37
THAD
DAY 293, DAWN
Sunlight creeping in, Charley in my arms. It was the best morning on Nil yet. For the first time in weeks, I’d actually slept. No dreams, no nightmares. Just sleep.
Watching Charley sleep, I thought again of my greatest fear, the one I’d admitted last night. I thought I’d loved Mallory, but I was wrong.
The idea of losing Charley was unbearable.
You’ll make it, Charley had said fiercely last night. And so will I. We’ve got plenty of time.
I hoped Charley was right.
And that Ramia was wrong. That thought shot from nowhere, making me jerk, and the movement woke Charley up.
“Morning.” I kissed her forehead. “How’d you sleep?”
“Great.” She smiled, turning away to yawn. “Best night ever.”
“Did you miss your socks?”
“Socks?” Charley looked confused.
“You said you miss socks. That your feet freeze at night. So I’m wondering if you missed socks.”
Charley laid her hand on my chest, over my heart. “I didn’t miss anything,” she said softly. “Not one thing.”
“Good to hear,” I said, kissing her forehead and alternately wanting Charley closer and desperately needing space before I lost control. “We’d better get some food before we miss out.”
Natalie sat with Talla by the fire, a bowl of cut pineapple between them. It looked untouched.
“Morning, ladies. Dibs on the pineapple?” I asked.
“All yours,” Talla said. “The pit’s full of fish wraps. Good ones, too. Seasoned with lime and sea salt. You can thank Rives and Jason for that.”
Nodding, I grabbed two wraps and gave one to Charley.
“There’s fresh coconut milk, too,” Talla offered.
Charley made a face as she sat. “Thanks. I’m good with water.”
“How’s coma-girl gate-crasher?” I asked.
“Six feet under,” Talla said.
“What?” Charley said as my stomach dropped. “Shedied?”
“We buried her last night,” Natalie said in a small voice. “Me, Rives, and Talla.” She looked at me, guilt coating her face. “And it’s all my fault!”
“Huh?” I frowned. “How do you figure that?”
“I let you put her in my bed!” Natalie cried. “I didn’t stay with you, and when I went inside the hut to check on her, she was dead.”
“What does your bed have to do with it?” I asked, not following.
“Ramia.” Natalie’s voice was anguished. “She warned me, but I forgot! I was so obsessed with Charley’s charts, I totally blanked. And now the girl’s dead. Ramia warned me, Thad. And I blew it.”
