Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Maelic
Maelic hadn’t even made it halfway to the pod before he had to stop.
He sank onto a half-downed log and ran a hand through his hair. How had it gone so wrong?
He should be at the ship. Contacting Katan. Getting extraction. The Axioms thought something had gone wrong by now. And Barvarti…
Innocents could be hurt if he didn’t act. He’d promised himself one rotation. Just one more rotation.
His gut twisted. He needed more time. She was being stubborn, but she had to see this place wasn’t good for her. She was going to lose everything. If he could just make her understand—
A chunk of wood caught his eye near a tree. He huffed and grabbed it, weighing it in his hand. Returned to the log and pulled out his quantum torch.
Barvarti wouldn’t move yet. Even thinking he’d taken Maelic out, the male would know Axioms were on his tail. He’d wait.
Which meant Maelic had time.
He began carving with no clear intention of what he was going to make. His cipherbots supplied an image—a moth. He snorted.
His hands worked while his mind circled. Barvarti wouldn’t run immediately. Slavers never did when they thought they’d won. Arrogant bastards.
The wood took shape. Wings. Antennae. Body.
Not as fine as Delaney’s grandsire would have done. Not even half as good as a mating gift should be. But it was something. Made with his own hands.
He traced the curves with one finger.
She’d told him to work on the ship. Pushed him away after he’d been inside her.
He pocketed the carving and stood. The ship could wait. He had a mate to convince.
Somehow.