Kiera's Moon - Page 23/146

At that point her talking became too quick for the translator hooked on Evelyn's ear to keep up. She removed it, irritated. The warrior Kiera had been attempting to scale addressed Romas. Romas's response was abrupt and sharp enough to be hostile. Evelyn glanced between them, uneasy at the exchange. The warrior stepped away.

"Kiera, it's okay, just calm-- "

"Evelyn!"

Kiera was near tears and began to squirm when the six-legged creature came into sight again. Romas strode out of the room and down the hall. Evelyn scrambled after him, jogging to keep pace with his long legs. He didn't slow until they reached their quarters.

Kiera babbled the entire time, convinced it was a dream. Evelyn listened and cringed, not sure how she would explain everything. They reached their quarters and closed the door.

Romas set Kiera down gently. Kiera bounded away from him and flung her arms around Evelyn, who gave a startled laugh and hugged her back. She met Romas's eyes over her friend's head. Romas crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow in silent inquiry. Evelyn shook her head.

"K-K!" she cooed, trying to pry Kiera's grip off her and break through her babbling. "Calm down, Kiera."

Neither worked, so Evelyn let her talk and hugged her hard. Romas shook his head and stepped forward.

"No, I can-- " she objected.

Romas ignored her and grabbed Kiera, pulled her away to face him, and gave her a stiff shake. She fell silent and stared at him, her striking, large eyes even larger.

"Do you understand me?" Romas demanded.

Kiera blinked.

"Yes or no?"

She nodded.

"Be calm. Do you understand?"

Another nod. Evelyn sighed. She elbowed Romas away to stand before Kiera. The smaller woman was still, as if afraid to move.

"Kiera, I need to explain something to you," she started. "It's not going to be easy for you to take, but hear me out, okay?"

Another stiff nod.

"Are you holding your breath?" she asked. Kiera released it. She blinked a few times as tears lined her eyes.

"Romas, can you give us a minute?"

He grunted and left. Kiera's eyes strayed from Evelyn's, and she twisted all the way around, taking in everything, before she started to cry. Evelyn was silent, debating what to say. Finally, she asked lamely, "Are you okay?"

Kiera wiped her eyes and gazed at her with a deep frown, then said, "I had a dream once about being sent into outer space."