shadow of a paragon. His mother was no different. He crossed the room and gave her an affectionate hug. “We’ll keep you informed of our progress.”
Mirra nodded, her gaze drifting back to Nikki as she said, “Rest well.”
Jaron took Nikki by the hand and led her out of his mother’s cottage. The night was balmy and mild. Tall leafy trees rose all around them, shadowy guardians in the moonlight. His mother’s cottage was one of five in this “cottage-cluster.” Most of the dwellings in Lake Walker Village had been built in similar arrangements, four to eight cottages facing a small, common green. It was safer and encouraged cooperation and interaction, a true community.
Nocturnal creature chattered in the distance, scurrying about unencumbered by the darkness. Nikki’s steps faltered as they reached the clearing beyond his mother’s small yard. Nikki tilted her head back and gasped. “The stars are green.”
“Just when it’s humid like it is tonight,” he explained. “In the winter they can appear all sorts of colors. It has something to do with particles of ice acting as prisms.”
“Well, whatever the cause, it’s beautiful.” She entwined their fingers and motioned for him to continue.
He gave her time to look around as they strolled along the woodland path. Lake Walker Village was heavily forested, providing continual shade and protection from the deadly UV rays. The village had been created in harmony with nature rather than literally being carved from the walls of a cave like Riverside.
There were two paths leading from his mother’s cottage-cluster to his. One was slightly longer than the other but much more interesting. Nikki didn’t seem to be in a hurry, so he chose the longer route.
“I’m not sure how I can get the DNA samples without a trip to Earth,” Nikki mused, but still paused every so often to peer into the darkness, obviously curious about her surroundings.
“I’ll take care of the DNA.”
She stopped and faced him. “If you’re going to Earth, I’m going with you. There is nothing I can do in Riverside but worry. My friends are still in stasis.”
It was the perfect segue for what he needed to tell her, but he still hesitated not wanting to sound manipulative.
“What’s the matter?” she prompted. “Your entire body just tensed.”
He’d told his mother Nikki responded best to direct honesty. Apparently, it was time for him to follow his own advice. “I understand how important your friends are, but we need you in Ghost City.”
“For what?”
He couldn’t see her expression which was frustrating as hells. There was no way to ease into this, so he just spelled it out. “Malik set a plan in motion that requires both of us back in Ghost City. As you said, there really isn’t anything to do in Riverside until the DNA samples are gathered.”
“But who is going to get the DNA if we return to Ghost City?”
“Sedrik Lux, the commander of the battle born, has a brother among the Outcasts. I don’t know either of them well, but this is the sort of thing both do on a routine basis.”
“They break into females’ houses and steal their DNA?” Her faint smile assured him she was joking.
“They right wrongs and defend those unable to defend themselves.” He paused to see if she’d comment. When she didn’t, he went on, “It might take a few days, but I have no doubt the battle born can provide anything we need.”
“What about discretion? Haley and Selina do not want anyone knowing what happened to them.”
He nodded. “I’ll make sure Sedrik understands that, but their fears will have far less merit once their genetics have been regressed. They will no longer interest mad scientist types.”
She started walking again, her gaze fixed straight ahead.
“What’s the matter?”
“Is regression an option for me?” She glanced up at him then back into the darkness.
“Hold on.” They continued walking as he asked his mother, but her answer was noncommittal. “The process is dangerous. That’s why it’s only used as a last resort. As long as your genetics are stable, both my mother and Aunt Arpovae recommend that you do not undergo the procedure.”
“And if I insist, will they do it?”
“My mother does not have access to a genetic sequencer, so you would have to convince Aunt Arpovae. She said she would not commit one way or the other until she has examined you.”
A long, ragged sigh escaped her, but she sounded resigned when she finally spoke. “That’s only fair, I suppose. I’m not sure that’s what I want anyway.