Page 130 of Orc's Redemption

“He is gone,” I say. “Taken by a fire worm.”

Elara blinks, her face pale and for a moment I think she is about to faint, but then she laughs. It’s a chuckle that quickly escalates into a full belly one.

Ryatuv and Z’leni look at each other over her head then they too are laughing. She wipes soot-streaked tears from her cheeks while the Al’fa and I stare, caught between wonder and disbelief.

“It’s just…” she tries to speak, but interrupts herself with more laughter. “I mean, he worshipped those things then one…” she shakes her head, but I see the irony.

“Tajss provides,” I say, smiling.

The Al’fa places his hand on the small of my back. I flinch and he pulls back, but I move into it, having reacted in surprise. I am not used to anyone touching me without express permission. I look at him and he smiles.

“It does,” he agrees, his eyes swirling with delight and dare I say…desire?

A rumble echoes through the tunnel, pulling us out of the moment.

“We are not safe yet,” I say. “We must finish the journey.”

The Al’fa and I take the lead. Holding hands while walking in silence that is now easy and comfortable. We are the last stragglers to emerge. As we do, for the first time in ages, I step out and feel the surface of Tajss beneath my feet.

The twin red suns blaze low, painting the endless dunes in blood and fire. The sky stretches wide, open, and free. I stare, stunned, then I fall to my knees, not in weakness, but in reverence. The warmth of the suns embraces me like a hug. As if Tajss is welcoming me home.

The others emerge, into the sun, blinking as their eyes adjust. Around us are cries and shouts of joy. The wind is sharp and hot, but real. We’re alive.

Zmaj stretch their wings.

Urr’ki kneel to touch the sand.

Humans lift their faces to the sky.

The Al’fa is at my side, the last warrior out. His expression is unreadable as he looks at the endless red of Tajss. Rosalind and Visidion are already there, standing together as the last waves of refugees pour from the broken earth.

“Beautiful,” he says softly.

I rise to stand at his side. Together we look the planet over. Taking it in. When his eyes land on Rosalind he stiffens and strides towards her. I stay at his side, both to support, and to keep calm. I am very aware that the alliance is now more fragile than ever. With no immediate threat, no common enemy in the Shaman, this will be its first true test.

“This evacuation,” he says to her, voice low and dangerous, “you planned it without me.”

His fists clench tighter, sand trickling between his fingers. His chest heaves.

“Because I knew you wouldn’t agree,” Rosalind cuts in, her voice unflinching.

Visidion bristles, his wings flaring, tail flicking sand.

“You risked everything?—”

“I saved everything,” Rosalind snaps. “You would’ve waited. You would’ve argued. We’d all be buried if I hadn’t acted.”

Visidion takes a step forward, but the Al’fa raises a hand.

“Do not test me, surface-dweller.”

“Do not threaten my mate,” Visidion growls, wings arching.

The air between them crackles, the hot wind swirling around taut bodies ready to spring. I step forward before the growls become fire. Raising my hands and keeping my voice strong.

“Enough.”

Both freeze.

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