Page 17 of Ancient Rising

She felt his thumb on her cheek, and he kissed her softly.“You have lost much and done what you could to keep it.I understand.But the future will come no matter what we do.That is why I rested.The future held nothing for me until you opened that door.”

“That puts a lot of pressure on me.”

He chuckled.“That will come in time.At first, things will be light.”

“Light?”

“Light contact as I learn what will give you pleasure.”

“Ah.Right.That.”

“It disturbs you?It is how we were designed.If it is truly upsetting, I can consume blood as well.”

“Right.Janessa mentioned that.”

“It seems you had a thorough discussion.”

“She was chatty.”

He chuckled.“Well, at least you know it isn’t fatal, though if it is my only sustenance, I will take from you more regularly.”

“I see.Is that going in the contract, too?”

“I did mention it.”

“I think I got sad and zoned out.”

He stroked her cheek and leaned in to inhale.“Yes, you are a little disoriented and are in no shape to be signing the contract.”

“Are my rations nearby?I am rather hungry.”

“There is fresh food for you.The bots will prepare it until staff are acquired from the other worlds in this system.”

“Staff?For one building?”

“Oh, no, Harwin.I am waking this world for you.You will be able to populate it with whatever you like.You really were not listening?”

She looked at him and shook her head.“No.Wait.Do you mean humans?”

“If you like.”

“How many can I bring?”

“Fifty thousand if you can find them.”

She stared.“When?”

“As soon as we have completed ratifying our contract through body or blood.”

She fought the urge to jump him and give herself an internal injury.

“But for now, a meal is being prepared.It is nutritious but more of what I remember from your world.”Ra smiled.“So, if you do not care for it, they will provide something else.”

“Why am I sitting in this position?”

“Because I am monitoring your vital signs.”

“How?”