Ka'Cit's Haven (Riv’s Sanctuary #3)

Did he just say fun?

She opened her mouth to ask him what he meant by “fun” when the ship suddenly jerked forward before it rose in the air and turned in a wide arc.

Ka’Cit punched a few more buttons.

“Destination: Hudo III. Estimated time of arrival: Two clicks,” the ship said.

In front of them, the ramp was already partially open, but the gap didn’t seem big enough for them to fit through.

Nia gripped the control panel just as the shuttle shot forward.

They barely fit through the narrow gap.

“Let’s get you out of here, ta’ii.”

20

It was only when they were zooming away that Nia’s shoulders finally sagged.

There were no explosions behind them.

No one was giving chase.

Was it really over?

She glanced at Ka’Cit.

If it wasn’t for him, would she have made it this far?

He’d appeared at the right time, helped her through a difficult situation, and his presence had kept her calm.

She was staring his way, wondering how she was going to thank him, when he glanced at her.

What now?

“I…uh…” she began. But he couldn’t understand her. He probably never would be able to.

Still, she should thank him anyway.

It was the least she could do.

“Thank you, Ka’Cit.” His hand was resting on the controls and she leaned forward and placed hers over his. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

He seemed to freeze underneath her touch.

“I…I don’t know how to let you know that I’m grateful. I’m indebted to you. For all you did. You risked your life to come after me. You kept me warm when I was cold. Shielded me when people were trying to kill me.” She almost began tearing up and her throat went dry.

The situation had been more strenuous than she’d realized.

Releasing his hand, she leaned back in her seat, staring at the nothingness before them.

Space was really a dark void.

It looked like there was nothing out there.

No worlds teeming with life. No people. No Earth.

“Sorry.” She wiped her eyes. “What a time to get emotional, huh.”