Iwake to an empty cabin.
Keric’s already gone, the third morning in a row. The couch where he sleeps is neatly made, blankets folded with military precision, pillow placed just so. No indent left behind to prove he was ever there.
Dinah meows from somewhere near my feet, demanding breakfast.
“I know, I know, little baby.” I push back the covers and pad into the kitchen, the wood floor cold under my bare feet. The cabin is quiet without Keric Irontree’s large forms. Too quiet. I’ve gotten used to the sound of his breathing, the creak of the floorboards when he moves, the low rumble of his voice when he talks to the cat like she understands every word.
There’s a note on the counter, written in his surprisingly neat handwriting:Back by noon. Lock up.
I trace my finger over the words. Three years on the run and I never had anyone leave me notes. Never had anyone to come back to.
Dinah winds between my ankles, her meow turning plaintive.
“Okay, okay. Breakfast first, existential crisis later.”
I go through my new morning routine: feed the cat, make coffee, check my phone. The fancy new phone Keric bought me, already programmed with emergency contacts for the whole commune. I’d protested when he handed it to me that first day in the commune. He’d just shrugged and said I needed one.
While the coffee brews, I return to the bedroom and practice finding the panic button with my eyes closed. My hand goes to it automatically now. Good.
I check my go-bag next, confirming the Glock is loaded, accessible. Safety on, but ready.
Then I move to the bedroom closet and crouch down to check on Dinah’s safe room.
The hard-sided carrier sits in the back corner, exactly where Keric and I set it up yesterday. Inside is a soft blanket, small water dish that clips to the door, a few treats scattered on the fleece. If anything happens, Dinah goes in here first. The closet is interior, no windows, it’s the safest spot in the cabin.
I practice the motion in my head. I’ll scoop a startled Dinah inside the carrier and close door. I’ve timed myself. Four seconds.
Dinah, who has finished with her breakfast, wanders over to investigate. She sniffs the carrier, bats at the blanket, then curls up inside and starts purring.
“At least one of us isn’t worried,” I mutter.
I return to the kitchen to pour my coffee, then I settle onto the couch, tucking my feet underneath me. The cabin feels different without Keric in it. Emptier. Colder, even though the fire is still warm.
Three years of running taught me to stay ready. But this is different. I’m not running anymore. I’m waiting.
Somehow, that’s worse.
My phone buzzeswith a group text.
How are you holding up over there?Drew questions.
I smile despite myself. Ellie and Drew have been checking in constantly since the security lockdown started. I think the two of them have become long distance friends, which makes me happy. I grown to really care for Drew these last two weeks and I love the idea of the two people I like the most, liking each other too.
Still here,I respond.Keric’s at another security meeting.
Whelan’s barely slept. All the hunters have come in and they’re helping with the security. They’re all on edge.
Garlen’s been texting Keric nonstop,Ellie adds.He wants to fly out there. I keep telling him to stay put but you know how he is.
I do know. I remember the way Garlen went feral at Black Oak, the raw power of him charging across the parking lot. Ellie walked toward him instead of away and calmed him with nothing but her voice and her touch. I’m still in awe. Sometimes I wonder if I’d show the same type of courage if I were in the same situation.
I bite at my lip, wanting to tell them what’s been bothering me lately. I type and delete several responses. Finally, I send,I’m so sorry I brought this danger to your homes and families. I never meant for this to happen.
Drew’s response comes immediately.You didn’t bring anything. Those assholes did. And our husbands live for this. Trust me. Whelan said the entire commune hasn’t been thisfocused since their battle with a rival orc tribe. I heard that happened like ten years ago?
Dane keeps saying he wishes he was there,Ellie answers.I think he’s jealous he’s missing the action.
I laugh, but it catches in my throat. These women are making light of the situation for my benefit. But the orcs, and all the women and orc children in this entire commune are in danger because I’m here.
