Page 31 of Heart's Keeper

"If he wakes, I will let you know," Xilya said. "I will also keep in contact with the team using one of the skyeyes. You won't be alone."

Lana gave her a smile though it didn't feel genuine. She was glad to have the team for the sake of the mission, but none could fill the loneliness she felt now without Xerus at her side.

Xilya returned to the ship, and Lana fussed with her clothing as Elise approached, looking every bit a soldier.

"Ready?" she asked.

"I think so," Lana said, straightening out her shirt and vest.

Elise laughed softly. "Been a while, huh?"

"What?"

"You haven't worn normal—er, human clothes in a long time," she said, gesturing to Lana's shirt.

Lana looked down at herself and realized how true that was. "I forgot how baggy and uncomfortable they could be..."

"Ah, well, I am a little more muscular and big-boned, so they don't fit you perfectly, but, yeah, must be kinda weird wearing them again."

Lana glanced back at her and smirked. "Honestly, I never thought I would be wearing them again. I didn't think..."

"What?"

Lana shrugged. "I didn't think I'd ever come back...to human civilization again."

Elise gave her a curious look. "Really?"

"I am a part of the vrisha. And, since most people still consider them the enemy and me likely a fugitive for going along with Xerus when I did, I didn't think I would be welcomed back."

Elise nodded, seeming to understand. She reached out and straightened Lana's vest, adjusting some of the clips. "Honestly, I did think you were a little crazy back when I heard the stories about you leaving with your guy. Now, not so much. There's something about these alien men. Can't say what it is." She looked back and gave Nezka a playful look. He returned her look with a sly grin.

Lana couldn't help smiling. "I think it's their very unique...intellect."

"Yeah, that's it."

They laughed together, and Elise gave her a friendly pat on the arm. "All right, let's do this. And hope we don't fuck it all up."

Lana agreed. As they grouped together with her team, they started for the forest, toward a wide valley where the station was located.

When they hit a small path, Elise hopped onto Nezka's back where he carried her with ease. Krel volunteered to carry Lana this time and so, scooping her up, he held her tight as they quickened the pace. They flew through the forest at a gait that neither Lana nor Elise could ever hope to keep up with on their small human legs. Though the station was some miles off, at the speed they went, they would make it there in half the time.

With the sun at its peak, the path through the forest was easy to see. They weaved through trees and climbed over hills. Krel's quick, yet jumpy stride caused Lana to shake more than she intended, but she didn't halt him or complain. With what little she could see, Lana saw no signs of other people or of any cameras or drones lurking in the trees. The station either kept no security outside the walls or such devices were well hidden. As good as the vrisha were at sneaking around, she had a feeling, if those at the station were monitoring the area, they would know someone at least was heading their way.

As they came to the end of the path that was connected to a wide road, Krel placed Lana back on the ground, and Elise dropped from Nezka's back. They paused at the edge of the road, Elise stepping beside Lana and checking her gun once more. Lana looked to the others and nodded that they could depart.

"We will be close by, ready to move should anything go awry," Gyrix said.

"Very close," Nezka said, stepping over to Elise and gripping her arm firmly. She took his arm in her other hand and squeezed it gently.

Aryus took up his gun and moved away. "I will find a place up high."

The others dispersed, leaving Lana and Elise to walk out onto the road alone. As they strolled up the gravel path, Lana could see from the corner of her eye a shadow stalking them through the forest nearby.

"So, what are we going to say, exactly, when we reach this place?" Elise asked.

Lana kept up with Elise's fast pace, her eyes focused ahead. "I'm going to tell them who I am and why I'm here."

"And just hope they believe you?"

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