Mated by Twilight (True Match)

Chapter 46

Leah

Back in her tea dress, Leah led her mates to the front of the ship, to the entrance hall of the theater, and beamed as she stood at the top of the stairs. Looking down at all the gathered people now, she felt like she was somehow a completely different person.

And there were no jeers, no boos, no derision at all.

Only the excitement of the crowd as she led the way down. Her mates flanking her, their hands warm in hers.

Right at the front, beaming at her, proud like she was their own daughter, were Ariell, Netros, and Sorten. Netros had a bouquet of flowers in his hands that he immediately presented to her, making her smile.

“I thought they collected all the gifts at the beginning,” she said, beaming at the unfamiliar blooms. The lavender color reminded her of her mates’ scales, but the sloping petals were in a shape completely dissimilar to Earth blossoms. But they smelled like sweet cereal, and it was great.

“They were,” Sorten chuckled. “We bought and had those delivered at the end of the show so we could give them to you in person.”

“You were so wonderful,” Ariell praised, her expression dreamy and delighted. “I couldn’t believe such a voice came from such a little body. It was incredible!”

Leah laughed, pushing her hair back behind her ear shyly. “Thank you. These are beautiful.”

“They can also be ground and mixed with oil to make a wonderful, fragrant massage oil,” Netros said, looking specifically at Sollit as he said it, like it was more of an instruction than a fun fact. And knowing her mates, that’s exactly what it was.

Leah chuckled as Tillos told them that they had to make their way around the room while Sollit was getting more specific instructions on making the massage oil. It was adorably silly how seriously they took the job of pampering her.

But she did have to go around the room. There were other fans to meet here. They already had plans to have dinner – third meal – with the guys’ parents later.

So, for now, she focused on chatting with the fans. Thanking them for their well wishes and appreciation. The guys stayed with her, though only nearby, not right beside her. They were thanking their own fans only occasionally checking on her.

She didn’t need their confidence to stand in front of people anymore. Her head was high as she moved amongst the others.

And when the crowd parted, allowing her to look through and see Biella among their number, glaring at her with a wild look of fury on her scaley pink face, she wasn’t intimidated. That girl was just a fan, she meant nothing to her mates at all. Leah could smile at her without concern, knowing that they were hers.

“Leah.”

Jumping in surprise, she turned to find Skara at her side, pulling on her.

“Come here. Want to talk to you real quick.”

“Right now?” Leah asked, surprised. Sure, the crowd was thinning already – not everyone wanted to linger to meet them, and those that had met them already were leaving, satisfied. There was still a sizable crowd, of course, but it was trickling out slowly, so they still needed to make their rounds.

“I’ll be quick, I just wanted to let you know now.”

“Know what?”

Skara pulled her into a small alcove, giving them a hint of privacy, before turning to face her.

“Congratulations,” she started, her reptilian face softening as much as it was able. “Your first real performance. How do you feel?”

“Honestly?” Leah beamed, tightening her arms around the bouquet. “Fantastic! I forgot how great it feels to sing on stage. And then to add the acting element? It was like I really was part of a different world.”

“I’m glad,” Skara puffed out her chest. “As your teacher, I’m proud of you. You’ve come a long way from reading lines off a script.”

Leah chuckled, thinking back to their first practice together. “I still have a long way to go.”

“Certainly. But you have the tools now to learn from others. Corvidair, your mates, the other members of the cast.”

Leah frowned. “And you, right?”

Skara shook her head. “No. I’ve fulfilled my purpose and it’s time for me to go home.”

“Huh?”

“It’s always been my dream to perform water plays back on my home planet. But before I did, I wanted to go on my own siri’iki .”

“Seery… What is that?”

“It’s a coming-of-age thing for my people. Technically, only males are expected to do it, but I wanted the challenge. I set myself the task of going out and learning enough about acting and performing that I would be able to teach someone else and make them a good performer in my stead. Learning, acquiring new skills, and making myself better so that I could perform for my people was my goal, and now, with you, I’ve proven I can do that.”

“Wait,” Leah shook her head. “So… you’re leaving?”

“Ah, don’t miss me yet,” Skara laughed. “I’m not going right now. I’m going to see out the rest of these shows as your Momma Toad. But then, after the last show, yes, I will go.”

“But Skara, that’s…” Leah stopped, biting back words that she knew, inherently, were selfish. She wanted Skara to stay because she just wanted more time with Skara. Not because she actually thought Skara would benefit from being here. Having just achieved her own dream, how could she stand in the way of someone else’s? She forced a smile. “I’m going to miss you.”

“Don’t worry. You won’t be alone too long. I have some cousins that I’m going to send to the troupe. Performing is in my family, and now that I’ve forged this connection, more of my clavas can come to train here. I hope you’ll look after them.”

“Of course, I will!” Leah beamed again. “I can’t wait to meet them.”

“Good,” Skara smiled a toothy grin back at her. “I know I can trust you with that, Leah. We’ll keep in contact while I’m gone, and we don’t have to say goodbye now, but I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn’t be surprised.”

Leah nodded. “Okay. Thanks, Skara. For everything.”

She waved away her words. “No, thank you. I’ve been getting annoyed that Corvidair only brings in experienced, talented actors. No one for me to teach and prove my skills. Until you. I couldn’t teach you to sing, but I could certainly teach you to act, and I’m proud to see how far you’ve come. Enjoy your night, Leah. You deserve all of the adulation and praise.”

Leah nodded eagerly. She was tempted to hug her now, but as Skara said, this wasn’t goodbye yet. This was just a warning. And it was bittersweet. She was happy for her friend, of course, but she was sad for herself.

At the same time, she was also kind of proud.

The circumstances were different, but just like Leah had stood in front of the open door of a church and looked out, imagining she could taste freedom, so too did Skara once look up at the sky and imagine herself tasting success and honor. Both of them had left behind their worlds, seeking fulfillment, and now they had both found it.

But Skara was going to take that fulfillment and return home. Bring her people those skills and connections she had worked so hard for.

Meanwhile, Leah?

She’d found her home right here. Sure, her mates sometimes talked about settling down on Holotulle one day, but that was always spoken with that distant kind of tone. The one that said they weren’t even really making plans, just stating intentions.

But really, it wasn’t even the place. It was her mates themselves. The two of them together. They were her home. Wherever they might end up one day, so long as she was with them, she could say that she had everything she needed.

Skara smiled at her as she walked away, leaving Leah there to gather herself. She almost wanted to cry, but she didn't. Because this wasn’t a sad thing. Not at all.

After gathering herself, she turned, ready to step back into the crowd-

-only to come up short.

Biella was there. Not just part of the crowd some distance away. She was right there . So close, Leah jumped, stepping back.

But before she could open her mouth to say something, Biella lifted her arm.

Leah saw the canister in her hand. She saw Biella press the nozzle. She felt the cold spray hitting her face. Something acrid burning her nose.

And then, there was nothing.