“And this one is singing about a beautiful female with warm brown skin. They keep asking me to make the female laugh again because her laugh is unlike any song they’ve heard before.”
Kayla gave me a doubtful look and asked, “Did they really say that, or did you make that up?”
“Maybe, maybe not.” I grinned at her as I got up from the log and held out my hand to help her up. I was rewarded with another laugh as she placed her soft hand in mine. Brown against blue, it just looked so right, and it felt right too having her smaller hand in my larger one.
I reminded myself that we were just friends, and I loosened my grip on her hand, giving her the opportunity to let go, but to my surprise, she didn’t. We walked hand-in-hand to the chariot, and I felt like I was living in a dream.
“Thanks,” Kayla gave me a shy smile as she let go of my hand and sat down in her seat.
“You’re welcome,” my voice croaked. I cleared my throat and tried again. “You’re welcome.”
I untied Jelly and led him toward the ship. As we walked, I replayed the moment in my mind over and over again. I wanted to memorize everything about it. I would cherish it forever.
Chapter 11
Kayla
CW: Bullying, physical violence
“Kayla!” Taylor greeted me with a running hug. She nearly tipped the chariot over as she hopped on and wrapped her arms around me.
“I was so worried! I wasn’t sure if I’d ever seen you again.” She panted as she pulled away to check me over for any injuries.
“Told you.” Brexl gave Taylor a tight smile.
“Told you what?” I asked.
“Brexl assured me that Drovo was a skilled hunter and that he’d keep you safe.”
The skeletal shifter nodded his head in agreement.
“Hello friend,” Brexl greeted Drovo with a bow and a fist on his chest. He may have told Taylor not to worry, but his shoulders seemed to relax slightly at the sight of his friend. He’d definitely been concerned for Drovo and me.
“Hello friend.” Drovo bowed his forehead to Brexl’s for a brief moment and they both relaxed.
“How are you holding up?” Taylor asked me aswe walked toward the ruined ship.
“I’m alright,” I lied, and Taylor gave me a knowing look.
“I’m a little tired. The stress from last night is catching up to me, but I’m mostly fine. Really.” I assured her.
“If you say so,” she looked at me doubtfully, but let the topic go.
“It feels surreal looking at it again,” I commented as we stood in front of the ship that once held us captive.
“Yeah, I didn’t think it would creep me out as much as it does. I tried walking up the ramp earlier, but I couldn’t do it. I felt scared all over again, like if I went in there, the alligator aliens might be waiting for me.”
“I’m here now. It’ll be okay.” I assured her. It was unnerving to see the most confident person in our group look scared.
“We’ll go first.” Brexl and Drovo moved as smoothly as sharks in the water as they slid up the ramp and walked into the ship.
The small orange lights that had lined the floor when we crashed were still glowing. We let the guys check every inch of every room we entered to make sure it was safe. I had to hold back a laugh when Drovo moved a bent metal chair out of the way. He rubbed his fingers together as if he were trying to analyze what he’d just felt.
These guys hadn’t figured out how to smelt ore to make metal yet. I wondered if our children wouldbe the generation that brought us into the bronze age. Not our children. The next generation. Drovo and I were friends, just friends.
I shook those thoughts from my head as we entered the room that still held our cryotubes. A shiver went up my spine as I spotted the one that had held me.
“What are these?” Drovo asked as he passed one.
