Page 33 of DaR (Darverius, House of DaR #1)

Tordan’s safety protocols had me operational within moments, but that could have been too late for our Kira .

If she had been inside the dwelling, she would have been safe due to the automatic lockdown panels, but outside, she had no protection at all.

We need to find a way to ensure that this is never able to happen again.

Mistress Kira is scared enough from her past mistreatment, and her home should be her safe and happy place.

Those Korgons did major damage to the outer wall and my sensors toward the dark forest. So , SoL has sent guards to patrol until the construction bots can get here to fix the wall. ”

“ SAGE , I do not blame you for any of this. I just thank the Lord of Light that those deplorable males did not get their hands on her. This could have been so much worse.”

“ Father , why do you not take the female and rest for a while? I know you are injured, and I think she needs to be comforted. I will stand guard until I am no longer needed.”

I wonder if this is how my father felt about me. I have watched my sons become outstanding males and the very moment in my own life that I need them, I do not even have to ask. As a father, I could not be more proud.

“ Thank you, Son .”

I watch him turn and his wings extend as he launches into the sky. “ SAGE , please stay on red alert until the wall is repaired and keep Tordan and SoL updated on our status at all times.”

“ Yes , Master DaR . I hope Mistress Kira comes back to us soon as I have grown quite fond of her. ”

“ So have I , SAGE .”

I head toward Kira’s sleeping chamber at first and as I enter her room, I just stand there with her in my arms. I need her with me right now as much as she needs me.

As I walk forward, SAGE opens the wall, and I enter my room.

I walk over to my own large sleeping pad and as I start to lower her down, I pause.

Lying on top of the bed is a piece of soft fabric.

I have never had any need for coverings because of my Symbots , but this piece I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I can tell by all the small stitches that the fabric has been hand sewn and in the middle is my House Sign . The symbol assigned to the House of DaR is fastened together in small squares and triangles. Never in all of my years have I received such a gift.

“ Master DaR , the quilt was supposed to be a surprise for you. Mistress Kira has been working on this in secret for many rotations. I offered to make this for her once we designed the actual symbol, but she would not allow me to assist.”

I sniff, trying not to let the single tear leak out of my eye. This small, damaged female has taken my heart little pieces at a time. I can no longer deny the feelings I have for her. I have come to love her dearly.

I pull the blanket back and place her gently on the bed, then lay down beside her.

I am tired and for the first time in my life, I allow myself to actually feel my age.

I have never wanted to do anything else but command the forces that protect my home world and my people.

But the helplessness I felt today and the knowledge of how much I need and want this little human is making me reevaluate what is truly important.

My sons are at an age where they can take over for me.

Then I could simply sit back and enjoy the beauty of the world I have fought so hard to protect, remaining by Kira’s side until the Lord of Light takes her from me.

This development between my Symbots and Kira has me in awe.

They seem to have settled down and are no longer moving all over her in agitation.

I feel them crossing back and forth from her body to mine.

She lies there peacefully, and my eyes become heavy.

I pull her close to me, missing the feeling of her actual skin under my hands.

Maybe , if we rest for a while, she will come back to me on her own.

I close my eyes, and immediately, I find myself walking beside a stream in a world I have never seen before.

Up ahead of me, Kira is walking barefoot in the water, a smile on her face.

A single sun shines down upon her and little, multi-colored insects are flying all around her.

I call out her name, but no sound leaves my mouth.

I try to walk forward, but it is like I am mired in place.

My legs feel sluggish and heavy. Once again, I try to yell out her name, but when she stops to look back at me, she has an odd look on her face, almost confused at the sight of me here .

Reaching my hand out toward her, I watch as it flickers from my hand to a smaller one the same color as hers. I flex the fingers in front of my face. Whose hand is this ?

I blink, and Kira is suddenly standing in front of me. She reaches her hand out and touches my face gently. I hear her talking, but it is as if she is talking from a distance.

“ You’re ok ! I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. I’ve been so scared, but I should have known you’d come for me.”

When I try to answer her, my voice is different and yet the same.

“ Kira , I will always come back for you. With every breath that leaves my body, I will fight for you … forever.” The moment those words leave my throat, I know I am not the only one talking to her, but both of us mean every word.

The Lord of Light is using me and this place to finally give her some peace.

Her heart is and was torn between the two men who would fight for her until their last breath.

I see tears in her eyes and when I reach up to wipe them away, it is my own large hand in front of me. “ Do not cry my Kira , one of us will always be with you.”

A multi-colored bug lands on her shoulder, and I feel the other presence leave us when it flies off into the distance.

She turns, watching it until it is no longer visible. I start to pull her into my arms, but she fades away into a mist.