She weighed Samare’s bracelet in her hand. Brynt had just returned with it from the evidence storage.
The key to our salvation. Now which door to open? She had been thinking about the choice while she waited for him. “Brynt, Samare mentioned you bonded with a Navi before?”
His face turned red. “Yes, Navi.”
“It seems I won’t be able to reach the ship on my own, but…”
“Um, you want us to bond? I am flattered Navi, but it is a very, um, intimate experience.”
Fiana blinked and stared, then she blushed.
“Is there no other way? Something more… platonic?”
“That’s the only way I know, but I guess there’s no harm in trying.” He scratched his head.
“Well, tell me all you know and let’s see if we can stick to the bare necessities.”
“I still can’t find you.” Fiana’s eyes opened and she pushed away Brynt’s arm.
They wore one Navi bracelet each and held hands as they tried to establish a mental connection. She stood up, leaving Brynt sitting on the bed.
“It’s not working. Why don’t we just skip to the… non-platonic option? Everyone thinks that’s what we’re doing anyway.” Fiana sighed. She was getting impatient after three days of failed attempts. Sybilla – the word was stuck in her mind, as she contemplated taking the second dose. After all, maybe five to ten years was better than a few weeks.
“It doesn’t work that way, Navi.” He avoided her gaze. “The physical connection only enhances the mental one.”
“Is it a matter of time? You know we don’t have much…”
“No. You’re holding back, Navi. There’s a dark cloud around you I cannot pierce. I’ve opened up completely, given up my secrets and desires. You need to do the same if this is to work.”
A World of Worlds Page 23