Page 63 of Scorched By Fate

I was already bracing myself. “Not now, Vega.”

She raised an eyebrow, glancing at me and then at Kira’s hunched form. “Don’t get your hackles up. Am I the only one that remembers that we're here on sufferance? Or did you forget how they almost killed Orla for a bit of accidental trespassing? As far as they're concerned, more humans equal more trouble. I'm trying to keep us alive here."

Kira rose unsteadily, turning on Vega. “If you’re so eager for doom and gloom, go preach it somewhere else,” she snapped. “We don’t need you making everyone feel worse.”

Vega’s eyes flicked over her. She looked as though she might lob a retort but then seemed to think better of it. An uneasy shrug took over her stance. “Fine. But this place is a powder keg waiting for a spark.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, a headache nudging its way behind my eyes. “Let’s just not,” I said, keeping my tone level through sheer force of will. “We can’t afford it.” I hesitated, then exhaled. “Why are you even here, Vega?"

“I'm a helper, didn't you know? I've been in here every day, cleaning up unspeakable messes and trying to keep the dragon-monsters alive." Her face wrinkled in distaste.

"Let's not call our patients monsters." I dreaded to consider her bedside manner.

Vega shrugged and walked off to get started with her shift. I didn't try to stop her. She had an attitude, but we needed the hands.

The silence she left behind felt loaded, all the more claustrophobic in the dim light. Kira gave me a look so full of exhaustion that I felt another wave of guilt rising.

Kira brushed her knuckles across her damp cheeks. Anger and sorrow mingled in her eyes. “Let me know if she says anything about Larissa.”

I nodded. “I promise.”

Without another word, she spun on her heel and headed for the exit. My heart ached for her—and for all of us, really. We were trapped beneath this mountain, clinging to uncertain alliances and half-fixes.

I looked at Reika. She was still, aside from the movement of her breathing. Then my own doubts started circling—and inevitably, my thoughts landed on Vyne. I told myself I was just tired, but even the mention of his name in my head made something hot twist in my gut.

I stood there, fists clenched, letting the memory of“You’re mine”pound against the inside of my skull.

He had the shittiest timing on Earth. Or, well, Volcaryth.

What would happen if I gave in? If I let myself believe? My stomach knotted, torn between wanting him in some undeniable way and knowing I shouldn’t risk it—not now, with so much chaos.

I owed Orla an apology. Looking back, my advice to her about her situation with her own Drakarn warrior felt glib. I'd even joked about wanting one of my own.

I had no idea what that meant.

“Are we going to talk about it?” I nearly jumped out of my seat when Kaiya’s question lashed me like a whip.

“The healers are doing better. We can figure out Reika’s situation once she’s up.” There was so much to do and not enough hands, but we were making do. “Is Rachel sleeping?”

“I hope so, but come on, Selene.” She sat down on a stool beside me and gave me alook.“You slept here last night. Are you hiding from Mr. Tall, Green, and Obsessed with you?”

Yes.

No.

I didn’t know.

I groaned. “Can we not? Please.”

“Are you one of those people who solves everyone else's problems while letting your own fester?” she asked, diagnosing me faster than any therapist back on Earth.

“I’m one of those people who doesn’t let others die because I have issues in my personal life.” It felt like a weak retort, but I didn’t have anything else.

Kaiya stared at me, waiting for me to break.

I wouldn’t. I was stronger than that. I didn’t need to vent. I could handle this on my own.

Who was I kidding?

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