“The ukuri?”
“Their crystal train-like transportation I spoke of,” Ilian clarifies as his massive hands grab strange-looking snacks.
He pops one in his mouth and hands me another. It’s like a sandwich made of kelp, but it tastes delicious.
“Good, yeah?” Dairfyn smirks, grabbing at one with their top right hand, but the Kueeng slaps it away.
“They are for our guests!”
I laugh as Dairfyn makes a face. When Ilian and I are full, the Kueeng claps their hands, and the plate are removed. They turn to their ambassador.
“Now escort them to the ukuri.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
The Kueeng takes my hand. “You are always welcome in my kueengdom. I will have Dairfyn speak to this lovely friend of yours that you vouch for.
You will go down in Dagon history as the reason my kind finally communicates with yours.”
I blush. “Thank you, Your Majesty. With your permission, I hope to visit again someday. It’s most beautiful here, and I wish to explore more.”
“Always! Bring Ilian with you. You won’t be mates any longer, but I hope you will remain friends.”
Their words sadden me for some reason. Without a doubt, I want Ilian to be my friend…but I’m starting to wonder if maybe I don’t want him to be something more.
“Thank you again.”
The Kueeng waves goodbye. Once more, Ilian takes my hand, and we follow Dairfyn away from the palace and into the magnificent city.
They take us to a glass tube that houses a series of golden carts. Dairfyn taps the crystalline cylinder, and it opens even though I can’t see any seam to indicate a door.
“Please get in. I will program it to take you to Atlasov.”
Ilian helps me into one of the carts, seating himself next to me. It’s a tight fit, and I drape a leg over his to give us both a little more room.
Dairfyn notices and waggles their white eyebrows. Ilian shoves him back with a chuckle.
“Knock it off. You’re making my mate uncomfortable.”
“Looks like she’s pretty comfortable to me.”
My Ithaqua mock swipes at the Dagon, but Dairfyn dances back. “Good luck on your mission. Zhuliya, how can I find your friend?”
“Erm, do you have a cell phone?”
“Nope.”
“Oh, um, I’m not sure—”
“Do you have a piece of her clothing?”
I raise a brow at the question, unsure of where they’re going with this. “Actually, I have one of her scarves.”
“May I borrow it?”
Digging in my bag, I find it, passing it to the Dagon, who takes it and inhales deeply before handing it back to me.
“Perfect, thank you. Until we meet again.”
With this, the glass reseals around the tube. Dairfyn waves and then everything blurs. I scream as Ilian wraps his arms securely around me.
We’re going so fast that the skin on my face folds back. I’m concerned that neither of us is wearing seatbelts, but the speed at which we’re moving suctions me down.
I couldn’t move if I tried.
Everything is pitch black as we move away from the Dagon city. One second, we’re moving what feels like a million miles per hour, and then we’re stopped.
It’s still dark, and the only thing visible to me is the glow of Ilian’s pink gaze. Scooping me up, he steps out of the cart and walks through the obscurity.
His feet crunch like he’s stepping on rocks, and I can’t figure out what’s going on. Eventually, a spec of light appears on the horizon, getting bigger and brighter as Ilian carries me.
It’s an opening, and when I glance back, I realize we’re in a cave. It opens to the surface of what I assume is the island of Atlasov.
The sun is setting, but I’m thankful for the light. As my eyes adjust, I see a figure in the distance turn and glide toward us.
They’re similar in appearance to Ilian, except without horns. Their fur is white and their eyes are a golden glow.
Their flowing purple robes flutter in the wind, and a strange magnetism seems to illuminate them.
