Don’t think like that.
Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.
4
Avrell
Five Solars Until Kevins Arrive…
“We can’t leave you here,” Hadrian growls, his eyes glinting in a fierce way that reminds me so much of our leader. “Not now. Not after the breech.”
Fatigue is my biggest ailment at the moment. I scrub a palm over my face, sighing at his words. I don’t have the energy to argue with him. When I saw that thing on my female, I went mad for a moment. I’d been sure I lost myself to The Rades because the rage I’d felt over seeing that beast snarling at her overwhelmed every rekking thought.
I had to save her.
Because, if I hadn’t, I didn’t want to live.
My mind still churns with those confusing thoughts. Zoe is difficult, but I’m discovering it’s one of the traits I like about her. The thought of her being eaten alive was too much to bear.
“What is it you wish, Hadrian?” I ask, frowning at him. “To bring the sick to the Facility and infect them as well? Or would you rather everyone stay here and the pregnant females be vulnerable to more attacks by creatures that somehow managed to get inside a secure prison?”
“It’s not all or nothing here,” Theron agrees. “Avrell can handle his own. He killed the creature that got in. But he’s sick, Hadrian. We can’t risk it and you know it.”
Hadrian scowls. “Four solars. That’s all you’ll get before Breccan realizes we left you behind. We’ll leave at first light and then it’s up to you to finish this or our commander will drag you back whether you’re ready or not.”
I give him a quick nod as I begin to run through a list of everything that needs to be done before they depart. My brain is foggy and I’m weak. I’m in dire need of rest, but there’s no time.
“Are you holding up okay?” Hadrian asks, his irritation dissolving to worry.
“Indeed,” I lie. “Let’s get started.”
* * *
The silence is deafening.
Without Theron and Hadrian and the others, the fourteen of us left are too quiet because all but one is sick.
Normally, Zoe has plenty to say. Not since the attack. Not since they left. Rekk, not since I injected myself. She’s too quiet and it agitates me.
With a heavy sigh, I notate the sudden agitation on my tablet as a new symptom. I’m not agitated with her, but at the situation. This has to be a new symptom.
It takes all too much effort to shuffle between the isolated rooms to check on each sick patient. Zoe is nowhere to be found, which unnerves me because ever since the attack, I worry about losing sight of her.
Hadrian barricaded the broken door. She’s safe. My female is safe. Still, I can’t help but want to hunt her down and keep her right by my side where she belongs.
Possessive thoughts.
I add that to my list too before heading into Julie’s room. Her color has returned, and clarity burns bright in her eyes.
Improvement.
“Hello,” I greet. “How are you feeling?”
Her eyes narrow as she scrutinizes me. “Better than you.”
I nod because there’s no sense in denying it. “Any new symptoms?”
“No. I need to get back to work. The weapon.” She grimaces. “We might be too late.”
“Oz is still working on it. I assure you when he devises one that will work, he’ll pass down the information. By then, you should be healed and can resume your duties.”
My answer settles her and she nods.
“We had a breach,” I tell her. “A beast.”
Her eyes widen. “I thought I heard sirens last night, but I was still out of it. I thought I was dreaming it. Is everyone okay? Zoe?”
I flinch at the mention of Zoe, worry once again plaguing me worse than The Rades has the power to. “They are. We’ve sent the well ones back to the Facility. I managed to kill the beast before it hurt her.”
Julie’s eyes fall to the zonnoblaster holstered at my hip. “That explains the weapon. Jesus, how terrifying. What’s the progress on the cure?”
“I’m diligently working on it,” I assure her. “Rest up.”
“I’m good,” Julie says with a grimace. “Help me up. With everyone gone, I can’t in good conscience sit here any longer. I’m healing. I can feel it. I just need a little assistance. Get me to the control room.”
I don’t want to have her traipsing around, but she’s skilled in weaponry and defense and is on the mend.
“Not before you’ve had an electrolyte booster.”
She allows me to inject her and then I assist her to her feet. Julie is strong and capable but still requires my help. I walk her to the control room where all the cameras on the outside of Exilium are recording.
“I’m exhausted,” she complains. “I hate feeling so weak.”
“I understand the feeling.”