23. Kerry

Chapter 23

Kerry

N evarn seemed pensive, but who could blame him? He hadn't been here since he was banished for a murder he didn't commit. A few people seemed welcoming, but I hadn't missed how many scowled and turned away in disgust. At least his brother was friendly.

"You two can stay here," Firion said, stopping beside a small stone building and opening the door.

I stepped inside, taking in the single room with a big bed and a few small tables. Two windows on the back looked out at the sea, and an open doorway on the right led to a bathroom with an odd-looking thing I assumed was a toilet, plus a tub big enough for four Zuldruxians to bathe in at the same time.

Molly scampered into the room with us, and my breath caught in my throat. As if by magic, a small box full of dirt had appeared in the corner along with a bowl of water and one full of alien pet food, whatever that might be.

"They're already thinking of your friend," Firion said, chuckling at the amazement on my face. "She should remain inside your temporary home where the stone god can keep her safe. If you take her around town, make sure she stays close to you at all times."

Or someone might eat her. I jerked out a nod. "Will do."

"I'll leave you to get settled," Firion said. His gaze sought Nevarn's. "I'll see you both tomorrow?"

"Of course," Nevarn said. He looked my way.

"I look forward to it," Firion said. "You'll be safe here with the stone god for the night. We'll talk about your plans for the investigation tomorrow." He nodded my way. "It's very nice to meet you, Kerry."

He left, shutting the outer door behind him.

Nevarn sat on the end of the bed and sighed.

I joined him, leaning into his side. My chest hurt because I suspected his did. "I imagine you're feeling a mix of emotions right now."

"I'm happy to be here. I didn't realize how much I missed it until we stood near the top of the wall with the sea stretched out in front of us."

"Only you can decide where you want to live. It seems you're mostly welcome here."

"You didn't miss Weela's father snarling at me before he entered his shop. Gilard and Heldwep were convinced I'd killed her. Nothing I said swayed them. So many . . . Well, they're not happy I'm here." His spine stiffened. "But I'll prove I didn't do it and then we'll see if their opinions about me change."

I put my arm around his back. "I'm sorry. It sucks to be accused of something you didn't do. I'm sure you were mourning her as well, plus you must've felt angry that no one was interested in discovering who'd killed her."

"I'm convinced it was her lover."

"It often is. Statistics on Earth show that when a woman is murdered, it's most often done by her partner. We're going to find out who did it, and they'll be banished. You'll clear your name, and I hope those who believed you could do such a thing will apologize, though most rarely do."

Would he want to live here after that? This place was gorgeous. I could see myself fitting in with everyone else, making friends. Standing on the wall to take in the view.

But I only wanted to remain here if Nevarn was with me.

When had I started falling in love with him? Perhaps from the moment I met him.

"How will we discover who did it?" I asked.

He nodded and his spine tightened. I could almost see him gaining control of his emotions or tamping them down to focus on the task. "We'll question those who knew her best."

"Did she have good friends?"

"Not many." His grim gaze met mine. "But someone must know something."

"All we can do is ask."

"Exactly." He turned on the bed to face me, stroking my cheek with his knuckles. "It means a lot that you believe me."

"I see your goodness, Nevarn. How kind you are. Look at how you've indulged Molly. How you protected me even when you were wounded yourself. That showed me your character more than words could ever do."

"Kerry." He said my name almost reverently. Leaning close, he kissed me, his mouth light on mine. It was a kiss of warmth and promise, and it made my heart hurt even more.

He lifted his head and gave me a tusky smile. Everyone had a different image in their mind of the perfect face and form, and sometimes, when you met someone, their image replaced that perfect being in your mind. That was Nevarn for me, from his silver hair to his blue skin to the softness in his eyes when he looked at me.

"Would you like to bathe?" he said. "We can eat after. We'll remain here for the night and venture out into the village tomorrow."

I'd enjoyed my swim in the river but the thought of sinking into a tub and soaking made my skin tingle with excitement.

But my heart was full of Nevarn, and it was time.

"I would like to bathe," I said, meeting his gaze. "Would you like to join me in the tub?"