Page 13 of Revealed

She mewed, as a wave of dizziness washed over me, and I swayed precariously. In an instant, Maxxon was beside me, one arm wrapped protectively around my waist to steady me.

"Can you walk?" he asked.

I tried not to be insulted by the question. I wasn’t some delicate flower who fell apart anytime anything bad happened, but I couldn’t deny that my legs were like jelly, and my wet clothes clung uncomfortably to my skin. My bare arms prickled with goosebumps, but I refused to admit that I was cold.

“Of course.” I tried to inject more confidence into my voice than I felt.

Maxxon looked skeptical but he didn't argue. He kept a steadying hand on my elbow as I held onto Dinah.

“The passage leads deeper into the cave system.” I inclined my head toward the opening. “It’s where I found this naughty girl. But there are no pools”

Maxxon stole a quick glance at both of us. “I would think you’ve had your fill of pools.”

I almost laughed at this. “I guess I have.”

We walked carefully down the path and into the deeper cavern, the lights becoming fewer and farther between.

“So, what happens after this,” I asked without looking at Maxxon. “What happens if your guys beat the bad guys and save Earth?”

Maxxon stiffened slightly even though he didn’t stop walking. “Then I guess things go back to the way they were.”

I didn’t want to tell the alien that he was delusional, but there was no way anything was going back to normal after this. There was no way my life would ever be the same again. “And you?”

He squared his shoulders. “I must return to the space station where I belong”

And I would stay on Earth where I belonged. But why did that thought suddenly make me sad?

Chapter

Nine

Maxxon

We ventured deeper into the caverns and the tremors from above grew less frequent, less intense. I allowed myself a flicker of hope. Perhaps the Drexian fleet was turning the tide, pushing back the Kronock invasion force.

I didn't want to consider the alternative. I'd seen firsthand the devastation the Kronock left in their wake—worlds stripped bare, native species subjugated or eradicated. The Boat was filled with aliens who no longer had a home world. The thought of Earth suffering that fate, of Allie living under Kronock oppression, made my blood go from cold to boiling. I clenched my fists, a renewed sense of determination flooding through me. My people wouldn't let that happen. I wouldn't let that happen.

Glancing at Allie, I noticed her steps becoming sluggish, her shoulders drooping, her grip on Dinah loosening. Her clothes were still damp from her fall into the pool, and she shivered occasionally from the cold.

"We should find a place to rest for the night," I suggested, scanning our surroundings for a suitable spot. "You need to sleep, and your clothes need time to dry."

"That sounds amazing. I feel like I could sleep for a week."

I scanned the caverns in earnest, finally spotting a promising alcove. It was set back from the main passage, partially hidden behind a prominent stalagmite. The blue lights that lit the path didn’t shine on the alcove, creating a dark nook that should be conducive to sleep.

I had to bend slightly as I ushered Allie into the space. “This is hidden from view.”

“Who is going to be walking by?” she asked, her tone teasing.

I didn’t want to tell her that we might value a hiding space if the Kronock broke through the rock.

As Allie settled herself on the smooth stone floor and released Dinah to sniff the area and select her own spot, she shrugged the bag off her shoulder and turned it upside down. A cascade of colorful cellophane packages spilled across the floor.

“I snagged these from the welcome center on our way through, remember?”

I hadn’t paid too much attention to why she’d slowed down as we’d run toward the caverns, but now I was grateful for her quick thinking. My stomach rumbled, reminding me that it had been since early that morning when I’d last eaten.

“Doritos, Fritos, Twizzlers.” Allie swept a hand over the offerings. “Pick your poison.”

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