Chapter 17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
J anet clutched Sabrost’s hand and did her best to conceal her growing apprehension. They had spent a week by the river waiting for his arm to heal, and she had enjoyed every minute. The weather had been sunny and warm, the bright sunlight a welcome counterpoint to the dimness of the cavern.
Despite his injuries, Sabrost had managed to both catch several fish and set a trap for a long-legged furry creature not unlike a large rabbit. Even Tinkerbell had contributed, dropping a cluster of berries from a nearby bush that Sabrost had determined were edible.
She had refused to think about the future, content to eat and sleep and make love to Sabrost as he recovered. Then last night, he had pulled out the map as they sat next to the fire.
“I don’t think we are far from our destination,” he told her.
“We aren’t?” She tried to keep her voice casual, even though her pulse began to race. It had been the goal of their journey all along, but she was in no hurry to reach it, especially after their trials in the cavern. Perhaps Sabrost was more anxious, or felt a stronger sense of obligation to that Goddess of his.
“Not if I have interpreted these symbols correctly. We traveled underneath these hills instead of around them.” He looked up at her, his eyes dark and unreadable in the firelight. “I estimate it to be no more than a day’s journey from here.”
“And you’re well enough to travel?”
The question was as neutral as she could manage, despite her aching heart.
“Yes. We could leave tomorrow morning…”
Was he asking her or telling her? She forced herself to smile.
“Then we should have an early night.”
His eyes heated, then he seemed to swoop at her from across the fire, lifting her into his arms and carrying her to their bed of dried grasses. He made love to her with a silent, desperate urgency and she responded just as fiercely. Her body shook with the intensity of her climax, but silent tears poured down her cheeks.
“Valitta?” he whispered.
“I’m fine,” she lied, but for the first time since they met, she didn’t sleep curled in his arms.
Actually, she didn’t sleep at all and she wondered if Sabrost had either. They had both been silent as they walked, only Tinkerbell seeming to enjoy the journey.
Now, Sabrost came to an abrupt halt, pointing out across the grasslands.
“Look.”
A thick line of green in the distance indicated a heavily wooded area, but it was the building that caught her attention. White, angular, and obviously built using advanced technology.
From this distance it simply resembled two rectangles, a small one tucked next to a much larger one. She couldn’t detect any windows or see any sign of life, and she shivered. Even from a distance, the building didn’t look like it belonged there. It reminded her uneasily of the tunnel.
“Do you think that’s it? Our destination?” she whispered. Even though it was still far away, she had a sudden reluctance to reveal their presence to whoever – whatever – was inside.
“Yes,” he said, but he made no move to resume their journey.
“What is it? Do you think something’s wrong?”
His spines quivered, and then he dropped to his knees in front of her. He clutched her hands, his face tortured.
“Sabrost, what is it? What’s wrong?”
“I know you deserve the opportunity to return to your home, but I do not want to get any closer. I do not want Tetlana to take you from me.” His hands tightened almost painfully. “I know it is wrong to go against the will of the Goddess, but I cannot stand to lose you. I love you.”
A wave of happiness and relief washed over her. “I love you too.”
He pulled her down next to him and kissed her, his mouth hungry, desperate. She kissed him back just as frantically. When their lips finally parted, she smiled up at him.
“Well that’s a relief. I’ve been wanting to tell you forever.”
“Forever?”
“Since we were trapped in the cavern anyway. When did you know?”
“As soon as you threatened me with my knife.”
She giggled and he smiled back.
“I just couldn’t believe that Tetlana had gifted me with such a perfect female.” His face darkened. “But what if She only intended you as a temporary companion? What if She separates us?”
“You think that might happen if we go to that building?” she asked slowly.
“I don’t know, but the fact that our planets – our separate planets – are marked at this location… If it is a portal back to our homes, we would be separated.”
Lose Sabrost? The thought caused a deep, painful ache in her chest.
“I don’t want to leave you either,” she whispered.
“What if… what if we stayed here?” His words tumbled out in a rush, his usual calm completely gone. “I will provide for you, make you a home.”
“Stay here forever?”
Memories rushed through her mind – her dad’s cabin, Alice’s kind face, fast food, hot and cold running water… But they all seemed so far away, somehow blurred and insignificant compared to the vivid reality of this new life with Sabrost. Nothing she had left behind seemed as important as the thought of losing him.
“What about you?” she asked. “You would be giving up your family, your vocation.”
“I told you. I lost my family the day I left Hsslak. And as for my vocation…” He looked at her, his face serene once more. “I truly believe the Goddess gave you to me. Perhaps now She is giving me a choice. And I choose you.”
“Then we’ll stay here. Together.”
Exhilaration filled her. She had no illusions that it was going to be an easy life, but it would be an adventurous one, and as long as they were together, a happy one.
An answering smile crossed his face before he picked her up and whirled her around in a dizzying circle. She laughed and clung to him until he finally put her down.
“Where should we go?” she asked. “Towards the forest?”
He shuddered. “No. I’ve had enough damp greenery to last a lifetime. I think the desert has more secrets for us to explore.”
“As long as they don’t come with more little monsters.”
“I will protect you,” he vowed, and extended his hand,
She put her hand in his, and then, hand in hand, they turned away from the past and walked into their new future. Together.