Page 115 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
“At my absolute best with you in my arms,” he replies with a cheeky wink.
I chuckle, unable to help myself. A nervous little giggle at first that grows, loosens, and finally bursts into full-blown laughter. Ayden watches me, eyes crinkling in amusement.
“Morning, Nov!” I call out once I’ve caught my breath.
“This is no time for laughter, childish Human,” he snaps dryly.
“Oh, I know, Nov. But look at the bright side. We’re still alive this morning, and yesterday, I’d bet you wouldn’t have given a credit for our odds.”
“Truth,” he grumbles, barely audible. “And may I ask how you plan to survive today?”
“Simple... because I won’t let anything happen to her,” Ayden replies firmly.
It’s so sweet—and so absurd—that I start laughing again.
But soon, the moment for levity ends. The three of us are marched back into the arena. The sun’s barely up, and already I catch the concerned look exchanged between my companions. They told me how they were tied up under the scorching sun yesterday. They could probably survive another day like that, but they’re worried about me.
“I’ll be fine,” I assure them.
The guards lash them firmly to the posts again, and I can’t help but wonder where my place will be today. What little game does Danuk have planned for the three of us?
To my surprise, two guards grab me roughly and lead me through a narrow corridor bathed in harsh light.
We enter a larger room with soft-colored composite walls. The decor feels completely out of place here.
In one corner is a shower with glass panels. God, what I wouldn’t give to slip into it without a second thought...
In the center stands a wide bed that immediately catches my eye—and makes me intensely uncomfortable. That bed isn’t there by accident. What does Danuk want from me?
Farther off, a vanity overflows with makeup, heavy perfumes, and flashy jewelry.
A soft voice interrupts my thoughts. An assistant, young and almost shy, hands me a massive clean towel.
“Good morning, I’m Bekaa. Take your time. The water’s hot. Everything you need is here,” she says, looking down, clearly uncomfortable.
She leaves, and I’m alone.
I don’t hesitate long. I’ve worn the same dress for days, even if I tried to keep it clean by taking it off at night. The only washingI’ve done has been with a sink in the lab during guard breaks. This shower is more than welcome.
I step under the hot water silently. It streams over my skin, washing away the dust, the sweat, the arena’s grime. I close my eyes. I let the water pour over me for a long time, trying to empty my chaotic mind. My thoughts circle darkly, bitter and a little hopeless. I worry for myself. For Ayden, the man I love. I just got him back. Are we doomed to lose each other again?
Strangely, I even worry about Nov—the Srebat I rescued and treated like a friend. The one who killed my brother, whether by his hand or one of his soldiers. And yet... he brought me to Gekkar Creek to save me. And he’s been protecting me since we got here. Even yesterday in the arena, he endured pain in silence to spare me. Nov can shout all he wants that emotions are weakness, but everything tells me he has a heart, and that the friendship I believed in was real.
I’ll never forgive him for Logan’s death. Not now, anyway. But the Nov who lived in Gekkaria’s forests with me—he wasn’t the same person who ruled Vagantu. I’m sure of it. And that Nov is still here, with us, in the Red Arena.
Eventually, I turn off the water. I’ve never taken such a long shower. In Gekkar Creek, water was rationed. In my Gekkari hut, I bathed in rivers. I have to admit: this scorching shower did me a world of good.
I wrap myself in the thick towel. My eyes scan the room and land on Bekaa, who’s just placed a steaming tray on the bed... next to a radiant crimson dress. My old outfit is gone. Great. I guess I don’t really have a choice unless I plan to stay naked.
I pick up the dress and inspect it. The fabric is sheer, almost transparent. The skirt panels are slit up to the hips, exposing most of my legs. Seriously? Even the towel is more modest!
Under Bekaa’s embarrassed gaze, I slip it on. It feels more like lingerie than actual clothing. I’ve never worn anything like it. I feel almost naked.
“You look beautiful,” Bekaa says timidly.
Really? But for whose benefit? What’s next, Danuk claiming me as a war prize?
“Please, eat and drink something hot,” she urges when she sees me eyeing the bed warily. “Then I’ll do your hair.”
