Page 123 of Citrine

Another male with a one-track mind, it seems.

I switch back to Wroahk's language for a moment to let him know what Drasuk said, then answer the dragon man. "Hi. Yes, we can go now, but do you want us to hold some of that above the water?"

"That would be great, Eli," Ree responds, her smile making me feel warm inside.

That dissipates pretty quickly after having to yell at Wroahk for a few minutes until he agrees to be a pack-kraken.

I could swear he doesn't look mad, though. More like… excited?

Weird.

My good mood comes right back when Ree, Kira, and I share a knowing look as he grumbles and waves four different packs above his head as we all swim behind him.

Then we all start laughing and none of us can stop the entire way across.

It feels so good to be around people, especially women. There really is no substitute for being around people who share similar life experiences.

Plus, anyone would be a better conversationalist than Wroahk.

Drasuk looks around the clearing when we arrive, then he and Thivoll head out to set false trails and gather a few more items, Wroahk instantly agreeing to escort them, his tentacles almost dancing as they slip into the water.

I show Kira the way to the cave, my mouth endlessly droning on about all the edible plants, which rocks will create a spark, and a few dozen other things. When I take in a long, ragged breath, my lungs already starting to dry out, Ree interrupts me.

"You've been lonely, haven't you, Eli?" Ree asks, empathy heavy in her voice.

Tears spring to my eyes, and I blink them back, not able to afford the loss of liquid. "Yes. I really need people. It has been hard."

Both of them move in to embrace me and I revel in the feeling, but hiss out in pain when their scales shift against my rapidly drying skin.

Ree's eyes sharpen. "You don't look very good. What's wrong?"

"I got his skin, which means I can't leave the water for long."

"Let's get you into the pool in the cave, then," Ree says. "And check on Rannek to see if he's still having a Wroahk-induced panic attack."

My lips shouldn't quirk at her teasing tone, but they do. Now that some time has passed, the image of his wet, purple furred body flying through the air is kinda comical. I doubt he would agree, poor guy.

When we get to the cave, I'm shocked to see that Rannek has Amethyst raised off the ground onto a surprisingly attractive, though rough-hewn, table. Her body is covered in some sort of fabric made of woven reeds draped across the glass.

He's done nothing to make himself comfortable, but he made sure she was and she's not even conscious.

Okay, I definitely feel bad for making fun of him. That was incredibly thoughtful.

My throat shifts to speak his language. "You are amazing, Rannek. How did you make all this so fast?"

His fur ripples and he darts his eyes away. "I will be better equipped in a few days, but it will be fine for now. She deserves better than such hasty work."

Kira's eyebrows have disappeared under her brow plating, and all three of us share a look. If that table is hasty work, the male must make masterpieces.

Ree speaks up first. "She would love it, I am sure, Rannek."

He wipes his three-fingered hands down his fur, his three eyes blinking at the praise.

Oh my, we are going to have to find this cutie another woman, stat. A glance over to Ree and I can see she's thinking similar thoughts.

Kira has moved on to checking out every nook and cranny of the cave as I slip down into the water, a sigh of contentment leaving me as the itching goes away.

"How deep does that go and is there a way in from the lake to there?" Kira asks.

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