Naked, Chloe settled in the healing unit while Skylar chattered about the situation.The machine started a soft pulse under her, and Chloe slept again.She was so damned tired.
* * * *
Dytura walked throughthe halls of Aten’s pyramid.Down the steps, one by one, until he heard the humming of the healing machine.There was a figure leaning against the unit, and it raised its head.He chuckled.“Greetings, Skylar.”
She jolted.“She’s not done yet.”
“I know.I wanted to check on her.Is she well?”
“They tortured her.They put pegs through her leg to stop her from running.”
He inclined his head.“I see.Which location?”
“The ship knows.She took me there.”
“She knows about me?”He looked at the unit and paused it, waiting for the unlock before he lifted the lid.He smiled.She had a soft green sheen to her skin, and the eyes that were glaring at him were a vivid green.
He looked down at her and felt the warmth in his heart that had begun the moment she returned to full awareness.He smoothed a scaled hand over her hair and frowned.“You were shorn.”
“Sure.Also punctured, but focus on the hair,” she whispered.
He smiled slightly and trailed his fingers over her cheek, her lips, and over her breasts and belly.
“Perv.”
“Snapping mouse.I have been dead a long time, and I believe you are here to change that.”
“And you waited until I was under paralytics to introduce yourself?”
He chuckled.“It seemed safest.You are very fast, and I might capture you while bringing you to the ground.”
“You seem really excited by the idea.”
He chuckled.“You will see.How are you enjoying your ship?”
“She’s great.Thanks for that.”
He stroked his knuckles over her cheek.“Only the best for you.The name is interesting.”
“It is very much on my mind right now.”
He leaned in, kissed her softly, and said, “Heal and grow strong, and know that I will be with you sooner rather than later.”
“Fine.Close the lid.I have stuff to do.”
He grinned and eased the latch shut, resuming the healing program.Dytura looked at her friend, who was developing some lovely horns and colouration.“Take care of her until I can.She does indeed have things to do, but that will not be forever, and I will remain nearby.For now, I have a station to examine.”
“What?”
“They tortured my bride.Anyone involved in that activity will soon learn that death can come in many forms.Mine is particularly effective at demonstrating my displeasure.”
Skylar nodded.“Right.So, you are going to take care of her?”
“I will.She was always for me.Catching a seed before it dies has always been difficult, but she is strong and determined.I admire that.”
“We have to involve ourselves with Birun, Trin, and the Pericoff.We are going to be flying around there a lot.And I am supposed to pick up a ship from Orex.”
He paused and said, “I will contact Lord Orex and have the ship delivered to you.”
