Page 35 of Cozy Prisons
Nataly forced her expression to be amused instead of scared. “A little bit, but it happens.” She held up a hand to show her palm. Thanks to the salve Daxus put on it earlier, it didn’t look red and irritated. The marks were small and nothing worse than what happened to anyone who fell and caught themselves with their hands.
She waved her fingers to show everything worked perfectly fine. “I let my nails get a little long and wasn’t paying attention. It’s like when Maeve accidentally scratches her face. It’s a human thing.”
She could see Hale’s expression in her peripheral vision. They looked concerned, but she knew they wouldn't say anything to counter her words. At this moment, it was Talins vs. humans, and they wouldn’t betray her.
“It appears to be a minor injury, and if I'm not mistaken, it's already been treated,” Palathum agreed. She turned her attention to Falkilm. “This hardly looks like a reason to detain Nataly when she expressly asked to leave.”
“Her hands are a symptom, not the reason,” Daxus said, sounding an irritated rattle. “Let me explain what I saw.”
When Palathum turned to look at Daxus, Nataly could practically feel the anger radiating off her.
“It’s one thing for Falkilm to cross this line, but I never expected it from you,” Palathum said in a scathing voice. “Not after you made it so clear to me that you wouldn’t betray Nataly’s trust. You’ll be lucky if I allow you to remain on Arise after this.”
It was shocking to hear Palathum’s degree of anger.
Nataly hadn’t expected Palathum to take her side so soon. She thought it would happen after Palathum realized all the humans were ready to support Nataly.
Palathum's threat was extreme, and Nataly had to remind herself that Daxus brought this on himself. Still, he'd acted out of worry, not malice. He didn't deserve to lose his home.
“No one needs to get kicked off the planet,” Nataly said, bringing everyone’s eyes to her. “But I’m leaving here, and I expect Daxus and Falkilm to keep their distance.”
She couldn’t look at Daxus when she said that because it hurt too much, but he had to understand that he’d crossed a line.
Palathum sounded a rumble of agreement. “You’re free to leave, Nataly. I apologize for the overreach of these two. This won't happen again.”
With a last nod at Palathum, Nataly turned and made her way through the crowd. Hale went with her, still holding the weapon.None of the other humans moved, probably to make sure she wasn’t followed or harassed.
The moment she was out the door, angry voices started up again. Despite Palathum’s words, her friends weren’t ready to let it go yet. She’d love to go back inside and help them make Falkilm and Daxus understand why what they did was wrong, but she needed to get home.
Her rage had pushed her anxiety away, but now that she was calming down, her legs felt unsteady, and her heartbeat wouldn't calm down.
“Are you okay?” Hale asked when they were almost to her domicile.
“No,” Nataly admitted. “But none of us are. We’re a collection of broken people trying to do our best. The Talins aren’t much better.”
Hale let out a whoosh of air. “Ain’t that the truth. The way Iris and Damascus talked about this place, I thought you’d all be singing and dancing all the time with rainbows shooting out of your asses. Nice to know we’re all equally fucked up in different ways.”
Nataly snorted. “Rainbows coming out of our butts? Hilarious!”
They chuckled together, then fell back into silence.
When they reached her domicile, Nataly pulled out the orb and held it out to Hale. “This is what I used to send the distress call. All you have to do is press this, wait, then press and hold for a three-count. When the light turns blue, it’s ready to transmit. What you say will come out of every linked display and repeater throughout the village.”
“That explains why I heard it come out of the communal building’s announcer,” Hale said, then shook their head. “I can’t take yours. What if Daxus or Falkilm try something again?”
“I have more inside,” Nataly said. “I made one for each human, except for Ula and Maeve. This one is yours. Sorry, it’s a little late, but after tonight, we know it's effective."
Hale accepted the orb and tucked it away. “Yeah, I’m here for any fight.”
She gave him a tired smile. “Thanks, Hale. You were a hero.”
Hale scoffed. “Not really. I was hoping one of them would throw down. I’ve wanted a good fight since I got here.”
“I’m shocked,” Nataly deadpanned.
Hale gave her a little shove that moved her inside the domicile. “Try to get some rest. I know it’s hard.”
Then they walked away, twirling the pole like it was second nature. Her door shut, cutting off the outside world and ensconcing Nataly in silence.
