“You would… want me to stay?” he says slowly.
“Yes,” I respond instantly.
His eyebrows furrow. “Do you humans not worry over others seeing you so exposed?”
I bite my lip. “We do sometimes. But I don’t mind you looking.”
I watch as his throat bobs and feel a sort of satisfaction.
He comes even closer than before, sparkling water rippling around us. Heat radiates off of him. It’s pleasant in the warm water.
“You saw my magic on the trek here. I am what my people call a Stone Bender. I can shift most rocks—large or small—and change them. I feel them like I feel my heartbeat. I speak to them just how I speak to you now.”
His tail brushes over my bare calf, and I cease listening.
I’ve been used and touched a thousand times. I can do this.
Reaching out, I place my hand on his chest. His pulse stutters under my touch, and then his hand envelopes mine.
He removes my hand.
“Silence remains,” he mutters so quietly I can hardly hear.
“What did you say?”
His eyes snap back open. “Nothing.”
“Can you change the notes in the song?”
He smiles, and it takes my breath away.
“Hold your breath and sink down until your ears are submerged.”
I obey but also venture to open my eyes underwater. The beautiful blues, reds, and greens sparkle before me. Ra’Sa takes a deep breath and lets out an enormous air bubble with sweet melodies.
Sound travels differently through the water. It’s fractured and distorted, but when the sound hits the crystals, they sing together.
It’s a louder song than the one following me through the caves.
It… dazzles me.
It’s also full of sadness and mourning. I understand such feelings, having left behind my family to come here and see if it was safe for them to follow.
My chest starts to hurt, and I push up through the water’s surface before the panic can set in—no need to have an attack with this hulking, blue Enduar next to me.
Need to be alone.
I take a few deep breaths. As he exits the water, he asks, “Are you well? I didn’t realize humans cannot last so long without air.”
The attack, threatening to steal all my breath, doesn’t subside, so I force him away. “I’m fine. Thank you.”
He frowns but retreats.
I mourn his loss, wrapping my arms around my chest.
“Very well. There is usually soap left along the back wall.”
I fix a practiced smile on my face and wait for him to leave.
