Örim paused. “As long as you’re not alone, I see no conflict. Do you want to watch her pup?”
“I think I might.”
“Then you should. Ready to go home?”
“Ok.”
He pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as he led her over to his levibike.
CHAPTER 32
Cassie
The artist applied one final swipe of makeup on her face before hurrying Cassie out of the chair. “You’re done. Hurry up. The Aviarist is waiting.” She almost tripped over her shimmering blue gown in her haste to get out of the room. Cassie hated the way her face looked all polished and painted like this. She looked like a doll. The Aviarist was waiting for her with Hawk who was already done up in his tailored tuxedo. One on each arm. A display of his success and power.
“There you are, Cassowary. Best behavior tonight. We have important dignitaries to impress.” The Aviarist snaked a hand around her waist while placing his other on Hawk’s shoulder before leading them both out into the echoing ballroom. Golden walls around her. Holoharp music ringing through the air. Cassie smiled and vanished.
Cassie realized she’d never been to Eleri’s home before. When she had invited Cassie to come over and try on dresses for the Moons-Filled Night, her instinct had been to turn her down, but Eleri had been so excited, and Cassie couldn’t remember the last time she’d had fun trying on clothes with another girl. For the past several days, Örim had been unusually fussy over her when she was in their home, so some breathing room was welcome. It’s what she told herself as she stood in front of Eleri’s door and knocked.
“I’ll get it!” Eleri’s voice called inside.
“I am already at the door.” S’samph pulled it open to stare down at Cassie. “I have been told you are having human bonding time. There will be clothing exchanges and female conversation.”
Cassie didn’t even try to disguise her snort. S’samph’s frill rippled as he stepped out of the doorway to let her inside, where Eleri was rubbing the space between her eyebrows and shaking her head at her mate.
“I’m sorry about him. He’s… well, he’s S’samph. I can send him on a stupid errand if you don’t want him here.”
“Neither of you has combat training. We are on a high-security protocol, so you are, what is the human expression? ‘Stuck with me.’” S’samph did his best approximation of air quotes, which is something he must have picked up from Eleri. Now it was Eleri’s turn to snort.
“At least go to the other room. Cassie will want privacy to try on clothes.” Eleri put a hand on Cassie’s shoulder and towed her to a second room inside her home, which was filled with sturdy perches of varying heights as well as a human bed.
“For sleep?” Cassie asked, pointing at one of the perches.
“Lounging usually. S’samph is kind of like a big cat. Do you know what a cat is? We had cats on Gaia, but I know they’re not universal.”
Cassie nodded. “Meow.”
Eleri laughed. “Don’t tell anyone I called him a cat. I’m sure he’s listening and going to give me an earful about that later.” She opened a door on the far side of the room next to the bed. “Let me show you what I have. You’re so tiny.” Eleri pursed her lips before pulling out a few dresses. One blue, one yellow, and one pink. They were all simple, much simpler than the beautiful gowns she’d worn for Aviary functions. She pointed to the pink one with long butterfly sleeves. It was safe. The Aviarist never had her in pink.
“Let’s try that one then!” Eleri was cheerful as she replaced the two dresses and handed Cassie the pink one. “S’samph buys me a million dresses, but I never have anywhere to wear them. If you like it, you can keep it.”
“Why are you so nice to me?” Cassie asked.
The question made Eleri pause in the closet. “Why shouldn’t I be nice to you?”
“I haven’t done anything for you.”
“But I want to be your friend anyway.” Eleri smoothed her hands over the pink dress. “When I lived on Gaia, my family convinced me my only value was taking care of my brother. Otherwise, I was useless. Why would anyone want someone like me?”
“But you’re a healer. You’re kind and helpful.” It seemed like an obvious answer. She paused before stripping out of her jumpsuit to try on the dress.
“Exactly. My family was lying.” Eleri straightened Cassie’s dress and then helped her with the ties in the back. “So pretty. It’s a good color for you.”
“I think I want to look pretty tonight.”
“Good. You should. You’re allowed to want things, Cassie. I know it’s hard with things feeling dangerous right now, but it won’t be forever. You’re allowed to keep living. We’ll keep you safe.”
Want things. What did she want? Thinking about what she wanted sent a strange thrill through her, one she knew she wouldn’t be able to deny for much longer. “I do want things.”
