“Thank you,” Reiya replied, offering a polite smile.
Something stirred beneath her skin—a quiet, unspoken recognition. A pull, like sensing the tide before it turned.
Was the woman an Omega?
But the thought slipped away as quickly as it came. She carried herself too freely, too untouched by expectation. Whatever Reiya had sensed, it had to be something else.
With a quiet nod, the woman disappeared into the crowd, leaving her with a lingering curiosity. She watched those rich brown curls until they vanished completely.
Following the direction, Reiya wound through the stalls, gathering each item on her list. With her supplies in hand, she turned back toward the Xians’ stall, her steps lighter now—each one a quiet reminder of what she’d managed to accomplish.
On her way back, she passed a bathhouse tucked between the market stalls—its graceful stone facade and arched windows stark against Zohara’s chaotic sprawl. Intricate carvings framed the entrance, the soft scent of jasmine and sandalwood drifting out into the market.
She slowed, gaze lingering on the building’s quiet elegance—a sanctuary hidden among the bustle. The thoughts of warm water, washing away the tension still clinging to her skin . . .
She hadn’t known solitude like that since leaving Nymaris.
But the Xians were waiting. She tucked the thought away for another time and pressed on.
Relief washed over her as she finally spotted them—Mei Mei in her new bright red tunic, which Su Lian recently completed to the girl’s delight; Ru Rong scanning the crowd; and Xian Jun, whose gaze immediately softened the moment he saw her.
Mei Mei bounded over. “Yara! Bà was so sure you got lost!” She tugged at Reiya’s sleeve, pulling her closer. “He almost went to look for you.”
Reiya smiled, careful not to drop the bundles she’d painstakingly gathered. “I did get lost, but I found my way back.”
Xian Jun stepped forward, his nod subtle but approving, the faint lift of his mouth saying more than words could. Su Lian’s hands eased the packages from her arms, fingers brushing her shoulder in silent relief.
As the last bundle was set down, Ru Rong’s eyes caught the mark on Reiya’s neck, and the woman’s expression faltered.
Su Lian’s gaze followed, and a quiet exchange passed between the two women.
Mei Mei, sensing the shift, fell silent, her wide eyes flicking between the adults until Ru Rong rested a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“Mei Mei, be a dear and fetch some water. We’ll need plenty for tonight.”
The girl hesitated, but nodded and scampered off, glancing back only once.
Without words, Ru Rong gathered herbs and oils, working with brisk efficiency at the back of the stall while Su Lian guided Reiya to a small bench. The woman sat beside her, resting a hand on her shoulder—no questions, no pressure, just quiet reassurance.
Xian Jun stood nearby, arms crossed, brow drawn tight. Though silent, his watchful stance—tense shoulders, sharp gaze—radiated vigilance, ready to step in if needed.
Ru Rong returned with a sharp-scented salve, dabbing it carefully onto the bite at Reiya’s neck. The ointment stung, hot and biting against tender skin, before melting into cooling relief.
“He must’ve used some force to leave this mark,” Ru Rong murmured, voice edged with quiet outrage.
Reiya said nothing, eyes lowered as Ru Rong worked. Su Lian’shand slipped into hers—warm, steady. Reiya squeezed it, grateful for the silent comfort that asked nothing of her.
“Was it Jodhar?” Xian Jun’s voice was calm but laced with restrained anger. “If he overstepped, Elder Tasim should know.”
A prickle raced up her spine.
Gratitude stirred at Xian Jun’s calm protectiveness—but it tangled quickly with a sharper fear. If a formal complaint was raised, if too many eyes turned toward her, questions would follow.
She couldn’t afford questions.
A chill slid down her skin, the kind that no warmth could chase away.
Exposing her identity could jeopardize not only herself but also the Xians, who’d taken her in.Harbouring an Omega on the run comes at a cost.
