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“Yes, I’m all right, beautiful,” he heaved out a relieved sigh. “We’ve stopped, but the water is still covering us.”

She startled as something struck the pod and Payim released what sounded like a painful groan.

“I don’t believe you!” her sob burst out.

“I promise. We stopped. It’s just debris being carried by the torrent,” he spoke calmly.

“I don’t believe you’re not hurt,” she managed between shallow, panicked breaths.

“I’m fine. You, precious, are the one that smells of blood.”

“I bit my lip. But your back and the dome. It’s failing. It’s wet in here,” she reasoned, trying to peek past his massive body to look at the clear dome.

“The water got in before we sealed the pod and we’re both sweating,” he gently reassured her.

Calm down. Just calm down. He says he’s fine.She took as big a breath as she could in the cramped quarters, now grateful she’d checked the oxygen levels before their harrowing ride.

“We’re in the chasm. What are we going to do?” Her anxiety spiked again.

“Have I told you what my name means?” he asked, his voice measured and easy, the complete opposite of what she was feeling.

“No,” she murmured against his chest.

“Found among the lost. That is what it means. I was found as a babe in the rubble of a city lost to war. Somehow the goddess kept me safe when all else was lost. And I firmly believe the goddess brought me here to find you, because you are one of her treasured ones. Think of how many dangers you have survived, think of how many events fell into place to bring me here. We will make it out of this, beautiful warrior.”

There was such solemn assurance in his voice that she couldn’t help but believe him. She nodded as she took another calming breath.

“What does your name mean?” he asked, obviously distracting her from their predicament.

“Bright or shining.”

“That is apt. I feel like I was living in darkness and then I saw you and I was instantly drawn to your light.”

“You are such a sweet talker,” she sighed.

“It is the truth, not flattery.” He stroked her hair. “Do you have another name beside Elena?”

“Avila. It’s a place in Spain.”

“Again, so very true. You are the light of a whole region, just like you are the light to a colony of people you cared for.”

She smiled. Not only was Payim a romantic, but he was amazing at calming her down. In any other situation she would’ve felt claustrophobic, and would be clawing to get free. She’d had more than one nightmare about being trapped in one of these alien coffins. But with Payim it was bearable, more than bearable as he hugged her close, protecting her from any harm.

“I am blessed that you found me,” she sighed.

“I feel the same, beautiful little warrior. Tell me more about your family. I enjoy your tales,” he encouraged.

Payim quo Desero

“My dad used to mimic this old television star because they had the same name, Ricardo. His impression wasn’t any good, but the way my abuela would laugh at him was worth humoring his goofy nonsense,” Elena giggled, vibrating beneath him.

“I am picturing a younger version of you rolling your eyes at your sire.” He smiled.

“Do I really roll my eyes that much?” she asked, sounding mildly shocked.

“Eh,” he grunted noncommittally.

“Oh, really?!” she feigned offense, jabbing his ribs, before chuckling.