Page 117 of Dark Rover's Shire


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The plane turned onto the runway, engines spinning up to full power.

He focused on Fenella's profile, the way the morning light caught the subtle highlights in her dark hair.

"Another adventure ending," she murmured as the plane began its acceleration. "And a new one beginning."

"Oh?"

She turned to face him, her eyes soft with emotion. "This one is more important than all the others. Our life together. Building a home, creating new memories, and figuring out how to be us without constant danger nipping at our heels."

Lately, the only danger that had nipped at Din's heels had been overeager students and overly competitive professors, but he chose not to point it out.

"I like the sound of that, though knowing you, you'll find trouble even in the clan's serene village."

"Probably," she agreed. "But at least I'll have your ugly lamp to defend myself with. One look at those brass tentacles and any unwanted guests will flee in horror."

He smiled at her attempt at humor. "It's not that bad."

"Din, it's an octopus. Made of brass. With eyes that seem to follow you around the room."

"It's not an actual octopus, and those are decorative gemstones, not eyes."

"Creepy gemstones," she corrected.

"Are they really arguing about that kitschy lamp again?" Max's voice carried clearly from somewhere behind them.

"It's not kitschy!" Din protested, twisting to look back. "It's?—"

"Unique?" Kyra suggested sweetly. "Distinctive? A conversation piece?"

"An abomination," Jasmine added her opinion. "Though I'm sure it will look lovely in your home."

"It'll look perfect," Fenella said loyally, then spoiled it by adding in an undertone, "in the garage."

Din turned back to her with mock outrage. "The garage? The homes in the village don't have garages. Everyone parks in the underground structure."

"Oh, yeah. I forgot. A closet, then. Somewhere that guests won't accidentally see it and run away screaming."

Instead of answering, he responded with a kiss, ignoring the immediate chorus of whistles and catcalls from their companions.

"Children, please." Kalugal's voice rose above the silliness. "You are upsetting Darius."

"Sorry," Fenella called back, but she was still smiling.

The plane reached cruising altitude, and outside the windows, the desert gave way to the Mediterranean, a sheet of blue stretching to the horizon.

Fenella rested her head on his arm. "Maybe we should keep the lamp in the bedroom."

He raised an eyebrow. "Really? Suddenly it's no longer scary?"

"It is, which is why it could be an effective deterrent to intruders."

There were no intruders in the village, but he could understand Fenella's need to have something to defend herself with.

"So, it's a security measure?"

"Exactly."

"You're mocking my lamp again."