Vaelor set his food aside. Without thinking, he reached for her hand, his fingers closing gently around hers. “I am sorry,” he said. And he meant it more deeply than words allowed.
She nodded, cleared her throat. “We used to watch the Games together whenever we were stuck in waiting roomsduring his treatments. He’d analyze the players, debate strategies, predict who would win.” A faint smile touched her mouth. “He always said knowledge was the best weapon.”
“So, you joined without telling him,” Vaelor said. “And your mother?”
Mara let out a humorless snort. “She left when I was a baby. My father raised me. Taught me everything. If I can save him… I have to try.”
Something settled into place inside Vaelor. “Then we are the same,” he said quietly.
She looked at him.
“We both need to win to save someone.”
Her expression softened. “I guess we do.” She nudged his boot with hers. “Any more questions?”
“I reserve the right to ask more later.”
She nodded. “Fair.”
Once they finished eating, Mara packed quickly. Vaelor walked the perimeter, scanning for threats. When he turned back, he found her holding a smooth black object, turning it in her hand with fascination.
“Look at this,” she said. “It’s almost obsidian.”
Vaelor froze. Then he sighed. “That’s not a rock.”
She frowned. “What?”
“It’s slag,” he said.
“A what?”
“From a large creature.”
Realization dawned. “Are you saying it’s—” She dropped it instantly. “Oh. Oh no.”
Vaelor laughed—actually laughed. A deep, unrestrained sound that startled them both.
Mara scowled at first, then cracked. Soon she laughed too, shaking her head. “I’m really glad the camera drones didn’t catch that.”
She cleaned her hands, adjusted her suit. “I’m ready.”
They walked for another hour, the terrain sloping downward now.
“Careful,” Vaelor warned.
Too late.
Mara slipped, sliding toward him. He caught her easily, pulling her close. “I’ve got you.”
Her breath came fast, warm against his chest. Her eyes—so impossibly blue—locked onto his.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Just embarrassed.”
Snow drifted down, settling in her hair and lashes. On impulse, he lifted a hand and brushed her cheek. She shivered.
“Are you cold?”
