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Maya shrugged. “Whatever you say.”

But Linnea was already walking away, her steps carrying her toward the transport ship and away from the temptation of golden skin and heated looks. She'd survived worse than a broken heart. She would survive this too.

She had to.

ChapterEight

Zexx emerged from his tent into the harsh morning light, his head pounding from too much wine and too little sleep. The suns were already high, unusual for him to rise so late, but thoughts of Linnea had kept him tossing until dawn painted the sky pink.

His bare feet sank into the warming sand as he made his way through the village, passing tents with their flaps thrown open to catch the morning breeze. Tiny bells sewn along the edges tinkled with each gust of wind. Inside, he glimpsed his people starting their day—warriors strapping curved blades to their waists, the occasional female arranging piles of furs into beds, priestesses deep in meditation to the goddesses.

"The mighty Zexx sleeps past dawn?" Ruxen fell into step beside him. "The world truly has shifted."

"Some of us were up late keeping watch." Zexx tried to block his friend's gentle mental probe.

"Is that what we're calling drinking by the fire now?" Ruxen's knowing grin faded as he studied Zexx's face. "You look like you've been wrestling sand serpents."

"I feel like it too."

They passed a group of priestesses in flowing white robes, their heads bowed in morning contemplation. The scent of sacred oils and incense wafted from the temple tent where they performed their rituals.

"The chancellor left early," Ruxen said casually. Too casually. "Didn't even stay for morning meal."

Zexx's chest tightened but he kept his expression neutral. "She has duties in the city."

"And we have ours here." Ruxen clasped his shoulder. "Whatever's troubling you, brother, remember who you are."

I sense your pain,his friend's thoughts whispered.

I'm fine,Zexx sent back, stiffening his mental walls.

He’d known that Linnea was gone even before Ruxen had told him. The village felt emptier somehow, as if she'd taken some of her magic with her when she'd slipped away. It was better this way, he told himself. They'd both known it couldn't last beyond one night.

Still, his chest ached as he made his way to the communal fire where warriors and their mates worked to clear away evidence of the celebration. Dishes clanged, laughter rose. Everything seemed too bright, too loud.

The scent of fresh bread and grilled meat drew him to where Maya and Karv sat beside the cooking fire. His newest clan member looked thoroughly satisfied, and Zexx pushed aside a flash of envy. At least someone's romance had a happy ending.

"Join us?" Maya patted the log beside her. "There's plenty of food."

His stomach revolted at the thought, but he sat anyway. Maya handed him a water skin, and he drank deeply, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat.

"Linnea left early," Maya said casually.

Zexx focused on tearing a chunk from the warm flatbread. "Did she?"

"Apparently she had chancellor duties to attend to."

"She's never been one for long goodbyes," Karv said. "Even when we were children."

Of course she had duties. Just as he had his own—training warriors, protecting the village, forgetting the taste of her lips...

"I wish she'd stayed longer." Karv sighed. "But I understand. She has a big job. Being the first female chancellor isn’t a task I envy.”

Zexx's guilt churned as he met his friend's eyes. If Karv knew what had happened between his sister and his clan mate... But no. He seemed not to be aware, although Maya eyed him with a knowing gaze.

"Speaking of responsibilities." Karv straightened. "I'm ready to begin my training as a warrior. That is, if you're willing to teach me."

Zexx latched onto the change of subject. This was familiar ground—the weight of curved blades, the dance of combat, the satisfaction of molding raw talent into lethal grace. "It won't be easy. You may have survived thetahadu,but that was only the beginning."