My hearts skip several beats. How could he know?
“Do you know our history, Rathyn? Of the VySytheh, and how we used to be long before?”
I know some. I know that we were like the Tarek—more barbarian than anything. Brought to our knees by the weakness of emotion. Ruled by our instincts for pleasure and breeding.
We are a better species now.
Except…I don’t know if I can continue to believe that. I have not suffered in my ability to do my job while also having these…these feelings for my Everest.
“I do not understand the meaning of the word.”
“Home,” Eissa says. “The one who is your home, no matter where you are. The one who is meant for you. That is what your Everest is.”
“VySytheh,” I murmur to myself. The word makes me uneasy, and yet, I know it’s right. I feel it beating in my chest like a third heartbeat.
Eissa sighs. “Whatever you do, say nothing. Tell no one.”
“You felt the same,” I say. “With your companion.”
He doesn’t confirm or deny, but the look in his eyes does. “Our companionship was not long. His life was terminated.”
I wonder how, but it must have been the Vyastil. I very much doubt the humans were responsible for that death. Fear creeps over me again. Vyastil are naturally possessive over their things. I would not be looked at askance for keeping Everest to myself.
But if they understood why I didn’t want anyone else near him…
“Do I trust you?”
He looks at me. His ears flick in hurt, and the hum he gives me says the same. “I would never betray you. I know the pain too keenly.”
Closing my eyes, I let my mind wander back to Everest. He’s still asleep, dreaming of our mating. I shift restlessly, wanting to be back with him.
“Will he be safe if I bring him here?”
Eissa blinks for a moment. “If you are careful, yes.”
Everest wants to come back, and I do not blame him. But I am more terrified for his safety than ever before. He is not only vulnerable and weak, but he will become a target to use against me if someone with a hunger for power wants mine.
I don’t know that I would survive losing him.
But I also know I cannot deny him forever.
“He ingested my fluids. My seed. I have not stopped worrying that it will hurt him.”
Eissa stares, then laughs when he realizes my concern. “He will be fine. He may even enjoy that.”
I don’t tell him about the mating herb. “I do not…wish him to be harmed. Ever.”
“Keep those words to yourself, Rathyn,” he says softly. “I raised you better than to show your hearts on your skin.”
I nod, tucking back my emotions. “I do not wish for our companionship to be over.”
So soon, I meant to say, but I can’t because what I mean is, forever.
I want it to last forever.
“Be more clever than I was,” he says. “Understand the risks, and you won’t have to feel the pain I did.”
“Will you take another?”
