I gasped. “That’s an Aldawi? They’re some kind of feline?”
The room was silent as the four males looked at me in shock. Chyox and Ayces’s color shifted uneasily to an orangish-yellow.
“Selena, last night you said you did not know who had sired your offspring...” Xylo’s teal eyes searched mine. “I do not understand.”
I grabbed Xylo’s cool hand, terrified he’d think I lied to him, and blurted, “I didn’t know until he told me last night—”
I winced. I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone. Shit.
“Oh, Stars. Oh, Stars. Oh, Stars. Please tell me this is not what I think it is. It cannot mean...” Xylo trailed off, panic-stricken.
“What does this mean, Xylo? What is she talking about? Explain,” Chyox demanded, his tentacles dancing in agitation.
“Powerful Aldawi are known to be capable of controlling the dreamscape—the plane where dreams occur. I have even read they can even share this dreamscape with others though the details are a mystery. If he dreamwalked to Selena, he has to be powerful to reach her so far away.” He turned back to me and squeezed my hand. “Does this mean you know what he looked like?”
I glanced at the others, whose coloring had returned to normal, then focused on Xylo. “No. He always appears to me as a black transparent figure of flame. I’ve begged him to show me his true form and tell me who he is, but he refuses. He says that it would put me and my children in danger. And he was adamant I not tell you we can meet in my dreamscape.”
“This complicates everything.”
Chapter Twelve Selena
I wandered the ship’s corridors, using the wristband to guide me. Xylo needed to report to the princes about the unexpected developments, but told me I was free to explore, so long as I stayed out of restricted areas and the hangar bay. The healers were deep in their research on Aldawi and human genetics and gestation, and I hadn’t seen Kaede since our lunch, so I was on my own.
I was in awe of my new wristband. I could zoom in on floor layouts—right down to the detail of individual cabins and owner’s names—as well as look at the overview that demonstrated just how efficiently organized the Destiny was.
Zooming out, I searched for a way to get to the café we’d eaten at this morning. I was starving, and I’d loved the atmosphere—plus, it was familiar.
I figured out the route and set off.
Journeying through the halls, I glanced uncomfortably at the crew that passed. It was clear they were staring at me, but whenever I made eye contact, they looked away. No one engaged me in conversation.
I was beginning to feel like I was on the Yaarkin ship again.
Stepping out of the lift on the entertainment floor, the sound from the crowd hit me. It was as raucous as I remembered. I scanned the signs above the nearby doors, searching for the café. I found it only four doors down the hall and stepped into the flow of the crowd. Without the princes to clear the way, I found the going difficult. Everyone was busy with their own thoughts or chatting with friends, paying little attention to their surroundings. Being the shortest person by at least a head made it far too easy to be overlooked.
As I pushed between bodies, arm- and leg-blades brushed against me. Though they were beautiful, they weren’t as delicate as they looked. It hurt. Gasps and few shocked shouts sounded from those who noticed me, but I ignored them. My stomach was growling.
I dove through the automatic doors of the café with relief. It was dim and quiet, no sound but the murmur of the handful of patrons. I glanced toward the empty stage, disappointed there’d be no music.
My stomach growled again, and I clapped my hands over it.
Looking around, I searched for a quiet spot. My gaze landed on a familiar violet Ulax sitting alone in the far corner of the bar—Odelm. He leaned over the counter, arm-blades pointed out to discourage company. His tentacles wrapped loosely around his torso in what I was coming to believe was the default resting position for both Circuli species.
I was still curious about his strange reaction—I couldn’t figure out why he’d stormed out after I’d complimented him. This seemed as good a time as any to find out. Resolved, I headed over and plopped down on the stool next to him.
“Hi.” I turned to face him. “So, what was this morning all about?”
Odelm glanced at me in surprise, then glowered as he continued to fork a chunk of fish into his mouth. He shifted the arm closest to me as if he was trying to get as far away as possible. Staring pointedly forward, he grabbed his drink and took a sip before placing it back on the counter.
“Females are all alike, no matter the species.” Odelm’s light tenor voice was strained. He clearly did not wish to be talking to me.
“What does that mean?”
“You lure males in and use them, only to dismiss them when something better comes along.” He took another sip of his drink, dismissing me.
I sat for a moment in stunned silence, completely perplexed. What did that have to do with me? I didn’t understand his animosity.
“I was complimenting you. I thought your music was beautiful and wanted to let you know I appreciated your art. I don’t understand how you could judge me so harshly. You know nothing about me, but I won’t bother you again if you find me so distasteful.”
An awkward silence fell between us.
I leaned
