Page 68 of When Eden Falls

What exactly did red-wood mean?

Havav placed his hands on either side of his table setting and smiled around a deep sigh. “Shall we eat? I’m famished. After such a trying day, it is a relief to have such wonderful company this evening.” Every word was forced. Underneath the calm exterior, he was seething with anger or frustration. The tension could be felt throughout the room, keeping us all uncomfortably alert.

Food began to be served and while we ate, the room remained silent—tense. Havav stared pensively at the table as he masticated. I glanced at the crew. No one felt comfortable enough to speak, not even Rooke. It was only when Oz spoke, the frigid atmosphere shifted but only slightly.

“This food is delicious.”

“Nice to see you’ve got your appetite back.” I smiled, watching him fill his plate for the third time.

“Indeed,” Havav drawled, whilst sipping on his wine. “Do pray tell, how is your shoulder?” I smirked to myself, noticing Havav eyeing up Oz’s exposed chest.

Oz held his shoulder and circled his arm around. “It’s good. Glad it’s not my right one.”

“Why is that?”

“Um…” Oz glanced at Rooke awkwardly. “It’s my stronger side. My fighting arm.”

“My warriors are trained to use both arms equally.”

“I can understand that. Your warriors fight enormous beasts. We don’t have such things on Allura.”

“Thankfully,” Zamya muttered under her breath.

“Then what do you fight?”

There was a pause while Oz looked to Rooke for direction. Havav stared at Oz then Rooke, his nose scenting.

“We occasionally fight our neighbours,” Rooke replied, still holding Oz’s gaze.

“Oh, I see.” Havav glanced over his shoulder at Dybgo. “Wars among humans.” His tone was repugnant, judgemental. Nux, he was in a foul mood. What on earth had caused it?

I flicked my eyes to where Dybgo was standing in his usual position by the wall. Like the true soldier he was, his attention remained ahead, obedient. But I noticed his eyelids begin to flicker, as if he was dissuading himself from glancing at me. I quickly looked away, only to sense his gaze fall to me for a moment. Yuska was right. He felt humiliated. And for some reason, I felt a sympathetic pull towards him.

“Talk of war is not for the dinner table.” The flapping of Havav’s hand pulled my attention away from his general. “I have good news.” He lounged back in his seat, swirling his wine about in his glass. “My ship builders have confirmed your raft will be ready in the next few days. Which means you can transport what remains of your ship back here for repairs.”

I caught the optimism in Rooke’s expression before he said, “That’s fantastic news.”

Havav inclined his head graciously. “But before your time is monopolised by such things, our season festivities begin tomorrow. We would be honoured if you all join us in celebrating. The Sparzak Ball is in two days, and we would very much like you to attend as our esteemed guests.”

When he said season, I assumed he meant one of their three mating seasons. I hadn’t imagined it being a public or elaborate affair. Adding to my scepticism as to why we would be invited to such an event, I noticed Zamya narrow her eyes at the prospect. Rooke threw an unusual look my way before accepting the invitation on behalf of us all. To which Kobe’s complexion paled noticeably. Even Cora didn’t voice an interest.

“Sparzak Ball,” Zamya’s hiss was an abrupt whisper as she perched on the end of her bed that evening, braiding her silky dark hair. “Fancy name for a mating orgy.”

“Zam….”

“Why do we have to attend and witness that? I’m a biologist but I can’t imagine finding a mating frenzy anything but…gross.”

I nestled down in my bed, pulling the covers higher. “The Akquarians seem too prudish to condone such things.”

“No, Havav is. The Akquarians, as a race, are barbaric.”

“Zam, hopefully it’s the last bit of Akquarian nonsense we’ll have to endure. We get the ship back soon, and then we can return to The Orka and go home.”

A heavy sigh escaped her. “I cannot wait to get out of this pompous piece of rock.”

C h a p t e rT w e n t y

“What time of year is it?” I stared out the window of the dressing room. It was evening, yet the sun was still hitting the horizon. The cloudless blue sky was filled with the promise of summer.