"You-you knew?" I stammered, my voice crackling. "If I had known that, I wouldn't have intruded."
It was hard to focus now. Hard to even breathe with Balem's intense eyes fixed on mine.
"I don't know what to say…" I trailed off, unwilling to go on.
Balem smirked. "Ava, do not worry. There will be other harvests."
"But I-"
Balem cut me off. "I will have Mr. Night see that the arrangements are all made to return you to Orous."
"But what are you going to do about Titus?" I demanded, more concerned for him than me.
"This is pointless. You know I am in complete control of Abrasax Industries." Balem said, beginning to sound annoyed by my worry.
"You're not in control of Earth!" I screamed.
"I was beyond all rationality. "Jupiter is still in control of everything. She has Earth, not you or Titus!"
Balem sighed. "Ava, calm down." I felt his arms snake around my shoulders.
"Trust me…Ava. When have I given you a reason not to?"
"I don't know…" I turned and leaned into his chest. I could feel the cold metal of his long golden necklace against my head as I cried.
"Look at me."
I reluctantly obeyed his command. Those enduring but striking brown eyes took my breath away every time I made contact with them.
Balem's frustration seemed to lessen at the sight of my tear-stained face. "Everything is going to be fine. You know I won't let anyone hurt you. But you must believe that nothing can come between me and Earth."
He smiled at me and gently wiped away some stray tears with his thumb. "Dry your eyes, Ava. This harvesting is over and I must prepare for the next processed planet."
"Just promise me you'll be careful." I said, still a bit overwhelmed by all of the happenings around me. "I don't want to lose you, Balem. I love you."
"I know." He released me, the soft smile fixed upon his lips. "Now go. I will return to you when the work here is finished, my dear."
With that, Balem turned back to the terrifyingly beautiful sight of the planets regeneration process, which occurred after harvesting.
Mr. Night was behind me. The rat splice smiled, but I turned away from him in disgust. I made my way out of the observation chamber, trying not to think of how much I cared and loved Balem. But I knew nothing would take my mind off him.
I sighed inwardly, of course. This relationship was beginning to bring me much pain.