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“Is he an Utzac, like Brother Mares?” I asked with awe.

“No. But I know Mares and his mate, Tala. She also has developed veris since her bonding with him,” she explained.

“The land claimed you… So beautiful!” I whispered wistfully, my hand closing over hers, and my veris intertwining with hers.

Her shock, outrage, and confusion blasted through our connection in quick succession. Mortified, I instantly disconnected and pulled my hand away.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to offend you!” I exclaimed, my head jerking between Maeve and my mate.

The hurt on Mirella’s face cut me like a dagger. But while my female continued to stare at me with a betrayed expression, Maeve appeared both relieved and amused.

“I keep forgetting we must first request permission to touch,” I blurted out apologetically, confused why Mirella would be this upset by that blunder.

“It’s okay, Taelen. I felt your true intentions through the connection,” Maeve said in a reassuring tone. “But it’s your mate you should explain your intentions to. She thinks you were coming onto me.”

“Coming on to you?” I echoed, confused. “What does that mean?”

“That you were expressing romantic interest towards me,” Maeve said with a mix of sympathy and mischief.

My jaw dropped as I jerked my head towards my mate, expecting her to deny she would think something so ludicrous. But seeing her hug her waist while staring at me with the same hurt and suspicion floored me. I replayed my words and actions in my head to see what might have given her that impression, and then it hit me.

“Crayek!” I whispered, flinching at my own stupidity. “Apologies, my mate. I can see why you may have interpreted my actions as such. But I was merely amazed to see how humans can truly acquire our traits and wanted to see if they were functional with us. Since realizing we were soulmates, I’ve been worrying about you struggling to adapt to our world without functional veris. I was picturing what you would look like with my veris on you, and how my vines would intertwine with your sun-filled strands. Knowing this is possible, now I pray you will also get my gills so that I can show you the beauty below the seas.”

To my utter relief, the hurt on her face gave way to uncertainty, and then melted into a timid smile.

“I never meant to disrespect you, Mirella,” I said. “We have different cultures. I can now see that our ways will sometimes come across as offensive or inappropriate to you. Please know that it’s not the case. One thing you will never have to worry about is me being unfaithful to you. But we are a very physical species. If my actions hurt or upset you, just tell me. And always assume that there was never an ill intention behind it. I’m yours, and only yours for so long as I breathe. I just want you to be happy here.”

Her timid smile grew further, and her pale cheeks took on that lovely shade of pink I found so endearing.

“Sorry for overreacting. I also keep forgetting that we’re different and have much to learn about each other and our respective ways. I promise to make an effort not to be so sensitive or jump to the worst possible conclusion,” she said shyly.

“And Kaida says I’m adorable,” Cedros mumbled, making us all burst out laughing.

“Because you are adorable, Cedros,” Maeve said teasingly with a wink before turning back towards us. “His mate, Kaida, is my best friend. Our children play together all the time.”

“Dragons and dryads together?” Mirella said in an amused tone. “That gives a whole new meaning to playing with fire.”

Maeve and Cedros snorted.

“Fact! I had that discussion with Kaida many times,” Maeve said with a chuckle.

“Bah, shadow flames are fine,” Cedros said dismissively, before lifting his head up and spitting bluish-black flame through his open mouth.

“So freaking cool!” Mirella whispered in awe while I stared mouth agape at the golden giant.

“Stop showing off,” Maeve said with a playful tap on his shoulder. “We have work to do.”

My skin darkened with embarrassment that an off-worlder should be the one reminding me of my duty and the reason for our collective presence here. Still, I welcomed this brief exchange as it helped dampen my suspicions towards them. Under different circumstances, I believed a friendship could blossom between these people and me. Maybe Mirella was right about the wonders of traveling the stars and meeting countless foreign species.

That intrusive thought distressed me. I did not want to start developing the temptation to leave our homeworld. Deep in my gut, I believed such ambitions would gradually lead to the downfall of Mazeria.

“This is for you,” Maeve said to Mirella while pointing at the large bag Cedros carried.

“What is it?” Mirella asked when I took it for her from the giant.

“It’s some changes of clothes and the bare necessities,” Maeve replied. “We figured you might not return to your apartment for a while.”

“Thank you!” my mate exclaimed with genuine gratitude.