Chapter 3

Chapter

Three

R ixx swung his legs over the side of the bed and then winced from the sudden movement. He would need to remember that he was not in his peak form and could not move as quickly as he was accustomed. His bare feet easily touched the floor, the woven rug rough beneath his toes, but he was grateful for the scratchiness after so long in bed.

The female who had taken him in had been generous, but he could not continue to impose on her. Not when he needed to send a message to his ship.

He straightened with fresh resolve and stood up, then collapsed back onto the bed just as quickly when his knees buckled. "Sons of the goddesses."

How was he so weak? He was a Dothvek warrior. He should not be felled so simply. Not that jumping from several stories and falling into burning rubble was simple. Rixx supposed he was lucky to have survived at all, but he was too preoccupied being frustrated to focus on gratitude.

"You shouldn't do that."

Rixx snapped his head up, his gaze landing on a small head poking through the curtain. "You saw that?"

She nodded, her eyes wide.

Rixx realized that he wasn't wearing anything but his leather pants that had been shredded to the point that they exposed most of his legs below the thigh, and his chest was bare. Maybe the child hadn't seen a Dothvek with gold skin and dark markings before. Maybe she hadn't seen a mostly naked male before. "Should you be spying on me?"

Her curious expression morphed instantly into outrage. "I'm not spying. I'm watching you while my mama is gone." Then she slapped a hand over her mouth, as if realizing that she shouldn't have revealed that. "But she'll be back soon."

Rixx fought the urge to laugh at the little girl. What did she think he could do to her if he couldn't stand? "You do not need to fear me. I have no intention of hurting you."

The fear in her eyes faded. "Mama says that you aren't a danger but that I shouldn't bother you." She hesitated. "Am I bothering you?"

Rixx jerked his head up and made a clicking sound in the back of his throat. The girl just stared at him, so he added, "You aren't bothering me."

"Good." She stepped further into the room and let the curtain fall behind her. "I'm not supposed to bother you. Mama says you need to get lots of rest to heal up."

Rixx thought about how long he'd been resting in the bed. Long enough for his ship to leave him behind. "I think I have rested enough. I have also caused you and your mama enough trouble."

"It hasn't been any trouble." The girl took a tentative step forward and brushed one of her dark braids off her shoulder. "Mama and I don't mind sharing my loft upstairs."

He glanced down. "Am I sleeping in your mother's bed?"

She shrugged. "It's the only one on the ground level, and you were too heavy for us to drag up the ladder."

His face warmed. What had he done to deserve this kindness and sacrifice? The woman did not know him, nor did she know of his people. She had seen someone injured and had made the decision to save him, even though it meant giving up her own room. "I am grateful to you both." Then he cocked his head at her. "But I do not know who I owe thanks. What is your name?"

The girl puffed out her chest. "Zala."

Rixx pulled himself to his full height and gave her as much of a bow as he could manage while still seated. "Thank you for your kindness, Zala. I owe you and your mother a great debt."

Her round cheeks flushed. "You're welcome. Mama says that some people were kind to us when we needed help so we should do the same." She nibbled her bottom lip. "I don't know if anyone had to hide us because bad guys were looking for us like they're looking for you…"

"Are you scared the bad guys will find me?"

She paused and seemed to hold her breath before she vigorously shook her head. "Mama says that as long as we keep our secrets that no one will know you're here." She lowered her voice to a whisper. "And I'm very good at keeping secrets."

"I am again in your debt for keeping me a secret, but I promise that I will not let any bad guys hurt you or your mama."

She nodded but did not seem convinced. Since she'd seen him fail at his attempt to stand, he did not blame her for not believing his promise to defend her. He knew he would die trying, but for the first time in his existence, he was not certain that he would prevail in a battle. That made him square his shoulders and take a deep breath, more determined than ever to regain his strength.

Before he could heave himself to his feet, the curtain swung back, and Zala jumped as she whirled around to face the intruder.

"What do you think you're doing?"