Page 55 of Krin

I WOKE UP, STUCK BETWEENhuge sections of the ship, lying on my side. I pushed at a huge piece of debris to give myself enough space to move.

Crewmembers were calling out to one another. Coughing and moans filled the air around me. Cold air flowed over me from outside.

My heart was in my throat.Riley!

Rising to my feet, I glanced around the immediate surroundings. “Riley,” I called out.

My chest seized tight. Emotion welled in my throat.Flutz, I told her I’d keep her safe.

Riley was snatched from my grasp when the ship crashed, and then I blacked out.

I focused on our mental bond, hoping I could find her that way. There was nothing. I couldn’t hear her thoughts, or feel her as I expected. My heart dropped into my stomach as I began to search the wreckage.

Around me the voices of crewmen continued to call out to one another.

There was still no sign of Riley. I reasoned in my mind that she couldn’t have gone far. My eyes clouded for a moment as dreaded thoughts tried to enter my mind.

No.

I began searching the perimeter around the spot where I had been holding her. My attention was caught by my K’sha’s curly hair. I hurried to her, praying I wasn’t too late.

Riley’s body lay crumpled on the ground, as if she had collapsed right where she stood. Her face was bloodied, with crimson streaks running down her cheeks. My breath caught in my chest, making it feel like I couldn’t breathe for a second.

Kneeling beside my mate, I gently touched her head, my fingers tracing over a deep, gaping wound.

I reached out and touched my K’sha’s chest, relieved to feel the faint beating of her heart against my palm. Her shallow breaths worried me.

I gently ripped a piece of fabric from her shirt and used it to bind her head wound.

In my head, I pleaded,‘Please, let her be okay.’

With care, I held Riley close and carried her out of the ship.

My chest pounded with the force of my racing heart. My legs felt weak as I looked down at her unconscious body.

The heavy scent of blood lingered in the air, revealing the seriousness of my K’sha’s injuries.

In my arms, she felt as delicate and fragile as a flower. My heart was shattered by the sight of her in this condition.

Ezan's voice called out from behind me, making me turn around.

“Captain! Thank the Gods, there you are. Are you injured?” Ezan’s eyes widened as he glanced at Riley. “Gods, is she...?” His question was left unfinished while his face filled with compassion.

All I could manage to say was, “She is breathing, she is alive.” Emotion welled up within me, thickening my voice as I spoke.

We both turned to see the remnants of the bridge, now exposed to the outside world.

My K’sha’s body quivered against mine, and I carefully pressed her into me, seeking to share my body heat.

Another warrior hurried over to me. “There are three dead so far, Captain. We are pulling others from the wreckage, and will do a head count soon.”

I nodded in acknowledgement. “We also need blankets, weapons and food,” I said firmly.

Commander Ezan stated his commitment to help and hurried off to gather supplies.

Aza’s expression was grim as he approached with his hand against his ribcage. He winced in pain. “I apologize. I attempted to land her but the ship was too heavily damaged.”

My chin was raised. “Given the circumstances, you did an excellent job.” I cleared my throat taking in his obvious injury. “Are you badly injured? Have you found Dril?”

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