spray of water into Odelm’s face.
“Female...”
“We went over this. Se-lee-nah. It’s Selena.”
“Your nestqueen is an interesting female, Xylo.”
Xylo tried not to feel threatened by Odelm and Selena’splayful behavior. Odelm had just made it clear she had not court-bonded with him. He must not hold Selena to their species’ standards. Perhaps they were good for one another. Odelm could keep her company while Xylo was busy with his research, and she seemed to be bringing Odelm out of his shell.
While he wanted to be able to make Selena happy on his own, he could not think of a better potential nestbrother. Odelm was an honorable male who had been treated badly; Xylo wouldn’t prevent Selena from spending time with him. Perhaps it was the fate the Stars willed, though Xylo would allow whatever formed between them to happen organically. Selena did not need anyone else dictating to her.
“I granted your wish, Selena, and I am out here to help keep you afloat. But do you think we can now go back to shore for dinner? Surely, you are hungry?” Xylo hoped she would agree to head back.
Selena bit her bottom lip. “Odelm, do you think you could tow us back to shore?”
Xylo glanced at the male in question, whose eyes twinkled with mirth, and added, “I am useless out here. Care to help us out?”
Odelm burst out laughing, causing waves to ripple the water around him. “I did not think you would ask. Are you sure it will not hurt your pride?”
“If I were worried about my pride, I would not be out here.”
Odelm smirked. “Sure, I can help. Just do not make this a daily occurrence.”
“I do not plan on it. This was a one-time deal.” Xylo looked over at Selena. “Unless she changes her mind.”
“Now I know you weren’t exaggerating about the Wudox not being able to swim well, I’m ready to go in.” Her grip on Xylo’s arm tightened, and her blue-green eyes locked on his. “Thank you for putting up with my experiment. I appreciate it.”
