Page 19 of Warrior

“Before we came to this planet, there were female Warriors,” I said.“Their teachings are in these texts too, though I’ve only read a little of one of them.”

“Why didn’t you read them?”she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Because it hurt too much.Instead, I said, “We had no female Warriors, and I didn’t see the need.”

Her gaze swept the room, taking in the shelves packed with knowledge.

“It’s all here?Everything I need to know?”

“Most likely,” I replied.“Take a few volumes that look interesting back to your room.When we aren’t training or feeding you, you’ll have plenty of time to read.”

The wonder in her expression dimmed, replaced by a shadow of sadness.

“Time is something we don’t have if we’re going to help the Federation.”

“The best way to help them is by understanding who and what you are,” I told her firmly.“You are part of both worlds, and you are important to both sides.These volumes,” I gestured to the shelves, “hold most of our secrets.They are yours to uncover.”

Her brow furrowed as another worry crossed her mind.“If things in the U.S.get worse, will you know?”

“Yes,” I assured her.“And you’ll know too.I won’t keep anything from you.”

Skepticism flickered across her face, and her lips pressed into a thin line.“You’ll answer all my questions?”

“Yes,” I promised, locking eyes with her.“Even if you won’t answer all of mine.”

Chapter Six

Marinah

I carried three thick volumes of Shadow Warrior history back to my bedroom.The leather bindings were old and supple, their antique book scent stirring a warm, comforting feeling in my chest.

After we left the underground section, King had given me a brief tour of his home, ending with this room.He hadn’t kissed me since we arrived, and he’d made it clear I had my own space.I tried not to feel disappointed, but it was a lie.I wanted to be in King’s bed, no matter how complicated or wrong it might seem.Technically, he was still an enemy of the Federation.

And technically, I didn’t care.

I told myself he likely needed time to decide if we should cross that line.I wouldn’t appreciate being rushed, so I wouldn’t rush him.

And I certainly wouldn’t beg.

Settling onto the bed, I picked up one of the worn volumes and opened it.

In the beginning, there were two.

In the beginning, one male, one female.

In the beginning, no war, no famine.

In the beginning, love.

Within moments, I was hooked.It felt like reading a gripping science fiction novel, even though I knew these events had actually happened.This wasn’t just their history.It was my history.The words came from a female Shadow Warrior named Nalista, her voice vivid and alive in the pages.

I read until my eyes grew heavy and my thoughts blurred.Eventually, the book slipped from my hands, and sleep took me.

∞∞∞

King had a pound of bacon and at least six scrambled eggs waiting for me when I walked into the kitchen the next morning.He was already dressed in his military pants, leather harness, and boots, looking as if he were ready to march into battle.

“Eat.We have training this morning and need to leave in about fifteen minutes,” he said.

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