This book contains mentions of past child abuse in the form of neglect and substance abuse. Nothing is shown in detail on page, but is mentioned as Christian describes his childhood.
Contents
1. Chapter One
2. Chapter Two
3. Chapter Three
4. Chapter Four
5. Chapter Five
6. Chapter Six
7. Chapter Seven
8. Chapter Eight
9. Chapter Nine
10. Chapter Ten
11. Chapter Eleven
12. Chapter Twelve
13. Chapter Thirteen
14. Epilogue
15. Bonus Scene
16. More From Toby
About the Author
Chapter One
Ghenie
I run my fingers over the pillow beside me, staring at the light blue material. The smell of its last occupant has been gone for a year, but I swear I can still smell him if I concentrate hard enough.
I’ve been awake for a while but unable to get myself out of bed yet. There’s much to do today. I have things to prepare. I have to make sure Maribel is up and ready to go. I have to make sure I’m presentable. I have to prepare my mind and make sure I’m able to keep everyone out of my mind despite the fact that I’ll be surrounded by my people.
I am already exhausted and the day hasn’t started yet.
A year ago, another ship departedDeltourah, the planet that is my home. That ship had some of my people aboard, such as Gendry. It wasn’t justLayperrythough. There was also Christian, a human who came here during the very first HumanLayperryExchange. He decided, at the end of his three years, to return to Earth instead of staying here.
Even just thinking his name has my heart seizing in my chest. It’s been a year since he left but I still ache at the very pit of my soul.
We will all be in the town square, waiting for the ship to arrive. We will give them a proper welcome, celebrating the return of our brothers while also welcoming all those new to our planet. As theToralleh, or the leader of my people, it is my duty to be there to welcome them.
The whispers are loud today, pressing against the back of my mind. The burden I carry on my shoulders is heavy, but it is a duty I welcome and cherish. The Ancestors speak to me and in return, I impart wisdom and rules onto our people. I help guide our people into the future. I keep them safe, I keep them in order, I love them with not only all the love I possess but all the love the Ancestors possess as well.
I sit up, feeling guilty once again for occupying this house. After Christian left, I was a mess. I’d never felt such pain before in my entire life. To feel close to him, I moved into the house he lived in while he was here, the one across the road from Miles and Timalah. I sleep in his bed, I lie on his couch, I eat dinner at his table. All the while, I miss him.
Just as I am debating pulling the covers back over my head, Maribel begins to make noises in the bassinet beside the bed. Sitting up, I stretch my arms over my head until my spine gives a satisfying crack. Then I reach over and pull my daughter out of the bassinet.
