Page 43 of Heart’s Prisoner

Lana looked away and in that Xerus knew.

"They won't just kill you though, Xerus, they plan to torture you."

Xerus turned from her and Lana dropped her hand. "Please...please," she said. "If you do this. If you work with me I promise you I will do everything in my power to help you. To help even with your mission."

Xerus turned back to her. "Even if that mission meant killing humans?"

Lana opened her mouth then closed it.

"I didn't think so."

"You know I can't. And I don't believe you would do that."

"You don't know," he said in a hushed tone.

"Then tell me. Help me understand."

Xerus shook his head and it was the first she'd seen him use the human gesture. He averted his eyes from her and fixed his gaze on the bracelet. He stared at it for a long time before he looked back at her.

"You are an enigma, you know. Just you," he said.

Lana frowned in confusion and Xerus blew out a hard breath through his snout. His eyes fell over her once again. "Turn for me."

Lana hesitated then did as he asked, letting him see her bare back and the twirl of her dress.

Xerus grunted low. He said something in a whisper that Lana didn't catch.

"You make everything more difficult," Xerus said, rubbing his face and exposing his fangs. He tugged on one horn and turned from her. "If things were different, maybe..."

Yes, if things could be different. If he would only trust her more.

"If you don't comply with the test you will automatically fail. Try for me, Xerus. You can't win your mission if you are dead."

Xerus bowed his head as if in defeat. Lana waited for a response but he was silent. Even though he said nothing he must know that she was right.

"Xerus..."

He eyed her over his shoulder and the look he gave her was crushing. He gave her a single nod. "I will...try."

Lana closed her eyes and sighed, relieved.

"Stay with me tonight."

When she opened her eyes she saw him back at the glass, his hand up against it. She smiled and placed her palm to his. "Okay."

***

Lana woke up to the sound of someone calling her name.

"Ms. Hart, get up."

Her eyes fluttered open and she lifted her head with a groan. The first image she saw was of Xerus laying beside her against the glass. She sat up slowly and saw he was awake, watching her.

The intercom went off. "Ms. Hart, please return to the lab."

Lana rubbed her temples and grimaced as her arm tingled and her neck ached. The floor was not a comfortable way to sleep. Xerus rose before her and stepped back from the window.

"You should go," he said.

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