Page 42 of Primal Call

Ignoring the warning, Jasper tightened his grip on Kyral’s arm, feeling the tense muscles beneath the skin. "I’m not leaving you."

Skarn laughed again, a sound that grated on Jasper’s nerves like nails on a chalkboard. "That's sweet," he sneered. "But you’re both finished."

When Zorax took another step forward, Zee lunged at him with a vicious snarl, forcing him to halt. "Get away from us!" Jasper shouted, his voice wavering but defiant.

Vorat smirked, twirling her blade casually. "Or what?"

Jasper felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. He had to do something—anything—to protect Kyral and Zee. But what? He had no weapon, no plan...

Suddenly, a rustling noise came from the side of the valley's mouth. Jasper whipped around, his heart skipping a beat.

It was the two Borraq warriors they had seen earlier.

Their presence startled Skarn and his crew, who turned with narrowed eyes, clearly confused by the newcomers. "Who the hell are you two?" Skarn barked, his grip tightening on his weapon.

The newcomers didn’t answer immediately. They stepped forward, their eyes scanning the scene, taking in the sight of Kyral clutching his side and Jasper standing protectively in front of him. There was a moment of tension-filled silence as everyone assessed the situation.

"Back off," one of the new Borraq finally said, his voice firm but not aggressive. "This isn't your fight."

Skarn’s eyes narrowed further. "You don’t get to tell me what to do," he growled. "We found them first!"

Vorat and Zorax shifted uneasily, their attention flicking between Skarn and the newcomers. The two strangers seemed undeterred by Skarn's hostility. They exchanged a quick glance before stepping forward in unison, weapons at the ready.

"We’re not here for you three," the second newcomer said evenly. "But if you get in our way, we won’t let you harm them."

What? Jasper had no idea what he was hearing. Who were these guys?!

Whoever they were, their unexpected arrival was creating just enough of a distraction. Jasper glanced at Kyral, whose face was contorted with pain but whose eyes were sharp and alert.

"Now," Kyral hissed through gritted teeth, nodding towards a narrow path leading away from the confrontation.

Jasper didn’t need to be told twice. He grabbed Kyral’s arm, supporting his weight, and they ran into the valley, Zee at their heels.

Behind them, Skarn and his crew tried to chase them — and chaos erupted. Shouts and clashing weapons filled the air, echoing off the rocky walls of the valley. Jasper’s heart pounded in his chest as he focused on guiding Kyral along the narrow path, each step taking them further away from danger.

"Keep moving," Jasper urged Kyral softly, tightening his grip on the Borraq’s arm.

Kyral nodded weakly but kept pace as best as he could. The pain was clearly taking its toll, but there was a determination in his eyes that spurred Jasper on. They needed to put as much distance between themselves and Skarn’s crew as possible.

Finally, they found a secluded spot tucked behind a cluster of boulders, offering a small shelter. Jasper gently eased Kyral down, his brow furrowed with concern as he took in the Borraq's pained expression.

"Let me help," Jasper said softly, his fingers already working at the fastenings of Kyral's armor to expose the area where the gene wound flared.

Kyral's jaw clenched, but he didn't protest as Jasper began the familiar process of massaging the tense muscles, applying firm pressure to alleviate the pain. Jasper's touch was gentle yet purposeful, his movements practiced and precise.

As the minutes ticked by, Kyral's body gradually relaxed under Jasper's ministrations, the tension ebbing away. Jasper's fear shifted to concern, then affection, as he watched the lines of agony on Kyral's face smooth out.

"You should run," Kyral murmured, his voice strained but insistent. "Soon, someone will win. It doesn't matter who. If they find you..."

Jasper shook his head firmly, his hands never faltering in their motions. "I'm not leaving."

Kyral's eyes narrowed, but Jasper met his gaze with unwavering determination. "I've never felt able to be myself anywhere in my life until now," he said, the words tumbling out in a rush. "Not with my family, not with the other soldiers... I was always an outsider, pretending to be something I'm not."

He swallowed hard, his emotions welling up as he spoke. "But these last few weeks on Vasz, with you... it's been more real than all my previous years combined. I won't leave you, Kyral. Not unless you truly don't want me."

For a long moment, Kyral simply stared at him, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he reached out and cupped Jasper's cheek, his touch gentle and reverent.

"You stubborn human," he murmured, a hint of affection softening his gruff tone. "Of course I want you."

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