“This will only take a moment. I will be brief.” He pursed his lips before continuing. “When we arrive, you will be accompanying me to the palace. Everything you need will be provided for you and you will be safe there.”
He turned and walked back into the corridor without another word.
My brow creased at his abrupt departure.
That was brief alright.
“Orin! Wait,” I called out as the door closed behind him. I pressed the panel to open it and found Orin waiting at the door.
Happily, I tucked my still damp hair behind my ears, grateful that he hadn’t ignored me. Since Avery’s departure, he had been much more friendly, although his smile still needed improvement.
“When Trex and I were together, he got a message from the King. Does this have something to do with why we are going to Alara? Has something happened?” I asked.
Behind me, Riley stepped forward and thrust out her chin, interrupting. “Yeah, and why are we being taken to a palace?”
It seemed strange to me too, that Trex would take us to the palace on Alara, but I trusted he had a valid explanation.
I was still trying to comprehend why he took so much time to notify me about what was going on after sending me away from the bridge.
Orin closed his eyes for a moment, not eager to spill the beans.
Crossing my arms, I tapped my foot. “Well?”
Orin’s posture stiffened. “The Captain’s personal matters are private.”
Speechless, it took a moment for the words to sink in, and I felt my cheeks burning.
Orin frowned and looked down at the floor, looking like he wished he hadn’t said it.
I pressed my hand against my chest, forcing myself to stay calm. “Excuse me? Private?” My voice grew louder. “You’re taking us to your home world without giving any explanation?”
Olivia stood on my right, looking uncomfortable. While Riley squinted at Orin. His face was filled with remorse. “It’s urgent for Captain Trex to return home. If you want me to, I can speak with him to see if he wants me to give you more details?”
Folding my arms, I nodded and waited.
His gaze drifted away from us, becoming distant. Orin quickly glanced back at me after just a few seconds.
“What do you call that? I thought you were going to contact him?” Riley snapped.
“What did he say?” I asked.
“Huh?” Riley looked at me as if I’d lost my mind.
Orin’s eyes widened in surprise. “How do you-?”
“He mentioned that you guys have the ability to pick up emotions,” I said with a wry tone. “And that you communicate telepathically.”
Riley shook her head, causing her ponytail to sway. “Wait, they can do what?”
She made a huffing noise before bursting into laughter. “Oh. I get it now,” she nodded. “It makes sense why the warriors in the mess hall never seem to talk with each other.”
Her response made me grunt. Riley wasn’t bothered by much.
Olivia’s calm reaction to the news surprised me as well.
Orin made a noise to clear his throat. “I talked with the Captain.”
I audibly sighed and ran my hands through my hair. “And?”Getting this guy to talk is like pulling teeth.
