10

If you tried measuring me by my fears,

you’d need a longer stick.

The sun’s rays blazed through the window, painting streaks of gold across the bedroom. Khalani groaned into her pillow, her forehead damp. She rubbed her eyes, yawning deeply.

“How long have we been asleep?” she muttered, turning to Serene, only to find her side of the bed empty.

Frowning, Khalani swung her legs over the edge, standing on the grey carpeted floor. She eased the bedroom door open, wincing at the loud creak.

As it swung open, it collided with the soft pink walls of the hallway. Khalani poked her head out, expecting to see the others, but the house was silent. Still.

“Hello?”

Her footsteps were muffled on the carpet as she wandered through the house, the white sheets still draped over the furniture.

“Serene? Adan? Derek? Takeshi? Brock?” she called out.

The answering quiet was tangible.

An eerie shuffle on the porch made her heart race. A shadow of feet appeared under the front door. She waited for something to happen, a knock or shout, but the dark shadow just stayed there.

Her chest heaved with uneven breaths, but she shook her head, trying not to panic.

It’s probably just Brock.

With a swift motion, she flung the door open.

But it was just Takeshi’s large silhouette standing outside, staring out at the town with his hands on his hips.

“You scared me,” she breathed out, releasing a nervous laugh. “Where is everyone?”

Takeshi slowly turned. But his face wasn’t his own—it belonged to Alexander Huxley.

Khalani’s eyes went wide, her muscles clenching tight as steel blue eyes locked onto hers, draining the color from her face.

Scream.

She needed to scream.

It was the only way to release the endless horror ripping through her veins. But her mouth clamped shut, like an iron muzzle had slammed over her face.

“Are you sure you’re asking the right questions?” he sneered.

His pale blue eyes held her captive, a magnet drawing her deeper into an endless abyss.

Khalani suddenly jolted awake, her body drenched in sweat, and her heart pounding.

She frantically glanced over, and Serene was fast asleep in the bed.

Khalani placed a hand over her chest to steady her heavy breathing. After a minute, she quietly crawled out of bed, her muscles stiff. But when Khalani opened the door, she nearly jumped out of her skin.

Takeshi sat outside the doorway, his back resting against the grey couch, its white sheet flung haphazardly onto the floor. One leg was sprawled out and the other bent as he deftly flipped an obsidian blade between his fingers.

Just how many weapons did he have hidden?

Khalani regarded him longer than she should’ve. Takeshi still hadn’t removed his black gear. The way they pulled at his muscles, the casual messiness of his hair, and the deadly focus in his gaze when he tilted his head made her inhale sharply.

“What are you doing on the floor?”

“He’s been sitting there the entire time,” Adan popped around the corner, dressed in dark green sweatpants and a plain white T-shirt. “I don’t think Brock’s gotten any sleep either.”

Adan nodded toward the other side of the couch where Brock was indeed doing push-ups on the floor, his grunts of exertion audible.

“Why?” she asked.

“Someone needs to keep watch,” Brock grumbled, springing to his feet. “I don’t trust these people. I tried going outside, but our two watchdogs made me come back in. She still asleep?”

Khalani instantly knew who he was referring to. “Yeah, Serene’s still in bed. Should I wake her?”

“No.” His voice was firmer. “She needs the rest.” Brock swallowed, and just like that, his expression turned cold before he retreated down the hall.

Her brows pulled low and her gaze flickered to Takeshi, who hadn’t stopped watching her since she emerged from the bedroom.

“What?” She shifted awkwardly. “Do I look like a mess or something?”

“Or something.”

Khalani wanted to press him for his thoughts, but with her wild hair and sunken eyes, he probably thought she looked terrible.

“They still out there?” Khalani nodded toward the front door.

“Yes.”

“Great. We’re stuck in another prison,” she huffed, sliding down the white wall across from Takeshi. She stretched her legs, the satisfying cracks and pops echoing back to her.

Takeshi didn’t respond, just kept methodically rolling the blade between his fingertips.

How he managed to not cut himself was one of life’s greatest mysteries.

“Were you really out here all night?” she asked. “You didn’t sleep at all?”

“I had to make sure no one was going to sneak in and attack.”

She blinked, unable to contain her next question.

“And what would you have done if that happened?”

The atmosphere shifted, and Takeshi slowly lifted his gaze, his dark eyes ensnaring hers.

“Whatever you think I’d do, I assure you it’d be far worse.”

Her next breath came faster while Takeshi stole glances at the door, as if he were hoping for a chance to put his blade to use.

“Do you think they’ll bring us some food?” Adan interrupted, plopping down next to her. “I’m starving and it’s late.”

“Late? We slept through the day?”

“You were tired.”

“And they haven’t returned our packs yet?”

“No,” Takeshi answered grimly, tightening his grip on the blade.

“But look at the town.” Adan gestured around him. “They have to feed these people somehow. We even have tins of water in our kitchen, so there must be a well nearby.”

“Well, that’s good. At least we have water.” She tried to sound hopeful.

“Or,” Brock interjected from around the corner, “they’re trying to lull us into a false sense of security because they’re cannibals and plan on eating us.”

They all shot him sidelong glares.

“Dude.” Adan grimaced. “Really?”

“I don’t think I’m hungry anymore.” Her lips twisted as she folded her arms around her knees.

If anyone stared at her limbs too long, she’d find a way to bolt over the walls.

Brock shrugged and moved to sit beside her, but Takeshi shifted his long legs, blocking him.

Brock rolled his eyes. “Territorial much?”

“Don’t know what you mean. I’m just stretching my legs.” Takeshi’s tone was forebodingly serene as he continued twirling the blade.

The silence extended, and Khalani nearly jumped as the front door creaked open.

The man with long hair cascading down his back stepped inside, a hard scowl embedded on his face.

“The Chief wants you to join us for dinner. But you all stink and I can’t have you bringing that stench into our hall.” His nose wrinkled. “Take a shower and change into the clothes left for you.” He gestured to a bundle of beige clothes on the couch

“A shower?” Her eyes widened.

She hadn’t showered since Braderhelm.

The days on the road, under the sweltering sun, had been unforgiving. The only small comfort was that they’d all grown so accustomed to the smell, it barely registered anymore.

“Where does the water come from?” Derek asked, emerging from the hallway, his expression one of scientific curiosity.

“We have wells that feed from the river. Any other questions?”

“Yeah, you mentioned food. What kind of food?” Adan hedged.

“We mostly eat canned food from raids. Beans. Tomatoes. Beef stew.”

“No humans?” Adan asked, and Khalani elbowed him in the side.

“No.” The hate in the man’s eyes intensified. “Hurry up. You have an hour to get ready, or you don’t eat.” The seething guard slammed the door shut, shaking the picture frames on the wall.

“You just had to piss the man off,” Derek grumbled.

“Blame him for putting the idea of people eating us in my head.” Adan pointed at Brock.

“Could still happen,” Brock replied. “I wouldn’t let your feet dangle over the bed tonight if you know what’s good for you.”

Adan paled, and Khalani leaned over.

“Don’t listen to him,” she said before laboring to her feet.

She crossed the room to the bundle of clothes left on the couch. The fabric was lightweight and the color of sand. There was even underwear and a bra.

Her lips curved into a slight smile as she inhaled the fresh scent of the fabric. After living months in Braderhelm, clean clothes were a rare and unexpected gift.

An hour later, they were all showered, clean, and stood in the living room, wearing the clothing laid out for them—though their captors didn’t appear to have anything Takeshi’s size. The shirt that was long on everyone else ended slightly above his hip.

Khalani’s gaze lingered on the small stretch of golden skin just beneath his abs for what felt like too long. She quickly looked away, opting to have a love affair with the ceiling instead.

The brusque guard came back, shooting death glares their way as he gestured for them to leave.

When Khalani walked outside, she noticed groups of people in tan garments emerging from their houses. They carried themselves proudly, waltzing along the street and grinning ear to ear as if they possessed all the time in the world.

Some kids played with a ball outside, their laughter echoing in the air. But as soon as Khalani’s group approached, the parents quickly ushered their children away.

With the afternoon light, they had a much better view of the Desert Spring.

The brightly colored houses all had strange metal casings on the roofs that reflected the sun. There were no broken-down cars or crumbling buildings, just charming homes, neatly manicured lawns and smiling residents.

Despite this, the gnawing pressure in her chest refused to subside.

Something made her glance over her shoulder as more people eyed her with strange expressions. The guards posted on the walls watched them from above, and she fought the urge to turn and barricade herself back inside the house.

“What are your names?” Serene’s voice cut through Khalani’s troubled thoughts.

“I’m Ferren,” said the man with the ponytail. “And this is Jared.” He gestured to his burly partner with long black hair, who grunted in response.

Ferren and Jared didn’t say anything else as they stiffly led them toward a large log cabin. Inside, the room was packed with what appeared to be a hundred people sitting at two long wooden tables. An array of men, women, and children chatted and laughed, their plates empty.

But as soon as they walked in, the crowd’s noise quieted to a low hum of whispers and hard stares.

Parents gathered their children close.

A few men standing guard shifted the tips of their spears closer to their chests. Khalani tried to muster a reassuring smile, but it felt fragile and inadequate.

No one appeared to be eyeing her limbs in a ravenous way, though.

The positives were overwhelming.

The Chief stood in the back of the room, at a head table.

“These are our guests of the Desert Spring. You’ll treat them with respect,” she announced, her commanding voice cutting through the whispers. “However, if you see them attempting to escape, alert a warrior immediately and they’ll be speared to the gates at daybreak. Now, please, sit and eat.”

With that wonderful, not at all terrifying introduction, the Chief settled into her seat, and one by one, figures emerged from a back room, carrying bowls of food.

Ferren gestured their group toward the nearest wooden table. But when they sat, a family of three quickly scooted as far away as possible.

She shifted in her seat, palms itching, muscles pulled tight into knots, when the little girl with black pigtails next to her appeared on the verge of tears.

“Hi,” Khalani smiled at the girl. “What’s your name?”

The little girl’s face turned red, and her chin trembled. She scrambled into her father’s lap, and the family abruptly stood. They moved to another table, shooting her looks of disdain.

What just happened?

Ferren set a steaming bowl of broth in front of her. The scent wasn’t unpleasant, but she grimaced at the appearance.

“Where does the food come from?” Serene asked, eyeing her bowl warily.

“We raid the nearby ruins,” Ferren replied, setting bowls in front of Takeshi and Brock. “The old cities have plenty of stockpiled food that could feed thousands. Eat up.”

The brown color and strange lumps of meat in the broth made her uneasy. But after months of dreadful prison ‘food’ and tiny ration bars on the surface, she was desperate for an actual meal.

Ignoring the rusty spoon, she lifted the bowl to her mouth, only for a large hand to set it down.

She looked up at the culprit sitting across from her. An endless black pit resided in Takeshi’s eyes, and she met him with an equally stormy scowl.

“What do you think you’re—”

“Tell me what’s in this,” Takeshi asked Ferren, ignoring her.

“It’s canned beef stew raided from the city,” Ferren replied. “As I mentioned earlier.”

“Eat it then,” Takeshi demanded.

“If we wanted to kill you,” Jared said, stepping closer with his arms crossed, “there are much easier ways to do so.”

Takeshi’s granite expression stayed stagnant as he stared at them.

They didn’t realize that arguing with Takeshi was akin to yelling at the ground to stop being hard.

After a tense silence, Ferren dipped a spoon into Khalani’s broth and brought it to his mouth for a taste.

“Satisfied?” he asked after swallowing, his throat bobbing.

Takeshi scrutinized him for a long moment before nodding.

“You sure are paranoid,” Serene griped before diving into her food.

Khalani wasted no time eating either. She barely took a breath, gulping everything down. Even if the food was poisoned, she still might’ve gone for another bite.

“We stay alive by questioning everything,” Brock answered, agreeing with Takeshi for once.

When they finished eating, the Chief approached, her maroon cloak floating gracefully behind her. She walked with such grace and poise that Khalani straightened in her seat.

“Come. I will take you to see your friend now.”

***

The Chief led them into a light blue house, one of the few two-story homes in the town. Inside, the house looked well-lived in and clean with shiny wooden floors and creamy leather furniture. They passed a white kitchen with stacks of canned food on every counter.

They followed the Chief up blue carpeted stairs with pictures of a happy family lining the wall.

When they reached the top of the stairs, they entered a warm room where two women wearing long white dresses leaned over a small bed. Khalani’s heart skipped a beat when she recognized the small figure beneath the sheets.

“Winnie!” She rushed forward, crouching by her side.

Winnie lay still under the covers, her pale cheeks almost blending with the white fabric. She wore a clean white shirt, with fresh bandages covering her shoulder. But her eyes were closed, and her hands rested motionless by her sides.

One of the women, middle-aged with dark skin and black hair, was attending to Winnie’s bandages. The other looked slightly younger, with blonde hair tied in a low ponytail. Contrary to most of the people she’d seen in the Desert Spring, her pale skin nearly matched Khalani’s.

The younger woman checked Winnie’s temperature as the Chief asked, “How is she, Ari?”

The blonde girl gave an exacerbated sigh. “You have a knack for bringing them in half-dead, don’t you, Penn?”

“Ari.”

“She’s stable…for now. We’ve managed to reduce the fever and used some antibiotics for the infection. We’ll see if they take.” Ari washed her hands in a basin.

“Antibiotics?” Derek straightened, lines etched in his forehead. “Where did you get them? All the ones from the Great Collapse would’ve expired by now.”

Ari shot a panicked glance to the Chief, who interjected. “We get them from raids. Some of the medicine from the Great Collapse remains effective. Now, you can see we’re caring for your friend, and she’s alive. It’s time for you to return to the house.”

Khalani immediately pulled back.

“No. I wanna stay with her.” Her chest felt like it was going to cave in at the thought of leaving Winnie again.

“What her body needs right now is rest,” Ari spoke fervently, placing a hand on her shoulder. “We won’t let any harm come to her.”

She gulped, a lump forming in her throat, but Serene clutched her hand and squeezed.

“Come, Khalani. There’s nothing more we can do right now.”

Her neck hung as she rested her other hand on Winnie’s. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall in front of their captors.

A few tense moments passed before she reluctantly stood, kissing Winnie’s cold cheek. “I won’t be far, Winnie. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

Khalani wiped her nose. What surprised her was when the others, even Brock and Takeshi, touched Winnie’s leg or arm, their stares gleaming with sadness, affection, and…love. It looked like love.

The Chief regarded them with an odd gaze as they held Winnie close and quietly left the house.

Night had fallen, and torches illuminated the path.

“Why do you have men patrolling the walls around the clock?” Brock asked.

The Chief’s gaze remained fixed ahead. “They’re on constant watch for Sinners.”

“What’s so dangerous about the Sinners?”

The Chief’s shoulders tensed, her posture as rigid as the walls that surrounded them.

“The Sinners aren’t merely a threat—they are predators intent on extinguishing the Desert Spring. They torment their young and cast them out into the desert. Had they found you as we did, they would’ve eaten you alive.”

“You mean in the metaphorical sense,” Serene pressed.

“No. The literal sense,” the Chief replied, her voice cutting through the brisk air. “We keep a watch and train our warriors daily because Ansel is waiting for the right time to attack.”

“Who’s Ansel?” Derek asked.

“The leader of the Sinners,” the Chief spat, her jaw clenching. “A spawn of the devil who has been trying to conquer our walls for years.”

“And if he does?” Khalani’s voice trembled with apprehension.

“We will prevail. We have no other choice.”

“But if you let us leave for Hermes, we can bring you back more weapons to fight—”

“No,” the Chief snapped, halting in the middle of the road. “The moon goddess watches over us. Stronger weapons or not, she won’t let us fall.” She tilted her head back, but the pale moon didn’t provide any divine reassurances.

When the Chief walked away, Brock scoffed.

“They’re definitely going to die.”

She happened to agree.

From her short, tragic existence, Khalani knew all too well that looking to some mysterious force for saving was a foolish effort.

They’d be waiting until the Earth claimed their graves.

There appeared to be more families than warriors in the Desert Spring, and if they were attacked, she wasn’t confident they would all survive.

The bigger problem was that Khalani and the others were trapped inside the walls with them.