Chapter 16 #2
My parents’ transport descends, a sleek, flattened disc of shimmering forest green, its central shaft equipped with subtly recessed weapons.
Multiple smaller thrusters glow with a warm amber, giving the vessel a powerful, yet controlled presence.
The disc-shaped main body features a subtle upward curve in the center, crafted from an advanced composite alloy that gleams, subtly shifting in hue from deep emerald in shadow to brighter green in direct light.
The Treon royal crest is elegantly etched onto its surface.
Multiple, smaller, highly articulate thrusters positioned symmetrically around the disc's rim, provide fine maneuverability, rapid acceleration, and quick braking.
The weapons, usually housed within flush-mounted bays along the underside shaft, remain unseen.
As the large vessel settles into its hover, back ramps unfold with a low hiss, and illuminated steps stretch to the ground.
A cadre of my mother’s guards takes positions around the transport as she descends. My emotions drown me, and my composure shatters as soon as I see her carrying the plant.
Without a second thought, I take off running across the launch pad until I crash into her, wrapping my arms around her tightly.
“Oh, Raea, my darling,” she responds, her free arm holding me close.
The familiar floral scent of my mother envelops me, calming my frayed nerves.
Pulling away, I can feel my tears flowing down my face.
I didn’t realize until now how much I’ve missed her and how difficult this school year has been, taking a toll on my emotional state.
“Queen Amaya,” Anders interjects. I turn in time to see him bow. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to run this ahead to the healers.”
“Of course,” my mother replies. She passes the plant to him, and without a second thought, he races back to his brother.
The hissing of the ramp closing behind us fills the air as I walk arm-in-arm with my mother, leading her toward the arena.
She’s dressed in a stunning layered gown of soft creams and delicate pinks, her chestnut brown hair pinned up and woven with ribbons.
Our family crest glints around her neck, and a simple, yet regal, crown is nestled atop her head—ever the picture-perfect queen.
My mother must sense my emotions because she kisses the top of my head and says, “Let’s walk and talk, my dear. Tell me everything.”
I fall into bed both exhausted and wired.
I excused myself from the healing center once Cole was moved.
I left my mother with Anders while Trysten walked me back to the dorms. Queen Priana was landing when we left, and Cole was awake and talking.
I offered to bring clean clothes back for Anders, but Trysten stepped in and said he’d do it so I could rest.
My friends brought food up to my room, and the five of us ate around the coffee table. We had invited Trysten to join us, but he was planning to stay with Anders at the Center.
I had explained what happened with Cole and shared all the details. They all realized the severity of it before changing the topics to our upcoming break. While my friends talked about their vacations, Ciara and I scrolled through The Link, finding photos and posts from today and our team’s win.
There was a video of Cole getting tackled. Watching it again somehow made it even worse than it was in person. Maybe it was because I knew what happened. His head clipped the edge of the water ring. The soft-shell helmet didn’t protect his forehead.
Ciara had chuckled when we came across a photo of Anders pointing his stick at me.
You couldn’t see who he was pointing it at, but he had that classic smirk pasted on his face, his eyes alight with amusement, and his high from the win.
Annoyingly, I couldn’t stop the laugh and smile that tumbled out of me.
My friends left soon after we were done scrolling, allowing Aolyn and me to get ready for bed.
Now, lying here in the dark, I secure my music patches on, turning on a playlist I use when I’m stressed. Even the calming melody can’t soothe my racing thoughts. Glaring at the shadows playing across the ceiling, I beg the gods to let me sleep. Unfortunately, no matter how much I try, I can’t.
My mind floods with a relentless barrage of tasks yet to be completed. Next week marks the deadline for my final assignments, and I can’t shake the excitement of heading home. More than anything, I just need a reset. I’ll have to beg Lieutenant Piori for more flight lessons when I’m home.
Despite the skills I’ve already mastered flying the school transports, I can’t shake the thought of making a mistake and causing a fatal disaster.
It’s a ridiculous fear; the transport’s autopilot is designed to kick in long before an error like that can happen, yet flashes of the console screaming errors at me keep playing in my head.
After what feels like an eternity of grasping and clawing for rest, I decide I just need to move. I slip into my swimsuit and tie my Nakata corset in place before layering my loungewear and cloak around me.
The rugs dampen the sound of my footsteps as I navigate the dimly lit dorm corridors. Soft, ambient lights guide me until I reach the glass doors at the entrance, their slicing noise piercing the quiet. A rush of cool evening air greets me.
I wind my way through the dense forest, following the hidden trail to the lake.
In front of me, my breath is visible in little puffs of white.
The canopy overhead makes the trail shadowed, only occasionally illuminated by the silvery glow from the moons high above.
Once I reach the water’s edge, I undress quickly, feeling the bite of the breeze, and dive into the warm water.
The water soothes the last of my nerves and restless thoughts as I swim slowly toward the center of the lake.
Around me, the pulsing hum of the planet resonates through me, synchronizing with the rhythm of my own heartbeat.
The small island emerges like a shadow as I reach the shoreline.
It’s easy to find the shallow ledge acting as a natural seat.
“Can’t sleep?” Anders asks, his voice conveying how tired he is, the words cutting through the stillness of the night. I startle momentarily before regaining my composure. It feels like he’s a shadow, always lingering nearby, sneaking up on me.
Even in the dead of night, here he is. I keep my gaze fixed on the calm water, unwilling to turn and acknowledge him.
Not because I’m upset with him, but because whatever is going on between us feels—big.
Like it has the opportunity to change my entire life, and I still haven’t come to terms with it.
“I just needed to clear my head. Swimming helps,” I reply, drawing in a deep breath and centering myself. “Is Cole okay?” He is silent for a long minute.
“My mother had to leave,” he finally says, his voice detached but laced with an underlying pain.
It’s intentional—him letting me see this side of him.
“But Cole won’t be returning to school after break.
” I can hear him shuffling, then feel the water ripple beside me as he drops in, creating a small splash.
Maybe it’s the magic of the moonlight, or the fact it’s the middle of the night and this feels like another dream—or perhaps I’ve lost my damn mind—but I have to fight the urge to reach out and hold him.
He sighs and leans back, closing his eyes to the world, and for a moment, I’m struck by the emotions playing on his face, so openly available to me.
We sit in silence, the minutes stretching into what feels like hours, neither of us moving or speaking, simply being.
The warm water laps against our bodies, shielding us from the crisp air.
Overhead, a flapping bird’s wings distracts me, and I follow its path until it vanishes into the dense forest on the opposite shore. My body begins to surrender to the pull of sleep, and drowsiness pulls me down. With a yawn, I turn to face Anders, whose features are finally relaxed.
His eyes remain closed; dark lashes fanned out against his cheekbones, the image of serenity that almost makes me want to reach out and brush his hair back. I’d almost believe he was asleep if it weren’t for the hint of a smile that pulls at his lips.
“What?” he asks, still in a dreamy haze, his eyes sealed shut.
“I’m going to bed,” I announce softly. Exhaustion tugs at me, begging me to surrender right here. Anders hums in response, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Okay, see you tomorrow,” he murmurs lazily. I almost ask why he’s going to let me leave in the dark, but decide against it. He needs the quiet, not another burden.
As I prepare to rise from the natural stone shelf that we’ve been using as our seats, I feel a gentle pressure on my wrist. I look down to find his fingers wrapped around me, igniting a peculiar sense of belonging that I can’t quite explain.
Perhaps it’s just familiarity since we’re together so frequently.
“Thanks for today.” His blue eyes finally meet mine. The muted glow of the moonlight catches the flecks of silver in his irises, and I can’t help but lose myself briefly in them.
His thumb brushes lightly against the sensitive skin on the inside of my wrist, sending a delightful, soothing warmth flooding through my body. “What for?”
“For coming to the game. For helping Cole.”
I can’t help but chuckle, rolling my eyes dramatically. “I didn’t come for you,” I tease. His lips quirk up as his gaze settles on me, with amusement dancing in his eyes.
“Sure. Whatever you need to tell yourself.”
I roll my eyes again, breaking free from his grasp, and fall into the water. “You’re insufferable.” I swim in place. “Don’t fall asleep out here. Your drowning would really bring down the calming vibe of this place.”
His laughter resonates through me, pausing my backward momentum.
Gods, I love that sound.
With a sigh, he slips into the water beside me, the darkness enveloping us as we both tread water.
The minimal distance between us allows me to feel the warmth radiating from his body.
Our silence is louder than cannon fire, filled with every word we’re too afraid to say.
I can’t bring myself to swim away. How long until one of us breaks?
How long will we play this game, letting this tension build between us?
After what feels like a small eternity, he reaches out, his hand cradling my face with a tenderness that gives me butterflies. I hold his gaze as his thumb glides softly across my cheek.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” My voice is barely audible over the soft lapping of the water.
“I—” he pauses, gulping. “Sleep well, Raea.”
Disappointment crashes into me. I’m not even sure why.
I don’t know what I want from him. Needing to feel something other than the lingering hurt, I close the distance between us, my hand settling on his shoulder as I lean in and place a soft kiss against his stubbled cheek.
For a moment, I’m pretty sure he stops breathing.
I pull away slowly, watching him, before turning and swimming away.
I dress quickly, acutely aware of his gaze following me as he makes his way to the shore, but he remains in the water, allowing me the space to compose myself. Just before I slip into the shadows of the forest, I glance back, locking eyes with him once more.
In that fleeting moment, an entire world of unsaid words passes between us.