Chapter 24

Lily

My phone sings a cheerful tune, shattering the silence of the cozy cabin. I jump a little, hastily pulling it out of my back pocket. I think the number flashing on the screen is Koko's but I'm not sure. I quickly answer, glancing toward where I left Ravok, hoping the phone didn't wake him.

"Hello?" I whisper.

"Lily? It's Koko," a mellow voice echoes through the quiet room, as warm and comforting as freshly baked bread.

"Oh. Hi, Koko. How can I help you tonight?"

"Just checking in on you. How's the cabin working out? Need anything?"

"It's lovely. I can't thank you enough for allowing me to stay here. There's nothing I need – you've had everything I could possibly need already stocked," I reply. I wonder what would've happened to Ravok if I hadn't been here. It makes an ache lodge itself under my sternum. He could've easily died.

Thinking of Ravok, and his magnificent bare chest, I realize that there is something I need. "Actually, I just thought of something I do want. I could use an extra-large pair of sweatpants and… maybe an oversized t-shirt or hoodie." A blush creeps up my cheeks as I hastily bridge the unexplained request with a simple lie. "I didn't pack warm enough for the cabin, you see. I prefer to sleep in oversized clothes – the bigger, the better – but I forgot to pack some."

Koko laughs. "Of course, dear! I'm sure I can find something in the general store. I'll bring them by tomorrow morning if that's alright?"

My breath falters, "I'll pay you back for them, Koko. Just let me know how much it costs."

This time, she scoffs, dismissive of the mere thought. "Nonsense, Lily. You wouldn't be in this situation if it weren't for my clumsiness. It's the least I can do. Just text if you think of anything else you need."

I chuckle, feeling a sense of warmth at her generosity. "Thank you, Koko, I will. Good night," I hang up, staring at the phone for a while before setting it on the counter. God, if only I could call and tell Aunt Zizi about everything. She would know what to say. However, the last thing I want is to put Ravok in danger in case the government really is listening to our phone calls.

The cabin is silent as I quickly wash the last few dirty dishes. Then I take a quick inventory of the fridge and freezer. I need to figure out something hearty for Ravok.

I find a chuck roast in the freeze. I check if I have the rest of the ingredients to make a beef stew. Pleased that I have everything I need, I put the cut of beef in the fridge to thaw for tomorrow.

Once I finish setting the kitchen to rights, I silently tiptoe back to check on Ravok. My heart drums a frantic tattoo as I open the door and peek inside. My gaze lands on Ravok, his form sprawled out on the mattress. The moonlight seeping through the solitary window paints his skin a deep silver, emphasizing the contours of his muscular form.

His bare chest rises and falls rhythmically, the peaceful cadence somehow soothing my restless soul. Behind his closed eyelids, his eyes flicker, a testament to the vivid dreams he must be having. There's an uncanny beauty in his alien stillness, an image akin to a dark angel cast from the heavens above. At this moment, he's less of an otherworldly warrior and more of an enchanted wanderer lost in a world that is not his own.

I start to turn away, wanting to give Ravok his privacy when I notice that Mango is curled up at his side.

"Mango," I venture, my whispered plea breaking the silence of the cabin. One of his golden eyes cracks open, regarding me with an almost human contempt before shutting again. A soft huff is the only response to my call. I resist the urge to burst into laughter, instead beckoning him more urgently. "Mango, come here, buddy!"

Mango merely flicks his tail in dismissal, a feline version of ‘talk to the paw.' I sigh, rolling my eyes at the absurdity of it all. "Fine," I mutter, throwing my hands up in surrender, "Stay there snuggling with the intimidating alien for all I care."

With a huff of amused exasperation, I pivot on my heels. Resigned to letting Mango enjoy his unconventional snuggle buddy, I head back to the living room. Curling up on the couch under the homey quilt I found laid over its back; I close my eyes, the sight of the alien-cuddling cat etching a smile upon my face as I drift to sleep under the soft lullaby of the vibrant night.