“Would you call this imaginary?” She waved a hand, indicating the immense and very tall structure.
“I’ve never heard of a building that high in Canada.”
“Because you’re in the Middle East. Iraq, to be precise.”
“And how the fu—er… how did I get here?” He caught himself on the swear word, and she almost smiled.
“You beamed, and before you give me a blank look, that is the term they use for what is essentially teleportation. Your cellular structure was disassembled, relocated, and put back together.”
His mouth rounded. “Like fuck.” That time, he didn’t stop himself.
“An understandable reaction. You will likely say that about many things now that you’ve been chosen as a warrior.”
“I’m no hero,” he muttered. “Just a retired hockey player.”
“Well, you must have done something for the privilege. The constellations are very particular about who they select as an avatar.” At his blank look, she added, “Avatar being the term used to indicate a particular Astraeus chose you to be their champion on Earth.”
“Yeah, that Aries dude mentioned something about star gods. Still not sure why they’d pick me. All I did was slice a few monsters with my skates.”
So he’d been the one who technically provided her with the samples. “A brave thing to do.”
“More like stupid. I wouldn’t have almost died if I’d fled with everyone else.”
“Did your actions save the lives of others?”
“A few.” He sighed and returned to look beyond the moat. “So what comes next? That Aries dude says I have to give up my old life and am expected to fight aliens and monsters.”
“I see you’ve got the basic premise.”
“He also said I’d need training. Are you going to be my teacher?”
The laughter that burst forth surprised. “Goodness, no. I’m a scientist and doctor. Definitely not a fighter.”
“I didn’t think these Zodiac guys needed doctors because of this.” He brushed at the dried muck.
“The warriors don’t, but everyone else in Tower requires regular medical services. Partners, children, other refugees like myself.”
“What did you flee?”
She cocked her head. “A male-driven society that thought a woman who wanted more than a husband and babies needed punishment.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
“It’s in the past.” An easy thing to say, considering she still struggled at times with the nightmarish memories.
“You live here. Do you like it?”
“Yes.” An easy reply for Leila. “I’m allowed to follow my passions without fear. I don’t have to worry about being abused, and no one forces me to do anything.”
“Except deal with a skeptic.” He offered a rueful grin.
“Everyone struggles initially. Scientists most of all because Tower, the magic, the stars, and the fact they have a consciousness, go against everything we ever thought to be true and unshakeable.” That had to be the most she’d ever said to someone in years.
“Meaning I’m normal for thinking this is nuts.”
“Very. And I’m a doctor, so I would know.”
The chuckle that emerged from him had a husky tone that had her shivering. “Thanks for diagnosing me as not crazy.”
