Page 37 of DaR (Darverius, House of DaR #1)

Two years later

DaR

The darkness stretches endlessly, and rest eludes me. Tired of lying here, I slowly slide out of bed, untangling Kira’s small form from my own. Walking outside, I stare out at the stars above, wondering where among them my son is now.

I knew it would be hard when he left, but when we lost all contact, I wanted to curse the heavens. From the moment his ship left, I have fought with myself and the idea that it should have been me who went.

Every rising, the first thing I do is search for any communication from him, only to find silence on the other end. SCOUT is working on a long-range satellite, but nothing happens quickly and patience is not something I excel at.

Ickis jumps on my shoulder rubbing his large head against mine, only a tic before I feel her small hand on my arm. Raising it up, Kira tucks herself into my side. “ I see you are out here looking for answers once again.”

“ They are never far from my thoughts.”

“ Come back to bed. The stars aren’t going to answer you tonight, and I need some snuggles.”

“ You know I do not snuggle well. You are too tempting, and I will touch your private parts.”

“ That’s the whole point of snuggling.”

Kira leans up, biting my nipple playfully before ducking back under my arm, running toward our sleeping chamber. Smiling , I send a prayer up to the Lord of Light , asking for the safe return of RaZ and my father, then thanking him for the only one who makes me smile.