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She’s there, crumpled on the ground and-
And crying; sobbing crimson tears that trail down her cheeks.
I stride toward her, dropping to my knees by her side. Ren follows close behind, standing just at our feet. She stares at us with wide, ruby-flaked eyes. Her youthful appearance means nothing when her stare is so deeply aged.
“What’s your name?” I ask, careful to keep my voice low.
She wipes the back of her hand over her nose. “I,” she shakes her head, more tears surfacing. “I can’t remember.”
Ren has two small huts built by the time dusk arrives. I stay by the fire with the child, sitting in a silent alliance with her grief. I don’t have a clue what she’s gone through, nor how to make it better.
My lovely consort offered her a piping cup of warm water, which she took gratefully. He also offered to hunt her a rabbit for blood, but she declined with a sharp shake of her head.
I stare into the fire, listening to its crackle as I wait for her to speak. She’ll need to vent some of the trauma she’s just endured, and I’ll be here until she’s ready to do so.
Her knees scrape over the pavement as she adjusts her legs. “My name is Rhyl.”
My chin snaps to the side, surprised to hear her voice. It’s more sing-song than it was before. Lighter.
I tilt my head to the side, lips curving upward. “Hi, Rhyl.” I lean toward her, offering my palm. “I’m Thea.”
She stares at my hand.
Ren’s deep voice approaches from over my shoulder. “You’re supposed to shake it. It’s one of the formal greetings her kind uses.”
The young girl's gaze rises to Ren behind me, her stare glittering. For a second I sense a flash of adoration in her features, but it disappears before I can analyze the behavior.
She places her palm flat against mine, and I shake. I don’t release her as our hands drop, relaxing between our hips. “Are you okay?”
Her lashes flutter closed, but she nods.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
She pulls away from me then, tucking her warm hand between her crossed legs. “No.”
Hm.I was hoping she’d want to let it all out and begin the healing immediately. However, maybe it’s best if we don’t rush things. We have time, and she doesn’t know me.
I’m a stranger. A freak of nature in the eyes of her people.
My head cranes to catch her gaze again, forcing her bright eyes back to me. “Will you stay here, Rhyl? We’re going to help others, too.”
She bites her lower lip, her fangs digging into her flesh but not breaking the skin. More tears well in her eyes.
Ren’s hand lands on my shoulder. “You don’t have to decide tonight. Rest, Rhyl. Join us in the morning, and then we’ll answer each other's questions.”
I nod my head, agreeing with my mate.
Tomorrow.
He’s gentle as he uproots me from my spot beside her and carries me to my new bed. There are no barriers between both of our lean-to’s, and I prefer it that way. “Ren made you one, too,” I point toward the other shelter across from ours. “I know you don’t sleep, but feel free to rest there.”
Her answering nod is solemn and contemplative.
I find myself wishing I could pry her mind open like I can Ren’s.
“Goodnight.”
“Pleasant night,” she replies, tilting her chin toward me.
