At least, to Qalu, it sounded like a vow, not a casual statement.

Eventually, Solsan said, “It’s getting late. We’ll have plenty of time together, now that they’re home for good. We should get back and give these two some privacy.”

They traded bows and chest touches, and Qalu said with all sincerity, “I missed you all so much. I’ll never go away again.”

“Don’t say that,” Khrelasa said briskly. “You may take a notion to go wandering someday. Just know that we’ll always be here waiting. That’s what makes us family.”

[  24  ]

Helix still hadn’t managed to say the most important words, days after their return home.

Now he fretted that he’d left it too long, missed the opportunity. But no. That was cowardice whispering at him, coyly suggesting that he take the easy way out while leaving certain matters unspoken between them.

He did think there was a tacit understanding, but he wanted their relationship to be a permanent and mutually understood truth with agreement voiced on both sides, not just to appease her mothers but for their own benefit as well.

So once Aevi retired to her cozy nest and darktide fell, he squared up his courage and went to find Qalu, busy in her lab. Helix had no idea what she was working on, as he was occupying the prototype she’d devoted her life to. He would ask about her work, just not now.

“Is this a good time?” he asked.

“You’re always welcome,” she said warmly. “I’m just tying up some loose ends and deciding which direction I want to take my research next. I can’t publish anything about you, or your life would become untenable.”

Miraculously, she didn’t seem to mind sacrificing success or renown, all for his well-being. She must love me, Helix thought. I need to tell her.

“I don’t know how to say this,” he began. “And I may use the wrong words. But I’ve learned everything because of you. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I exist for you. I can’t imagine what it would be like without you, and…I don’t want to. I adore you, Qalu. Will you stay with me, as my partner? My other half and primary member of my love group?”

She dropped the tool she was holding and ran to him, setting forelimbs on his chest in an intimate touch as her head tendrils trembled with love and desire.

“Nothing would make me happier. I thought we both wanted that, but I’m so glad you spoke of it first. Though it might be unreasonable, I still have a small fear that I’ve taken advantage of you somehow.”

“Never. If anything, you were too careful.” Helix pressed against her, loving the warmth of her body, adoring her. “I do wish to talk about something else, however.”

“Anything.”