Page 131 of Rok's Captive
Kol’s gaze shifts to her, his gaze so intense it’s like it eats her up. I swear I see her cheeks darken. Or maybe I’m just noticing more sunburn.
Kol suddenly inclines his head, gaze shifting to the others of his group. Though no words are spoken aloud, I can sense the edges of their communication—Kol assigning duties, establishing guards. It happens with such swift efficiency that, within moments, the clan begins moving with purpose. Sorn, the male he sends after Hannah, sets off on a jog.
“What’s happening?” Mikaela asks, stepping forward. “How do you know what they’re doing when they haven’t said a word?” Her eyes narrow as she catches several of the Drakav wincing as she speaks. Her voice rises, frown deepening. “And why do they keep doing that every time I talk?”
I sigh, realizing how much explaining I have ahead of me. “It’s a long story, but they have a language—just not one you can hear. They communicate with their minds, and your voices…hurt their ears.” I gesture toward the bus. “Let’s get everyone settled, and I’ll explain everything. I promise.”
While I begin organizing the women, Rok and the others make themselves useful immediately. Three Drakav, including the one who offered me the lizard meat at the clan dwelling, set off in what looks to me like a random direction. But they know better than I do. They’re hunting for food, I assume. Two others begin expertly adjusting the drag chute that’s been serving as makeshift shelter, so it gives more shade. With their strength, they drape the heavy thing much better than any of us ever could.
Kol approaches the transport cautiously, his nostrils flaring as he takes in its scent. With careful movements, he begins to examine the structure, seemingly assessing its integrity and defensibility. His practicality reminds me of Jacqui, sending a fresh pang through my heart.
“We leave as soon as they are settled,” Tharn projects to me, his gaze fixed on the horizon in the direction Jacqui supposedly went. “It is good we are in the calm season. We have many solmarks of Ain’s light left to guide our way.”
“And we will leave this place shortly after. As soon as you depart. We head for the clan territory,” Kol adds, his gaze shifting from the bus to the surroundings. “It is not wise to tarry here, in the Silent Valley, for so long.”
I nod, turning my attention back to helping the weakest women out of the transport and into the shade. The one with the broken arm, and the who had gotten the concussion look the worst.
“They need water,” I tell Rok. “And food. Something gentle for their stomachs.”
Rok understands immediately, retrieving water skins from the supplies they brought and demonstrating to the women how to use them. Some are hesitant, but when the first takes the leap and drinks, the relief on her face convinces the others. As they drink, it is painful to watch. How long have they been rationing themselves to the point of dehydration?
“You’re communicating with them, aren’t you?” Erika asks me quietly as I help distribute fire bloom leaves, showing and explaining to them how the plant has healing properties. “There’s no way you all are justmovingaround each other intuitively like this.”
“Yes, I am,” I admit. There’s no point in hiding it. “It’s how they talk. It’s how they…know each other.”
“And you can do thishow?” Mikaela crosses her arms, watching me.
“It’s complicated,” I say again, but I know the explanation is inadequate. “I’ll tell you everything after we find Jacqui.”
Erika nods, accepting the deflection for now. “She was so determined to find you,” she says, her voice softening. “None of us could stop her.”
My throat tightens. “That sounds like Jacqui. Always trying to protect me, even from myself.”
As the camp slowly takes shape around us, I find myself continually drawn to that stone formation in the distance, my thoughts racing ahead to the search that’s about to begin. Rok must sense my distraction because he approaches, gently placing a hand on my shoulder.
“Tharn will not fail,” he projects, his faith in his fellow warrior absolute. “And I will be with you.”
I lean into his touch, drawing strength from his certainty. “Thank you,” I project, hoping he can feel the depth of my gratitude.
By the time the camp is properly established, with water, food, and shelter secured for the women, Ain has moved noticeably across the sky. The hunters have returned with several of the desert creatures that have become familiar to me over the past days, and Rok is showing them how to cook them enough for human ingestion.
Mikaela approaches me as I gather the few supplies I’ll need to go searching for Jaqs. A waterskin. Spare emergency blanket. “You’re really going back out there?” she asks, concern evident in her voice.
“I have to,” I tell her, checking the water skin Rok gave me. “She went looking for me, Mikaela. I can’t just sit here knowing that.”
She sighs, then surprises me by pulling me into a quick, fierce hug. “Be careful. We just got you back. Don’t make us lose you again.”
Touched by her concern, I hug her back. “I’ll be careful. And I’m not alone this time.”
Her gaze shifts to where Rok stands with Tharn, the two of them conferring in their silent way as they prepare for our departure. “No,” she agrees, a hint of wonder in her voice. “You’re definitely not alone.” She bites her bottom lip and I can almost read the thoughts flying across her mind. “Are you sure about these guys?” She whispers low.
I take her hands in mine, forcing her to face me. “Yes.” I say it with every ounce of assurance I can muster. “I do. Go with them. They’ll keep you safe.”
She swallows, still biting her lip before she sighs and nods. Another fierce hug before she releases me and heads over to help Erika divide the food.
By the time everyone is watered and fed, I am ready to start the search for Jaqs. Kol’s insistence that they set out on their journey back to the clan grounds immediately makes some of the women unsure when I relay the message to them. But there is no other choice. Either go or stay in the desert waiting for the Xyma who may never come.
I explain the Drakav will be moving slower than usual, making the journey longer, but that they will ensure the women’s safety. This seems to help, but there’s still an underlying tension. Even among the Drakav. Even though none of them mindspeak their unease, I can feel it in the way their gaze shifts over the suns around us. They do not like this place. This valley of silence, as they call it.
