Page 9 of Jorax (Arixxia Fields #4)

Chapter Nine

J orax

For a moment, I wondered if Syrryn meant her words to be hurtful. She said I have beauty. An obvious lie. Was she intentionally demeaning me?

But I’ve known her for a few weeks, and she’s been unfailingly kind. Certainly she wouldn’t say such a spiteful thing intentionally, would she? And she’s slipped her arm through mine as we walk over the uneven ground in the parking lot. A female who hated me wouldn’t do that, right?

We meander toward my hover, discussing our favorite rooms in the haunted house.

Leaving my worries behind, I can’t keep the smile from my face.

I’m still floating from the realization that she actually wanted to spend time with me tonight even though I was her second choice after Icaron.

She could have just gone home and watched vids alone in her living room.

Instead, she immediately agreed to come with me to the haunted house.

“That ghostly Banshee Ella in the attic was creepy. Her wail gave me chills!” Syrryn gives an exaggerated shiver.

I chuckle, letting all my worries fade away. “Agreed. The effects were very realistic this year. I almost wondered if she was a real specter they’d captured.”

As we reach my vehicle, an alert pops up on my wrist display.

I scan the details. “Oh, looks like there’s a meteor shower tonight.

Expected to be quite a show.” I hesitate, struck by an idea.

“The viewing is really nice from Arixxia Falls. I could take you there if you’d like to see it. It’s not far.”

I hold my breath. She’ll probably make an excuse to go home. Why would someone as lovely and vibrant as her want to spend more time than necessary with a wretched beast like me?

But Syrryn’s face lights up, banishing my doubts. “I’d love to go. I used to watch meteor showers whenever they were visible to the naked eye back on Earth.”

Tamping down a flurry of surprise and nerves, I open the hover door for her. Of course, a scientist like Syrryn would enjoy watching cosmic phenomena. And I suppose nearly anything is preferable to returning alone to an empty, barely furnished house—even looking at the heavens with me.

As we glide across the deserted country toward the falls overlook, Syrryn chatters excitedly about her childhood love for astronomy and meteor showers.

Her passion is contagious, making me eager to see the falling rocks in a new light rather than just debris burning up in orbit.

I find myself getting caught up in her enthusiasm despite my usual pragmatic nature.

By the time I grab a blanket from the back of my hover and spread it on the grassy overlook, the first meteors are streaking overhead.

Syrryn gives a little gasp, green eyes round with delight.

“This is amazing! It reminds me so much of the summer meteor showers back home. My sister and I used to sneak out on our roof to watch.”

I settle on the blanket beside her, allowing myself a moment just to enjoy her presence. In the silvery starlight, I can almost imagine she wanted to be here with me, not just because Icaron disappointed her.

“When I was little, my father told me that flashing meteors were the spirits of departed loved ones bidding us farewell from the heavens. It’s silly, but I still kind of believe it whenever I see one streak by.

” I tilt my head back, tracking a bright flash.

“Like that one, maybe someone’s spacefaring aunt is winking at us as she passes on to the great beyond. ”

“That’s beautiful.” Syrryn’s shoulder nudges mine. “Not silly at all.”

I chance a glance at her profile highlighted in the gloom, the stars reflecting in her eyes as she watches the spectacle in awe. Even if this is all I ever have with her, just being here together under the falling stars feels special. I tuck the memory away, a talisman against lonelier times.

The meteor shower continues, more spectacular than I anticipated. I expect Syrryn will ask to leave soon. She must be exhausted after working all day.

But she makes no move to go, snuggling deeper into her jacket as her eyes track the glittering streaks overhead. I’m hyper-aware of her shoulder pressed against my arm, her thigh a hair’s breadth from my leg. My pulse thrums faster than the flashing meteors.

Eventually, she gives a jaw-cracking yawn.

“I should let you get home,” I say reluctantly. As much as I’m savoring this stolen moment with her, I don’t want to be selfish.

Syrryn shakes her head, blinking heavy-lidded eyes. “I’m happy right here watching the show with you.”

She lays her head on my chest with a contented sigh. I freeze, pulse roaring in my ears. Ever so slowly, before I can overthink it, I bring my arm around her. When she doesn’t pull away, tension leaks from my frame. I breathe her in and mentally label the scent cinnamon and stardust.

Gazing down at her lovely face limned in starshine, affection swells inside me. I consider brushing back a silken strand of chestnut hair that’s come loose from the fancy bun that was low on her nape that she wore when she changed into that pretty dress for Icaron.

My fingers twitch with the urge to trace her petal-soft cheek, to span the delicate wings of her shoulders. But I don’t dare disturb this miracle granted me .

As Syrryn’s breathing deepens into sleep, I guard her slumber, keeping vigil through the darkness. I’ve never felt so needed, so whole. Here under the rain of light with Syrryn close enough for me to hear her heartbeat, just for this sweet instant the monster fades away and only the male remains.