“How is it so warm here already?” she asked.
“It’s my natural body temperature core.”
“So, you could probably go without the biosuit?”
“Yes. I would give you mine, but the technicians adjusted it specifically for my anatomy. It would be much cooler on you.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean to suggest you give me your suit. Plus, you don’t have anything to wear. You can’t go naked.”
He laughed. “It is definitely too cold to go naked, even for me.”
It got quiet. Vaelor wondered if she was picturing him without his clothes. He hoped so. That would mean that she was just as affected by him as he was by her.
Her quiet sobs had him turning on his other side to face her.
“What’s wrong? Are you hurt? Cold?”
“It’s… it’s not…”
Vaelor couldn’t stop himself from pulling her into his arms. Her head was against his chest. He said calming words in his own language while rubbing her back.
“Yo ton ti lattan.”
“What does that mean?” she asked.
“It means… I am with you little one. Tell me what has upset you.”
“It’s been a long grueling day. I’ve never seen anyone die before, not like that.”
“I’m sorry you had to experience the worst of the games. Death caused by something like this is senseless.”
“I knew people have been injured and even died from the games. But I think I was in denial about all of it.”
“Perhaps it’s time to withdraw from the games and go home.”
She pulled back to look at him. “No! Why would you suggest such a thing?”
“This is dangerous, Mara. It could have been you that had fallen in the water.”
“Could have been you just as easily.”
“That is true.”
“If I withdraw, you will automatically be disqualified. What happens to your people then?”
“Being in the games achieved one of my goals. My planet is now a recognized part of the Galactic Nations. That will bring much needed protection and trade.”
“But if you win, the money will be able to do a lot more for your people. Besides, my father needs that treatment, he will die without it. No, I am not withdrawing from the games. I’m going to fight to win.”
He rubbed her arm to sooth her. She was very determined and had an inner core of strength.
“Very well.”
She eased a little with the decision made. “We just need to look out for one another and trust each other.”
“Agreed. What did the Bestial female talk to you about?”
“Her name is Gora. We mostly talked about Beast, the male who died.”
