Page 26 of His to Claim
But the chain doesn't budge. Frustrated, I shout: "Tarek, my friend!"
"Dhakar. you're alive!" he says excitedly to me.
I nod enthusiastically.
"Is Emma with you? I thought I heard her voice." I ask.
"She's safe."
Relief floods over me and tears fill my eyes. Thank God! She didn't die. Relief turns into joy when I realize we have each other again.
"How did you find me? Where is she?" I ask frantically.
"I'm right here," a voice rings from behind Tarek. It's her, it's really her... my Emma. Tears stream freely down my cheeks. I feel weak with happiness.
"Emma, my mate," I call to her. "My beautiful little human."
Her face lights up brightly as soon as she sees me. Her smile makes my heart soar.
She reaches for me and hugs me tight. We both cry uncontrollably, happy tears. I try to hug her but I can't. My arms are still chained to the wall of my enclosure.
We stay there embracing one another for what seems like hours. Finally, she lets go of me and wipes away our salty tears.
"Thank goodness you came for me," I say.
She nods in agreement. "You saved me, Dhakar. Now it's my turn to save you."
"Tarek, how can we break these chains?" Emma asks.
Tarek gets a laser gun from his belt and points it at the chains. Then he aims carefully and shoots them off. I am free. I am free to hug Emma, kiss her, and touch her. I hold her tightly against my chest and caress her silky soft skin. She feels so good pressed against me. I want to spend every waking moment holding her close to me.
When the adrenaline subsides, reality sets in and I remember where we are. This isn't Bellaria. I need to protect her and keep her safe until we escape this place.
"Let's leave here quickly before anyone notices us," I tell her.
She smiles and agrees. As if telepathically connected, we walk hand in hand toward the exit door. When we reach the doorway, Tarek pushes the button to open it. There is no sound or movement outside.
The three of us step out onto a dark road lined with tall blue trees. In front of us, the sky glows orange from the setting suns. The air smells sweet and fresh.
Emma gasps and rushes to her side. She touches her cheek and gently shakes her head. "No, no, please don't let her be dead," she cries hysterically.
I kneel beside her and take her cold hands into mine. "It's okay. You will rest peacefully now."
Tears pour from my eyes as well. I pull her into my lap and cradle her against my chest.
A teary-eyed Tarek approaches us. He takes her limp body in his arms and carries her near the trunk of a tall tree. I follow after him. Once inside the shadow of its branches, he lays her gently down and covers her with some leaves. He then looks back at me. "This is the only way we could bury your servant. Please forgive me for doing this, but I didn't know any better. She would have wanted me to do this."
His words cut deep into my soul. Tears fall freely from my eyes again. I shake my head slowly. "There is nothing to apologize for, Tarek. Thank you for being kind enough to care about her."
Emma's face falls and she starts crying uncontrollably. We sit together hugging each other. Her sobbing brings more tears to my eyes. I rub her shoulders soothingly. Soon, her crying slows down and turns to sniffles. Finally, she calms herself.
"What should we do next? Should we go home to Bellaria?" She wipes away the last of her tears and hugs me tight.
I look up at the sky. It appears like dusk rather than sunset. The stars twinkle brightly.
"Yes, we must return to our world soon."
We stand and prepare ourselves for what lies ahead of us. Before leaving, we lay Kallena's body under the shade of one of the tall trees and say our goodbyes.
