The LEVELER King ✔

BOOK 3: CHAPTER 5

Binding the chrysalis was easy enough.

Idsel was brave, far braver than Nala because while he was able to leave the chrysalises unattended and gather the tools outside after securing Boon, Nala still remained at the bed of hay, keeping a close watch.

Waking up to see Indel the next morning confirmed her suspicions that the mating season was upon them. That explained Molin's uncontrolled shift.

Indel rose early from the hay, restless and longing to be outside. Wearing one of Nala's robes, he went back to the tools.

"Why go? Remain a moment with me here," Nala begged.

Shaking his head, Indel opened the door. "My cycles are running out. If I am to live out my final years in this third stage, I must practice survival while the time has arrived naturally. One day I'll wake up, unable to ever change again." It was the first time he shared a secret like this.

Breath hitched, Nala gave no further protest as her king marched outside.

Later, Nala joined him. She watched Indel chip away at the gray dirt. Though she longed to engage him in chatter, perhaps urge him to take more care, she resisted that urge. This state wasn't meant to be used this long. Nala had used it, and it was going on six season now. Despite all that, nothing soothed her more than seeing Indel's face. Idrus was frightening to see, though the few times without the helmet were charming. Idsel also looked handsome but Indel...Indel felt like home.

"What a miserable excuse for a tool!" Indel exclaimed, tossing the shovel down. "But if I could crush it even now."

Even the complaints felt safe and familiar.

Indel tired faster than Nala, however. He wasn't accustomed to this form. He also grew hungry faster. Nala felt proud each time she gathered up enough to make a good meal. She herself took a smaller portion, which was ill-advised, but she could do nothing else.

Seeing Indel eat his belly full and fall back into the dirt was beyond satisfying.

Even when he lay that way naked at dusk, even when he flicked his tail to ward off insects. A time or two, Nala had to remind herself that Indel wasn't signaling her for affection, but instead, keeping the bugs at bay.

"You look so offensive when you do as so," Nala teased. She sat, bringing a gourd of water up.

In time, Indel sat up and took the refreshment.

"Do what so?"

Nala glanced at him and nodded.

Holding onto his tail as he fanned himself, Indel chuckled. "It is miserable here without the caves to keep us cool." Indel looked back at the barn.

Whenever he studied the structure, Nala grew nervous because each time Indel said the same thing. This time was no different.

"You will have to abandon that Earther structure eventually, Na'am. Why do you waste time here? What of a cave?"

Two birds bickered in the distance. They watched the interaction.

Indel chuckled as the male snapped at the female's head. "What is this?"

"She probably interrupted him in something and it spurred him to anger," Nala said.

Surprisingly, Indel turned to her and asked, "Is it the same with you? Because you are rather angry with me often."

Nala didn't—couldn't answer. In time, the female wandered off, but not far. When the male walked to her and vomited, they watched on.

A pile of berries lay on the stone platform in front of the female. She regarded it for a moment then began to eat the gift.