Devix seemed to relax at that and they weaved through a tunnel of branches.Some hung so low that even Cara had to duck.
Eventually, she perceived the trees clearing, the space growing larger and larger between each trunk.
“We are almost there,” he told her, leading her to the edge of the forest.There, he walked them over to one of the last trees that guarded the entrance.
Cara watched in confusion as he crouched down, clearing away a tuft of the moss to reveal a small silver latch.When he twisted and pulled it, a door swung up from the soil, camouflaged with moss.When it was closed, no one would know it was there.
When Cara peered down into the darkness that door revealed, she saw that there were rungs attached to the sides…a ladder leading down.
“It opens into a small set of quarters at the bottom,” Devix told her.“It has rations, water, furs, and a small sleeping platform.”
Cara swallowed, feeling panic rise in her breast from the dark tunnel leading down.To try to lighten the mood, she teased, “I thought you never ran away from a fight.”
Devix looked at her, crouched low, and touched a strand of hair that blew across her face.
“I do not,” he stated simply.Then he was more hesitant to add, “I had hoped that one span, I would need this shelter to protect a being I cared for.”
Affection made her throat tighten, but sympathy did as well.Perhaps he’d never wanted to live out here, all alone, in peace, after all.He wanted someone, a companion, a lover, perhaps even a family, to share it with.
Devix replaced the hinged door, covered the latch with moss, and stood.And when he did, Cara took his hand and kissed his palm.His eyes flared and they didn’t need to speak anymore words as he led her past the hidden shelter.
They didn’t walk far.Because just beyond the edge of the trees, the land that they were on began sloping downwards into a valley.
And when Devix brought her to the cusp of the edge, Cara gasped, her eyes widening as she saw the view down below.
The valley was massive, bracketed on both sides by blue, moss-covered hills that tumbled down into a shimmering, silver lake at the very base.
The lake stretched for miles and miles in both directions and Cara couldn’t see where it ended.The swirling colors of the sky reflected in the still water, giving the illusion that the lake was rippling.
And just above the lake’s surface, thousands of little turquoise lights danced and dipped.
“Just like lightening bugs,” she breathed, watching their movements with a raptness.It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen…that place.
“Do you like it?” he asked, his voice rumbling next to her.
“It’s…wonderful.How can you ever stand to leave it?Even the stars aren’t this pretty.”
“I leave it because I must,” he answered and his words made Cara turn to look at him.
“But not anymore,” she said slowly.“You said I was your last job.”
“Tev,” he said, his shoulders relaxing.“You are.”
Cara took his hand.“Can we get further down?”
Devix jerked his head in a nod.“There is a flatter ledge.There,” he said, gesturing down the hill and a little to the left.
He led her there in short fashion, easily navigating the somewhat steep hill, until he guided her to the section he’d pointed out.It wasn’t quite flat, but the moss evened out into a gentle slope, which overlooked the lake.
Devix sank down onto the moss, impossibly graceful for someone so massive.With a purr, he settled her next to him, tucking her close, the heavy warmth of his arm curved around her back.Suddenly, she wished she’d thought to wear one of the pretty dresses he’d bought for her at the market.Being there with him, with a beautiful view, a cool, refreshing breeze sweeping back her hair, cuddling close…it felt like a date.A date with her alien lover.
Well, not quite lover, she reminded herself, casting him a look.Not yet.But soon, perhaps, if everything felt right, she wanted to take it to the next level with him.
Cara leaned her cheek against the side of his chest and they were quiet for a little while, watching thegellravdip and weave across the surface of the lake.
“And no one lives around here?” she murmured, almost afraid to break the quiet peace of the moment.“Do they not know this is here?”
“Much of Rozun is uncharted.There are legends of monsters and beasts that live in this territory,” he told her.“They frighten most away, though I have never seen one.Fuel to power the transport crafts is costly too.That is why so many beings choose to remain near the center of the colony.”
