Page 37 of Across the Crimson Sands

I nodded, understanding dawning. “You’re right. I... I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed.”

Arilee sighed, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. “I appreciate that you want to protect me. But I need to be free to make my own decisions.”

“Even if those decisions put you in danger?” I asked, unable to keep the worry from my voice.

She met my gaze steadily. “Yes. Even then.”

We stood in silence, the weight of our words hanging between us. Outside, a street vendor’s cry echoed up from below, advertising “Fresh Limintu! Straight from the Crimson Sands!”

Finally, I spoke. “What if... what if I helped you get your freedom? Legally?”

Arilee’s eyes narrowed. “How?”

“I could buy your contract from Gorin,” I explained. “Then immediately release you. You’d be free, with no one able to claim ownership over you.”

She considered this, her expression thoughtful. “And what would you want in return?”

“Nothing,” I said firmly. “Your freedom would be yours, no strings attached.”

Arilee studied me, as if trying to read the truth in my eyes. “And if I chose to leave? To never see you again?”

The thought sent a spike of pain through my chest, but I forced myself to nod. “That would be your choice. I won’t lie and say it wouldn’t hurt, but... I’m serious about your freedom, Arilee. Even if that means being free of me.”

She was quiet, her fingers twisting as her gaze drifting to the window. I could almost see the wheels turning in her mind, weighing her options.

“Okay,” she said finally, turning back to me. “Let’s do it. Buy my contract. Set me free.”

Relief flooded through me, followed quickly by anxiety. “You’re sure?”

Arilee nodded. “Yes. But Rokan... this doesn’t mean I’m agreeing to be your mate. I need time to figure out what I want.”

“I understand,” I said, even as my heart ached. “Your freedom comes first.”

She stepped closer, her hand reaching out to touch my arm, my skin tingling where her fingers rested.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “For giving me a choice.”

I covered her hand with mine, savoring the warmth of her touch. “Always.”

I could feel the pull between us, the invisible thread that tied us together. But I wouldn’t act on it. Not until Arilee was truly free to choose.

“So,” she said, breaking the silence. “What’s our next move?”

I straightened, pushing aside my emotions. “We contact Gorin. And hope he’s in a bargaining mood.”

ARILEE

The aroma of unfamiliar spices wafted through the hotel room, tickling my nose. I stared at the plate before me, piled high with delicacies I couldn’t name. My stomach churned. Hunger? Anxiety? Both?

Rokan sat across from me, gaze fixed on my face. “Eat,” he commanded, his voice gruff.

I poked at something that looked like a purple egg. “What is this?”

“Nargaki quail egg. A delicacy.” He lifted one to his mouth, biting into it with his pointed teeth. A rich, golden yolk oozed out.

My mind raced. Freedom from Gorin dangled before me like a shimmering mirage. But could I trust it? Could I trust Rokan? The idea of being his “mate” sent shivers down my spine - equal parts excitement and terror.

“You’re thinking too hard,” Rokan said, interrupting my spiraling thoughts. “The food will get cold.”

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