Free Rhuul's Flame by Nulli Para Ora Page B

this, I know it.” Renna closed the door on her way out of the room.
    She knew her mother meant well, but there was more to solving her problem than a simple desire to make it better. “How many more will die while I figure it out?”
    * * * *
    When the large tub was full, Rhuul dipped his hand into the cool water and sighed. If he was going to take a bath, he wanted it to be warmer than this. “Lea?” There was no answer.
    Instead, one of Avalea’s younger brothers walked into the room and extended his arms to him. “Up, please!” His voice bubbled with excitement. He flashed a smile, showcasing a missing front tooth.
    Rhuul had seen children, but he’d never interacted with them. They were always pulled away from him as if they needed to be shielded from his very presence. But not here; this small variation of Lea seemed so happy, he scooped him up, holding him at arm’s length under his armpits.
    The little boy smiled and pointed to the tub. Rhuul carried him to the edge and watched as he shot flames from his palms against the water’s surface. The act of directing the flames seemed to take no effort. He was calm and grinning, as if this was an everyday occurrence. Like the other Omala, the little boy showed no signs of fear or hatred in his presence. Rhuul couldn’t help listening for the sound of his mother, wondering when she’d realize where he was, and rush in to snatch him away.
    After a few minutes, curls and wisps of steam rose into the room. When he was satisfied, the tiny, flame-haired wonder stopped his fire and clapped his hands. “It’s hot now!”
    “Thanks for that.” When Rhuul put him down, he ran out of the room and back down the hall.
    He kept his ears trained, listening for any sounds of a potential threat as he sank into the water. All was quiet as he sat down on the raised area Lea had made for him in the deep tub. He’d known her in his dreams for three days, and in person for four. Now she was nowhere to be found. He didn’t know why it felt strange to not see her nearby. He shifted in the tub, unable to feel settled. He pictured her green hair, smooth skin, and sharp tongue. He’d never admit to it out loud, but he missed the feisty woman.
    Stretching his wings out to his sides, he rested his head against the curled leaves that created the edge of the tub. Why was he so drawn to her? Why was he having such a hard time sitting still without her? Why was she being so nice to him? Why did it feel like he went crazy whenever he was around her?
    He wondered again if she could be manipulating him, but thought better of that. “I may not know her well, but I don’t think she has a reason to do that. She has nothing to gain by tricking me. I … I have nothing to offer her.” He hated the doubts she created in him, making him feel as if he was lacking, while at the same time filling him with the need to be better.
    He finished his bath in silence and wrapped a towel around his waist. The sound of footsteps sent a surge of anticipation through his belly, and he turned to face the door. “Lea?” When an Omala female entered the room carrying a pile of neatly folded clothes in her arms, he frowned. “Where’s Lea?”
    “I don’t know, but I can help you.” She wasn’t as tall as Lea, but she was beautiful in her own way. Long, brown hair hung down the front of her curvy body. Full lips shone as if coated in oil. Her top was opened far enough to give him a good view of her cleavage, and she leaned forward just enough to let him see even more. But there was a problem. She wasn’t the Omala he was looking for. “Can I do anything for you? Anything at all?”
    “No.” He took the garments from her and held them up, giving them an inspection. The cloth pants and tunic were cream-colored with green embroidery. The style of dress for the Omala was different than what he was used to, but it would do.
    “Is there something you’d be willing to do for me?” She opened her top, her