Another moo resounds in my ear, though I'm not entirely sure how to interpret it.

Since getting Belinda, I've tried to visit her at least once a day, but despite my good intentions, I have to admit to myself that this is not a suitable environment for a cow—for an earthly cow. Not only is she the only one of her species here, but even the food might have a different effect on her metabolism. I don't want anything bad to happen to her, and it would be selfish to keep her just because she's cute.

Taking another good look at her, I decide to ask Ze to take her back to Earth and find a milking farm for her so she will not be slaughtered.

"I'll ask him to get your friends, too, if you have any," I tell her as I relate my plan. I'm not sure if she understands me, but she's instantly happier when she hears that she'll go back to her friends.

Alas, my decision is made.

I lay a kiss on the top of her head before I step out of the room, ready to head back to my own.

Luckily, I managed to explain to Thea and her parents that nothing untoward was going on between me and Ze. Knowing Aperion customs, the last thing I wanted was for my hosts to think I was engaging in illicit activities under their roof. I merely explained to them that we'd been cornered by angry s’Aperiotes who'd tried to kill Ze, and upon realizing they were unsuccessful, they decided to throw sweet ice at us. To my relief, they all understood our predicament and assured me they wouldn't hold it against me.

However, that was a few days ago, and I've yet to see any of them since. Even Thea was rather scarce, though that's because she's been helping her sister find another dress for her debut. With a little under a week until the ball, both Thea and Wyn are, understandably, a little highly strung.

People are coming in and out of the place daily, working on decorations and preparing the ballroom for the event.

Since everyone is so busy, I've tried to stay out of their way and keep to myself. Although, with Ze's absence, things have been rather...lonely. Belinda has been the only one to keep me company, and technically...she's not even a person.

I release a weary sigh as I unlock the door to my room and step inside.

Right there in front of me, sprawled on my bed, is Ze. He's wearing the same black ensemble, a long-sleeved black shirt paired with a pair of loose pants held by a thick belt that houses his sword. Sometimes I wonder if his closet consists of only the same clothes.

When he sees me, he tilts his head to the side, his mouth quirking up.