บท 51: A Parting Gift

"Hirini."

I could hear a voice calling to me from far away, taking me out of my past and to the present.

"Hirini," called Ba'dqeel again, and I realized that his arms were around me, my face pressed against his lower chest. "Where did you go?"

"I'm fine," I answered, not moving. I could hear and feel his hearts beating in a comforting rhythm. Trying to remember what had sent me into a tailspin, I looked around, only to see Da'kea on his knees with three blades pressed against his neck.

I didn't think the weapons could have really hurt him since he was covered in armor from head to toe, but it was the thought that counted.

"I'm sorry," grunted Da'kea. While the expression on his helmet never changed, I could hear his apology in his voice.

"No collars," I grunted, my mouth dry.