Cirrus scowled but rolled the other way in melodramatic defeat.
Thorne lay back, hands behind his head. “Miss Banner,” he acknowledged, his eyes on the sky.
“Commander,” she matched his tone, still watching him. “Do you always take such an interest in your researchers?”
“I do when one of my officers can’t seem to leave them alone,” he replied evenly.
Cirrus’ deep breathing joined the rainforest ambiance as a protesting growl clamored through the stillness.
“Did you not eat?” she asked.
“We ration for the crew. I had what I needed.”
“Your stomach says otherwise.”
His voice carried a hint of irritation. “Miss Banner, my stomach is none of your concern.”
“It is when it’s going to keep me awake all night.” Huffing, she pushed herself up to a sitting position and rummaged through her canvas pack, pulling out a handkerchief-wrapped bundle. “Here.”
Thorne sat up, warily eyeing the offering. As he unfolded the cloth, his brows furrowed, but the curiosity in his dark eyes betrayed him. “Where the everdark did you get these?”
“They were a going-away gift from a friend.”
He inhaled deeply, the scent of sugar and spice tempering the angular lines of his face. “It’s good to have friends with access to pastries.”
Vivienne chuckled. “I suppose I’m the friend in this case?”
“That depends on how many of these you have left,” he stated, his expression warmer than she’d ever seen. “Thank you.”
She held his gaze. “Anytime, Commander.”
Thorne took a bite, closing his eyes as a rare look of pleasure crossing his face. “I think I’ve had this before… a long time ago.”
“You have? Do you go to Johanna’s bakery in Vantner?”
He shook his head, a small smile curving his lips. “No. I received them as a bribe of sorts.” He paused, glancing at her. “But that’s a story for another time.”
* * *
Vivienne stirredas the soft glow of dawn filtered through the canopy, casting dappled light across the camp. Blinking away sleep, she shifted onto her side.
Commander Thorne’s bedroll was empty, neatly wound.Of course, already on duty.
She peeked around to find Cirrus laying on his back, his white-blond hair a tousled mess, chest rising and falling in steady rhythm.
Something near her bedroll caught her eye.
Her handkerchief, the one she’d wrapped pastries in the night before sat beside her, folded with military precision. Resting on top, nestled in the center, was a delicate tropical flower, its coral petals vibrant against the worn fabric.
Vivienne’s fingers hovered over it, her pulse skipping. A small, appreciative smile played on her lips.
20
The morning heat formed a heavy blanket as the crew gathered around Captain Garrett.
"Morning, crew," he greeted, a little too cheerfully for Vivienne’s liking. Waking up early had never been something she enjoyed, and the combination of humidity, lack of sleep, and the ache from sleeping on the ground didn’t help.
"Today, we'll focus on foraging and mapping the landscape," the captain announced. "While we have rations, we should supplement with whatever we can safely gather. No one is to eat anything without Dr. Mercer or Mr. Blume’s approval." He gestured toward Melodie and Lewis. "Commander Thorne will assign groups and locations."
