Page 31 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol. 1
I’m almost at the rock I’m looking for—it’s just under four meters high. It looks hollow at the top, and the birds that gather there are wet and ruffling their feathers. That’s a good sign.
But there’s a problem: I don’t see many handholds to climb up. Still, I don’t have a choice.
I circle the rock—it’s smooth all around—but I find one side with a few small flaws. I give it a shot.
My toes can barely grip the tiny ledges, and my hands struggle to hold on. I move slowly, carefully, one step at a time. My arms are shaking from exhaustion. But I keep going.
I’m almost there. The birds have flown off, and from where I’m standing, I can finally reach the top. My heart leaps when I feel the cool water under my palm. All I need to do now is pull myself up just enough to drink—maybe even rinse my wounds.
I give one last pull with my arms, my feet dangling with no support. But then—I slip.
I fall backward. Not far, but the impact knocks the air out of me. For a second, everything goes black. My vision blurs, and I fight to stay conscious.
After a few minutes, I manage to get back on my feet. My left arm is throbbing. I don’t know if I can try again—not like this.
I failed.
I try to stand, to head back to the cave, but my head is spinning. The pain is worse than the hunger now. Worse than the exhaustion.
I crawl, dragging myself forward, desperate to reach the shelter before I lose what little strength I have left.
But I don’t make it. I collapse just a few meters from the cave. I’m completely drained. I need to rest... I’ll deal with everything else later.
Then I hear something.
A rustle. Something sniffing around nearby. I open my eyes slowly, cautiously.
That’s strange. I thought these woods were only home to birds and insects.
But this thing—whatever it is—it’s big. Way bigger than a bird.
“Gnuffgnuff!” he says, settling back on his haunches, his golden eyes locked on mine.
“Hey there,” I whisper. “What are you doing out here? Are you as lost as I am?”
“Gnuffgnuff!” he repeats, louder this time.
Maybe this is his cave. Maybe I’ve been sleeping in his home all along.
“I’m sorry if I bothered you,” I say softly. “I didn’t know this place was yours. I was just trying to find shelter. I’ll move on as soon as I can.”
I can’t take my eyes off him. I don’t know if he’s dangerous or just curious. I try to keep my trembling under control so I don’t scare him—or myself.
I speak gently, hoping he understands I mean no harm. I mean, look at me—wounded, weak. I’m not exactly threatening.
My heart skips when he steps closer and lies down beside me. His fur brushes against my skin—soft and warm. I wait, watching his body language, and when he seems relaxed, I slowly rest my hand on his side. He glances at me with those golden eyes and gives a small nod, like he’s saying it’s okay.
I press in closer, soaking up his warmth. He doesn’t pull away. In fact, he seems protective. It’s... comforting. Unexpected, but comforting.
“You’re so soft and warm,” I murmur, letting out a shaky sigh.
“Gnuffgnuff,” he replies.
I must be hallucinating. Everyone knows there are no animals in this forest—so how on earth did I end up with one that not only doesn’t want to hurt me, but is actually trying to keep me warm? Clearly, I’ve lost it. I can’t help but let out a little laugh.
“What a weird dream! But hey, at least I’m not shivering from head to toe anymore.”
“Don’t worry. Pherebos will be here soon. I told him where we are.”
