Nothing was there.
A cold awareness descended upon her.
She was being hunted.
Among other predators, there were wyr cats in this jungle. They were impeccable hunters—their muted black coats allowed them to blend in with the shadows and all the dark spots in the thick underbrush or high within the trees. When Vessa had mapped the jungle, she also noted their territories. Though she was well away from most, that didn’t mean anything. A wyr cat was exceptionally unpredictable and could bring her down easily if it decided she was prey.
But maybe it was something else.
Vessa had her raze sword strapped to her thigh, and her fingers itched to pull it from its sheath. But if she announced that she knew too early, she might never find out her hunter’s identity. Taking the more arduous path, she slowed only a little, catching her breath in preparation for a fight. Whatever it was, it would most likely attack her from the back or the side.
And that was exactly where her focus was when detritus shifted and liftedin frontof her.
Something or someone was here. And they werecloaked.
They were five paces away from her when she leapt off the path and into the giant leaves. Her foot slipped, but she managed to stay upright. The map of the jungle was embedded in her mind, but she’d also marked certain trees when she was first learning it. Those markings were useful as she crashed through the underbrush and swerved around big trunks.
When she no longer felt the prickle on the back of her neck, she crouched and disappeared into the undergrowth. It was an entirely different universe here. The thick earthy humidity made catching her breath more difficult. She ignored the slithering meander of a too-many-legged insect as she crept forward.
Everything was quiet. Too quiet. There was a predator here, and even this jungle, with its prowling beasts and venomous snakes, was silent in its presence.
Whatever it was, it didn’t belong here.
Vessa moved slowly and silently, picking her way back in the direction of her ship. There were many beings with cloaking capabilities, either through gear or biology—most of which she wouldn’t want to run into like this.
A twig snapped nearby. The barely there sound was a blaring alarm amongst the silent giants of the trees.
Vessa crouched lower and peered between two broad leaves.
She couldn’t see anything, but shefeltit.
Quietly, she unsheathed her raze sword. She crept around the wide base of the nearby tree, navigating its thick and twisting roots. When she was on the other side, she took a deep breath.
Bounding up from her hiding spot with a battle cry, she ran toward the cloaked being, her raze sword extended out, ready for contact.
They collided.
A hand wrapped around her wrist as the ground came up to meet her. Her breath left her in a growl, but her blade was in hand—lifted to meet her opponent. She bared her teeth.
Their cloak dissipated.
Kedar wore no helmet. Even after she’d denied him. His fangs were visible through his parted lips, and there was open, predatory hunger in his gaze as he took her in. His neck was stretched out so that her blade rested against the pulsing artery that ran up the side. A single trickle of blood leaked down the edge of her sword.
Their chests lifted in unison.
Kedar brought her captured hand to his face, flattening her palm against his warm cheek. “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are when you’re trying to kill me?”
A warmth she hadn’t felt in so long filled her chest. “How?”
His gaze traced her lips. Something molten and dreadful pooled in her stomach. She squeezed her thighs together, but his eyes sparked with a knowing mischief. “When I said I wouldn’t stop hunting you, that wasn’t a threat,my love. It was an oath.”
“But how did you find me? I made sure to leave the plasma dirkon board.” Not because she hadn’t wanted to be found by him. She had,desperately. But because she didn’tdeserveto be found by him again. Not after everything.
He reached toward her face, hesitantly. Reverently. The rough pads of his fingers brushed against her cheek as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. Her own hand seemed unableto move from his face, the warmth of him undeniable. He washere.
“My hearts knew the way.” His voice was so soft that it made her own heart ache in response.
“And why have you come?” she asked evenly.
