Page 90 of Tharn's Hunt
Rok and Tharn are the only ones glowing.
The golden light beneath their skin is unmistakable, pulsing in time with their breathing.
Two of the larger males move toward Tharn. He snarls, a sound that sends a shiver down my spine, his claws slashing the air in warning.
Even now, blood streaking his golden skin, he rises…and reaches for me. His breath comes in ragged heaves, his muscles trembling with exhaustion, but his arms lock around me before anyone else can touch me.
"Tharn—" My voice cracks.
He doesn’t listen. Just lifts me against his chest with a pained growl, his grip iron-tight.
I don’t fight him.Can’t. Not when his wounds weep fresh blood with every step. Not when his heartbeat thunders against my ear, too fast, too wrong.
I see another hunter approach us. Tharn doesn’t acknowledge him. Just adjusts his hold on me and limps forward.
Behind us, the hunters haul the serpent’s corpse from the dunes. Sunlight glints off its segmented plates, casting jagged reflections across the sand. The sight should be triumphant. But all I can hear is the way Tharn’s breath whistles through his teeth. The way his muscles tremble with each step, as if he’s dragging the weight of the desert itself.
And me?
I press my face into his neck and let the tears come.
Chapter 26
THESE ARE MY PEOPLE. THAT IS MY ALIEN
JACQUI
The Drakav settlement comes into view as we crest the final ridge, and I can't decide if it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, or the most intimidating.
It's not at all what I expected. Instead of primitive huts or basic shelters, massive stone formations rise against the sky like ancient cathedrals, forming a natural fortress of towering cliffs and hidden crevices. Openings are scattered across the cliff face, some natural, others obviously carved. It's both terrifying and beautiful, and way too epic for a girl who just wants a decent meal and a nap.
I'd probably find it even more impressive if I weren't so focused on the fact that Tharn is barely holding it together.
Each step he takes feels heavier, his chest rising and falling like he's running on fumes. Still, his grip on me doesn't loosen, his arms locked around me like I'm the only thing keeping him upright.
I want to tell him to put me down, to let me walk, but I know better now. Knew better even before today. His protectiveinstinct is beyond reason or argument, especially when he's injured and vulnerable.
So instead, I press my hand gently against his chest, right above his heart, offering what comfort I can without words. He glances down at me, something softening in his amber eyes despite the pain I know grips him.
I glance over my shoulder at Rok and Justine, who are walking several paces behind us. Justine's leg is bloody but not bleeding, but Rok's expression is grim as he cradles her in his arms.
We're all running on empty.
Sarven leads our procession, his crimson eyes constantly scanning the horizon for threats, while the remaining hunters drag the serpent's massive corpse behind us, its segmented body leaving a deep furrow in the sand.
As we approach the base of the clan caves, I notice movement above us. Figures—tall, gold, and distinctly Drakav—peer down from the ridges, their eyes tracking us like hawks. The weight of their stares makes my skin prickle, but I keep my head high.
I mean, sure, I'm covered in dust, sweat, and probably blood, but I'm not about to let a bunch of glowing alien supermodels intimidate me.
Not much, anyway.
The entrance to the main cave is huge, and I expect it to be dark and creepy inside. Instead, it's surprisingly bright, the light from outside filtering in through natural cracks in the stone.
And it's packed.
My breath hitches as my eyes land on the group of women gathered along one side of the cavern. Human women.
They're sitting on carved stone steps, their faces animated as they talk and laugh. A spread of food and other offerings—roasted meat, waterskins, and what looks like a pile of shiny rocks—sits below them, clearly laid out by the Drakav.
