Zera paused.“That is part of it.Khytten’s effect is localized, and your entire glandular system is involved.We would like to try to reduce the effect again.Put you back where you started.”
Ival cocked her head.“Why the BDC?”
“We may have a few males with armoured skin who are seeking contact.You may be a match.”
“Do any of them bite?”
Zera paused.“Two.Why?”
“I have had one bite, and it took a very long time to heal from.I am guessing he was venomous as well.”
“Yeah, I have the records from the fighting pits.He was venomous all right.He’s a registered patron.He has also been requesting an escort with toxic skin.”
“That is weirdly specific for a request.”
Zera said softly, “What would your request be?”
“Someone I could touch; someone I can draw on a book cover.”
“Doesn’t have to be good in bed?”
Ival snorted.“They can be taught.”
Salmet snorted, and Ylara covered her mouth.
Zera nodded.“Fair enough.We will test their reactions to your toxin and pick any of them for the short list if they don’t need emergency treatment.”
“Ah, so that is why they are trying to make a treatment for it.”
“Don’t get me wrong.It is the most exciting chemical cocktail they have seen in years.”Zera smiled.
“Why keep me in Aksalla?”
Zera said, “Because a seer said you were needed.I trust that.Not for your future, but for the future of the person you were with.”
“Oh.Talk vaguely to me.”Ival smiled.“If I stay, I won’t have to move my books.So, that’s something.”
Salmet nodded.“I really want to hug you.”
“That would be very unwise.”
“Yes, but I still want to do it.”
As Salmet stood there, she turned silver and slowly moved forward to hug Ival.It was strange being hugged by someone her own size who was so cool to the touch, but Titanium didn’t fall.She backed up and smiled.“There.”
Ival said softly, “Now go to a decontamination shower and wash me off before you kill your spouse.”
Her eyes widened, and everyone gave her a wide berth as Arcady met her at the door and took her to a shower.
Zera asked, “How long does the effect last?”
“If my skin is scraped, dried, and pulverized, an effective, stable poison can be made.”She shrugged.“Just add water.”
“Do you know what your activation was originally?”
“Sure.I was pain relief.If someone had a headache, pain, nerve damage.A light touch from me once a day could ease them for hours.Then, they turned me up.”
Zera asked, “How?”
