Page 68 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
I roll my eyes. Ridiculous. That furball’s been with her for cycles. No chance another random Goozil’s his cousin.
Still, Sam’s got some… questionable principles. But I need animal protein.
“Fine. I’ll climb out of this damned tree and hunt something myself.”
“Be my guest! I’ll ask the Gekkaris to help you. You’re not ready to put weight on your ribs—or your leg. But there’s alarge rocky basin nearby, filled with rainwater. Perfect for a revitalizing soak!”
Stars help me—she’s always finding a silver lining, even in a mudslide. Like every damn problem is a thrilling new opportunity!
Getting down the tree is agony. Six Gekkaris carry me like I’m ancient royalty. I grit my teeth, refusing to cry out.
When they finally set me down, there’s a makeshift bench waiting so I can catch my breath.
Why did I think hunting was a good idea? I’ll end up empty-handed and humiliated.
While I recover, I watch Sam for a moment in the sunlight—really watch her. She’s signing something with two Gekkaris.
She’s beautiful. I’ve seen plenty of humans pass through my slave pens. Everyone’s got their preferences, but she’d have fetched a fortune at the auctions.
Her golden hair gleams in the light. Her bright blue eyes are rimmed in black, glittering like jewels. She’s petite—not tiny exactly, just… everyone’s smaller than me.
She’s wearing a form-fitting bodysuit, probably meant to mimic Gekkari skin. But on her, it highlights every curve.
I’ve had a few humans in my bed. None of them looked this tempting.
Her bright eyes catch mine and I shake the thoughts away. No. She’s a weak human. A hopeless optimist. And right now, she’s the one caring for me.
Eventually… she’ll have to die. She’s seen me like this. I can’t allow that.
“Look, Nov,” she calls, “Goulou found you these two branches—they’ll work as crutches. Don’t put weight on your right foot yet. But this way, you can walk to the water.”
“Wonderful,” I mutter.
“Take this chance to admire the view!”
“Oh yeah? Trees and bushes? How impressive.”
“Stop grumbling. Look closer! That’s not just a tree—it’s a whole village. And that shack over there? My lab. That’s where I make all my ointments and salves. As for the bushes, if you look closely, they’re full of juicy little berries. Tedious to pick, but totally worth it.”
“Show me something bleeding, and then I’ll be impressed,” I reply flatly.
“This walk was a brilliant idea. You’re starting to repeat yourself like an old man,” she teases, flashing a grin.
Stars, she’s infuriating. Why can’t she just beat me up instead of babying me? That’s all I deserve after falling this low.
I used to be the supreme leader of the Eastern Quadrant. Now? I’m limping through a forest filled with mute reptiles and a cheerful blonde…
“Hey, Grumpy! We’re here!”
I’m drenched in sweat and my arms are shaking. Hunting? Yeah, not happening.
I look around. A deep rain-filled basin. Big enough to soak in. Back on Vagantu, a servant would’ve heated the water to perfection. But this’ll do. I reek—I know it.
I edge forward, trying to figure out how to lower myself in without using my bad leg. But the wet grass slips out from under me and I crash straight into the water.
“I’m fine, I’m fine!” I bark at the Gekkaris rushing over.
What am I, a fragile elder?
