Vivian cracks open her eyes. She scowls, but then her eyes widen as she stares at the female. “Sarissa?”
They laugh, hugging and rocking and paying no attention to anyone else in the kradi. Charlie laughs at the sight, her small body shaking against mine, and I smile at the sound.
They’re talking over each other, and my eyes slide closed as I listen to Vivian introduce the female to the others.
Cousins, she says, and I frown, reaching for my pathway with Charlie.
“What is this word?”
Charlie strokes her hand along my chest, and my body begins to respond. Someone has covered me with a blanket, but Charlie can obviously feel what is happening because her voice is amused.
“Sarissa is Vivian’s mother or father’s sibling’s child.”
I nod. I had these once. Ezra and I would race them through the forest, playing games that centered around attempting to hide our scents from one another.
Charlie seems to sense my sadness because she leans up and places a gentle kiss on my lips. The females are talking, and Charlie pulls away.
“I’m Charlie,” she says. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too. We owe you guys a thank-you for finding us. You especially, Ivy.”
“No problem, really.”
Nevada clears her throat. “We’ll get you guys sorted with kradis and clothes and anything else you could need. I’m sorry you were taken, but you’ll be safe here.”
Sarissa is silent for a long moment. “I appreciate that. But while we’d love to enjoy your hospitality temporarily, we’re hoping to fix the ship and leave.”
Silence.
Alexis’s voice is careful. “You know, there’s no guarantee that it can even be fixed. As you’ve probably noticed, this isn’t the most developed planet.”
“I know. But we have to try. We made a deal when we were in that cage. We swore that if we could, we’d hunt down the bastards that took us and make them pay.”
“I’m going too,” Vivian says. “I have to,” she continues over the other females’ protests. “I love you guys, but I don’t belong here. We all know that. And if I have a chance to make the Grivath pay while spending time with Sarissa? I’m going to do it.”
I begin to drift off as the females debate the wisdom of this plan. Cool hands touch my brow, and I tense, but Charlie soothes me.
“It’s just one of the healers,” she says.
I nod and allow it. Then I force open my eyes at Arix’s low voice.
He stands at the entrance of the kradi, his dark gaze examining everyone and everything before landing on Vivian.
“How are you feeling?” he murmurs, ignoring the silence in the kradi as everyone stares at him.
“Much better,” Vivian says, a hint of color creeping up her cheeks. “Thank you.”
I clear my throat and attempt to speak. “You have my deepest gratitude as well,” I tell him, and he glances at me, nods, and then returns his attention to Vivian.
“I had thought I’d be in his debt,” I say to Charlie, who has her eyes narrowed on Arix.
“Same. I don’t trust him. He thought about killing you when you were dying, Dragix.”
I raise my eyebrows at that. “Interesting.”
“Interesting?” Charlie’s tone is outraged, and I can’t help but smile.
“I am the largest predator on this planet. The fact that he thought about killing me tells me that he is a wise ruler.”
Charlie snorts at that.
Arix takes a step closer to Vivian’s bed, and Sarissa glares at him as if he’s a dangerous, poisonous creature.
“I couldn’t help but overhear your plans to leave the planet,” he says, gesturing toward the entrance to the kradi, where he must have been listening. “It is likely that you would find a solution to your problems in my city,” he says softly. “We have many alchemists who tinker with metal and heat.”
Vivian blinks at that. “One thing I’ve learned is that nothing in this universe is without a price. What’s yours?”
He gives her a slow smile. “We can discuss that when you’re feeling better,” he says. “I would not be honorable if I entered negotiations with someone who was still recovering from blood loss.”
Vivian’s eyes flash at that, and Arix’s smile widens.
“I will see you soon,” he promises, and then, with a nod to me and a wink at Charlie, he strolls out of the kradi.
Rakiz enters next, his gaze going straight to Nevada. He narrows his eyes at her, and she throws up her hands.
“I’m going to go take a nap soon, I swear. Things were just getting way too interesting around here to leave.”
The females laugh, and Rakiz steps closer to me. Dexar enters behind him, and I tense.
“I would like to sit up, little two-leg.”
Charlie lifts her head and bites her lip. “Are you sure?”
I nod, and she moves off me, helping me sit. The kradi whirls around me, and I take a deep breath, finally focusing on Dexar and Rakiz.
“We would like to thank you for your help in the battle today,” Dexar says formally, and Rakiz nods.
“I came here for Charlie,” I say, and she elbows me gently in the ribs.
“Play nice.”
I sigh. “You are welcome.”
Rakiz steps closer. “We would also like to take this opportunity to formally apologize for our ancestors. By now, you know that it was not us that slaughtered your people. But we understand why you would hate us for it. In Braxian culture, there are few forms of payment and symbols of apology more powerful than a favor. Each of us would like to give you a favor that you may use for anything that it is in our power to give you. Except for our mates,” he says quickly, and I snort.
I have my Charlie. Why would I be interested in their females?
“You do not have to accept,” he says at my silence. “But know that we will forever be in your debt for the actions of our people. That our people will protect you from those who mean to kill you and take your scales.
