Page 33

Aly looked down at her techband and frowned. "Ryziel can unlink the tracer..." She glanced back at him. "Please, I want to help."

"Why?"

Aly's eyes shifted toward the ship, and Nar's eyes widened.

"No. No way, no how. Forget it, human." Nar's ears bent back slightly as he bared his tiny teeth. "You're just gonna forget you even saw that ship. Forget you saw any of this, and just go back to what you were doing. Stick to the mines and don't think about ever coming back down."

Chapter Fourteen

Aly stood silently by the large metal door as she waited for Ryziel to take her back above. She checked her pockets and bags one last time and was surprised to find everything still where it should be despite a few hours ago, when she had been running for her life with the sluths cutting into her with their teeth and claws. The suit would have to be replaced despite the sealing tape fixed along the rips, but thankfully, she had a spare in her unit.

She checked her tools and found only one to be in need of a repair. Her other belongings, though few, were dirtied but not broken. She brought her sketchbook out briefly to check the inside and was relieved to find the pages undamaged, including that of her unfinished sketch of Ryziel.

"Time to go."

Aly quickly snapped her sketchbook closed and shoved it in her bag, glancing up to see Ryziel standing beside her. She smiled at him and nodded. "Okay, let's go."

Ryziel loosened a part of his belt and gestured for her to take the end. "Hold onto this and stay close."

Aly frowned at the belt end but took it without protest. Ryziel turned for the door and unlocked it, waiting as it rose slowly.

"I will relink your techband once we get to the elevator. If anyone asks, you tell them you got lost and that your techband went offline. They will think it odd, but they will likely believe you."

Aly didn't respond as she stared at the back of Ryziel's head. She took him in as if it were the last time, wanting to keep an image of him in her mind when she finished her sketch of him. Maybe she could even find coloring utensils. But then, she would never be able to get the blue of his skin right or the silver markings along his neck. But maybe she could at least get the shape of his eyes right this time, even if she could never find the color of those silver and gold orbs.

Ryziel peered back at her, and Aly turned her gaze away. Her throat felt a little tight as she gripped his belt in her hand. She nodded to him, and he started for the tunnel beyond the door.

"Keep your lights off and trust my steps," he said as they entered the tunnelway. Aly did as told and turned the lights off on her suit.

They went quickly, Aly keeping up as best she could with Ryziel's long strides. She only stumbled a few times, but after a while was able to stay beside him without an issue.

It was a surprise to see the glow of the elevator shaft not far ahead after they had only walked in silence for maybe less than a half hour's time.

When they got to the point where the lights overhead beamed above them, Ryziel stopped at the elevator shaft and waved his hand over the pad. A light blinked on to indicate a car was making its way down, and all they had to do now was wait.

Aly let go of his belt as Ryziel turned toward her and their eyes locked.

"Guess this is it." Aly gave him a smile, though it didn't feel genuine. "I...promise not to say anything about what I saw."

"I believe you." Ryziel gestured for her to lift her arm, and Aly did so. Careful not to touch her, he went through her techband's programming system and relinked the tracer. "You’re good to go."

"Great."

They stood silent for a moment longer before Aly couldn't stand it any longer. "I could still help you," she said.

"It's out of the question."

Aly brows raised, surprised by his sudden response. "Why?"

Ryziel looked away, refusing to meet her gaze.

"I'm really that much of a pain to you, aren't I?" Aly couldn't help laughing. "I know the others say I'm a pain in the ass, but you really don't like me—"

"It's not that."

"What did I do? Is it my very existence? Do I smell bad?"

"No, it's—"