From the Ashes

CHAPTER TEN

Dragon leads the way, and I stay close behind him. At least he acts like he knows where he's going, and for some reason that makes a difference. The wind is raw and severe, whipping across the frozen landscape. The icy air stabs at my lungs and tears at my throat. I want to stop already, but force myself to push on through the thin, dry air.

I can't stop shivering. My teeth hurt from chattering. I have no idea how long we've been walking, but it feels like hours.

Dead trees surround us. There's no steady rhythm to this world and it's unsettling.

It's been hard to keep my mouth shut. Hard not to complain. But as team leader, I have to set the example and accept the situation. I should be glad nothing has attacked us yet.

Dragon's a few steps ahead of me. His dark hair is dotted with white, sparkling snowflakes, and it's hard to deny how handsome he is.

"Dragon," I say, catching up to him.

He turns his head to me, yet his eyes are still distant.

"Do you think we should look for a place to stop? I'm not sure how long we can take this." A shiver shoots through me and I scrunch up my shoulders, bracing myself for another chilling onslaught of wind.

"Sounds like a plan," he replies. "I haven't seen a place we could stop though."

The land is flat. Now that I think about it, there hasn't been a single hill or cave in sight. There's not the slightest indication of a change in altitude around.

I'm so cold.

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the sudden desire to stand next to Dragon and feel his warmth.

"Do you have any idea where the other teams might be?" I ask, just trying to keep the conversation going.

"Not any more than you do." He keeps his eyes down as he trudges forward through the snow.

"Na'lav, it's cold," I mutter.

"No kidding."

He's shivering, too. A cloud of mist escapes his mouth and I wonder if I would melt in the heat of his lips if I could touch them.

IN THE NAME OF THE GALAXY. What the shaav is wrong with me!?

"Hey guys," Dragon announces, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Keep an eye out for a place to stop. If you see something, let us know."

"Yes sir," Seth responds mechanically.

"I don't know about you, but I'm dying for some action." I shift my attention forward, trying to end the awkward moment I've created in my head. I wonder what he'd say if he knew the things I thought about him. He'd be creeped out, I'm sure.

"Careful what you wish for," Dragon says. A smile brushes his lips. "But I feel the same way. Anything to take my mind off this cold."

I try to think of something else to say that wouldn't embarrass me, but Xana's voice cuts me off.

"I can't believe you, Liam."

"I'm not asking you to believe me," Liam argues, his voice sounding whinier than ever.

I take a deep breath, struggling to control my frustration. They've been bickering on and off for the past who knows how many hours.

"You want to go back there and make sure they don't kill each other, or should I?" Dragon asks.

"I'd be glad to lead for a while; maybe you can sort out their problems." I'm not in the mood for Liam right now.

Dragon takes in the forest around us, making sure the coast is clear then looks at me. "Sure, sounds good. Keep an eye out for predators."