“He will recover,” Vryskas says. “A couple of hours and he should be able to return to the games.”
She glances at me. “If any of you need anything, just contact me. I’ve got the Talhuskin in custody. He and the other are being picked up by a security team from Earth, one I know well. We willdisruptthis entire facility tonight, while everyone sleeps, and flush out any remaining holdouts. For now, I have two Ginarigon fighting over who gets which woman. So I’ve got to get back to work.”
Ohni rolls her eyes and mutters to me. “Ruby said this was a way to foster new intergalactic relationships. I feel like I’malways just trying to prevent catastrophes. Really wish she was still here. Some days, I’m at my wits' end with the shit males try.”
“You’re doing what you can. That’s more than most would do.”
“I guess.” Ohni starts for the ramp, but the slump in her body concerns me.
“If I can helpyouin any way, let me know.”
She slows and looks back. “Thanks.”
When she’s gone, Rykarn closes the ramp. Osiris releases Jorusk’s wings and lets them flop over the sides of the bed.
“They’re sealing. Finally,” Sidius says.
“Brynna?” Jorusk calls to me with a breath of embers.
I slip past Osiris to stand beside Jorusk’s head. He lifts a hand. I take it, but he keeps moving, reaching for my face, gliding the back of a finger down my jaw.
“Are you okay?” he rasps.
“Yes.”
“Why do you look like you’re in pain?” Jorusk coughs a plume of fire.
“She punched theTalhuskinthat did this to you.” Osiris adjusts Jorusk’s wings. “In the face.”
Rykarn whistles while Vryskas whoops.
Jorusk eyes my bruising knuckles. He draws them to his mouth and rests my hand against his lips. The heat of him soothes the pain.
I keep thinking that there has to be a way to heal the Drathious faster. A spray form or something that can negate the presence of creosotine, bind to it, and get it out of their system. Sidius is busy caring for Jorusk’s deeper wounds. So I turn to Osiris. “Do you have any of this creosotine on hand? I’d like to study it in my office.”
“What for?”
“You think I just carry medicinal plants without knowing how to use them?” I ask.
He shrugs. “Didn’t figure you had time.”
“I have lived alone in space for many years. I make time for things, or I die.”
Osiris dips his head. “Sure. I can show you what we have.”
I rest Jorusk’s hand back on the bed. I want to help him because he’s already proven he is what I need. “I’ll be back soon. Get some rest.”
“S-sorry,” he wheezes.
I look back. “For what?”
“Ruining your night.” His face screws up like every word causes him immense pain.
“The Talhuskins did that. You saved my life.”
“Wouldn’t be in this position…” Jorusk swallows. “If you hadn’t come to help our colony.”
“You can’t think like that.”
