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“I hadn’t gotten to the fiction books yet, I drifted off reading this one.” I hold up the thicker work. “There were a few words I couldn’t figure out the translation for. Do you mind if I take it to my room to look through tonight? It’ll help hone my skills.”

“You can take anything from this room you need or want. From any room in the house, actually. I’ve been called away tonight to help settle a dispute. Vynia will come to dine with you. I’m sure she’ll be happy to help with anything you need.”

“Okay, that’d be nice. I really enjoyed getting to know her on the ship, I’d love to continue outside her official duties.”

“Good.” He stands and holds out a hand. “Join me on the terrace?”

I look up into his bright green eyes and slip my hand into his, allowing him to help me to my feet. He’s wearing a pair of loose-fitting pants and a shirt that stretches tightly across his chest, hugging the muscles that I’m now all too aware of. Just like me, he’s barefoot, and I can’t help but stare down at the differences and similarities between us.

Where my foot is small with five separated toes, his are twice the length and he only has four toes, which are connected by a thin membrane. He must notice my attention because he lifts a foot and spreads his toes. “These help when we swim.”

“Makes sense. Like fins or flippers.”

“Exactly.”

“Humans have myths about sea creatures called mermaids and sirens, which are half human, half fish beings. Sailors used to sing songs of being lured to their death by them.”

“Really?” He chuckles quietly. “Maybe it wasn’t a myth.”

“Every day I learn something new, the thought of mermaids being real doesn’t seem so far out there.”

“Do you know a lot of human lore?”

“Yeah, it’s basically my only hobby.”

“Do you know any self-defense, or do any athletics?”

“Torre taught me some basics of self-defense after I was mugged on Calindrea one of the nights I went down to the surface. Otherwise not really. I’m more of a bookworm. Why?”

He leans against the railing and looks around the cove. “I’m hearing more chatter regarding you being here. I want to make sure you’re safe, as safe as possible when I or anyone from the crew can’t be with you. Will you be okay with Vynia teaching you a few things?”

“Of course. The thought of being hurt doesn’t sound fun, so anything you can teach me is welcomed.”

“Good.” He turns to me again. “But please know, if you’re with me, there is nothing that will happen to you. You don’t need to worry about your safety. Despite the circumstances of our first meeting, you will always be safe with me.”

“I trust you.”

Maybe it’s naive, ignorant even, to do so, but I can’t change the fact that I do. It’s not just that I trust the male, I enjoy our time together.

“Thank you. I’ve had more clothes brought in for you, so you don’t have to wear our uniform the entire time you’re on the planet.”

“Oh, good. Not that there’s anything wrong with them.” I glance down at my body clad in the black and charcoal pants and shirt. “They’re functional which is really all that matters, but it’d be nice to have something more casual.”

We fall into several minutes of silence, just watching the stars above us.

“What’s the beach like down there?” I ask, pointing at the sliver of black sand.

“It’s nice, though too small to enjoy.”

“Is there a way down?”

He points to where the terrace wraps around the side of the cliff. “There is a set of stairs there. You’re welcome to come and go as much as you’d like.”

“Thank you.” I smile over at him. “I’ve never been on a beach before.”

“Is that so? We’ll have to change that while you’re with us, then.”

CHAPTER12