51. Preview of Emerald

51

Preview of Emerald

Kroaicho

I return to the enclave with my arms full—an array of gleaming rocks, stalactites, and other shiny treasures gathered meticulously from the deeper cave systems. Each piece is carefully chosen; each represents a piece of a hoard I am building back after losing so much in this foreign place.

I cradle them close to my chest, feeling their solid weight, and imagine how they will gleam under the pale glow of the bioluminescent mushrooms scattered throughout the cave. They are humble beginnings, yes, but even a small hoard can eventually grow into something vast and worthy.

As I near the enclave, a sudden absence registers—a cold, creeping emptiness that sends a jolt through my core. The human. I sense it immediately. I lower the rocks gently, my body twitching to full alert. The atmosphere is wrong and unbalanced.

I scan the darkened cave, my eyes narrowing into slits as I process the space. No Olivia. No muttered insults or sarcastic quips echoing in the damp air.

Just silence.

My nostrils flare, drawing in the cool, musty cave air, searching for zha's scent. Thankfully, it hasn't faded yet. Zha is nearby, but moving away—fast. I grind my teeth and clack together my tusks, my jaw tightening with irritation.

Zha is always trying to escape. Always complicating things. Why does zha make everything so difficult?

I drop to all six limbs and break into a dead sprint, my claws clicking against the damp stone as I dart through the narrow passages. The echo of my own breath reverberates against the walls, but I ignore it, focusing on the scent trail winding its way through the cave network. Zha is heading deeper into the caverns, toward more treacherous terrain. I push myself harder, muscles burning as I weave through the maze-like tunnels.

Stupid, impulsive human.

The scent grows stronger, and soon, I reach a familiar section of the cave. My momentum slows as I near a portion with a glassy, slippery rock floor, a naturally dangerous area even for creatures as agile as myself. I approach cautiously, claws gripping the wet stone.

The dim light from the bioluminescent fungi reveals zha's prone form a few feet away from a massive chasm, zha's body is limp and dangerously close to the edge. My irritation spikes, followed by a tight, uncomfortable feeling I can't quite identify.

"Foolish, foolish human…" I mutter under my breath as I approach zha's still form.

Zha's eyes are closed, breathing steady—unconscious. I stand over zha, my shadows stretching across the glossy rock. I should leave zha here, and let zha learn the consequences of zha's reckless actions. But my body moves before my thoughts can catch up. I reach down and scoop Olivia up, tucking zha against my chest.

Zha is so light, fragile even.

Almost immediately, zha shifts closer, seeking warmth. Zha's small body presses against mine, head nestling against my skin. My bioluminescence flickers, shifting into a deep purple, a reaction I quickly tamp down.

I glance down at zha, feeling my lips pushing against my tusks to reflect my annoyance. Zha needs a companion to tell zha not to wander. I think back to the one that was with Olivia and my body slumps.

Two humans? It is the only way to get peace, I realize.

"This is why a hoard never includes pets," I grumble, my voice a low rumble in the silence. "Never."