Page 48 of Across the Crimson Sands

“What do you want?” I spat.

Gorin’s grin widened, revealing yellowed teeth. “Right now? I want to have some fun.” He circled Arilee like a predator stalking its prey. “It’s been far too long since I got to refresh my pet’s jewelry.”

Arilee flinched at his words, and understanding dawned. The bastard wasn’t talking about actual jewelry - he meant the rings of bruises that had only recently faded from her skin.

“You’re pathetic,” I snarled, unable to contain my disgust. “Does it make you feel powerful, hurting someone who can’t fight back?”

Gorin’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Watch your tongue, Vinduthi. Or I might decide to start with you instead.”

“Go ahead,” I challenged. “Bring it one. Just leave her alone.”

“Rokan, stop,” Arilee pleaded. “Don’t antagonize him.”

Gorin chuckled, running a hand through Arilee’s hair. She shuddered at his touch. “Listen to your little whore, Rokan. She knows the rules of our game.”

“She’s not yours,” I growled. “She never was.”

“Oh?” Gorin raised an eyebrow. “And I suppose you think she belongs to you now? How noble of you, to rescue the damsel in distress.” He yanked Arilee’s head back, exposing her throat.

I bit back a snarl, refusing to give him the reaction he craved. Arilee’s eyes met mine, silently begging me to stay calm.

“You’re wrong,” I said, keeping my voice level. “Arilee doesn’t belong to anyone but herself.”

Gorin’s face contorted with rage. His hand struck out, backhanding Arilee with enough force to send her sprawling. “Get up!” he roared. “On your knees where you belong!”

Arilee pushed herself up, wiping blood from her split lip. She resumed her kneeling position, chin raised defiantly.

“That’s better,” Gorin purred, running a finger along her jawline. “Now, where were we? Ah yes, refreshing your jewelry.”

He leaned over Arilee, thick fingers wrapping around her throat. My stomach churned, every instinct screaming at me to intervene. Instead I grit my teeth, managing to remain still, knowing any movement would only make things worse for her.

Arilee’s breath hitched as Gorin tightened his grip.

“What are you doing?” I sent through the communicator, but she didn’t answer.

I saw determination in her gaze. Desperation and a flicker of something else - a plan.

In a blur of motion, Arilee’s arm shot up. A metallic snikt filled the air as a blade erupted from her forearm. Before Gorin could react, she slashed upward, opening his throat in a spray of dark blood.

Gorin staggered back, eyes wide with shock. His hands clutched at the gaping wound, unable to stem the flow. He collapsed to his knees, gurgling as he tried to speak. Then he toppled forward, twitching once before going still.

Relief flooded through me, quickly replaced by horror as I saw Arilee stumble backward. Blood streamed from a deep gash in her arm where the nanoblade had formed.

“Arilee!” I shouted, renewing my struggle against the restraints. The chair gave a tortured squeal, metal cracking under the assault. With a final surge of desperate strength, I broke free.

I rushed to Arilee’s side, catching her as she swayed on her feet. “I’ve got you,” I murmured, lowering her gently to the floor. “You’re safe now.”

I cradled Arilee in my arms, my heart pounding with fear as her blood seeped through my fingers. The metallic scent filled my nostrils, making my stomach churn.

“Why?” I begged to understand. “You shouldn’t have given yourself up. You should have stayed safe!”

Arilee’s eyes fluttered open, a weak smile playing on her pale lips. “I couldn’t let him kill you.” Her barely audible voice clawed at me. “I loved... being with you. Running was worth every moment.”

Fear balled like ice in my gut. I pressed my hand harder against her wound, desperately trying to stem the flow of blood. “Don’t talk,” I urged. “Save your strength.”

She hissed between her teeth, her blonde hair matted with sweat and blood. “No, Rokan. I want you to know...” Her breath hitched, and she winced in pain.

I felt a surge of panic. I couldn’t lose her. Not now. Not when I’d finally found someone who made me feel... whole.

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