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“Whatever they might be missing—if anything—my guess is they can get it here,” Astrid says. “They’re our family now and we take care of ours.”

It’s amazing that she truly means it. The two women wave their goodbyes, and I enter my tent to rest for a little while. My endurance has increased drastically with how often I get out and exercise. Hopping around on one foot and crutches is a pain in the ass, but it’s better than being stuck inside. I sit to take off my shoes and grab the data pad from the table beside me.

The Tavikhi remain a primitive tribe, but their Bohnari neighbors have traded a few tech items for their supply of the kanet leaves that grow on this planet. The Bohnari’s reason for needing the plant is super hush hush, but apparently it’s a strong one.

Whatever it is, I’m grateful for it since I can reap some of the benefits of their exchange. Like having access to a data pad so I can read and play games. I’ve even taught a few of them to Gannen and we’ll play against each other during some of his and Ortak’s visits. The little shit is a natural and beats me almost every single time. I love how excited he gets when he does. He’s mastering the art of trash talk as well, which always makes me laugh.

I open up the book I’d been reading—some high-stakes thriller about this guy who has amnesia, but ends up being a former government agent on the run from whoever’s trying to kill him—and dive back in. From what I can tell there are quite a few books with the same character, and they were all written over three hundred years ago. I’ve tried reading books published within the last century, but they were all manufactured AI slop generated by an emotionless machine.

A slap on my door flap jerks my attention from the story. “Elodie, they’re here!”

Already? “Coming.” I yank my shoes back on and hop outside. It’s then I notice how far the sun has traveled across the sky. How did that much time go by without me realizing?

Riley, Zalik, and Stella are next to my tent. I turn in the direction they’re looking and my heart leaps at the sight of Ortak and Gannen walking toward us. They’re each dragging a sled behind them stacked high with their personal belongings strapped to it. I move quickly to meet them halfway.

“You’re here.” I pull a grinning Gannen into a long, tight hug and then do the same to Ortak. I breathe in his woodsy scent and enjoy the muscular hardness of his chest beneath my cheek far too much. Reluctantly, I draw back and stare up at him. “I’m so glad you guys finally made it.”

“Gogo said we will be placing our tent next to yours.” Gannen practically bounces with excitement.

I grin. “That’s what I heard.”

It had been my idea, in fact. Having them right next door was as bold as I’d been able to make myself. Since Gannen and Ortak would be living here now, why shouldn’t they be close by to me? It only made sense, right?

“Cecily has told me of this human practice called a sleepover. Perhaps we can do this thing this turn? I can sleep in your tent with you or you can sleep in our tent with us,” Gannen suggests.

My face flames and I can’t even meet Ortak’s gaze. Behind me, Riley laughs, but tries to cover it up with a cough. I send her a dirty look over my shoulder and squeeze Gannen’s shoulder. “We’ll talk about it later.”

“Alright.”

I swallow and finally glance at Ortak. The only complaint I have about his features are that they’re impossible to read. I can never tell what he’s thinking or feeling, which makes me nervous.

“We should probably get your tent put up so you can start getting settled.” I wipe my sweaty palms on my pants and grip my crutches.

“Gannen and I will construct our dwelling. You will sit to rest your legs and keep us company.”

I glare. “Oh, I will, will I?”

Ortak either doesn’t hear my sarcasm or chooses to ignore it. “Aye, you will.”

As if sensing my smart mouth is about to get me in trouble, Zalik steps forward. “I am happy to assist Ortak and Gannen, if you do not mind Riley and Stella joining you.”

I’m well aware the task will go a lot faster without me since I’m not at one hundred percent, so I don’t argue. I sure do plan on having a little chat with Mr. Bossy later, though. For the moment, I give Zalik a sweet smile. “Thank you for your help, and of course I don’t mind if they join me.”

The Tavikhi fists his chest.

“Come on, El.” Riley links her arm with mine. “Let’s let the men do their manly thing.”

She tugs me over to the narrow two-person seat that’s right outside my tent and almost pushes me onto it. I barely have my crutches on the ground at me feet when Stella is plopped onto my lap without ceremony and Riley sits down beside me. “Sheathe the eye daggers.”

I blink and look over at her. She raises one brow—a skill I don’t have—and I sigh. “Fine, but I’m still annoyed at Ortak for being such a…man. I don’t take well to commands.”

Riley rolls her eyes. “You and I both know he was never going to let you help considering you only have one working leg at the moment.”

“So? That doesn’t mean there isn’t some way I could assist.”

“There is,” she points out. “By sitting your butt down and staying out of the way.”

I gasp. “Rude.”