Page 25 of Across the Stars (Cosmic Threads of Fate #1)
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
WATAI
Watai soared through the sky on his threadmount, the wind whipping through his hair as he flew toward the tree where he had left Mae. His mind was occupied with her, wondering what she was doing and if she was okay.
Watai couldn’t help missing Mae as the sun set, painting the sky with pink and orange hues. He had grown fond of her during their time together, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing without her by his side.
Watai had been preoccupied with his wingleader duties, but his thoughts kept returning to Mae and how different it was without her there to share the experience with him. He realized that he already missed her presence and he was eager to see her again.
He knew what he was feeling was a side effect of their incomplete bond. Threadmates would typically tie their xa’mylu together in a night of passion, sealing their cosmic thread of fate for all eternity, the moment they met, knowing that they were made for each other.
He had no idea how they were supposed to seal their bond when she didn’t have a tail or a xa’mylu. He had to ask his mother for guidance, as she would know Z’myu’s wishes on how he should proceed with their relationship.
But they had time. Mae needed to learn the language first, train for the trials, and find her threadmount before they could tie the final knot in their cosmic thread.
Watai scanned the beach, noting how bare it was. The majority of the tribe had already gathered in the Gathering Hall for the evening meal.
He raised his fist in the air, signaling for his wing to land, and Iskzo began to spiral.
“Dismiss your wing,” Watai pathed to his loyal threadmount. “Tell them I’ll join them at our table once I gather Mae.”
“Your will is mine.” Iskzo tightened his downward spiral, following their cosmic thread to the base of the weavetree.
Watai thanked him and snapped his fist down, signaling to his wing.
They responded in unison with a series of calls and victory chants.
Each warrior’s threadmount flew off in a different direction—some to the Arms of the Weavetree, where the huts were housed, others to the Gathering Hall’s landing pads, and a few to the beach shore to wash off the day’s grime before eating with their family and friends.
Watai could see the glowing stones of the community area as he flew closer to the tree, radiating a bright array of vibrant colors to join the natural teal and fuchsia glow of the weavetree.
He knew Mae was somewhere here. He could feel his cosmic thread deep within him tighten and strengthen its pull toward the caverns at the base of the weavetree, where all the crafters gathered and stored their supplies.
He dismounted and approached, his heart racing with anticipation. He wondered how Mae felt about him leaving her alone with their neighbors all day. Had she enjoyed herself? Neither female’s mounts had reached out to Iskzo, and he’d had to restrain himself from asking him to check on her.
“She’s fine,” Iskzo pathed, his threadmount’s light tone indicating that he was amused by Watai’s inner turmoil. “You’re worse than a mother Z’myuzo worrying about her clutches’ first open-water swim.”
“She’s our cordmate.” Watai grabbed the sides of his head, locking eyes with his swirling blue-green gaze as he pressed his forehead to Iskzo’s. “You’ll feel the same once we meet her threadmount, just wait.”
“By then, I’ll know what not to do.” Iskzo let out a loud, rolling rumble, amused by his threadrider’s predicament.
“Keep it up, Iskzo, and I won’t bring you your favorite treat.” Watai laughed as he drew his face away and scratched his threadmount’s cheeks—a spot Iskzo loved.
“I’m curious how you’ll get by as a wingleader if your threadmount refuses to carry you.”
“You wouldn’t dare!” Watai hissed.
Iskzo’s rumbling continued as he flapped his wings and flew away, sending joyful waves of amusement coursing through their connection.
Many of Watai’s tribesmen nodded their heads or touched their chests in greeting as he passed by, and he mirrored them in response.
Despite being the son of the clan’s leaders and a respected wingleader, he had never felt superior to the crafters and tradespeople. They all played an important role in their clan. Without the support of any one of them, the people as a whole would struggle.
As he made his way through the sparse crowd, his gaze was drawn to Mae, who was sitting across the space between Yawix and Xarntu, laughing animatedly at the oddly shaped basket in her hand.
Watai felt a sense of relief and joy as he observed her having a good time with his clan sisters. Even without knowing the language, Mae thrived in a foreign culture because of her resolute character.
Yawix and Xarntu had earned a stellar reputation as respected instructors of their chosen fields.
They brought out the best in their students and possessed the greatest level of patience he had ever encountered.
He appreciated their direct request to take her in so that he could help rid their territory of any predators who had moved in while they had been confined for the wet season.
A small boy named Xaynu suddenly approached the three females, holding a small object in his hand. He held out a bone comb to Mae and gestured to her hair, saying something Watai couldn’t pick up from a distance.
Watai came to a halt behind a root pillar and watched as Mae looked at the comb and then at Xaynu, her face lighting with understanding. She carefully took the comb and smiled as she used the other hand to touch her forehead and then her chest.
His hearts swelled as she started to brush the end of her braided ponytail with a small smile on her face. The two older females spoke to Xaynu and gestured to the two baskets in front of Yawix and Mae.
Watai was moved by Xaynu’s gesture, and he could tell Mae was as well. He could see that Mae had a special ability to connect with people, even when she didn’t understand their language.
Watai watched as Mae stood up, her eyes widening when she saw him.
“Watai!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy. She ran toward him, arms open, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief spread through his chest as she welcomed him back.
“I missed you too,” Watai replied, his voice heavy with emotion as he gave her body a gentle squeeze.
He hadn’t realized how empty he’d felt all day until she was in his arms, once again completing him. He wondered if she had felt the effects of their connection as well.
Watai turned his attention to Xaynu, the little boy who had given Mae the comb. He thanked him for his kind gesture, and Xaynu replied, “Everyone deserves to have things that remind them of where they belong.”
Watai was deeply touched by his words. The comb represented friendship, acceptance, and belonging, and it would serve as a symbol of the unique connection that existed between him and Mae. Even though they couldn’t communicate verbally, he saw that actions spoke volumes.
“Xaynu!”
At that moment, the group turned to see the twin brothers Yutesi and Orox come running down the stairs toward them. Xaynu looked sad and embarrassed as they each took one of his shoulders and pulled him close.
”I’m sorry about my son,” Yutesi said, bowing his head in apology. “He shouldn’t have given you that comb without asking first.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for.” Watai shook his head, his voice comforting and reassuring. “Xaynu’s gesture was thoughtful and kind. I appreciate it.”
He knelt down to Xaynu’s level and smiled at him. “Your gift is a symbol of friendship. I am honored that you took the time to make one for my threadmate.”
The twin brothers exchanged surprised and relieved looks. Orox said, “Watai, you are a truly compassionate and understanding being. We are fortunate to have you as a wingleader in our clan.”
Orox’s eyes were filled with surprise and gratitude as he turned to Mae. “Thank you very much, Mae. We’re glad Xaynu was able to make you feel welcome.”
Watai was overcome with emotion as he watched the exchange. He could see the relief and gratitude on Yutesi and Orox’s faces, as well as Mae’s kindness and understanding in handling the situation. Watai felt content and happy thinking about his future with Mae.
Would she want a family one day, as well?
Twins were known for their unique connection, as a soul split into two, sharing the same threadmate. While their relationship was platonic, brotherly love, they had a deep understanding of what members of their cosmic thread needed, as well as a strong desire to provide for their family.
Threadmates were known to be unconcerned about who fathered their children, especially when it came to twins. Everyone within the cosmic thread claimed, protected, and provided for any younglings created by their cosmic bond.
This was why younglings like Xaynu had two fathers and one mother—his fathers were twin brothers splitfrom the same cosmic thread that twisted around his mother.
“Yawix and I were wondering if Xaynu would like to join Mae for lessons,” Xarntu said, looking between Watai and the twins.
“Mae will need to learn how to pass the trials. Training with someone close to her skill level would not only help her succeed, but would also provide Xaynu with valuable teamwork experience.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if he was paired up with others his age?” Orox frowned. “He’s been helping us in the gardens with the other younglings, and he’s begun learning how to make weapons with his mother whenever she has downtime, which isn’t often during the growing season.”
“But she hasn’t taken him hunting yet,” Yutesi admitted, glancing at his brother. “For the time being, he might benefit from joining them. It can’t hurt.”