Page 54 of Neverwylde 6
“But to deliberately antagonize him?”
Kyber didn’t respond and kept his gaze averted. She couldn’t read him. She had no idea what he was thinking, much less planning. It was almost as if he was resigned to whatever punishment they would inflict upon him.
“Will they kill you?” she finally managed to ask in a small voice.
Kyber continued to stare out the viewscreen. “No. Not immediately. They will not give me that respite until Duruk has gorged himself on every last ounce of torment he can inflict upon me.”
“What about me?”
His silence extended for several more seconds. “No, they will not kill you…but I dread to think about what they could do…or will do.”
A shudder went through her.
“My one.”
Kyber’s voice broke through the haze of fear that was starting to form in her head. She glanced over to find him watching her.
“My one, I do not know what will happen when we land. I do not know what atrocities Duruk and the others will inflict upon us. But I want you to know this. My life has changed because of you. For the first time since I began my career, my time in the service is no longer my entire focus.” He undid his harness and got up from his seat, then went over to her, stopping beside her and lifting her chin to meet his gaze. The lights from the console shone on his pelt, emphasizing his otherworldly appearance. “I never believed I would have a future outside of the military. Yes, I hoped one day to find someone who would help me continue my line, but…” He gave her a soft smile. “How could I have prepared myself for someone like you? Kelen, I do not expect to survive what is to come.”
“Kyber!” She clasped his hand, but he shook his head.
“We must face that possibility, and we must be prepared for it.” He swallowed hard. “I do not know Terran rules or laws regarding life partnerships. But if I should perish, I do not want you to suffer. I want you to be happy. Do not feel guilty if you wish to take another companion—”
“Shut up with that nonsense and kiss me,” she whispered. She couldn’t remove her hands from the pressure pads without her actions affecting the shuttle’s progress. He knew that, and gave her a deep, loving kiss. When he finally lifted his lips from hers, she opened her eyes. “We’re going to get through this, my love. We may suffer for our actions, but in the end, we will prevail.We will prevail.”
His answering smile warmed her. “From your mouth to the ears of the four gods.”
