Melly waited while Elias skimmed through the iPaw, switching to the strange language that Saoirse only whispered to men. Beneath the starry sky and the flickers of torchlight, his dark complexion was striking against his shoulder-length white hair. He had a strong jawline and an easy smile that made her heart skip. Two golden rings glittered in his left nostril, three more in his left ear, and two on his left hand, situated on his pointer and middle fingers.

  Elias was so well-spoken that she couldn’t help but feel intimidated. She hoped her responses came off at least a little intelligently. His attire appeared to be crafted with fine fabrics that fit well in the desert. Unless, of course, he were to fall into an oasis.

  Poor thing.

  Beneath the deep blue wrap that clung to his waist, his white tail rocked back and forth between his calves while he focused on the mysterious device.

  His very feline tail.

  Has Saoirse ever gifted Nyarlea a cat man? She struggled to recall a hymn, decree, or rumor of such an event in their history…

  Melly realized three things all at once. First, the ladies of Rājadhānī would be on him like a gigashank on nyapples.

  Second, not every interaction would be well-meaning. There were many women from every Shell looking to take their frustrations of Magni out on someone. Anyone. The new man would be a perfect opportunity.

  Third, Elias was incredibly tall. The tips of Melly’s ears just barely came up to his shoulders. If she wanted to pass through the gate and reach her house safely, they’d have to hide him somehow.

  “My apologies, Melly. I’ve kept you waiting for too long.” Elias shook his head. “I can study this…iPaw on my own time. Let’s not waste yours.”

  “N-no! Please, don’t worry. I imagine this is overwhelming. I was trying to think how we can safely get you inside. I thought you could stay with me for the night.”

  “Oh?” He smiled, and she felt her blush return.

  “Yes. I think it would be safer until I can introduce you to the queen in the morning. As I said, the tensions in Rājadhānī are high, and I would feel awful if you were hurt.”

  “That’s considerate of you. Thank you.”

  “You’re just very tall.”

  His smile widened. “So I am.”

  Melly giggled. “It would be easy to point you out. Especially at night when fewer people move around the city.”

  “Ah. That makes sense.” He hooked the golden fastening of his cloak and freed the alabaster cloth from his shoulders. “The bottom is still damp, but this should work.”

  He folded one edge down, then wrapped it around his neck and head in a makeshift hood. It covered everything but his eyes, and appeared just as natural with his clothing as the cloak had before it.

  “Is there a way to make your ears show? I think that would help,” Melly suggested.

  “Hm.” Elias resituated the wrapping around his hair until his ears poked through. “How’s this?”

  “Much better! You fit right in.” Melly clapped her hands and nodded. “If anyone stops us to ask questions—”

  “I’ll let you speak, of course. I don’t think there’s any hope for my voice.” He chuckled.

  His voice was low and smooth and perfect. A sound that certainly promised plenty of hope elsewhere. Melly exhaled a breath and touched her chest. “I’m sorry to make this so difficult. I promise, it’s just for tonight.”

  “When a beautiful woman invites you to her yurt, you take no qualms.” Elias brushed his fingertips against her shoulder. “Lead on, Melly.”

  Melly’s mind wandered, and she blinked a dozen times. Oh goodness. I need to focus! “Y-yes! Of course,” she squeaked and marched toward the gate.

  Despite the First and Second Shell barriers coming down, there was still an entrance on the protective wall on the west side of Rājadhānī that led directly into the Second Shell region of the city. There was a similar entrance a bit farther north for the First Shell, and Queen Naeemah kept each stationed with one guard at all times.

  “Welcome back, Melly,” Durdona greeted, raising her fist to her chest. They’d become quite familiar with one another due to Melly’s consistent visits to the oasis. Durdona was genial and clever; nothing escaped her attention. “Was the oasis kind to you tonight?”

  “Yes, thank you, Durdona.” Melly turned her head and smiled sadly at Elias. “I was lucky to find this woman from Dehri who lost her way to Rājadhānī. The poor thing’s lost her voice from dehydration.”

  Durdona squinted up at Elias, who stood over a head taller than she. “What ill fortune,” she murmured.

  Elias flicked his ears and nodded.

  Melly continued before the guard could have a closer look. “Is Aziza feeling better?”

  “Oh, yes, thank you, Melly!” Durdona brightened at the name of her daughter. “She’s back to playing as if she were never ill.”

  “That’s wonderful to hear. Please let me know if she should have any other symptoms. Sometimes, kitten pox can linger for a little longer than we think.” Melly smiled. “I’ll brew more of the tincture I gave you to keep it on hand.”

  “You are truly one of Saoirse’s chosen, Melly. May the wind carry your desires.” Durdona bowed. “My apologies for keeping you. Please, have a wonderful night.” She straightened and opened the gate before flashing a smile at Elias. “You’re in the best hands in Rājadhānī, traveler. Please enjoy your stay.”

  Elias bowed.

  “Thank you, Durdona. Have a safe watch,” Melly replied with a quick bow of her own.

  She moved through the gate with Elias in tow, setting a straight path for her house. Thankfully, only a handful of catgirls heading home from the tavern gave them a quick glance, then shrugged it off. However, when Aubrey’s house came into view, Melly slowed.

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  Isla… There were plenty of nights when Isla had slept soundly in her nyanny’s quarters, but lately, fear ensured that Melly always slept better with her daughter at home.

  “Are you alright?” Elias whispered into her ear.

  “I need to bring my daughter home,” Melly murmured. “She’s still with her nyanny.” She flinched. Would Elias know what a nyanny was? “Sorry, her caregiver.”

  “Then let’s fetch her.” Elias shrugged.

  Isla was a brilliant, well-behaved kitten. But staying the tongue of a six-year-old would still be difficult, no matter how mannered the girl. Would she scream if she caught wind of a man in their house? What would she say to him?

  “Which house?” Elias asked.

  Melly pointed to the spacious dwelling with brightly colored awnings and a beautiful garden. Aubrey’s home had seven bedrooms to maintain her kittens, including two additional playrooms filled with books, toys, and activities.

  Elias looked behind him, then side to side. “I will follow you home. Knock on your door three times when I can enter.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  Melly licked her lips, then nodded her head. “Alright.”

  As she made her way to Aubrey’s doorstep, Elias moved with quick, silent steps, then vanished in the shadows of the awnings. It was impressive to watch. Even as she entered the dark doorway herself, Melly couldn’t make out his form.

  She knocked softly and waited. The door opened, and Aubrey greeted Melly with a smile. Isla had her arms wrapped around her leg, then gasped when she looked up at Melly.

  “Yay! Mommy’s back!” Isla squealed. “See? I told you she’d come pick me up, Miss Aubrey!”

  Melly scooped her turquoise-haired kitten into her arms and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m sorry to keep you both waiting.”

  “You’re doing Saoirse’s work, girl. There is no need to apologize,” Aubrey countered. “Miss Isla makes for very good company. You know I love spending time with her.”

  “What a kind girl you are, my sunshine!” Melly squeezed her daughter in a tight hug, then set her back on the ground. “Do you need anything restocked, Miss Aubrey? I’ve seen a few patients with red strangler this week, and a new round of kitten pox has surfaced.”

  “I’m set for another week or two at the very least. Besides, I’d have to watch Isla until she reaches her Class choosing to make up for all you’ve done for me.”

  “Don’t let that stop you from asking me. Please. Let me help however I can.”

  “Then get some well-deserved rest, Melly. That will help us all.” Aubrey patted Isla on the head. “I will see you tomorrow, Miss Isla.”

  “Okay!” Isla beamed. “Good night, Miss Aubrey!”

  Melly reached her hand out toward Isla. “Ready to go home?”

  “Yes!” Isla’s tiny hand vanished in Melly’s palm as their fingers twined together.

  Isla recounted her adventures with her friends and Miss Aubrey as they made their way home. But Melly had difficulty concentrating. She couldn’t see Elias anywhere, and she couldn’t help glancing over each shoulder to see if any of the women loitering beside the canals and outside of their houses had spotted him.

  Delivering him safely to Queen Naeemah was a Quest she could not fail. While the appearance of a new man may bring new agitations to Rājadhānī, a capable one held the opportunity of hope—a gift everyone on Ichi so desperately needed.

  Once they reached the house, Isla’s stories were interrupted with yawns. It was much later than the kitten usually went to bed, but a little, selfish piece of Melly’s heart was happy that her daughter had waited up for her.

  “Let’s get you to bed, sunshine,” Melly said, walking up the stairs with Isla.

  Melly did her best not to rush the girl into her pajamas, still taking the time to tuck her in and find her favorite stuffed blazard. She sat on the edge of Isla’s bed and stroked her hair, watching as her wide, silver eyes blinked rapidly between yawns.

  “Sweet dreams, Isla,” Melly murmured.

  “You too, Mommy.” Isla turned to her side and cuddled her blazard to her chest. Her breathing evened by the time Melly stood and blew out the lamp in her room.

  Melly closed the bedroom door and hurried back down the stairs. Anxiety threatened her thoughts as she approached the front door and raised a hand. Would he hear it? Was he still there? She held her breath and knocked three times.

  Melly started counting. She reached five seconds, and her fear grew. Please be alright. As fifteen seconds loomed, she raised her hand to knock again, but the handle turned, and the door opened. She stepped backward and exhaled a sigh of relief as Elias entered the room.

  “Is Isla asleep?” he asked quietly.

  “Yes. I’m glad you’re safe. I couldn’t see you, and I started to worry…” She touched her chest. “Thank you for being so patient.”

  “Not to fret. We Dehri girls are built of sterner stuff.” He unwound the cape from his face and smiled. “Your daughter is charming.”

  “Thank you. Are you still cold? Should I start a fire?”

  “No, my clothes dried nicely.” Elias shook his head. “From what I’ve gathered, you’re the one who needs some respite, Melly. May I start you a fire?”

  Melly covered her mouth, masking the giggle for fear of waking Isla up. “I couldn’t possibly ask—”

  “This place is far bigger than a yurt, but a fire is still a fire.” He touched the top of her head, just between her ears, then moved deeper into the common room.

  There was a fireplace that Melly often liked using when she and Isla could spend nights beside it, sharing stories and making shadow puppets. Plenty of cushions surrounded it, along with two wooden, square tables to hold the lemonade or cactus fruit juices that Melly made.

  Elias found the stack of firewood beside it and knelt. Melly sat down on one of the cushions and watched as he moved it piece by piece into the fireplace, building a triangle just as she would have. Once he was finished, he lifted the flint and steel from the small shelf where she kept them and struck a spark onto the awaiting firewood. It crackled merrily to life, and he returned the flint and steel to their place.

  “You’re quick with that,” Melly marveled.

  “I would call it second nature. I built hundreds for my clan.” He repositioned himself to a cushion close to Melly, though there were two more between them. He propped his knees up and rested his arms over them. “I’ve stammered enough information about my…prior life, though. Tell me, are you this city’s only healer?”

  Melly fought the urge to close the distance between them. The energy and charisma he carried was more infectious than kitten pox. “I am one of three. There are others who have some knowledge of [Alchemy] and a handful of [Acolyte]s, however…” She didn’t want to brag; it was unbecoming. Her grandmother had always said so. She did her best to state the facts of the matter. “My grandmother was a master [Alchemist], and there are many recipes that only I know how to brew.”

  “Where do your ingredients come from?”

  “Well, the rarer ones grow at the oasis, and some of them I have to have imported from other islands.”

  “The oasis where we met? That’s at least an hour away.”

  Melly nodded. “I know. There’s a greenhouse in what was the First Shell. If Queen Naeemah would allow me to repurpose it, it would be much easier to have ingredients on hand.”

  “Then let that be the first topic we discuss with the queen. My introduction can come after.”

  Melly started. “Elias…”

  “Helping you will help Rājadhānī as a whole, will it not?”

  “I… Yes, it would.”

  “Very good. We’re well on our way to fixing Ichi Island. What else can I do to help?”

  Melly chewed her lip. She took a deep breath and scooted herself to the cushion next to his. Elias watched her with a curious look on his face as she leaned her head against his bicep. He lifted his arm and rested it around her shoulders, letting her rest on his chest. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth of the fire on her face, the firm sensation of his body behind hers, and the sure safety in his embrace.

  “Anything else?” he murmured.

  “No. Just this.”

  Ever since the walls had come down, she’d spent so many nights alone, collecting her courage and putting on a brave face for Isla. Countless nights exhausted after sun-up to sun-down spent brewing, diagnosing, and administering.

  Even if these were the only hours she’d have to spend with him, Elias helped her feel like she didn’t have to face this alone.

  She dozed off to sleep as a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

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