Page 151 of Alien Burn

Her fingers tightened in his ruined coat. “You came.”

He held her while they both shook. The medic stayed beside them, one hand ready beneath Sereya's elbow.

“I didn't bring her,” Sereya whispered.

“I know.”

“I said no.”

“I heard you.”

She leaned back far enough to look at him.

“I'm going to fall down now, I think.”

“No,” Dhomhes said, “you're not.”

He caught her beneath the knees and lifted her. The medic gestured toward the building, already telling him where she wanted to examine Sereya.

Stron met them at the door.

“I've got this,” he said.

Dhomhes nodded.

“Adryel?” Sereya asked.

“Annoyed that I wouldn't let her come out here. She'll want to see you.”

Sereya made a small sound that might have been a laugh.

“Tomorrow,” Dhomhes said.

Stron's gaze dropped to the hands locked around Dhomhes's neck. For once he kept his observations to himself.

Dhomhes carried her inside.

23

SEREYA

There were books in his rooms.

Sereya noticed them while the medic cleaned the graze at her hairline. Bound books on a wooden shelf, their spines worn where someone had pulled them out again and again. A family weapon hung beside them. The grip was dark with use.

She had expected more screens.

“Look at me,” the medic said.

Sereya did. The female passed a small instrument before her eyes, checked the results, and made her move the injured shoulder.

“Bruising. You'll feel it more after you've slept. The cut is shallow.” She glanced toward Dhomhes, who occupied most of the doorway. “Warmth. Food if she can manage it. Rest. Call if the headache worsens or she feels sick.”

“I'll stay,” he said.

“I had worked that part out.”

Sereya laughed unexpectedly. It pulled at the bitten place inside her cheek.