章 562: The Cave Where it Began

GAR

Gar had chosen the campsite for their first night very carefully. Very selfishly. But it worked practically, too.

The moment the birds set him down, he'd thrown off the tall sides of the hammock and rushed to where Rika's team had just landed, though she was having a little more trouble getting free of the heavy canvas.

He lifted one of the sides back to help her, and she stumbled up and into his arms. They stood together, breathing, their hearts thudding in time, while the weary birds ambled off to eat, then rest.

Supplies had been left by unburdened birds the day before, but they were simple. There would be no fires. Sleeping through the day meant the warmth wasn't needed, and they wouldn't give the humans—or anything else—any opportunity to find them.

When they finally broke the embrace and stepped back, Rika looked around, then her mouth dropped open.

"Wait… this is…"