Page 64 of Stars in Aura

ISSA

When the last villager left the informal clinic, Issa sighed.

She pressed a hand to Zera’s shoulder, an informal nurse who’d remained at her side through the night. ‘Go home, beautiful. You did well asking for my help. Now, these people and their families have hope.’

‘You’re the one we all thank.’

Issa gave her a soft smile and sent a memory nudge as Zera nodded and raced off, disappearing into the gloom.

Unfailingly, she’d mind-wiped all her patients, unwilling to risk further rumors about her.

A prickle ran along the back of Issa’s neck.

Someone was watching.

She sighed, guessing who it was.

She turned to find Ki’Remi in the shadows of the enormous tree. His arms crossed over his broad chest, his eyes dark and unreadable.

Of course.

He didn’t speak or move.

He gazed at and through her, his silver aureate eyes glowing from the gloaming.

Issa lifted her chin, matching his stare with one of her own.

Without a word, she sauntered toward him.

When she drew near, he raised his sinewed hands and, to her surprise, placed a blanket from their banda over her shoulders.

‘Sante,’ she murmured, giving a shot of appreciation.

She tended to shiver with cold after dispensing herSsignakhtpowers.

‘Anytime, Elaris.’

A jolt went through her at the softness in his expression and rasp.

The fokk? Was he easing off his hard stance on her?

‘After you,’ he added, gesturing for her to lead the way.

Their footsteps fell in unison over the stone path.

He didn’t speak.

Neither did she.

The night wrapped around them, thick with unspoken questions.

They let the silence stand until they reached the compound where their banda stood.

He slowed to a stop, and she sensed he wanted to talk.

She turned to face him, head and eyes tilted to him.

They stared into each other’s eyes for a long moment.

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