Page 54

I considered the question, trying to organize thoughts made sluggish by fever. "Nyxari warriors do not show weakness. We do not require care."

"Everyone requires care sometimes." Her hand found mine in the darkness. "Even warriors."

Her fingers twined with mine, and our markings responded, silver and gold light dancing where our skin touched. The sensation was both soothing and exhilarating, easing the pain while awakening something deeper.

"In my training," I said after a long silence, "there was a ritual of endurance. Young warriors were taken to the northern mountains during the cold season, given minimal supplies, and left to survive for ten days."

"Sounds brutal."

"It was meant to be. Many failed." I stared into the small fire. "On my fifth day, I fell through ice into a frozen lake."

Rivera's fingers tightened around mine. "How did you survive?"

"I nearly didn't. I managed to drag myself out, but my clothes were frozen, and I had no way to make fire. I found a small cave, much like this one, and prepared myself for death."

"But you lived."

"Another warrior found me. Kithran, older than me by several years. He had completed his own trial and was returning when he saw my tracks." The memory was vivid despite the years. "He could have left me. It would have been acceptable by our standards. Instead, he shared his warmth, his supplies. He stayed with me until I recovered enough to continue."

"He saved your life."

"Yes. When I asked why, he said something I did not understand until now." I turned to meet her gaze. "He said strength is not found in standing alone, but in knowing when to accept the support of others."

Rivera's expression softened. "Wise man."

"I thought him weak at the time." The admission brought a strange relief. "I was wrong."

She shifted closer, her head coming to rest against my shoulder. "Rest now, Varek. I'll keep watch."

"You need rest as well."

"I will. But you first."

For once, I didn't argue. The exhaustion I'd been fighting washed over me in a wave. My eyes grew heavy, and I allowed my head to tilt until it rested against hers. The simple contact brought comfort I hadn't known I needed. Her head rested against mine, light and warm. My lifelines pulsed steady, slower, like her presence calmed even the bond. I didn’t dare move. Didn’t want to.

As I drifted toward sleep, I felt her markings resonating with my lifelines, creating a harmony that seemed to flow between us like water. The bond that had begun as an unwelcome intrusion now felt like a lifeline, anchoring me when everything else threatened to slip away.

I woke sometime later to find the fire burned low and Rivera still beside me, her breathing deep and even. She had fallen asleep despite her intention to keep watch. The realization should have alarmed me, but instead, I felt a surge of protectiveness.

The fever still burned through me, perhaps even hotter than before. My wound throbbed with each heartbeat. But somehow, with her pressed against my side, the pain seemed more distant, less consuming.

I shifted slightly, and she stirred, eyes opening to find mine already watching her.

"Sorry," she murmured. "I didn't mean to fall asleep."

"You needed rest as much as I."

She straightened, her hand immediately going to my forehead. "You're burning up."

"I am aware."

"We need to bring your fever down." She reached for the water container. "Drink more."

I complied, the cool liquid bringing momentary relief. When I finished, she took the container and wet a piece of cloth, pressing it gently to my forehead.

"Better?"

"Yes." The cool cloth did help, but her proximity helped more. The bond between me and her hummed with energy, a current that seemed to strengthen me even as my body weakened.