Most, however, had returned to the Caves of thePevrallix, which was now officially under control of the Golden City. There was even talk that it would be made an outpost with time, considering that it was close to a sacred place of the Fates and that it was rich in Luxirian crystals. For now, the responsibility of overseeing the Caves of thePevrallixfell to the Ambassadors, who would take turns visiting. TheMeviraxmight not like the intrusion, but they’d been able to return to their home. Most of them had been born in those caves.
There was still so much that had to be determined and decided about theMevirax, but for now, it was a temporary solution. Luxiria was ever-changing, just like all planets and civilizations. That much was obvious to Erin.
Still, as she looked east, towards the Caves of thePevrallix, she remembered back to a few days ago. She’d been in the marketplace with Jaxor in the Golden City and they’d been purchasing some material for clothing to take toJiralla.
And that was when Erin had seen her.
Kossira.
She’d been one of the few that chose to stay in the Golden City. A warrior guard had been assigned to her, watching over her since many did not know how to react to her presence. A pregnant Luxirian female.
They’d connected eyes across the plaza. Erin remembered Kossira’s longing when she’d told her about the Golden City, in the darkness of the dungeons. And despite the stares and looks that theMeviraxfemale was receiving, her expression had been curious and riveted as she’d gazed around the marketplace, at the bustle of the people. There was a hunger and a longing in her eyes even then.
But right then, Kossira had looked at Erin and Erin had looked at Kossira. She was reminded that her mate, Tavar, had been killed in the battle with the Jetutians and she wondered if she still mourned for him.
Kossira inclined her head at Erin, her hand going to her round belly. It was an acknowledgement. A greeting. A simple recognition.
Erin had nodded back and then Kossira had slipped into the crowd, her guard trailing her, his hand placed protectively on her back, and then she’d disappeared from view.
Jaxor hadn’t seen Kossira. He’d been busy purchasing silk for her new dress, but he saw something in her eyes that made him worry.
“What is it?” he’d asked, brushing his hands across her cheek as the stall vendor had looked on.
“I’ll tell you later,” she’d promised, giving him a smile. They didn’t keep secrets from one another anymore. She wasn’t sure how to feel seeing Kossira, because she brought up memories Erin would rather forget. But she couldn’t deny that a part of her was relieved to see her well, happy even. Because she’d always been in the back of Erin’s mind.
And after it was announced that Lacarra, the secondMeviraxto receive the treatment from the Jetutians, was pregnant, that she and her mate would also be remaining in the Golden City, there was a surge of breathless hope that seemed to overtake Luxiria.
News of the cure that Privanax was working tirelessly to replicate was all that people talked about. He was trying to make a treatment that wouldn’t cause pain and suffering when administered to females, but Erin knew that many would take that sacrifice willingly, if only they could have children of their own once more.
So, yes, Luxiria was ever-changing. Its history was being written, right before their very eyes.
Jaxor brought her back to the present, however, dragging her gaze away from the east. They were still hovering over Jaxor’s old base.
He brought her in front of him, pressing her gently into the console of the hovercraft, his chest to her back.
Pressing a kiss to the shell of her ear, he asked, “How about we go grab someobiraxifrom the coast while we are here?”
Erin looked back at him, a slow grin appearing. His blue eyes were knowing. “We have time?”
“We will make time,” he said, his finger dragging across the silver pad, the hovercraft moving towards the shimmering sea in the distance. “I know how much myluxivalovesobiraxi.”
“You spoil me,” she teased, leaning back in his arms. “Let’s take back a whole bag, okay?”
His soft, husky laugh made her shiver. “Whatever you desire,rixella.”
His hand settled on the gentle swell of her belly. She felt his heartbeat thud against her back and she smiled as theLopitaxSea came further into view the farther they went.
When she could smell the salt of the sea, she breathed it in deep.
Once, she’d been disappointed that the Fates had chosen Jaxor as her mate. Once, she’d thought him a half-wild brute in a loincloth, who was cold and unfeeling and detested the very sight of her.
Now?
She wondered how it waspossibleshe’d ever felt that way.
Now?
All she saw was the Jaxor she’d fallen deeply, deeply in love with.
