Page 82 of The Mating Games

The cave where we had sought refuge — now gone, destroyed by the Malquaran’s manipulations.

The river where we had shared a tender moment, now seemed implausible given the urgency of our situation.

Perhaps if I had a better vantage point, if I could look at the arena platform with a clearer line of sight…

I turned toward the mountain that rose like an enormous finger to the north of the arena and took a step toward it.

I missed my step and stumbled.

Wait…

Didn’t that mountain look a bit like a triangle?

And the arena, wasn’t it kind of rectangular in shape…?

Then the X she had drawn…

That had to be…

My eyes widened in realization.

Of course!

How could I have been so blind?

It was a map of the arena!

She was showing me where her pod was now located.

My hope rekindled. Aurora was smart.

Even in dire situations, she had a plan.

I trusted her instincts, her quick-wittedness.

All I had to do was follow her map and find her.

Together, we would turn the tables on our captors.

But then another thought crept in.

My protective instincts flared up.

I had to get to her before any other male did.

The jungle became a blur as I sprinted, focusing on Aurora’s makeshift map, my heart pounding not just from exertion but from a mix of hope and fear.

Hope to find her, fear of what I might encounter when I did.

And as I navigated through the treacherous terrain, a singular thought echoed in my mind.

Aurora, wait for me.

* * *

Aurora’s ingenuity never ceased to amaze me.

She had, in her own unique way, given me a beacon, a sign to lead me to her.

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