Neither (The Noctalis Chronicles 3)

In a sign of solidarity, Tex and I join hands with the guys on the outside, since Peter can't touch Tex, and Viktor can't touch me. They're the immortal bread of a human sandwich.

“Where did you tell them to meet us?” I say.

“They will find us,” Viktor says.

I try to imagine what they look like. They'll be beautiful, probably. I've only met a few, but all the noctali I've met are very good-looking. I've seen pictures of Peter, and he looks pretty much the same as he does now, so maybe they just pick attractive people to change. The jury is still out.

Tex grips my hand tightly, and I want to tell her to ease up, but I kind of need the pressure of her hand to help me focus.

“There they are,” Peter says in my ear. I squint, but even with my enhanced vision, I don't see them until they're close. They float across the uneven ground as if their feet aren't touching it. Yup, they're beautiful. Shocking.

The woman, Rasha, looks like she was peeled from the pages of a book about an Indian princess. Disney would be all over her. Her sari is bright pink and glitters in the sun. Her hair is so long it brushes her ankles and flows like black silk.

The man, Kamir, is barefoot and only has a pair of matching pink pants on. I don't know what the pants are supposed to be called. The pair of them looks like two beautiful tropical birds. I feel awkward and American in comparison.

“Wow,” Tex breathes. I'm sure they hear it.

“Viktor, Peter,” Kamir says when they are twenty feet away. I wait for something to explode or for them to rush at us. Clearly, I have crazy expectations.

Peter and Viktor bow their heads like they're saluting the king or something. They should have told us about noctalis etiquette. Is there noctalis etiquette? Peter's never said anything, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I tug on our connection to see if I'm missing something, but he just tugs gently back. Okie dokie.

“You have Claimed humans. Both of you,” he says, looking at me and Tex in turn. They are finally close enough for me to see that they share one dark eye and one hazel one. A matched pair.

“It is nice to meet you,” Rasha says. Her voice is deep and beautiful. God, everything about her is beautiful. “I am Rasha. This is my husband, Kamir.” She nods to me and to Tex.

I try to say something, but my big, clumsy words get stuck in my throat. I've never heard of a noctalis marriage before.

“This is Tex,” Viktor says, holding her hand up for them to see. Maybe it's a territorial thing. This is MY human.

“And this is my Ava,” Peter says for me. Rasha smiles, showing the most perfect teeth I've ever seen. A dentist’s dream.

“I too was once a Claimed before Kamir fell in love with me.”

“Yes, my love,” Kamir says, glancing at her. Their love is plain to see. As plain and lovely as the stars in the sky. They are not what I expected. Not at all.

“We have traveled long and far and left our children to see you. How may we help?” Rasha says, stepping forward in the same delicate movement I'm sure she had when she was human. The bindi on her forehead sparkles.

Peter defers to Viktor, since he's the oldest in both human and noctalis years. Guess you can never escape your age, even when you're immortal. Viktor explains our situation in the plainest words possible. Rasha and Kamir listen without moving, doing that stiller-than-still thing noctali do. I really hope no one decides to visit the graveside of their loved one today. That would be a fine how do you do.

“Humans do not like us. They will stay away,” Rasha says, interrupting Viktor. She did not just read my mind. “I can read it on your face. Some of you are easier to read than others. I have had years of practice. Please, continue.” She waves at Viktor to go on. I still don't know what to make of them.

When Viktor finishes our tragic tale, Kamir and Rasha share a wordless look.

“We will need a moment.” I think they're going to walk away, but all they do is stare at each other, as if they don't need words. I've seen Viktor and Peter do something similar, but I have the feeling these two can share every thought they had in one second.

It doesn't take long before Kamir speaks.

“We have heard of your mother, Di. The apple does not fall far from the tree, in this case. Her father also made reckless binds.”

“What?” The word slips out of my mouth. I've never heard anything about Di's noctalis parentage. I guess I've never really thought about it.

“Her father was a man who thirsted for power and reached too far for it. He enjoyed nearly killing humans and then turning them to noctali only to have them make a bind that would kill them or make them his slaves,” Rasha says.

How awful. Now we know where Di gets it from.

“Sounds familiar,” I mutter. I can't seem to keep my mouth shut. “Sorry,” I say.

Rasha's laugh ripples like bubbles in a stream.

“Do not worry about offending us. We have lived many years and encountered many humans. You are not any better or worse than the rest of them.”

Her smile is kind, and it makes me feel warm and gooey inside. I'm surprised Tex hasn't said anything yet. I glance at her out of the corner of my eye and she seems mesmerized. Well, so am I.

“This is why we never make binds with our children. It creates resentment, and we do not wish to control them. Only to guide them. I am sorry it is not the same for you, Viktor, Peter. But your Claimed will have a better life than yours, I should think.”

“We have not made that decision yet,” Peter says.

Rasha steps forward and puts her hand on Peter's cheek. A little thrill goes through him and reaches me. He is in awe of her. Join the club.

“Can you help us?”

“Perhaps,” Rasha says.

Is that a yes or a no? I can't help the frustrated sigh that I let out. Yup, I'm reckless. If I could get something concrete, that would be fabulous.

“Do not fret, it will work out,” Rasha says, singling me out.

“How do you know that?” I say.

“If it is meant to be, then it will be.” She spreads her hands out, as if that answers it. I wish it was that easy.

“You are young,” Kamir says, coming to join his wife and taking her hand. “You will see that although we are immortal there is one thing that can outlast us.”

“What's that?”

“Love,” he says with a smile at Rasha. They look like two love-struck teenagers, even after so many years.

“But what if you can't love?”

“Everyone can love. You just have to find a way,” Rasha says, leaning on Kamir.