Page 51 of Yasmin and the Yeti
She didn’t argue. There was comfort in not being alone, in sharing this vigil with someone who understood what it meant to be human among the Hothians, to be both outsider and accepted.
The hours crawled by. Polly eventually dozed off, curled on a pile of furs near Yasmin’s bed. She remained awake, watching the faint glow of the crystal lamp cast dancing shadows on the cave walls.
She thought of Rhaal, of his massive strength and surprising gentleness. Of how he had saved her from the blizzard, protected her from the trader, claimed her as his own. Of how his eyes had looked when she told him about the cub—shocked, reverent, joyful.
“Come back to us,” she whispered again, her hand tightening over her belly.
Outside, the wind howled through the mountain passes, drowning out any sounds of approach. The longest night of her life stretched on, measured in heartbeats and silent prayers.
Dawn arrivedas a subtle lightening of the air rather than a true sunrise. The cave system filtered daylight through high openings and crystal formations, creating a soft, diffuse glow that grew gradually stronger.
She had dozed fitfully, never truly sleeping. Polly was still curled on the furs, her breathing deep and even. The clan was beginning to stir; she could hear distant voices, the sounds of morning routines beginning.
Cera arrived with quiet footsteps, carrying a small wooden cup that steamed in the cool air. Her expression was carefully neutral, but Yasmin could see the tension around her eyes.
“No word?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
The healer shook her head. “Drink,” she said, holding out the cup. “The sothiti will strengthen you and the cub.”
She accepted the cup, inhaling the earthy, slightly bitter scent. The blue liquid shimmered in the dim light, its color reminiscent of Rhaal’s glowing eyes. She took a sip, feeling the now-familiar warmth spread through her body, chasing away some of the bone-deep weariness.
“Thank you,” she said, taking another sip.
Cera nodded, watching her with professional attention. “Your color is better today. The cub grows strong.”
“Do you think Rhaal is safe?” she couldn’t stop herself from asking. “And the other warriors?”
The Healer’s expression softened slightly. “They are skilled hunters and fighters. They know the mountains and caves better than any offworlder could. Have faith.”
Before Yasmin could respond, a commotion erupted outside—voices calling, feet running. The healer turned sharply toward the entrance, her ears pricked forward in alertness.
Polly jerked awake, scrambling to her feet. “What is it?”
Cera hurried through the main cave, peering out in the corridor. Her posture changed, tension draining away. “They return,” she announced, her voice thick with relief.
Her heart leapt, the cup trembling in her hands. “All of them?”
“Yes,” the healer confirmed. “All.”
Polly let out a small, choked sound of joy and raced away. Yasmin struggled to rise, desperate to join her, but the healer returned to her side with a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder.
“Finish the sothiti,” she instructed. “He will come to you.”
She sank back, knowing the healer was right. She was still too weak to join the welcoming crowd. She drank the rest of the sothiti in small sips, straining to hear the voices outside, to distinguish Rhaal’s deep rumble among them.
Polly darted back in, her face alight with excitement. “They did it! They destroyed the lab and blocked the entrance with a rockslide. Njkall says the river will run clean again!”
Her relief was so intense that she felt light-headed. “And Rhaal? Is he?—”
“Here.”
The voice from the entrance was deep, exhausted, and achingly familiar. Rhaal filled the doorway, his massive frame silhouetted against the light from the corridor. He was covered in grime andwhat looked like dried blood, his white fur matted and dirty. But he was whole, alive, standing before her.
The healer nodded to him, gathering her supplies. “I will return later,” she said, moving towards the entrance. She paused beside Rhaal, placing a hand briefly on his arm. “Well done, warrior.”
Polly slipped out after Cera, giving Yasmin a small, understanding smile as she went and closing the hide curtain behind her.
Then they were alone, Yasmin on the bed and Rhaal still standing in the doorway, his glowing eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her breath catch.
