No one spoke for a long while. The only sound was the splash of boots through shallow water and Kharox’s low, steady rumble echoing down the gorge.
“How did Tanya get to Nyberie? The last time I saw you, she was still being used to bind Factions together.” Nathan and I started tussling over my pack, but he won out in the end and slung it over his shoulder with a smug look in my direction.
“I got her out when your Faction blew up the coliseum.” He glanced in Oren’s direction. “Thanks for that, by the way.”
Oren gave him a nod. “How much information did you get about their plans before you left?”
“Not much. I was too busy getting my Faction to safety.” Razor turned to me. “I did overhear Selene telling Seamus that she wanted you brought to her alive, no matter what it took.”
I felt chills run through my entire body. I knew I was more powerful than Selene, but I needed more time to prepare. Hopefully, in Nyberie, I’d get the chance to practice and improve these new abilities.
“Tanya can’t wait to meet you. Maybe it’ll distract her from kicking my ass. She was less than happy I came alone to find you.”
“I hope not. I love to watch a good ass-kicking.” Zane walked by and pinched my butt. Before I could retaliate, Nathan teleported behind him and set fire to his pants. “Don’t touch my Nexi’s ass without permission.”
“She’s not justyourNexi, you selfish bastard! And I’ll touchmyprecious girl's ass anytime I get good and ready!” He tried to turn and see the hole in the seat of his pants. “You better be glad that I have an excellent ass, or I’d be pissed that you did that. Now it’s only Reverie you’ll have to deal with when the women of this world won’t leave me alone.”
“I somehow think she’ll get over it,” Zeke smirked.
Jet walked even with me and took my hand, shaking his head at their antics. Since last night, he’d spent most of the day touching me in some way.
Chloe drew even closer to my other side. “I heard some suspicious noises coming from deeper in the cave last night. I was going to investigate, but Deshawn said it sounded like two cats mating, and it might be dangerous.” She side-eyed me. “Didyouhear anything?”
Before I could answer, Razor slowed and held up a fist. Ahead, carved into the jagged face of obsidian stone, loomed the tunnel entrance—a colossal arch etched with faint, glowing sigils. The edges were reinforced with crude metalwork and weapon racks, signs of habitation. The Resistance lived here. Looked like we were joining their ranks after all.
Two armed figures emerged from the shadows as we approached. “Identify yourselves,” one demanded, his voice deep enough to vibrate in my ribs.
Razor stepped forward, steady. “It’s me, Turner.”
I heard a gentle, feminine voice say, “Razor?”
I saw his breath catch—the first crack in his composure since we’d begun this journey. “It’s Tanya,” he said softly.
A glow flickered from the tunnel mouth, and then Tanya appeared. Her steps were sure but quick, her braid swinging over her shoulder. She had dark hair and eyes that tilted slightly at the corners. Her beauty was exotic and memorable.
“You made it,” she breathed, relief breaking through her voice.
Razor’s lips curved into a tired smile. “Told you I would.”
We were all stunned when she slapped the shit out of him before pulling him into a tight embrace. Her words were muffled against his chest. “Don’t ever leave like that again!”
When she pulled back, her gaze shifted to me—and the others. Jet at my side. Chloe and her men behind us. And then her eyes found Kharox.
The guards immediately moved, weapons half-drawn. The Varruk stood motionless, his red-tinged eyes catching the torchlight like warning beacons.
“Stand down!” Tanya barked, holding up a hand. “He’s with them.”
Her stare returned to me. “You’re the one who brought down the coliseum.”
I didn’t flinch. “Not alone. But yes.”
For a heartbeat, her mouth twitched into something that almost looked like a smile. “Then you and yours are welcome here. The Resistance owes you that much.”
Behind her, the tunnels stretched into darkness lit by scattered campfires. I caught the scent of oil, smoke, and steel. Distant hammering echoed down the stone halls—proof of life, and of war.
“Come inside, I have a surprise for you,” Tanya said with a grin.
“Do we know anything more about the DF’s movements?” Oren moved to my side and put his arm around my waist.
