TERRAX POV "You dance beautifully," I say, and the stunning orange Kea in my arms smiles. "Thank you, Captain. I have taken dance lessons in preparation for the Harvest," she says in a soft voice, and I nod. I expected as much. Every one of my partners has been graceful and poised, all except the human. Fiadh...she has a natural rhythm but was as untrained as they come. "So, Captain, what are you looking for in a mate," she asks, drawing my attention back to her red eyes. "Someone with a kind heart and happy personality. I like the outdoors, so I want someone who is willing to be out of the house most of the time," I say, and she stares at me with a forced smile on her face. She nods to show she heard me, but I can tell from the look in her eyes she doesn't think that sounds appealing."What made you choose me for the final dance," she asks, poking to see how serious I am about this choice. I look away from her, and my eyes somehow land directly on the angel in white. Sh

I twirl the dress's skirt a little and sigh. The powder blue color is beautiful, but the style of this dress just isn't me. Not like the white one was. I loved that one. This one has a flowy skirt, but the top is weird. It fits well, and it does make my chest look appealing, but it isn't something I would have chosen. "You don't like it," Jali states from behind me, and I shrug. "It isn't my favorite. But the first two dresses did boost my expectations," I reply with a smile, and she stomps her foot. "I want you to feel beautiful. Each dress is meant to make you shine. I feel terrible," Jali says dramatically, and I spin around to grab her hand. "Jali. It is a beautiful dress. It fits me perfectly, and my body looks good in it. It just isn't my style. I still feel pretty. I have felt prettier this week than I have in my entire life. There is no reason to get upset," I say as I stare into her large eyes. She grins, and we hug each other as if on instinct. Jali has bec

FIADH POV Terrax begins to square up against his rival, and the crowd begins their build-up. Anxiety flip-flops my stomach once more, making me feel sick and weak. I begin to twist my hands into the fabric of my skirt, and Krystal glances at me."Are you okay," she whispers, and I swallow the lump in my throat so I can answer her."I like him. The Glortinon, I mean...I am scared the Frole will hurt him," I admit weakly, and her eyes begin to sparkle happily.Krystal grabs my hand, and my skirt falls back into place."Have faith in your champion, Fiadh. He seems strong and confident, and even if he doesn't win...I am sure your feelings for him won't change, right? So that means no matter what, you know who you want. The Kea technology can heal just about anything. He will be fine. They are soldiers," Krystal says softly, and I bite my lip again before I nod.The crowd's growl stops, and I turn my head just in time to see Terrax become a blurred sunbeam. The Frole moves just as fast as

FIADH POV Suddenly the hideous beast drops down to its stomach. Its four arms begin to move like legs, and Jia gasps as I cover my mouth to keep from screaming.The way it is crawl-running toward Terrax is horrifying. It looks like a mutated zombie crocodile. If humans on Earth could picture this monster, they would have him star in every scary movie for the next ten years. If he were running like that toward me, I would run as fast as I could in the opposite direction, but not Terrax. Terrax isn't even flinching. He is standing firm and calm while watching the approaching danger."Oh gosh," I whisper as the creature springs back up to his back legs.He swings two of his massive arms at Terrax at once, and Terrax rolls in between his legs. Before the creature can turn around, Terrax stabs it. He drags his sharp blade down the Latroot's back, and the creature roars out in pain. He swings his lower right arm behind him, and Terrax is forced to jump back. But in doing so, he loses his w

"Jali, do you think I will be a good mate," I ask as we begin to pull up the massive gown over my hips. My mind isn't even focused on the dress, even though it is magnificent. Besides the day my mother sent me here, this is the biggest day of my life. No matter how beautiful my gown is or how perfect my makeup is, I won't remember those details. In the years to come, I will remeber my mate choosing me and how I felt accepting him. I will remember how I began this new journey, not how I looked when it started. "I think you are like a flower about to bloom. Right now, people don't look at you, or maybe they don't notice you. You are shy and withdrawn, but with the proper care and growth...," Jali says softly as she zips the soft material and walks around to face me. I stare up at my tall colorful friend with a scared expression. The rest of my life is going to begin today, and I am so afraid that I will fail. Maybe I will cause Terrax to be violent. I might not be a good wif