Page 20 of Hunter's Moon

We collapsed on the other side, breathing heavily. The chittering and scraping sounds faded, unable to penetrate the thick wall of rock between us.

I looked at Lina, covered in dust and sweat, her eyes wide with residual fear and exhilaration. Without thinking, I pulled her close, burying my face in her hair.

She stiffened for a moment, then relaxed into my embrace. We stayed like that for several heartbeats, our ragged breathing the only sound in the tunnel.

Finally, I pulled back, my red eyes meeting her green ones. “Are you alright?”

Lina nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Thanks to you.”

I stood, helping her to her feet.

“We should keep moving,” I said, rougher than I intended. “Get out of these tunnels.”

Lina brushed herself off, wincing slightly. “Lead the way, oh mighty protector.”

I raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. As we set off down the new tunnel, I was far too aware of her presence, the warmth of her body, her scent.

We continued down the tunnel, our footsteps echoing off the rough walls. The air grew thicker, filled with dust and the musty scent of decay. Lina’s breathing came in short gasps, her exhaustion evident.

“You okay?” I asked, glancing back at her.

She nodded, but her steps were unsteady. “Just peachy. Love a good sprint through tunnels in the dark.”

“Stick close. We’re bound to find a way out soon.”

As if the universe wanted to mock me, Lina’s foot caught on a jutting rock. She stumbled forward with a yelp. My reflexes kicked in, and I spun around, catching her before she hit the ground.

Her body collided with mine, soft and warm. The scent of her skin filled my nostrils. My head swam, desire coursing through me like a bolt of lightning.

Without thinking, I scooped her up into my arms. She let out a small squeak of surprise.

“Tharion, what are you doing? I’m fine, I’m not tired.”

I ignored her protests, continuing down the tunnel with her cradled against my chest. “You’re exhausted. Let me carry you for a while.”

She squirmed in my arms, but I held her firmly. “I can walk on my own, you know.”

“I know,” I admitted. “But I don’t want to let you go.”

Lina fell silent at that, mouth in a silent ‘o’ as she looked up at me. I could hear her heart racing, smell the subtle change in her scent. Was it fear? Excitement? Both?

We continued in silence for a few minutes, the only sound our breathing and my footsteps. Lina’s warmth seeped into me, her closeness both comforting and maddening.

“Look,” she said suddenly, pointing ahead. “Is that a door?”

I squinted, picking out details in the gloom. “Good eye. Looks like an old mining office.”

As we approached, I set Lina down reluctantly. She stumbled a bit, steadying herself against the wall.

“You okay?” I asked, concern coloring my voice.

She nodded, a small smile on her lips. “Yeah, just got a little dizzy. Guess I was more tired than I thought.”

I placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her towards the door. It was made of rusted metal, barely hanging on its hinges. With a grunt, I forced it open, the screech of metal on metal making us both wince.

Inside, we found a small office area connected to what appeared to be an old dormitory. Dust covered every surface, and the air was stale.

“This place hasn’t been used in ages,” Lina said, running a finger along a nearby desk.

---