Page 12 of Across the Crimson Sands

I tossed another chunk over the flames. Looked like she needed a few more good meals, anyway.

“Eat up. We’ve got a hell of a trek ahead, thanks to your little stunt.”

We devoured the beast without a word. I forced down every last morsel, knowing tomorrow’s march would be brutal. I guzzled from my canister as Arilee watched, hawk-eyed.

I offered her the container, keeping tabs to make sure she didn’t drain it. Her fingers grazed mine as she took it. She paused, those big blue eyes boring into me. At first, I thought she sought permission, but no.

She probed for something deeper.

Too bad.

Whatever she hoped to unearth was long gone, courtesy of the Krelaxians. But I couldn’t fault her for trying.

I also couldn’t help but notice how soft her hands felt, despite days in this unforgiving wasteland. Unbidden images of those hands exploring my body flooded my mind. I quickly shoved them aside, filing them away for later use.

Arilee gulped greedily.

I snatched back the canister, screwing the lid tight. Its heft had diminished drastically. I’d need to ration my water for the rest of this damn mission.

After snuffing out the fire, I fashioned my pack into a pillow. Night brought a welcome chill to the Crimson Sands. A cool breeze caressed my skin. Sleep would come easy without a blanket in this mild air.

“Can’t you at least loosen these ropes so I can get comfy?” She shuffled closer as she settled onto the bedroll. “My hands are tied and I’m stuck to this rock. Can’t even roll over.”

“Then I’ll take back the pillow and you can cuddle up to your new friend,” I countered.

“Never mind.”

My mind began to drift, then- “How much is he shelling out for this little adventure?”

I cracked an eye as Arilee sidled up, her gaze dissecting my face. My eyes flicked down, confirming her bonds remained secure.

“What’s it to you?” I growled.

“Just curious what price he’s put on my head.”

“Not enough to make this worth my while.”

“Ballpark figure?” A hint of desperation crept into her voice.

“Why fixate on that bastard’s opinion? I thought you despised him.”

She glanced away. Her silence felt like victory, so I let my mind drift toward slumber.

The breeze whispered past. Insects chirped in the distance. Sand hissed across my skin.

Arilee shuffled again moments later, exhaling softly before stillness returned. I assumed she’d finally settled down. Hauling her exhausted carcass tomorrow would’ve been a chore.

“It’s not about his opinion,” she murmured.

My brain, half-asleep, took its time responding.

“At least, not how you think.” Arilee paused.

I pried my eyes open reluctantly. “Enlighten me.”

“I don’t give a damn what Gorin thinks of me personally. I just want to know where I stand in this new world.” She turned to face me.

I eyed her sideways. “You don’t stand anywhere. You’re human.”

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