Piper blows out a short burst of air. “You have no idea.”
We reach the farthest end of the field from where I first spotted her, which leaves us no other direction to go since the hillside blocks our path.
“I guess this is where we turn around,” she says.
“The sun will be sliding behind the hills shortly, so it would be best for you to be back within the safety of the settlement before then.”
Piper sighs heavily. “I suppose.”
We turn around and retrace our steps until we reach my previous scouting perch. Daveel has replaced me, which means another scout took up his post.
“Allow me to escort you back to your settlement.” I am not ready to part from her.
“You really don’t have to.”
“I know I do not have to, but I would never forgive myself if something happened to you and I could have been there to prevent it.”
Piper ducks her head. “You really are too kind.”
“It is my pleasure.”
Once again her cheeks darken, and I enjoy the sight of it. I sweep my arm out for her to proceed, and together, we head in the direction of the human settlement.
“Do you have a mate waiting for you?” The question slips out before I can stop it.
Piper makes a noise and I glance over to find sorrow radiating off her. “No, no mate.”
I regret my impulsive curiosity even more, because up until now amusement had shone from her eyes. It’s been replaced with a hollowness I am desperate to chase away.
“My apologies. I did not mean to bring up poor memories.”
“You didn’t,” Piper says quietly.
She is either being kind or untruthful, because there is an awkward tension and heaviness that hangs between us that was absent before I opened my mouth. When will I learn?
We continue making our way through the trees in silence until we reach the field that separates the forest from the walls of the human settlement. Piper stops and turns toward me.
“Thank you for the escort. I really enjoyed talking with you. I’ll be fine from here, I promise.”
She is making it perfectly clear I am no longer welcome at her side.
“I enjoyed the time spent with you as well. May Deeka bless and watch over you.” I fist my chest and lose myself within the trees. Only, I do not go far. Once I have judged enough moments have passed, I backtrack to where I left Piper standing. She is halfway across the field, but almost as if, yet again, sensing my presence, she glances over her shoulder and scans the area. I remain half-hidden behind a tree, certain she cannot locate me.
A few beats pass before she finally faces forward and continues her trek toward the settlement. I remain standing in the same spot long after the doors open, she crosses the threshold, and they close behind her. The sun is halfway below the hilltop before I retrace my steps and return to my scouting post to relieve Daveel. He badgers me with questions about Piper, but I ignore each one. I wish to keep her to myself a little while longer.
Chapter 2
Piper
Nearly one year down. Only two more—or less—to go. I’m not ready. What’s worse is that it’s taken me this long to gather my courage to start living. I walk through the growing settlement toward my tent even though I don’t want to. I’d rather be doing anything other than sitting around and wasting any of the time I have remaining.
Everyone here is already sick of me. Apparently I’ve made a nuisance of myself by trying to make friends. Or maybe it’s because I’m making the most out of life and not acting as though I still live in the bottom tier. Coming to Tavikh is supposed to be an adventure. A better existence. At least, that’s what all the advertisements said.
“Hi, Alice.” I wave to the only person who ever acts like she’s remotely happy to see me.
“Good evening, Piper. Did you have a pleasant walk?”
“I did, thanks. I didn’t quite make it to the Tavikhi village, but I think I was close. One of the scouts ended up walking with me most of the way. He didn’t want me to go by myself. Said it was dangerous.”
