Blanketed Fears

The night air was cold, and the sky was so clear hundreds of thousands of stars were visible. "Isn't it beautiful?" I asked, making conversation.

"Beyond comprehension."

"Ri - " I glanced at him and realized he wasn't looking at the stars but at me. "Oh." My face burned with embarrassment. I was grateful for the darkness.

His hands were clasped behind his back. He nudged my shoulder.

I nudged him back.

"So where are we going?" Laeddin asked.

He was the most relaxed I'd seen him. The dark did that to people. It washed away worries and blanketed fears.

"If anyone knows how to find the chayot leader, it's my grandfather, Professor Pops." I pointed at the large house coming into view.

"You're going to reveal yourself to him? I thought you wanted to keep it a secret. Besides, are you sure he still lives here?" He pointed at the fancy sports cars and trucks with lift kits parked in the driveway.