Page 45 of Across the Stars (Cosmic Threads of Fate #1)

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

WATAI

Watai’s hearts raced as they flew over the lush forest canopy, the wind whipping through their hair. He stole glances at Mae, who looked exhilarated as she took in the sights.

As they landed on the shore, Watai took a deep breath and tried to steady his nerves.

Watai felt compelled to kiss her again, just as he had done the last time they washed Iskzo. But he didn’t want to make the same mistake as before and ruin their moment together, especially since they’d grown closer since the last time they’d kissed.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm the rapid beating of his hearts. He reminded himself that he needed to be patient and let things happen naturally between them. As much as he wanted to make a move, he didn’t want to push her too fast and have her regret anything.

Watai gave Mae the washing teal and black leaves as they approached the lake. Iskzo was already in the water, splashing and playing. The water felt cool and refreshing against his skin. They laughed and splashed each other as they joined this threadmount in the water.

Watai started to wash the Iskzo, using the teal and black leaves to lather up the soap and clean his scales. Mae joined in, helping to scrub down his threadmount’s back and wings.

They worked in silence, lost in the simple task of washing their mount. The physical exertion of scrubbing down Iskzo made Watai feel relaxed and content.

As they worked, Watai couldn’t help but admire Mae’s form.

Watai appreciated how the water droplets glistened on her skin as she moved, how her muscles rippled as she scrubbed Iskzo’s scales, and how her hair was slicked back, exposing her delicate facial lines.

He felt a deep, intense yearning to be close to her, to hold her and feel her against him. He could feel his hearts flutter at the thought of her being his mate, and he wondered if she felt the same way.

The sense of contentment as he watched Mae scrub the leaves over Iskzo’s scales as she joked with his Z'myuzo filled him with happiness. The way she smiled and laughed as they scrubbed Iskzo’s scales in the water, however, made him feel reassured that she had been enjoying herself.

As they finish cleaning, Watai led Mae away from Iskzo, who was rolling in the water to wash off the soap from his scales. Holding her hand, he felt the warmth of her skin and the gentle squeeze she gave him in return.

He kicked the water and pointed to the center of the lake, as if to ask her if she wanted to go swimming.

Mae beamed and enthusiastically nodded her head in agreement as she smiled. He helped her into the water, and as soon as they reached the edge of the ledge, he threw her over his shoulder and submerged himself beneath the water’s surface.

As he continued to watch her laugh and splash around, he knew he’d do anything to make her feel safe and happy, and that he’d always be there for her.

Watai gestured for her to follow him. She nodded, and they swam side by side, the cool water revitalizing their skin as they moved through it with ease. Watai felt a sense of contentment as he watched Mae swim, her strokes strong and sure.

Hearts racing, Watai watched Mae struggle in the water. He could see the determination in her eyes but also the fear. Watai quickly made his way to her, reaching her just as she started to go under. He wrapped his arms around her, helping her to stay afloat.

“It’s okay, Mae,” he said softly. “I’ve got you.”

She clung to him, her body shaking with exertion and fear. Watai held her tightly, giving her the support and encouragement she needed to keep going. He could feel her heart beating against his chest, and he knew that she was scared.

But he also knew that she was strong. He could feel her determination and willpower, and he was proud of her for pushing through her fear.

“Slym’s cordmount, Quixi, is on his way, ” Iskzo pathed. “I’m also nearby if necessary.”

“Thank you,” Watai replied, holding his threadmate as she clutched him for dear life. “ I believe I can make it back on my own, but your assistance would be greatly appreciated.”

Watai watched as Mae’s eyes widened in surprise as the Z’myuze appeared beneath her. He could see the fear in her eyes dissipating as she wrapped her arms around the purple-scaled creature.

The water threadmount’s gentle movements seemed to soothe her, and she relaxed against its back.

Watai felt a mixture of gratitude and nervousness as the Z’myuze offered to take him as well. He had never ridden on a Z’myuze before, and he was unsure if he would be able to hold on properly. However, he didn’t want to let Mae down, so he took a deep breath and nodded his head in agreement.

As he climbed onto the water serpent’s back, Watai could feel the strength and power of the creature beneath him.

Quixi was a dark violet Z’myuze, the water cousin to the Z’myuzo.

She was a magnificent creature, with its sleek and aerodynamic form with four wings instead of their air counterparts, who had six.

Its large, translucent wings were spread wide, allowing it to glide effortlessly through the water.

The smaller set of wings, located farther down its body, helped to provide additional lift and control as it swam.

The dragon’s long, slender tail was used to direct and stir itself in the water, allowing it to move with grace and precision.

Its eyes were large and expressive, seeming to take in the world with wonder and curiosity. As the dragon swam, its wings and tail moved in perfect harmony, making it appear almost as if it were dancing in the water.

Quixi’s scales were slick and smooth, and Watai could feel the heat radiating from the mount’s body. He wrapped his arms tightly around Mae, enclosing them around Quixi’s neck, hoping to steady the both of them and prevent Mae from falling off.

It was a breathtaking sight—Quixi slicing through the water with effortless grace.

Watai couldn’t help the flicker of awe that rose in his chest. Riding the Z’myuze was nothing like soaring through open skies on Iskzo’s back.

Water pushed against him, thick and resistant, demanding more strength to stay balanced—especially with Mae in front of him, her weight pressed close as he gripped Quixi’s sleek, saddle-less back.

The creature surged forward, its powerful tail driving them across the lake.

Spray misted the air around them. Wind tugged at his hair.

The rhythmic splash of other Z’myuze swimming nearby filled his ears, but he only half-registered the sound—his focus narrowed to Mae, to keeping her safe and steady in his arms.

When they reached the far bank, Watai slid into the shallows and turned just as Mae clung to Quixi’s back. He reached for her without thinking, hand outstretched.

Her eyes met his, and in that instant, she let go.

Fingers met fingers. Skin touched. A flicker of heat rushed up his spine, sparking across his chest as he guided her up into his arms. She trembled—her skin cold from the lake—but she didn’t pull away.

He wrapped her close, arms circling her as warmth began to bloom between them. She leaned into him, soft and shivering, her head against his shoulder. He felt the tension melt from her body as she settled against his chest, and he held her there, still and quiet, letting the moment stretch.

Then, reluctantly, he pulled back and reached for their clothes, draped nearby on a sun-warmed rock. He handed hers to her without a word, the quiet between them filled with the soft sounds of water lapping at the shore.

They dressed in silence, movements unhurried, the moment still clinging to them like mist.

Once ready, Watai offered his hand again, helping her into the saddle atop Iskzo’s back. She settled in behind him, arms wrapping around his waist.

With a powerful beat of wings, Iskzo leapt into the sky, carrying them upward, the wind rushing past as the lake shrank below.

“Could you please thank Quixi for his assistance?” Watai pathed Iskzo, grateful for his threadmount’s foresight on the night’s swim. “And see if she’s willing to help train Mae for the trials?”

“She said it wouldn’t be a problem,” Iskzo replied. “And that she’s willing to assist if needed. The lake is usually devoid of entertainment, so assisting Mae would be a welcome change.”

He couldn’t shake off the feeling of worry that had gripped him as she struggled in the water.

As they took off, flying through the branches of the trees, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

Mae leaned back into him as he held her.

He could feel her heart beating fast against his chest, and a sense of fulfilment washed over him.

They landed at their hut and Watai helped her down, holding her hand as they walked inside. He couldn’t shake off the feeling of guilt for not catching her sooner. He would make sure she was safe from now on.

Iskzo let out a contented purr before nuzzling into Watai’s hand and flying into the night sky. “ I’ll finish rinsing off and return.”

Watai watched him go with a small smile, feeling grateful for his threadmount’s companionship. “What about your saddle?”

It was already too late. Iskzo was nowhere to be found below.

“Don’t be concerned,” Iskzo reassured. “By the time I return, you will probably be asleep. I’ll just make sure you take it off when the three of us are ready for bed tomorrow.”

As he walked back into the hut, there was a sense of worry and concern for Mae. She had come so far in her training but there was still so much she needed to learn. He wanted to be there for her every step of the way, to guide and protect her.

Watai approached the hammock where Mae was sleeping and stood there, admiring her peaceful form.

He could see the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, and the way her hair was spread out like a halo around her head.

He felt a pang in his chest, knowing that she was tired from their day at the lake.

Watai sat down on the edge of the hammock and brushed a strand of hair from her face, studying her peaceful expression. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before settling in for the night,

As he lay down beside her, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of protectiveness wash over him as he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close and securing the blanket with his tail.

Watai breathed a sigh of relief, closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep, secure in the knowledge that she was out of harm’s way.