The Neko's Tail (Book 2 of Astara)

Loss

Elias stared at the glass held in the circular metal. He was suspicious of the object the Faro held out to him. Both Scholar Sein and Reinard promised him the glasses would help him read, but he couldn’t help the unease that ran through him.

“Just try them.”

Iason’s voice startled the neko. He had almost forgotten the Egaro was there, tailing them wherever they went. He didn’t like looking at the tiger; it made him miss Artemis even more, and Elias found himself hoping Artemis would return soon.

Frowning, Elias took the glasses from the Scholar, flipping them over in his hands. He widened his eyes as the Faro had shown him, setting the metal frames in place before relaxing. The natural tension of his eyes held the glasses in place.

He felt like the glasses were going to fall if he looked the wrong way. Still, Scholar Sein said they would prevent the headaches he got from reading. The neko supposed it was a fair trade.

A frown appeared on Iason’s face, and the Egaro held his bracer to his mouth, whispering in it. A moment later, he stepped up to Reinard and Elias.

“We need to head back to your home Reinard. Artemis had some trouble on Oyhaf B2 and he’s on his way here. He should arrive with Captain Geiro and a few others in about four hours.”

‘Is he okay?’ Elias signed.

“Is he okay?” Reinard repeated.

“Yes, but Colonel Atharo was shot. She’s out of the med pod and doing fine now though.”

Reinard faced Elias.

“Well, we needed to get home anyway. Neistar should be back tonight,” he said. “Scholar, thank you for your help.”

The Faro smiled.

“It was my pleasure Cadet. I am pleased to see you after all these years, and I am even more pleased your kites are developing well.”

Iason led Elias and Reinard out of the office, body tense. The attack on the others had driven home how serious this was, and he was not about to be taken by surprise.

Eigal was waiting for them, the Faro starting the car as they climbed in. They were only a half-hour drive from Reinard’s home, and Elias found himself anxious to get back to the fox’s domain. He felt safe there, untouchable.

Reinard’s hand fell over his own and the Faro smiled at him, the concern for Artemis bleeding through.

“He’s okay,” he whispered. “He’ll get here and I’ll let Mara know we have to leave again. I want to stay one more night though. I’m not leaving without saying goodbye to Neistar.”

Elias nodded.

‘I love you,’ he signed.

“I love you too,” Reinard sighed, resting his head against the cat’s arm.

 

They lay on the couch in the den together, Elias purring quietly under Reinard’s care. A gentle kiss was pressed into Elias’ lips, and the neko’s purring faltered slightly, before picking up in intensity.