Page 86 of Stars on Fire

Her eyes shot up to his, flashing. ‘Why? Because you can’t afford to be slowed down by me?’ she blurted out.

‘Something like that.’

‘I have military training, Kainan,’ she protested. ‘I can keep up with the best.’

‘That may well be. But that’s not what’s required now. We need you safe at Zulu One, liaising with the Council, addressing your citizens, keeping our people informed and boosting general morale. That’s where you’re best utilised.’

She couldn’t argue with his fair assessment, Selene thought to herself. However, it flew against all her instincts to remain by his side, no matter what.

‘Fine,’ she clipped, rising to her feet. Water dripped from her body, but the smart suit quickly wicked away the wetness. In seconds she was dry again, and she reached for her meta suit and pulled it on, trying to block out the man working triple time to remain aloof in her presence.

‘I’ll offload your bags myself off Mirage and bring them to the command centre,’ he offered.

She nodded her thanks stiffly.

‘I guess this is goodbye then,’ she said, all suited up.

Kainan frowned. ‘You ought to say ‘Good stalking’ instead. To wish me well because I will return.’

‘Good stalking then, Kainan,’ she shared quietly, her eyes carefully averted as she brushed past him to climb the stairs out of the grotto.

11

Enemies Within, Enemies Without

Kainan

His stoic facade collapsed the moment Selene said goodbye at the grotto.

When she’d walked past him, her enticing scent had filled his nostrils and stoked the now ever-present ache deep in his chest.

‘Look at me,khamila, when you wish me well,’ he’d muttered, breaking his detachment and gently grasping her upper arm as she climbed the steps, needing more from her — more that she wouldn’t give him.

She gave a sad smile, her eyes not quite meeting his. She shook his hand off, walking away.

‘You won’t even look at me?’ Kainan had called out after her bitterly.

This time it was he who was left speaking to empty air.

He stayed back in the cavern for a long time. His large frame slumped against the vine-lined wall. The grotto’s lianas reached out to him, and this time he let them trail over his weary body.

Then the cavern’s pool began to stir, with little waves that lapped at the stone edge. They began to form into tiny fingers, and he imagined for a moment they were beckoning at him, inviting him into the warm waters.

He stepped towards the edge, and the waves lapped up even higher as if they welcomed his approach. He shed his meta suit just like Selene had and eased into the mirrored water to wade into the centre of the surprisingly deep pool.

The sensation was almost euphoric. All thoughts of the battle raging on the planet beyond and the responsibilities on his shoulders fled his mind.

All he wanted to do was sink under the surface and wash all his sorrow away.

He ducked his head under the surface, swam onto his back and closed his eyes, letting go. His log-like arms, muscled body and thick thighs felt weightless as he was enveloped in the grotto’s warmth.

‘Your inner flame is fading, Kainan,’ came a small, still voice.

He panicked at the sudden words, flailing in the water while struggling to open his eyes.

‘Rest Edenite, rest,’ the voice repeated.

‘Who are you?’ he called out, trying to rise out of the pool, yet there seemed to be a powerful energy holding him back, gently yet firmly.

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