Page 134 of Rok's Captive
Hope surges through me, so strong it’s almost painful. “How long could these markings last before the wind covers them?”
Tharn and Rok exchange a glance. “A sol,” Tharn projects. “Two at most, if the wind is gentle.”
“Then she was here yesterday, maybe the day before.” I stand up, staring at the rock formations with renewed determination. “We need to go to the cave. Now.”
Rok glances at Tharn.
“We must separate,” Tharn unexpectedly suggests. “I will go to the farthest cave. You and Rok to the other closer one.”
Rok considers this, then inclines his head in approval. “A wise plan.”
I look between them, torn between gratitude for Tharn’s offer and reluctance to split up. As the light dies, I know time is of the essence.
“Okay,” I say out loud. With a deep breath, I reach up to my ear and take off my single remaining earring. I hand it to Tharn, taking his massive hand in mine as I press the little piece of jewelry into the center of his palm. He doesn’t move, just stares at me and it.
“What is this?” He projects.
My fingers pause where I hold it there. The last thing I have from my mother. “It’s something for Jacqui,” I push my thoughts toward him. “So she will know I am safe. So she will know she can trust you.”
Tharn gazes down at the earring as I finally take my hand away from it. I can tell by the way he closes his palm and holds it carefully that he senses the gravity of this little object. “I will make sure your sister-female sees it,” he projects.
Before I can rethink it, I wrap my arms around Tharn in a hug.
He jerks, then goes impossibly still.
“What is the female doing, Rok?”
I chuckle, forcing a deep breath through my lungs. “It’s called a hug.” As I release him, he stands awkwardly, watching as I return to Rok’s side. “Thank you, Tharn.”
For a moment, he just blinks at me before inclining his head. Without another word, he turns and moves away from us, his form quickly blending with the gathering darkness.
“Come, my light,” Rok projects. “We will reach the nearer cave before the dark.” Lifting me into his arms, he takes off at a run, heading away from Tharn, the rival clan territory, and from the message Jacqui left.
I can only hope we’re not too late.
Chapter38
IS IT TOO EARLY TO SAY “I LOVE YOU”? (ASKING FOR A FRIEND)
JUSTINE
As true darkness falls, Rok guides me into the cave. It’s within a twisting rock face, the shadows cold. I hurry inside, heart in my throat.
“Jacqui?” But there’s no answer.
It’s clear it’s empty. She’s not here.
I can sense Rok’s pain. It takes me a moment to realize it’s because of me. Because tears are running down my face andI’min pain. I wipe them away as he pulls me into his arms, settling on the ground, his body warming as if to provide heat to keep away the cold.
“Do you think she’s okay?” I whisper, the question slipping out before I can stop it.
Rok’s mind is quiet for a moment. “Your sister-female is resourceful,” he projects finally. “She found water where most would find only dust. She did not go to the rival clan. She left markings for you to follow. These are the actions of one who means to survive.”
It’s not exactly the reassurance I was hoping for, but it’s honest. And maybe that’s what I need right now—not false comfort, but clear-eyed assessment.
“I should have never left her,” I say, the guilt that’s been building inside me finally spilling over. “I should have stayed with the bus. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t been so stupidly stubborn about wanting to find help.”
“Then you would not have found me,” Rok points out gently. “Your people might still be slowly dying in the dust, with no hope of rescue.”
