Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen

ZURA

I find myself standing at the opening of my bedroom, looking out as the rising approaches. It's been almost an entire Lunar rotation since the first eruption, and the change to the surrounding area is astounding. The progress that has been made in such a short time is even more so.

The once-darkened and damaged soil of the forest is slowly reviving under the refreshing minerals of the Sacred Waters . SCOUT's plan to replenish and replant the forest has kept the females and the younglings busy these last rotations, but when they return in the hours of late darkness, all you see are smiles.

Rosad practically talks herself to sleep as she tells us all about her rising and the things she and her friends have accomplished. Glancing back at the bed, I can't help but smile. Rosad is in the middle of the bed with both arms flung out wide, while OrO is practically hanging off the side. We have been so busy these last rotations that there has been little time for me and OrO alone, but hopefully, that will change now that most are resettled into their new pod dwellings.

My comm unit going off has me looking down and I see it's a message from DaR . " Meet us at the docks." So much for a quiet morning, I think as OrO's large arms circle my waist. Closing my eyes, I lean back against him.

" Zura , you should have awakened me."

" You needed your rest, and I haven't been up long."

" It's hard to rest with an elbow in your back all darkness. I think it's time for a bigger bed, or another one altogether."

Grinning , I look up at him. " She is a wiggler. Did you get your father's message?"

" Yes , we better head out. Father's willingness to stay away from Kira won't last much longer, I think."

" I am shocked she didn't simply show up here."

" If he doesn't come home soon, I believe Kira threatened to do just that. I was watching him last rising. The way his features relax when he talks to her never ceases to amaze me. I truly believe he loves her more each rotation, if that is even possible."

Grasping OrO's massive forearms, my fingers trace the scars upon his skin. My eyes glance back out the opening, as I recall the time I spent away. " I was envious of them when I was on Darverius . They seemed to gravitate towards each other and were seldom seen apart. Your father is very open about his fondness for her. Most males would be uncomfortable showing that type of affection for another in front of everyone, but not DaR ." When my comm unit dings again we both laugh.

" Throw something on, Father isn't going to wait much longer."

" I am starting to see a pattern here with all the males in your family."