Chapter 31
“My All, I’m happy to see you,” Aleledai said, fingers tangling with the hand Selati still held out to him.
“I brought you something I found at the hilltop next to the pond.” Selati revealed his gift, fingers flattening out careful, deliberate. He offered it with an extended hand.
A flower. The numerous petals were neon crimson, fading down toward the center into a dull yellow, fuzzy black at the center. Aleledai had seen the flowers at a distance before. He wanted to go to the pond and get a closer look, but duty left him with little time for himself. Selati’s gift was a better alternative.
He plucked the flower from Selati’s palm and brought it closer, taking in the soft depression running down the middle of each petal and enjoying the satin feel of the underside. “It’s beautiful, Selati. Thank you.”
“I have to meet Vunei for training, but I wanted to see you first.” Selati inched closer, until they were practically breathing the same air.