He turned to Xian Jun, keeping his voice light. “Your family isn’t headed to Bashkor, then? I’d thought you might be, given how popular it is among traders.”
Xian Jun shook his head, eyes narrowing slightly as he stirred the fire. “Bashkor’s too crowded, too much petty crime. We’ll break from the caravan at Dune Crest and head east to Vey’tar Oasis. The Talharen families gather there every year to trade and renew ties. It keeps our traditions strong and our stories alive.”
Kaelen’s brow lifted. “The Féraveli festival?”
Xian Jun’s gaze sharpened with interest. “You know of it?”
He answered without hesitation, “We’ve been before. It was a good time—Lark and I would be happy to go again.”
He let the silence lengthen before leaning in, his tone light but deliberate. “Perhaps we could travel with you. An extra set of eyes might be useful.” His gaze flicked briefly to Reiyana. “Not only for Yara’s sake, of course, but also your family’s.”
Kaelen didn’t miss the way Xian Jun’s gaze lingered on the faintbruise at Reiya’s neck, brow creasing with concern. The man’s posture shifted subtly, shoulders tensing with a protectiveness that, though quiet, spoke volumes. In only days, Reiyana had woven herself into this family’s life, stirring a care he couldn’t help but want to protect.
Xian Jun murmured thoughtfully, “Given what happened today, added protection could indeed be wise.” A rare hint of humility softened his expression. “As a Beta, I know my limits.”
Kaelen glanced over as Alarik’s steady gaze sweeping the gathered faces before he spoke, the low voice cut through the fire’s soft crackle and drew a hush around the circle.
“Beyond Dune Crest, the risks multiply. Desert tribes, bandits, even mercenaries prey on travellers along those routes. It’s no place to let your guard down.”
Xian Jun exchanged a glance with his family, a flicker of consideration passing between them. After a beat, he nodded.
“Your help will be welcome, then. What is fair payment for your efforts?”
Kaelen shook his head, lifting a hand easily. “We wouldn’t dream of accepting payment. Yara’s family showed us kindness when we needed it. Welcomed us into their home without hesitation. Helping her—and those who helped her—feels like repaying a debt, even if it’s only a small part.”
Ru Rong’s smile deepened, her voice gentle but sure. “Then let’s call it an exchange of gifts. Food and drink for your help along the way. We each have our part to play in this journey. That way, no one owes anyone—and we all move forward together.”
Alarik inclined his head respectfully. “That sounds fair. We’re grateful to join you—and happy to lend a hand.”
Kaelen leaned back slightly, letting his gaze travel over the circle of faces, the quiet ease settling among them. He respected the Talharen way, always had. Nothing was given for nothing, and nothing should be taken without offering something back. It wasn’t written into law, but into the bones of the road itself—an unspoken balance keeping people alive, far from crowns and courts.
Out here, survival wasn’t owed—it wasearned.
It bound strangers tighter than any oath.
His gaze drifted to Reiya, catching the flicker of firelight in her eyes. She sat quietly, fingers brushing through Mei Mei’s hair as the girl leaned sleepily against her.
He wondered what she thought of all this—the fire, the Xians,them. She’d fled so far to escape the life he and Alarik represented, yet fate had circled them back into her orbit.
He doubted she missed the irony. Did she feel trapped again? Or . . . had something shifted?
The question nagged at him, but digging too deep was dangerous. He’d learned that lesson—there were moments when patience did more good than pushing ever would.
So instead, he cleared his throat, keeping his tone easy. “Yara, if you’re not too tired . . . join us for a walk? It’s been a while.” His lips twitched. “I think the three of us could use a moment to catch up.”
For a beat, her gaze held his, unreadable. Then, she dipped her head in a slow nod. “Yes. We should.”
Alarik rose without a word, firelight casting long shadows as they stepped away from the circle.
The Xians said nothing, only watching with the quiet understanding of those who believed the road revealed what words wouldn’t.
Kaelen took it as a quiet sign of trust. He could only hope they understood that, even if he and his brother had shared little, their intentions toward her were nothing but honourable.
Together, they left the warmth of the fire behind, stepping into the cool hush of the desert night.
Chapter Twenty-Two
REIYANA
