Page 123 of Dancing for the Minotaur

“I believe you have everything,” he said.

“Yes.” Terra nodded and tightened her arms around herself. “I think so.”

“Good.”

There was an awkward silence between them. Lucy was occupied with the children and their gifts, but Terra could feel her mother watching from the corner of her eye.

“Thank you for bringing me home,” she said at last. “And for the trip. I really did enjoy seeing the Mother Ship.”

“I am glad.” Taurex’s voice was quiet and formal. “I am sorry the experience ended as it did.”

Terra’s throat tightened.

“Taurex…”

He raised one hand slightly.

“You do not have to say anything. I understand.”

Did he? Terra wasn’t sure she understood anymore.

Taurex looked at her for another moment, and for one heartbeat she thought he might reach for her. Instead, he inclined his head.

“Have a beautiful life, Terra.”

The words struck her much harder than they should have and her stomach fisted unhappily in her midsection.

“Wait—what?” she asked, staring at him. Was he saying they were never going to see each other again? As in, ever?

But Taurex had already stepped back.

“Take care of yourself and your family,” he said quietly. “I wish you every happiness.”

Then he turned and walked toward the shuttle.

Terra stood frozen beside her luggage as he climbed inside. A moment later, the golden vehicle lifted silently from the driveway, gliding toward the street before accelerating away.

She watched until it disappeared.

“Mommy, look!” Lisa cried, pulling on Terra’s hand. “My flowers turned blue!”

Terra looked down.

The little blossoms around Lisa’s wrist had changed from excited yellow to a soft, peaceful blue.

“They’re beautiful, baby,” she whispered.

And because the bracelet made her think of Taurex, her eyes suddenly filled with tears.

Terra blinked them away quickly and pasted on a smile, but when she looked up, her mother was watching her.

Lucy waited until the children had carried their treasures into the house before saying anything. She set the glowing plant carefully on the porch table and folded her arms.

“What happened?”

“Nothing.”

“Terra.” Her mother gave her a look—the one that said, “I know you’re lying.”