Page 44 of The Edge of Dawn

But he wasn’t worried. He wouldn’t let them do anything to her.

They reached the ladder. A rush of energy in the sky told him the cruiser was now hovering above.

Moments later, a slender line dropped down. Its delicate appearance was deceptive, for it was made from Callidum and could support the weight of a small flying ship.

There was a smooth, circular handgrip attached to it. Again, he was surprised at Ashrael’s thoughtfulness. His minder was rather meticulous. Not even the smallest detail escaped his notice. Perhaps that was why he’d been the best at his craft.

Dragek wasn’t far behind in effectiveness, but sometimes, his focus would waver.

It showed up at the most unexpected of times—whenever he sensed something borne of the Universe’s randomness. Like an elegant swirl of energy in the galaxies above, the tail of a comet streaking through the skies, or a young face unblemished by even a single trace of darkness—an innocent soul peering out at the fractious world.

Now, he was similarly affected.

For she didn’t wish death upon her enemies, and nor did she despise him. And despite all her troubles and suffering, she didn’t want to destroy the world.

She was pure in a way he couldn’t even fathom.

So he slid his fingers through the handhold and gripped it tightly. One hand was enough. He wouldn’t let her fall.

“Come here,” he growled. His arm was already around her waist, but now he tightened his grip. “Put both your arms around my neck and hold on tightly. Lean into me.”

“H-hold?”

He smiled, baring his fangs. “I won’t bite.”

“Apparently,” she said dryly. “Isn’t there a better way to do this?”

“You want to get out of here quickly, don’t you?”

“Yes.” Her impatience spilled over, bleeding into his consciousness. If he wasn’t careful, he could end up affected by her powerful, swirling emotions.

“I won’t let anything happen to you now,” Dragek murmured, holding her tightly as he yanked on the line.

Take us up, he told Ashrael.

Very well.

The line went up. They ascended into the blazing sunlight.

She gasped and clung to him tightly, her arms clamped around his neck. His arm around her waist was immovable.

There was no way in the Universe he was going to let her fall, but she still radiated fear.

So tense.

Her legs wrapped around him, and he was surprised by her strength.

It wasn’t entirely unpleasant, her clinging so tightly to him as if the fate of the Universe depended on it.

This was new to him—being trusted, depended on, not feared.

For the first time in his bleak existence, he felt…

Worthy.

FOURTEEN

Hot sun.

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