Page 77 of Hope Forged
She blushed, her tongue tangling. No way was she going to discuss something so intimate even though Coll was her healer. “I… We…” She swallowed hard.
“I have not known Illan for long, but in the time I spent with him, he has carried himself with dignity. You soften his worldview, and your very presence gives his life purpose.”
She stilled, understanding dawning. “You think I’m his dhutya…” She racked her brain, trying to remember what Illan had taught her about the Etterian soulmates. “His Eth?”
Coll grinned. “The male is an Eth, the female his Dar Eth, and yes, I hope you two will find an eternity of love and acceptance.”
Tears pressed the backs of her eyes, so she blinked them away and hurried to say, “Thanks, Coll, but I…don’t know—”
“There you are,” Illan called, striding toward her. “I would like to introduce you to my brother and his human dhutya, Cyndi.”
“Oh,” she gasped, leaping to her feet. Her cheeks burned as if she’d been caught doing something naughty. “Aren’t they onthe way? Wouldn’t it be better to meet in person?” She squeezed Coll’s shoulder in passing, thanking him for his counsel.
“It has been a while since we have met a Durn female, so of course, he is curious.” Illan blessed her with a charming grin. “After this, we must suit up for the station’s exploration.” He paused. “Unless you do not wish to go with me?”
Stay behind for some quiet? She was tempted, but then, she wouldn’t truly be alone. Ulta would be on board. “I’d like to join you.”
“Good.” His expression softened, reminding her of Coll’s observation.
She angled her head, studying the male beside her. How had meeting her changed him?
“Though, only if Oz says it is safe.” He cupped her cheek, running his thumb over her chin. “I do not want you in danger,” he rasped, gazing into her eyes. His breathing shuddered out of him, drawing her deeper into his embrace.
They halted in the comm room; the display vid lit up with another Durn’s face familiar to Illan’s, stating their relationship as filial. Beside him stood a strange creature with pale hair and skin. She gazed at Iddan with such devotion, snagging Ziamee’s full attention.
Love.
She glanced at Illan, wondering if she revealed her heart every time she looked at him.
“My apologies for insisting, Asal Ziamee.”
Iddan’s voice and formal address snapped her focus to him.Asal?She hadn’t heard that respectful address for a while. Padya would tease Mudya…Asal Faerar, where would you be without me? Asal Faerar, how lucky you are to have met me.Mudya would quip something back, laugh it off, or hit him with her tablet.
“When Illan mentioned stumbling on such a rare treasure—a Durn female—I had to see for myself.”
“You’re prettier than I expected,” Cyndi said, a kind smile on her pale face. “Iddan’s all sharp angles, but on you, they’re beautiful.”
“My what?” Ziamee whispered to Illan.
“Cheekbones and chin, and yes, youaresofter than me.” Illan drew her closer.
“You are human?” She arched a brow at Cyndi.
“Yes.” Again, the female gazed at Iddan.
Her adoration made Ziamee’s cheeks blaze. She cleared her throat. “I like your food. It is…tasty and colorful.”
“Has my brother been treating you well?”
Cyndi snorted at Iddan.
He chuckled. “Do not let him run over you.”
“And on that, we must prepare for disembarking. Until we meet.” Illan ended the comm.
“She’s so tiny…and pale. Her hair’s like sunlight.”
“Indeed.” Illan ushered Ziamee from the comm room to the closest quarters.
