can see cells with machines and do the surgeries that once only the master healers could do? Incredible."
He reached for her hands and she gently placed them within his palms as he stared into her eyes. But his gaze was distant, as though his focus went right through her in order to watch the newness of the world. She enjoyed how utter fascination etched across his handsome face.
"The weapons are terrible," he murmured, his eyes momentarily growing sad. "Horrific. But many great advancements, yet these are also misused. So many dichotomies. Why do they not respect the delicate balance of the elements? That which is natural? This black smoke... oh, the dark, oily waters . . ." He made a face.
"You'll have to ask someone way wiser than me," she said, chuckling and loving his awe as he took it all in with pure innocence. It felt so good and so right to share with this kind, handsome entity that meant her no harm. His affection was misguided, but... as entities went, in her mind, he was good people.
Finally she felt him slowing down and he took a deep breath as though coming up from under water, winded.
"That was a lot for one sitting," she said with an easy smile. "I'm gonna miss you. Like you once told me, you tickle me."
He smiled and squeezed her hands. "Thank you, sweet one. This is the best gift anyone has ever given me."
They sat that way for what seemed to be a long time, although only a few minutes had passed.
"Do you feel ready to try the transfer?" she asked, not wanting to rush him, but also not wanting to tap dance on Carlos's unusual restraint.
He nodded reluctantly. "If I must." "Aw, don't sound like that. You said it yourself, you have to go back."
He shrugged and then set his jaw hard. "Yes. That is imperative and the right thing to do. I just abhor withdrawing from you."
Damali swallowed a smile as his expression became forlorn. "It is the right thing to do."
"I do not suppose you would visit me from time to time... just to update our conversations?"
She couldn't keep the shy smile off her face as she looked down at his wonderfully graceful hands and shook her head no.
"I have missed my opportunity, then."
She glanced up at him and his eyes had normalized.
"The conundrum will always be a puzzle to keep my mind occupied." He smiled at her, his gaze seeming to imprint her into his memory inch by inch.
She arched an eyebrow, silently asking for clarity.
"What would have happened if I had allowed myself to flow with the very deep impulse I had... by the pool... or in my bed?"
Damali swallowed hard, no smile on her face, as the hot memory flashed back with all the heat the scenario contained. "We wouldn't have gotten to Marlene in time. All things work for the greater good."
"Wise. Yes. You are becoming an oracle."
They both chuckled to break the tension.
"But I shall have your energy in my lonely space... your voice, a whisper echoing off the pool's surface and in my sheets. Your vibrations... every detail within it, down to your sweat, held within my sanctuary."
"You should cleanse your space so that--"
"What, and chase you from my bedroom?" he said with a slight smile, shaking his head slowly. "Never again."
She was flattered beyond his imagination, but still... it was time for him to go. "Okay. Before this gets thick again between us, and we kick up any more drama, let's do the transfer. You've got a kingdom to put in order. I've got a team to get to safe haven."
"Spoken like a true queen." His voice was less than enthusiastic, but he closed his eyes, began meditative breathing, and relented.
"Thank you," Damali said quietly, beginning to go into the Light trance with him. But it was odd. Nothing was happening. No energy was flitting from her hands to his.
They both opened their eyes at the same time. Only problem was, his had gone silver again.
"I don't know what's wrong."
He looked off into the distance. "I cannot concentrate. My stomach . . ."
"Your stomach?"
He closed his eyes and shuddered, and then dropped her hands. "There is a burning . . ."
Damali covered her mouth as his fangs crested and his hands began to tremble. "Blood hunger . . ." "No. Impossible. I have never had to deal with that abomination." He gathered his arms around himself and began to slowly rock back and