“What does Samuel say?”
She laughed without humor. “He wants to wait for a mating ceremony. On First World, even for those who aren’t ‘true mates’, they still hold this ceremonial ritual. It’s not a contract; it can be dissolved; but Sammy says that rarely happens. Unlike on Earth, they’re all pretty loyal to their families.”
“I would guess they break this bond in the rare events they find their true mates?”
She nodded. “Yes, that seems to be one of the only reasons. And it’s understood and socially accepted.”
I stopped her just before we reached the downstairs room. I leaned in and spoke quietly. “Are you okay, Lucy? Has something happened? Don’t you want to be mated to Samuel?”
It was clear that she hadn’t expected my question. A few tears sprinkled the blue of her eyes.
“Abbs, I don’t know what to do. I’m not sure what’s going on with Sammy. Our connection was so immediate and all encompassing that I never questioned him when he said we were destined mates. I figured I wouldn’t know, being from Earth.” She sighed. “But now I’m having some doubts. Things just aren’t adding up.” The last part was said so quietly I almost missed it, even though I was standing right next to her.
My mouth fell open. I spoke wordlessly, unable to coherently respond.
“I don’t ... understand.” Yeah, that was kind of what I was thinking.
They had been inseparable since the moment we’d rescued them from Earth.
“Never mind, Abbs. I’m probably being silly, and Sammy and I’ve had a few arguments lately, so I’m emotional.”
I hugged her, hating to hear the desolate nature of her tone.
“You don’t have to jump in without any thought. We know better than that, Luce. Think about back home; we didn’t trust anyone.”
She pulled away. “But he’s your brother. We have no reason not to trust him.”
“Lucy,” I said aghast, “that’s one of the stupidest things you’ve ever said. We don’t know him and he was held captive for a year. He’s damaged; that’s been established.”
“I know him, though, and he’s a good person. He’s made me happier than I ever thought I would be.”
I stared at her before shrugging. “Well, just let me know if you need my help. I’m always here.”
I dropped it because I could see she was done with this discussion that night. But it was going to be revisited later. Something was up, and I was going to figure it out.
“I’m going to die, Abby.” Her words took me by surprise, and I couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped me.
“What?” My immediate thoughts were dark.
Lucy smiled at me. “Calm down. I don’t mean today, but I do have a shelf-life, unlike the rest of you. Sammy said there’s some type of procedure here which can kickstart my cells’ ability to regenerate, thereby halting the aging.”
Finally we were addressing one of my primary concerns: Lucy’s mortality.
“But it has risks, Abbs, and sometimes I think I’d prefer a hundred years with everyone, than die during this medical procedure because my body rejects it.”
“I’ll speak with Dad and Brace; maybe Walkers know of something less risky.”
Lucy shrugged. “Honestly, Sammy and I have been arguing about it so much, let’s just wait and worry about this once we’ve put those Seventine back in their cage. We may all die anyway, so no need to stress.”
I shook my head. “Only you would think there was no need to stress about our demise.”
“The dead don’t worry; that’s reserved for the living,” was her final reply.
I guess she had a point; there would be plenty of time after all of this saving-the-world to figure it out. If we lived that long, of course.
Without another word we stepped away from the stairs and crossed the hall into the front room, which should be re-named ‘the meeting room’.
Josian stood in front of the large windows. It was still very dark outside, but my Walker vision could see out to the crashing waves. Lallielle was curled up in a single-seat chair. Brace, Lucas (who just seemed to appear at important moments), Francesca and Samuel were squished into the long white couch, leaving two other chairs.
My face broke out in a huge smile when I saw Quarn filling one of them. I ran over to my old guardian. I hadn’t seen him in forever. He’d told us that he was going away to catch up with family and old acquaintances. I wasn’t sure if that was the entire story.
“Quarn!” I exclaimed as he stood to hug me. “I’ve missed you.”
I don’t know at what point our bond had formed so strongly, but he was such a dear person to me.
“I’ve missed you too, miqueriona.” The rumble of his familiar accent flooded me with joy. I pulled back to look at him properly.
It amazed me that he was the only person who actively used the old language. No one else spoke like him.
“Ralph ... you look great.” Lucy came from behind to hug him too.