Page 19

Khalani choked out a laugh when Derek joined the fray and wrapped his arms around them, squeezing tighter. “I have no idea what’s going on. I’m just here to provide emotional support.”

“What are you guys doing?” Adan stopped, glancing over like they’d all finally lost their minds.

“Don’t ask questions,” Serene quipped. “Just get over here.”

Khalani didn’t want to think about how they looked, bear-hugging each other in the middle of the apocalyptic road.

She didn’t care.

She used to think friends were people you felt comfortable with.

But she believed friends were the ones who silenced your doubts.

“What is happening? Why the hell are all of you hugging like a bunch of stuffed toys?” Brock yelled.

“Spoken like someone who’s never owned a toy,” Serene retorted.

“This isn’t the time or place. Stoptouchingeach other and start walking.”

“We’re taking a short break,” Winnie said, a firmness in her voice she hadn’t heard before as they let each other go. She patted Khalani’s cheek and smiled, letting her know everything would be okay. Better than okay.

“Absolutely not,” Brock growled. “We keep moving.”

“No. We are taking a break.” Winnie dared to defy him.

Brock opened his mouth to argue, but a stronger voice echoed across the desert.

“You heard them, Death-Zoner. They need a break,” Takeshi commanded.

Brock glared at the steadfast Captain, a muscle twitching under his eye, but he eventually threw up his hands and stalked off, grumbling under his breath about stubborn women.

Khalani let out a deep sigh, still sniffling as she set her heavy backpack down on the sandy pavement next to the others. Stretching her arms behind her, she lifted her head to the sun.

She closed her eyes, relishing in the breeze that fluttered past her, something she’d never truly experienced in the underground.

Khalani found kinship with the wind. She too wanted to be everywhere.

Unseen. Significant.

A weighty gaze swept over her skin, and goosebumps slid up her arms. She didn’t need to look to guess who was studying thecracks in her carefully cultivated armor. She promptly wiped her nose, trying to hide the evidence of tears.

“You should sit if you’re not feeling good.”

She startled and realized Takeshi stood right next to her. His large frame blocked the afternoon sun, casting a dark shadow over her.

She took a step back, maintaining as much distance as possible. “I’m fine.”

“Why are you crying, then?”

“Got sand in my eye.”

“Still love to lie, huh?”

She huffed, sending a vicious glare his way.

Takeshi’s cutting words from the other day sprang back to haunt and embarrass her, igniting a fire in her already volatile mood.

“Don’t you have better things to do than stalk me?”