Page 40 of Across the Stars (Cosmic Threads of Fate #1)

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

WATAI

Watai’s eyes fluttered open as he woke up in the hammock, with Mae sleeping soundly beside him. He couldn’t help but smile as he gazed at her peaceful expression.

His thoughts then turned to the teal-colored stone that she had given him three days ago.

Watai carefully reached for the stone, which was lying on the shelf beside her bone comb, and held it up to the sunlight beaming through the window.

It was a beautiful teal color, similar to the shade of his skin. The smooth surface of the stone felt comforting in his palm as he admired its beauty.

Was it simply a gift, or did she have deeper feelings for him as well?

Watai gazed at Mae for a few more moments, taking in her features before finally getting out of the hammock and getting ready for the day.

Watai went about his morning routine quietly, not wanting to disturb Mae’s peaceful slumber. He took a moment to reflect on the events of the past few days and the feelings that had been stirring within him.

As he thought about her, he felt a pull toward her, a need to be near her.

He reached into his pocket and felt the teal stone she had given him.

It reminded him of her and the kiss they had shared three days ago, which still lingered in his mind, and he couldn’t deny the feelings he had developed for her.

Watai wondered what the reason behind her giving it to him was, and he pondered if he should have it made into a hairpiece for her to braid into her hair, a symbol of their connection and a way to claim her as his.

But he didn’t want to rush things.

He wanted to take his time and make sure that she was ready for that kind of commitment, regardless of them sharing the same cosmic thread.

Watai carefully moved a stray lock of hair away from her peaceful face, being careful not to disturb her slumber. He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, feeling her soft breaths against his skin.

As the sunlight filtered into the room, he watched the way it danced across her hair, highlighting each individual strand.

She shifted slightly in her sleep, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Watai’s hearts swelled with love and adoration as he gazed at the female that had forever changed his life.

Would she choose to stay with him and become a part of his tribe? The thought of losing her was unbearable.

With a soft sigh, he finished his morning routine, and he decided to let her sleep a bit longer and headed outside to find her teachers.

He wanted to discuss her training with them and see how she was progressing. He knew that she had a lot to learn, but he was confident in her abilities and wanted to help her every step of the way.

“Could you tell me where Mae’s teachers are?

” he pathed to Iskzo, knowing he’d ask his friend Fela.

“I’d like to talk about her trial preparations and what I need to do to get her ready for them.

I want to begin the process of discovering her threadmount so we can seal our connection, because I believe it will soon become increasingly difficult to resist the temptation to be with her. ”

“Your will is mine.”

Watai walked along the porch, only to find his threadmount settled on his favorite branch, all his wings tucked in, his solid emerald gaze locked with his.

“They are still in their hut, having not yet gone for their morning meal,” Iskzo replied, resting his head on his forearms and closing his eyes, as if he was going back to bed.

“They said you are welcome to come. If Mae wakes up and ventures out on the porch, I’ll tell her where you went so she doesn’t worry. ”

“Thank you.” Watai reached over and scratched his threadmount’s head, eliciting a low purr from him. “Take a break. It’s our rest cycle, and we’re not needed anywhere. I’m hoping to be able to assist Mae with her training and have her assist me in washing you later this evening.”

“A wash?” Iskzo opened one eye to look at him as if to see if Watai was teasing him. “I’ll see if any of the Z’myuzes from your wingmates’ cosmic bond are available to assist her with her swimming.”

“That is very much appreciated.” Watai moved his hand from the top of Iskzo’s head to his chin, causing his threadmate’s wings to flutter with delight.

“She must be able to swim across the bay to the Protector’s Peak.

If she can’t handle the waves in the lake, she won’t be able to handle them in the ocean. ”

“She’ll be fine,” Iskzo reassured. “I believe she has the drive. When you took her swimming the last time, she was getting the hang of it.”

“You know the entire tribe is watching to see if we will succeed or fail.” He smirked. “My family wants me to be happy, but they, especially Oekan, have reservations.”

“Oekan needs to be put in his place.” Iskzo snorted and shook his head, his angry eyes glowing red.

“His wing’s threadmounts aren’t happy with how he’s been treating their riders since he sealed his bond with your sister.

I hope you take your mother’s and sister’s words to heart and consider what they suggested.

If you decide to do it, I am willing to support you. ”

“I’ll consider it.” Watai nodded and patted his cheek before taking a step back. “My priority is to make sure Mae is prepared for the trials. Only then, we will be able to further our relationship and seal our cord.”

Walking toward the small hut, Watai heard the soft whispers and laughter of Xarntu and Yawix. The sound eased some of the tension he carried, comforting him. One day, he hoped mornings with Mae might sound like this—shared warmth, shared joy.

At the entrance, he drew a steadying breath and knocked against the doorframe. The laughter cut off immediately. Feet shuffled inside before Xarntu pushed the curtain aside.

“Good morning, Watai,” she greeted with a smile, eyes crinkling at the corners. Amusement lingered in her tone as she stepped aside to let him in. “What brings you here so early?”

Inside, the hut smelled of herbs and spice. Yawix sat cross-legged on the floor, hands resting lightly on her knees. She looked up and gave him a quiet nod of recognition.

“Z’myu smiles upon you, Xarntu,” Watai said, bowing his head in greeting. “And upon you as well, Yawix.”

“May Z’myu smile upon you,” Yawix returned, deft fingers braiding her hair and weaving beads into the strands. “What brings you here?”

“I came to speak with you about Mae’s progress,” Watai said plainly, not wasting time. “I hoped to do so before she woke.”

The two women exchanged a glance, brows raised, before turning back to him.

“What would you like to know?” Xarntu asked, leaning against a support beam.

“I need to know what she still lacks to be ready for the trials,” Watai replied, voice steady with intent. “I want to aid her however I can—so that she may pass and find her threadmount before the next harvest festival.”

Yawix nodded gravely. “You know as well as we do, Watai, the trials are not to be taken lightly. They test strength, agility, endurance. Mae must be in peak condition—body and mind both.”

He listened closely as they outlined her needs. Every word, every warning, he tucked away, determined to use whatever time remained outside of his wingleader duties to help Mae succeed.

“She must continue to learn how to swim,” Xarntu warned. “Without that, she won’t survive the journey to Protector’s Peak. And she must train harder with weapons—hunt efficiently, contribute to the tribe. I’ve tried to glean her role among her own people, but I still haven’t been successful.”

“And she must find her place here,” Yawix added. “Where her strengths can best serve the tribe.”

“Good.” Watai’s tail twitched with restrained energy, excitement threading through his worry. “I want her ready. She must be able to defend herself—and the tribe—when the time comes. Tell me honestly: am I wrong to think she can be ready in time?”

Xarntu stroked her chin thoughtfully. “That depends on her pace. She is quick to learn, yes, and she wields natural talent with weapons. With time, she will be ready. But we would be wise not to rush her.”

Yawix inclined her head. “It is not just strength and skill. She will need mental fortitude—to endure the pressure, to survive the challenge of the Z’myuzo at Protector’s Peak, should her threadmount wait there.”

“I understand,” Watai murmured, brow furrowed. He had endured the same trial. Still, unease tugged at him. “It’s just difficult to hear the tribe question her—whether she belongs at my side—in the tribe’s tapestry at all.”

Xarntu laid a hand on his shoulder, firm yet gentle. “We will not send her until she is ready, Watai. Trust that.”

Relief flickered through him. He nodded, pride for Mae’s determination warming his chest. “Then tell me—how can I help?”

“Support her,” Xarntu said without hesitation. “Push her to her limits, but encourage her. Make sure she keeps learning our language, keeps asking questions, keeps learning who we are.”

Yawix added, “And ensure she has the proper tools. Training weapons, resources, anything that will give her confidence.”

“I only want her safe. I want her to have a place among us.” His tail twitched with the raw edge of his worry. “I know her strength, but still…I fear for her.”

Xarntu squeezed his shoulder, her smile steady. “She has the heart of a warrior, Watai, and the spirit of one of our own. Trust us—we will see her through.”

Yawix nodded, expression more severe. “We will work with her daily. She will be prepared.”

A long breath escaped him, some of the pressure on his chest easing. “Thank you,” he said, his voice thick with gratitude. “She is fortunate to have both of you as her teachers.”

He turned to leave, but his hand brushed the pocket where Mae’s stone rested. He halted, pulling it free.

“Is there something else?” Xarntu asked, concern in her voice.

“Yes.” Watai held out the teal stone Mae had given him. “She entrusted this to me. I wish to have it made into a hairpiece for her to braid into her hair.”

Xarntu reached out, fingertips tracing its polished surface. “Beautiful. It will make a striking piece.”

Watai’s shoulders eased. “I thought so too. She admires the jewelry our women wear. I want her to feel she belongs.”

“I can make it,” Yawix said, though she glanced toward Xarntu. “But I would seek her guidance first—she is the more skilled.”

Xarntu nodded. “I’ve worked with stones like this before. I’ll begin gathering what I need today.”

Relief swept through him, loosening the tightness in his frame. “Thank you. I want to gift it to her when she completes the trials. By then, I hope to have many things made for her, so she may stand proud among us.”

Yawix smiled. “She already belongs. This will only mark it more clearly.”

“Thank you,” he said again, bowing his head. “I leave it in your hands.”

He stepped out of the hut, heart lighter than when he had entered. Gratitude filled him—for Mae’s teachers, for their guidance, for this small way of showing Mae how deeply he cherished her.

He smiled as he pictured her wearing the hairpiece, the stone glinting among her hair for all to see. His.

After bidding his neighbors farewell, Watai started home, eager to return to Mae’s side.