Page 13 of Surrendering Her Heart

“Yes!” I exclaim, too loud when I see the contents.

The tightly packed crate has dried rations and, most importantly, water along with hydration tabs.It isn’t enough, but it’s a hell of a lot better than none. All we have to do is survive long enough to make it to the former Order outpost.

The sand vibrates and dances. My stomach drops.

“Run,” the Zmaj snarls.

I don’t hesitate. I turn and run.

Shaun and Dan are already moving. They each have bags clutched tight as they sprint toward the rocks. The Zmaj grabs the crate with one hand and my arm in his other. He half-drags me, his wings opening wide.

Behind us, the sand shifts. I don’t look back again.

We dive into the crevice just as the ground behind us erupts. The vorkesh lets out a shriek of frustration, but we’re already safe, barely.

“We got enough?” I ask, breathing hard.

“No,” Dan grimaces, shaking his head.

“I hate this planet,” Shaun mutters, leaning his back against the rock and closing his eyes.

The Zmaj—mine—is watching the desert, muscles tight, jaw clenched. Like he’s waiting for something worse.

And I don’t know what’s worse, realizing he might be right… or the fact that I believe him.

8

ZAMIS

The desert wind howls, carrying the scent of sand and blood. I stand at the edge of the crevice, wings half-extended, muscles coiled with unease. My gaze sweeps over the endless dunes, searching for any sign of movement, any hint that the vorkesh still lurks beneath the surface.

Behind me, the humans shift, catching their breath. Fragile things, yet they fight to survive in a world that does not welcome them. My eyes land on Ava. She is fierce, reckless, stubborn—a challenge at every turn. My dragon rumbles inside me, a deep, instinctual recognition I refuse to acknowledge.

I turn away.

“We cannot stay here,” I say, my voice rough with exhaustion. “We must rejoin the others before nightfall.”

Dan grunts in agreement. “If they’re still alive.”

Shaun shoots him a glare. “Don’t say that.”

I ignore their bickering. My mind is elsewhere—on the Order, on what I once believed. I would have given my life for them. Now, I have no cause, no purpose. Only this mission, these humans, and the pull toward Ava that I cannot shake.

I exhale, long and slow. “Move quickly. The desert does not forgive weakness.”

Ava steps beside me, too close. “You were watching me.”

I meet her gaze. “You are reckless.”

She lifts a brow. “You keep saying that. And yet, here I am.”

My dragon stirs. I clench my jaw. This is not the time for distractions.

“Stay close,” I say, my voice lower now, rougher. “I will not save you twice.”

Ava snorts but does not argue.

We move out, leaving the safety of the rocks behind. There are still miles to go before we find the others, and beyond that, the outpost waits. I do not know what I will find there, only that the path ahead will not be easy.

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