Page 30 of Omega Sanctuary

"Yes," he said, scanning the area. Nova took over the meal prep, to leave him free to pace the area. I'd seen a panther in a traveling show once, befriended by an animage, and Valens reminded me of that big cat.

"I can't add my magic to yours," Nova said apologetically. "It hasn't synced up."

"It's fine." Valens frowned into the darkness. "I have more than enough traps and sensors set up."

"Synced up?" I looked between the two of them. Maybe Nova had a crush too? It didn't seem like it. She was distant, almost formal with him. Like he was an honored guest in her house.

"Sometimes your omega magic will sync with someone you aren't bonded with," Nova replied. "It helps you layer magic together, make it stronger. I'm decent at protection wards, but anything I do will interfere with Valens's magic."

Like what I had done with Kivai.

I walked over to Valens. "Come on and eat."

He grunted, before glancing at me. "You're safe."

"I know." I should have been scared and I was in an abstract way. But whatever he was worried about would come out or it wouldn't.

"Come and eat before you pass out." I grabbed his forearm without thinking.

His entire body went rigid, and I dropped my hand like he burned me.

He had in a way. I walked back to the fire on shaky legs, warmth curling through me. I shouldn't have touched him, invaded his space like that, but he was so warm, so comforting.

Valens came to the fire and sat down. "There's a large group of what might be soldiers moving to the north."

"Her Majesty's Royal Army?" I asked.

He grunted, the "yes" grunt.

"But you don't like that because..."

Nova went wide-eyed. "A lot of alphas, Zara. A lot of them."

"Alphas are the devil, got it," I said.

Nova laughed. "No, alphas are just...a complication we don't need right now. Who knows what being around that many strange alphas will do to your magic? Or mine?"

"Neither of you are carrying a heavy scent." Valens grabbed another roll. "It shouldn't be an issue."

If we steered clear of them, was the unspoken statement.

Islept heavily that night, despite the anxiety, and woke up with a start. I wanted to start breakfast, but moving around would wake Valens up. I doubted he slept much, so he needed every bit he could get.

I lay still, feeling the morning stillness settle over me, until flashes of gold caught my attention.

I grinned. The spirits were back. Not strong enough to make out, but it was reassuring to see them now that I knew they were real. I watched the small balls of light dance out of the corner of my eye until Valens rolled over.

He stretched, and I watched him move. His thighs were huge, like he trained by deadlight tree trunks.

I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. "You want to get going?"

"As soon as we can." He was out of his bedroll, rolling it up.

"Hitch up the horses then. I'll make a milk porridge."

He nodded, his shoulders looser. He didn't want to push us too hard, but we could eat a cold breakfast to put his mind at ease.

I had the porridge in the pot, and my pack rolled up by the time Nova woke up. She moved slower, rubbing her arms and shoulders, and shuffling around like an old lady.

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