Page 60 of When Eden Falls

Frowning, he turned his body fully towards me, giving me his full attention.

“Havav came to visit me before I was taken ill. Whilst he was here, he explained why he was so protective over the females. You see, he had a wife, a queen. She died when they returned from a colony visit years ago. He said they were riding home when they were ambushed by Igknamai, and she fell from her horse. But I can’t figure out why they were riding horses. If their colonies are along the shore, wouldn’t they have used a boat? It’s been playing on my mind, and I kept having dreams about horses.Horses. Have you seen any here?”

“No.”

“Neither have I. Apart from the figure on the hilltop. There must be a colony somewhere else. One with horses. Perhaps in th…”

“…In the forest.”

“Yes. You said Troy found the location of the satellite signal in a wooded area. What if the Akquarians do have a colony there? It would make sense.”

“You think they’re capable of space technology?”

“I don’t know what to think, but I am starting to wonder. Zamya thinks they’re up to something.”

“Zamya is a massive sceptic.”

“Yes, okay, but what if she’s right? They may not want us to leave. They may want something from us. Why else would they block our radio communication?”

Rooke stared pensively, remaining silent.

“Maybe I’m wrong…”

“No.” He glanced towards the archway, lowering his voice further. “Why did Havav come to see you?”

“He wanted to tell me about the agreement he made with you regarding me.”

“What agreement?”

“That I can leave the fortress as and when you feel it’sneeded.”

He stared at me. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“He gave me a dagger as a gift. I tried to radio you to tell you, but…”

“It was jammed.”

“Yes.”

“Eden,” he clutched at my shoulders, emphasising his next words, “you need to be careful.”

“Wh…why?” I glanced to where Dybgo slept inside, making sure he was still unconscious.

“I don’t think they want something fromus. It sounds like they want something fromyou.”

I’d had the same thought when Havav was leaving after his unexpected visit. I gulped, trying to fight the fear taking seed inside my fragile body. “But why? I’m not…I’m not important.”

Rooke shook his head. A whirl of thoughts flooding his mind. “I’m not sure. But whatever you do, don’t let your guard down. Promise me you’ll stay in the fortress unless I personally ask you to join me on an excursion. Not through a messenger, butin person.I don’t want to scare you, but they may be intending on taking you somewhere. Why else would Havav tell you, without my knowledge, you’re allowed to leave the safety of the fortress? Promise me.”

Returning his intense stare, I slowly nodded. A wave of fatigue suddenly fell over me and I slumped against Rooke’s body. Wrapping me up in his arms, holding me against his chest protectively, Rooke mumbled, “I should take you back to bed.”

A small part of me smiled at the prospect of that comment.If only. Instead, I told him not to. “I’d rather stay out here. It’s nice and cool and I can see the stars.”

He hummed against my hair. Briefly letting go, he sat down on the rock-foam lounger before pulling me back into his arms. I snuggled into his side and watched his mind tick over as he stared up at the night sky. He was beyond stressed, and it appeared I was only adding to that anxiety.

Did Havav have a purpose for me, and if so, what was it? I was beginning to question whether this was another crazy fever dream. The only part I welcomed was the sensation of being in Rooke’s arms. I felt safe. I felt protected.

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