Des'Tai: Book Two

190: Faye

Ty and I went our separate ways after lunch. Ty headed back to the library to work with Rune, Nero, Artie, and Knox on their plans for retrieving the Polaris Orb while I spent the afternoon with Luna and Willa, packing for the trip. Willa had updated the uniforms the guys would be wearing when they headed into Mirador with more venting, given the humidity and heat the region was known for. Although our region saw all four seasons, Hilara's climate remained consistent all year round, warm and muggy.

And although Ty and Rune had worn non-descript uniforms when they traveled to Seran, we would go to Hilara in our standard attire. The Thebe Staff were not aware of the mission our Watchers were on. As far as anyone but Koko and her Mate knew, the three Males were accompanying me to ensure my safety, given my unique ability.

During dinner that evening, Senna expressed her concern for Nero's safety and well-being since they had yet to Bond. Artie and Knox assured her Nero would be safe and cautious at all times, but Nero's silence didn't make her feel much more at ease. Although the flame-haired Watcher had enjoyed missions in the past, it was before having found his Mate. He didn't like being in another region, cut off from her, any more than Ty, and I did.

"The only time Nero will be off Thebe property will be when they head into Mirador," I explained quietly as we stood in the kitchen doing dishes. "He's meant to stay by my side while I'm training to keep up the pretense that the guys are there for me."

"Yes, but that one night, Faye," she complained, a gentle tear streaking down her cheek. I hadn't realized Ty and Rune had entered the kitchen until Ty wrapped his hands around my waist and brushed his nose along my cheek.

"Sen, we won't let anything happen to him," Ty assured her as he pecked the side of my face with a kiss.

"Or, ya know, you two could just Bond and get the whole thing over with," Rune suggested, popping a grape into his mouth.

Nero, who had been standing beside Senna, reached across the counter and smacked Rune upside the head."

"What? It's just sex!" Rune groaned before exiting the kitchen.

The next morning, as the four of us prepared for our departure, Luna and Artie spent time giving me hugs and good luck wishes while Maya fretted over Ty. I didn't think the two of them had spoken since the pantry-incident, but she acted as if it hadn't happened except Knox was nowhere to be found, and I could only guess why. Senna and Nero stood off to the side, whispering words of love and affection to one another, tearing up. Rune, of course, was annoyed by all of the emotions and was eager to 'hit the road.'

Once we'd finally gotten Maya to escort a very flustered Senna from the greenhouse so we could get Nero to focus, Artie placed the Hilara Orb in position, similar to how he'd set up the Helath. Ty and I were the first to step into the portal. Gripping each other's hands and taking a deep breath, we allowed the Orb to transport our bodies and luggage across time and space.

Although I didn't get sick to my stomach as Nero did, my legs were always a bit wobbly at first after passing through an Orb. Thankfully Ty held me up as I regained the strength in my knees to stand upright. Moments later, I felt a cold rush of air behind me, indicating Nero and Rune's arrival. Nero instantly leaned over and began to dry-heave while Rune rolled his eyes and stepped away from the portal entrance before it simply closed up.

"Damn! This place is...boring as shit," Rune commented, gawking up at the stark white ceilings and bland grey walls. Unlike Difoda, adorned in celestial decor, Thebe Palace was about as welcoming and sterile-looking as a hospital delivery room.

"Right?" Nero finally spoke up, his sad eyes glancing at me for a moment before he straightened to his full height. "Careful where you step, don't want to scuff the pristine floor or nothin.'"