Page 34 of Elas

“Nothing! What?” I say, far too loudly, and Chief Aeliphis’s brows shoot up her forehead as I clear my throat and try to smile. It turns into a grimace, so I just give up. “Uh, what I mean is… um, good morning?”

Why did that come out as a question?

“Are you feeling alright?” Her assessing eyes drift over my face and to my chest, where I realize both my handsare clutching at the spot on my skin. I’m convinced it’s burning bright as a flare.

“Heartburn,” I blurt, and somehow, those brows inch higher. I drop my hands to my sides and hold them rigid, which only makes me look more insane. I lean against the wall and cross my arms, trying to appear casual.

“Are you feverish?” she demands.

“Oh, um, I don’t believe so, no.”

“Alright, so you aren’t sick and are, in fact, just being strange? You aren’t helping your cause by acting like a maniac, and now you’re wasting my time. Did you need something, or are you determined to get on my nerves today?”

“No, ma’am,” I hurry to say as I push off the wall and stand tall. “To, um, both.”

“Then I’d suggest you get to work. I’ve already heard three different complaints about the mess in there this morning.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I nod again before I speedwalk down the hallway and close myself into the privacy of the file room. “Well, that went peachy,” I mutter.

The towers of manila folders seem to have gotten taller over the weekend, and I groan loudly at the toppled stack in the back corner of the room. Papers scatter the floor, and there are a few haphazard piles carelessly tossed on whatever shelves could be reached. Only a few working hours have gone by, and they’ve already messed up my system.

My eyes fall on the collection of random flyers, and I glance over my shoulder to make sure the door is closed. In the middle of the pile are a dozen or so of the papers I’mlooking for, and I check the room again before I pull one out.

Public Health Crisis

Immediate Action Required

IF YOU DEVELOP A GLOWING RASH, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Leadership has been informed of a new potential threat that presents as a unique rash. A golden or white light forms underneath the surface of the skin and may move or shift. It can be any shape or size and can appear at any location on the body. At this time, research indicates only a single rash will form.

We are unclear if the disease is viral or parasitic in nature, only that it is passed through physical contact. The sooner treatment is sought, the more optimistic your outcome will be.

If you or someone you know is affected, DO NOT cause a public scene, as it may lead to unnecessary panic. Do not discuss your symptoms with anyone. Report immediately to the Atlanta Military Medical Center (AMMC) Urgent Care Clinic and ask to be seen by the Guiding Light division.

Thank you for your attention and discretion in this matter. Your diligence may save lives.

Most of the stack is from Atlanta, but others are randomly mixed in. Baltimore and Montgomery and Columbia, all with instructions to report to their local military medical centers.

All with their dire warnings.

My hand lands over my heart again and rubs, and the mark on my skin comes alive as it responds to the touch. Despite what the paper says, it doesn’t feel ominous. It feels… light.

Like it’s a ball of sunshine under my skin, just for me.

Elas didn’t let me out of his sight as we got ready, even insisting on keeping the bathroom door cracked as I showered and dressed. Once I had my scrubs on—two shirts and all—he came over and placed his hand over my chest, stroking with what felt like reverence. The urge to lift onto my toes and press my lips to his was unbearable. It confused me… almost as much as the insanity of waking up to find my skin lit up from the inside.

Touching and contact has never been aneedfor me. Intimacy comes in many forms, and I’ve always been content to spend time together without the desire to take things further. Talking and laughing can be just as intimate as sex, and it lasts long after the physical effects have faded.

Release is enjoyable, of course. I’m no saint, and I get urges, but I’ve never considered it important in my life. It’s never been something I’m desperate to have, but as Elas’s giant hand rested on my pec, I had to fight myself not to kiss him. Had to force myself not to press my body against his and pull his mouth to mine.

Which isridiculous, for a multitude of reasons. Not only do we barely know each other, but I’m a human and he’s… well. The wordmonsternever sat right with me, especially for Elas. He’s kind and funny, and going out of his way to help me.

But we’re different.

Very, very different.

Those differences are obvious by appearance alone, but Elas is a rugged sort of handsome that has drawn my eye since the day we met. Those soulful onyx eyes and square-cut jawline, and the long, dark braids that hang past his shoulders. His lips are full, prominent where the small tusks jut from his lower jaw, and his cheek pits into what’s almost a dimple when he smirks.

---