35. Unfounded
THIRTY-FIVE
UNFOUNDED
Elena
The day ends up being fruitless, with my sister being nowhere.
Despite people’s stares and the soldiers and drones following us, Lukys and I traveled the entirety of the barricade in search of her.
I also searched for Mateo’s elaborately expensive ship and asked whether it had ever been here.
But with so many no’s, my hopes of finding either soured.
I have to check the registry.
Just because no one’s seen my sister doesn’t mean she isn’t here. She might have tried to lay low due to her fame and used an alternate persona. She’s laid low before because of her stalkers. It wouldn’t be unlike her to do it again.
Frustrated and disheartened, I trudge after Lukys as we trek back to the forest. The sun is already descending in front of us. Hunger pains my stomach and I eye his back before glancing at the encampment one final time.
Lukys…
It’s going to take him weeks, if not months, to gain an entitlement. I have no interest in camping out in the forest until then.
I’m going to have to leave him.
Because it’s obvious he’s not going to let me go beyond the barricade alone.
I’m almost afraid to bring it up. Ever since last night…
Lukys has barely left my side, constantly brushing his tail against me.
If he’s not doing that, he’s circling it around my legs protectively.
His constant nearness is at once comforting and wholly distracting.
I’ve been inhaling his pheromones all day.
Stepping through the trees, I spot the burned-out firepit from this morning and the satchel. Lukys drops my pack beside them.
“You have gone quiet.” He eyes me sharply as he circles the grove for kindling. “I am sorry you did not find your sister today.”
I walk to my bag and plop down beside it, mentally and physically exhausted.
“It was a long shot.” I sigh, tired out by the constant onslaught of conversation with traumatized strangers.
I pull off my shoes and rub the soles of my feet.
I’m not the only one searching for somebody, that’s for sure.
“I can’t be certain until I check the registry.
” I shift my gaze to his face as he places sticks and moss in the firepit.
“Do you think she could be inside? Even after today?”
“I don’t know… I’m worried that she might try to disguise herself if she’s not with Mateo and his ship. She was when I lost contact with her but she hadn’t left The Dreadnaut yet. She could have, if she made it out, gotten transport with someone else.” I try not to think of the alternative.
“Then we will check the registry.”
“You will have to hunt for the encampment, provide them with food. It could take weeks. It would be better if I went in alone—”
“No. Not while you are heated. Your arousal is potent, any naga male could smell you, and I would not be there if that were to happen. I kept my eye on Darolus, but I trusted him not to make a move with a bride of his own also in heat.”
My cheeks warm as I press my legs together. Great. But then my stomach growls.
“You are hungry.” Lukys hisses. “You are not eating enough.”
An idea forms.
If I can get him to go hunt, I can sneak away.
I can’t imagine checking the registry will take me very long.
If I’m quick enough, I could be back before he is.
I know the general direction of the encampment.
I glance behind me. I’d just have to walk straight for an hour. If I run, all I would need is several…
I face Lukys when I hear him move.
He tugs off the net and rope around his waist. “If you are up for it, I can catch us fish. You can wait by the shore.”
My idea dies as quickly as it becomes apparent he’s not going to leave me, even for a minute.
Tired from a long day, I nod and rise, deciding food and water is just as great an idea. “Fish sounds lovely.” My stomach rumbles again.
When he reaches out his hand, I take it, stepping into his side and into his heat. Tomorrow I’ll figure out a way to convince him to let me inside. Tomorrow. I lean into him as birdsong fills my ears and my toes curl as my stomach flutters.
I leave the grove once again with him. And with his protective presence surrounding me, I forget about everything else.