Page 43 of Primal Call

Jasper leaned into the touch, his heart swelling with relief and joy.

Kyral's eyes softened, the usual harsh lines of his face melting away. "But I can't ask you to stay on Vasz," he continued, his grip on Jasper's cheek tightening slightly. "It's too dangerous."

Jasper shook his head, determination flaring in his chest. "With the war between our species, everywhere is dangerous," he insisted. "I'd rather face danger by your side than be alone."

For a moment, neither spoke, the weight of their words hanging in the air. Then, slowly, they leaned into each other, their lips meeting in a kiss that was both tender and fierce. It was as if all the tension and fear of the past weeks melted away in that single moment.

Jasper felt Kyral's warmth envelop him. His hands moved to Kyral's shoulders, feeling the strength and solidity beneath his fingers. The kiss deepened, filled with unspoken promises and shared determination.

They pulled apart only when Zee bopped her head against Kyral's knee, clearly feeling left out.

Jasper laughed softly, scratching Zee behind her ears. "See? Zee agrees."

Kyral let out a low chuckle as well, his arm wrapping around Jasper's shoulders. "Then it's settled," he said firmly. "We'll face it all together."

Suddenly, voices pierced the quiet outside their refuge.

"Where did they go?" one of the unknown Borraq warriors panted, clearly winded from their confrontation with Skarn and his crew. "They can’t have gone far."

"Keep looking," the other warrior responded, irritated. "We need to find them before it’s too late."

Jasper exchanged a wary glance with Kyral as the warriors’ voices grew louder, more insistent.

"Human!" one of them called out, frustration evident. "Can you hear me? We’re here because we heard rumors of a human trading ring."

The other called out as well, naked irritation in his voice. "We want to get you to safety, but we can’t do that if you keep running away from us!"

Jasper froze. Were they telling the truth? Were they really here to help him escape?

Or was this some sort of trap, to capture him for themselves?

Kyral’s eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across his face. He clearly shared Jasper's uncertainty. Trust was a fragile commodity on Vasz. Even Jasper knew better than to place his life in the hands of strangers just based on their word.

The voices outside continued, tinged with exasperation and urgency. "We don’t have time for games! Please show yourself!"

Jasper felt a surge of indecision wash over him. He turned to Kyral, searching for guidance. "What do we do?"

Kyral hesitated for a moment before leaning closer, his breath warm against Jasper's ear. "Stay quiet," he murmured. "We can’t risk it."

The tension was palpable as they waited in silence, listening intently to the voices outside. The voices of the searching Borraq warriors grew fainter and fainter, until they finally faded into the background of the harsh wilderness.

After a few moments of tense silence, Kyral leaned back and cast a wary glance around the edge of their hiding spot. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the rocky valley, the towering peaks, and the narrow path that wound its way through the terrain.

The strangers were gone.

Kyral pulled out the map. The marker for the treasure was up ahead at the other end of the valley, a clear shot from where they were hiding.

If they could get there first,...

Kyral's eyes met Jasper's. They both knew what the other was thinking. With careful and practiced movements, Kyral folded up the map and stowed it back in his satchel.

The two warriors were still out there, searching for them. Skarn and his crew could still be around. If Kyral and Jasper wanted to claim the treasure for themselves, they'd have to outmaneuver everyone.

Kyral and Jasper slinked away from their hiding spot, moving with silent steps. They slipped down the rocky terrain, staying low and out of sight.

The race was on.

And they were going to win, no matter what.

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