Page 106 of Nyx
Reyes grabs a towel that he ties into a makeshift sling, and we step outside into the morning. The sun’s rays are blazing as always, but there’s a hint of a chill in the air. “The cold months will come soon,” I say, and Reyes takes my hand and turns his face to the sun.
“I feel that too. Honestly, I’m looking forward to it. Chilly mornings under the blankets with you.”
“You are the pervert,” I tease, and he throws his head back in a laugh.
“Reading!And snuggling. No one said anything about sex, mister. Who’s the pervert now?” I chuckle as we approach the apple tree. It’s a pitiful thing, barely hanging on with the limited nutrients the dried soil is willing to share, but it bears fruit like it’s too stubborn to quit. We pick two dozen apples and leave the smaller ones to grow. Maybe more hungry souls might stumble upon this place and find a little relief.
Back at the vans, cots are being folded and loaded into the trunks. The pile of belongings is tiny, though I notice Aryn carries a stack of weathered papers several inches thick. He catches me looking and gives me another tentative smile, but he keeps his lips sealed for this one.
We split into our original groups, and the others fall in line behind us as we hit the road. Minds wanderand conversation is distracted as we drive. Without a place to bathe, Xeni is covered in his own blood while Ronan and Reyes are covered in the blood of others. My body is exhausted and my mind foggy, but I stay awake for the entire trip back.
Just in case.
Reyes
Homeneverlookedsofucking good.
We’re exhausted—too tired even to bicker, which is saying something for this crew. Xeni’s injuries have given him a headache that refuses to go away, and Ronan explains that after the adrenaline rush of his shift passes, it leaves him heavy-limbed and in need of sleep. Of course, the stubborn ass hasn’t slept a wink.
Neither has Nyx, despite how deep his breaths come as he lies against me.
We made the drive in record time, pushing the vehicle to go faster than normal and only stopping when it was an absolute necessity. Sunset is stealing the blue from the sky as we make it back to the village. Everyone is standing there waiting, with Elas and Lillith providing a protective barrier in front of the others.
We climb out of the van, and their expressions turn from apprehensive to concerned. Boomerang weaves between their legs, pawing at Nyx's foot as his fingers rakeinto her fur. I drop to my knees, and her bright brown eyes land on mine. "Good girl," I whisper with a shaky smile, and she dips her head like she might understand just how grateful I am. August rushes forward, ready to go into emergency mode, while Cameron flings himself into Ronan’s arms with a whine.
“Dear gods, are you alright?” August’s eyes dart between our filthy crew before settling on Xeni.
Ronan pulls his face out of Cameron’s hair long enough to tip his head towards me and says, “This isn’t our blood.” He nods toward Xeni with a grunt. “That, however,ishis blood.”
Xeni insists he’s fine, but August isn’t hearing it and forces him to kneel so he can examine his stitches, muttering about infection and scars. Elas watches them for a moment, his jealousy so potent it nearly forms a cloud around him. August catches his eye in a silent conversation, and Elas relents and walks to grip Ronan’s shoulder. “What happened? Did they attack?” His dark eyes move to the second van sitting behind ours.
They haven’t exited their vehicle yet, but I can’t blame them for that. The wall of muscle that greeted us must be a terrifying sight to those who have been so beaten down.
Ronan puts Cameron on the ground, although he’s still clinging to his side, and claps Elas on the arm. “It’s a long story, but no. We ran into a military patrol that turned… ugly. We’re fine.”
“Yeah, you look fine,” Elas mutters, and Ronan chuckles. “The others?”
“They’re doing as well as can be expected. Matuk has some pretty serious injuries, but he’ll recover. The rest areweak. Hungry. They haven’t had a reliable food source since they escaped.”
“I’ll throw together a quick meal,” Taryn says with a squeeze to Lillith’s arm, and Ronan nods his thanks as she jogs to the storage building.
“Let’s get them out of that van before someone faints,” Ronan says, and we walk towards the newcomers. Audra sits in the driver’s seat, her flaming red hair barely visible over the steering wheel. She pops open the door and hops to the ground as she assesses everyone. Her pointed chin juts out, and her arms cross, standing her ground even though she’s a solid two feet shorter than half our group.
A dimple pits her cheek as she chews on her lip. “You’re a bunch of big ones, aren’t ya?” she finally asks.
“I like her,” Lillith says as she chuckles, and the mood instantly brightens. The rest of their crew exit the van with a wariness born of caution, and they look dead on their feet. Dark rings form half moons under their eyes, and their clothes are filthy, while sunken cheeks speak to their lack of nutrition.
Ronan moves towards the passenger side to help Matuk, but is swatted out of the way. “Go rest, busybody,” Elas snaps at his best friend, then turns to face Matuk. The giant green monster meets his eyes, then dips his head in shame.
“Forgive me,” he whispers, and Elas’s expression softens.
“None of us do well when we’re backed into corners,” Elas says, and Matuk gulps before he lifts his eyes. “Come on, let's get you comfortable.”
Ronan leads the rest of the group towards our common area. Everyone’s eyes dart around, taking in our little piece of paradise in this ugly world. “Taryn is putting together a meal for everyone. We’ll assemble the cots in one of the empty houses for tonight. It’s not the prettiest, but it’ll protect you from the weather. Tomorrow after we’ve rested, we’ll discuss specifics.”
“Thank you,” Matuk says, and the others nod their thanks as well.
“We have some spare clothes. Not enough to give everyone a full wardrobe, but enough for at least one extra set. The stream that runs through the woods is clean, and you can use it to bathe. Soap and towels are stored out there.”
