Arrival

ADIRA

I’m alive.

As the ba’clan swirl around us, covering us, protecting us, I realize something.

In this new world where I am the prey, where my life could be snuffed out at any moment…I am vulnerable.

It’s one thing living life like you have time.

That’s how I used to live before.

But now…

Now I’ve brushed fingers with death too many times.

I know what it is now to really be alive.

And I appreciate it.

I appreciate him.

The symbiotes aren’t swirling around us to protect me only.

They’re protecting him too.

I can see that as I look up at this strange alien before me.

He is…different from the others.

It’s as if I can feel him. Feel his heart beating.

Feel our lives becoming intertwined.

Despite what the Vullan can do, despite the sacrifice I just made, these aliens are offering an even bigger sacrifice.

They are here to save a world that is not their own.

My world.

My home.

I wrap my arms around Fer’ro’s neck and look into those fiery eyes.

“You came after me,” I whisper.

He shouldn’t have.

That was stupid.

But would I have done the same for him?

Yes.

Yes, I would have.

“You were stupid.” His words make me choke on an unexpected chuckle. “Tell me hyu’mankind is not all like you. You could have gotten yourself killed.”

“If it gave you a chance to save my planet, I would do it again.”

Fer’ro’s fangs bare before me but no fear spikes in my spine.

He is angry…at me?

No.

He is being nothing but gentle.

I am cradled in his arms on top of this soft patch of grass.

He is not angry at me.

I sense he is angry at someone else.

Himself.

“Did we do it?” I try to rise but Fer’ro holds me down. “Did we catch it?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?” I ache to think that all I just did could have been in vain.

“We caught it, Adee’ra. Otherwise, I would sense fighting right now.” He glances around us. “It is…calm out there.”

“And the other humans?” I glance around us.

I ca

“Rescued.” He pauses. “The ones that were alive that is.”

My gaze falls.

Of course.

I couldn’t have expected them all to survive that fall.

“What about the female…the woman that was in the water…”

Fer’ro simply looks at me, his gaze doesn’t wane.

“Right.” I gulp hard.

He doesn’t need to say it.

She is probably dead.

I gulp as I look away from him.

Death.

So much death around me.

I won’t ever escape it, will I?

Not until we rid our planet of the scourge that fell upon us.

But I am alive.

I am alive because of only one reason and he is before me right now.

A breath shudders from me and Fer’ro’s gaze moves down my arms.

At this moment, I want to feel that life flowing through me.

Before I can reconsider, I tilt my chin upward.

“Fer’ro…” I whisper. “Don’t be alarmed but…”