Chapter 53: Break the rhythm.
THIS WAS THE longest week in Nigel's life.
Nigel flipped Pete with a practiced flick of his tentacles, then stretched his own, feeling the burn in his muscles. The alien landed on his back with a soft thump, staring up at the intricate network of leafy branches around the treehouse roof.
They both sighed, a synchronized exhalation of effort.
Bollocks.
While waiting for Pete to rise, Nigel strode to the platform's edge. The alien no longer bounded to his feet with youthful vigor. Lately, every time Pete rose, everything about the royal screamed of his complete exhaustion, a weary slump to his shoulders. Some small part of Nigel, a surprising, unwelcome part, considered taking it easy on the royal. It had been seven days, a grueling week of constant co
