Page 41 of Across the Crimson Sands

“This is insane,” I said, twisting my fingers together. “We barely know each other. You can’t just upend your entire life for me.”

Rokan’s lips quirked in a humorless smile. “My life could use some upending.”

More than anything I wanted to argue, to push him away. But the fierce determination in his eyes made my protests die long before they reached my lips. Instead, I leaned into his touch, craving the warmth and safety he offered.

“I’m scared,” I admitted, hating how vulnerable I felt. “Not just of Gorin, but... of this. Of us. Whatever this is between us, it terrifies me.”

Rokan’s thumb brushed across my cheek, wiping away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. “I know,” he said softly. “But we’re stronger together. Trust me, Arilee. Let me protect you.”

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions raging inside me. Part of me wanted to run, to push him away before I got hurt again. But a larger part yearned to give in, to believe in the safety and comfort he offered.

“Okay,” I whispered, opening my eyes. He was right. We couldn’t just keep running. If I wanted a future with him, I needed to fight for it.

“I’ll trust you. But promise me one thing.”

Rokan nodded, his expression solemn. “Anything.”

I swallowed hard. “You can’t die.”

ROKAN

Radnaveru sprawled before us, a patchwork of grit and determination clinging to the fringes of the Crimson Sands. I watched Arilee’s eyes widen as she took in the stark contrast between the barren wasteland and this beacon of stubborn survival.

“Welcome to the ass-end of nowhere,” I said, guiding her through the bustling streets. The air was heavy with the scent of spices and machinery oil, an odd mix that always tickled my sinuses.

Arilee’s gaze darted from the ramshackle buildings to the diverse crowd. “It’s... not what I expected.”

“And what did you expect?” I asked, genuinely curious about her perspective.

She shrugged, her shoulders brushing against my arm. “I don’t know. More... desolate, I guess. This place feels alive.”

I nodded, understanding her surprise. “Radnaveru’s got a heartbeat of its own. Survival breeds a certain kind of vitality.”

We passed The Rusty Nail, its entrance a chaos of noise and neon. Arilee’s eyes lingered on the spectacle.

“Curious?” Part of me wanted to show her off, let her rest and bewitch everyone else in this ragged town like she had me. But we really, really didn’t have time for that.

She shook her head, but I caught the flicker of interest in her eyes. “No. Maybe. A little. I just... I’ve never seen anything like it.”

I steered her away from temptation, my hand resting on the small of her back. The scent of her skin seeped through her thin shirt, igniting a spark of desire I quickly suppressed.

We approached an abandoned warehouse, its metal walls rusted and pockmarked. Arilee bit her lip, obviously confused.

“This is where we’re going?” she asked, skepticism clear in her voice.

I nodded, leading her to a seemingly solid wall. “Appearances can be deceiving.”

With practiced ease, I located the hidden panel and input a series of codes. The wall shimmered and dissolved, revealing a sleek, high-tech elevator.

Arilee gasped. “How did you-”

I ushered her inside before she could finish her question. As the doors closed, I felt her tension ratchet up a notch.

“Relax,” I murmured, my breath stirring the hair near her ear. “You’re safe with me.”

She shook, whether from fear or something else, I couldn’t tell. The elevator descended rapidly, and I watched her knuckles whiten as she gripped the handrail.

When the doors opened, we stepped into a bustling underground complex. Davor stood waiting, his amber eyes scanning us both critically.

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