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Chapter 13
Bal crushed his cell phone in his grip, tossing it aside and cursing, as his attempt to dial came up with nothing. What the hell had happened?
“What?” He growled at a tentative knock. “Sorry Ceana,” He said, feeling guilty as he saw his sister step inside. “You caught me at a bad time.”
“What’s got you in such a dark mood, brother?” she lilted, ginger hair gleaming in the sunlight as she stepped into the family greenhouse, closing the heavy wooden door behind her. Their ancestors had cultivated healing plants from all over the world. The greenhouse was a marvel, suspended in the canopy like their homes, and covered in an enormous glass dome, so that the sunlight was consistent.
“It’s nothing,” Bal said darkly, running a hand through his hair distractedly as he tried to change the subject.
Ceana raised her eyebrows, but Bal was grateful that she decided not to pry any further.
“What brings you here, sis?”
“What? A girl just can’t stop by to say hello to her favorite brother?”
“Spare me.” Bal grumbled.
As Ceana’s twinkling laugh filled the room, Bal couldn’t help but feel the lightness alter his grim mood. His sister had that effect on people.
Bal watched as Ceana trailed her fingers over lush green plants and herbs as she walked. The plants swayed towards her, meeting her gentle touch as though turning to greet the sun. Her gift was an ancient one, rarely seen in their people during modern times. Where Bal could heal wounds of the flesh, his sister could heal the very earth.
This was the reason they had become so protective after the raid’s. Their numbers had dwindled dangerously low, and his sister…well, she was innocence personified. He would do anything to protect her. He knew the others felt the same. Her and anyone else in the Glen, but Ceana…she was special somehow, and ignited a fierce protective streak in him that went beyond his instincts as a big brother. Bale watched as she wandered over to acyclopia, or honeybush plant that was looking worse for wear. Native to South Africa, it was one of the more challenging plants to keep thriving outside it’s native habitat. Ce sank her fingers into the earth at its roots, closing her eyes.
“I heard some rumors that involved you Bal, and well…you know I’m here for you, no matter what right?” Ce said, bringing Bal out of his reverie. When she removed her hands from the soil, the foliage shone with renewed vigor, blossoms a brighter yellow.
“Of course.” Bal smiled, even though a cold dread was trickling it’s way down his spine.Rumors?
“I heard you were meeting with that human, Nayome?”
“Who told you that?” Bal demanded, trying to keep the harshness out of his tone.
“I just overhead it, that’s all…Bal, is it true?”
“Ce. This is important, I need to know who told you.”
Nayome’s message flashed through his head. It had been short, and seemingly out of character after the day they had spent together at the lake.
Thanks again for everything. Goodbye.
If the others knew he had been meeting with Nayome…
A sinking feeling crept its way through his gut. If something had happened to her, because he couldn’t keep his distance, he would never forgive himself. Let alone the rift it would create between him and his people, because he certainly wouldn’t be able to forgive them if they crossed that line.
“Bal, I’m worried for you.”
“I need you to tell me exactly what you heard.” Bal siad, not able to keep the anxiety from flooding his tone.
Ceana’s eyes widened, as she took her brother’s tense shoulders, and overbright eyes.
“You care for her,” she observed, quietly, worrying her lower lip.
“I…barely know the girl. I’m worried our people may have done something stupid.”
“Oh Bal, I don’t think…”
“Ce, please. Tell me what you know.”
Ceana considered a moment, the distress looking out of place on her impish features before she spoke.
