“Youwerewalking,” Malakai corrected. “Badly.”
“I hate this,” Nate muttered, still wiggling in defiance.
“And you’ll live to hate me even longer if I carry you.”
After a moment of futile squirming… Nate sagged. Tired and embarrassed.
“Thanks,” Nate murmured in defeat. “I think.”
Malakai’s jaw softened just barely. “You’re welcome.”
Ashley stuck close, eyes flicking between them. She looked ready to argue on Nate’s behalf, or collapse, and Malakai noticed.
“Firecracker,” he told her, voice firm. “Breathe for a minute. Walk with kitten, I’ve got Nate.”
Ashley glared defensively. “Don’t tell me what to do! Besides, I’m fine.”
“You’re vibrating,” Malakai shot back. “Take a break.”
She looked like she wanted to fight him, but she also looked exhausted, and scared with a mixture of gratefulness, though she’d rather eat her own boots than admit it.
I slipped my arm through hers. “Come on. Walk with me. If we stop moving, Jaden might start giving inspirational speeches.”
Ashley made a noise of pure horror. “Absolutely not, he’s becoming a cheaper version of Nate.”
Behind us, Jaden gasped. “You wound me, my speeches are very inspiring.”
“Your speeches are crimes,” Eve said flatly.
“War crimes,” Faelin added softly, trotting beside her.
Jaden clutched his heart. “Betrayed by my own squadmates.”
“You’re surprised?” Eve asked. “We only need one jokester in the group.”
Jaden considered. “No, I enjoy the dramatics that comes with two.”
Nate grunted, looking miserable hanging off Malakai.
Lionel led us towards a sturdier structure, jagged roof partially intact, walls thick stone instead of rotted wood. He tested the frame with a few heavy slaps. It held.
“This’ll do for tonight,” he said.
We squeezed inside. Dust covered forgotten tables and a cold hearth waited in the corner like a memory of warmth.
Nate wriggled, trying to slide off Malakai’s back.
“I can stand now,” he said. “My pride is broken, not my legs.”
“Yeah, you’ve got very little of that left,” Malakai answered, but helped him down carefully anyway.
“Ouch,” Nate muttered bitterly. “You carried me half the way, that doesn’t mean we’re bonding or anything.”
Malakai shrugged. “Tell yourself whatever you need.”
A bit of tension cracked, just enough for breath.
While the others settled, Malakai nudged my shoulder, chin tilting towards the darkened rafters.
