The Starlight Lancer

Chapter 103: Scars

"Attractiveness gets you places."

—Fashion Model Tora Tobad

The next morning Zaina woke up refreshed but still uncertain about her path forward on this mission. Was there even a way to help the enclave? Neither side seemed interested in finding another course of action. War seemed inevitable.

Zaina put aside her worries long enough to make a cup of instant gamba, and after taking her first sip she wished she'd taken the time to heat the water. The bitter taste was fine, but lukewarm gamba wasn't her thing. She nibbled on a dried berry cracker and considered her next move.

She knew she'd get more information working the dig-site, but she'd be more of an asset protecting the enclave—and she imagined some of the warriors had to be in the know on things, too. Then again, what did information matter? If Sivanya was being honest about her intentions Zaina already had all the information she was going to get.

After slogging through her disappointing cup of gamba Zaina walked outside and raised her arms above her head to stretch. To her surprise, Sivanya was waiting.

"Good morning," she greeted Zaina. "I hope you slept well."

She has to be suspicious of something, right? I mean, I doubt every single person inducted into the enclave gets this sort of attention.

"I did, thank you very much. You weren't waiting for me to wake up, were you?"

Sivanya chuckled. "You're a new marked. I figured you'd sleep for about eight hours. I attended to some business, and then I came back."

"Well, thank you," Zaina said. "I appreciate you looking out for me."

"It's no problem at all. Every single person who comes here deserves a chance to become a contributor—someone who helps their fellow marked. That's what I think, anyway."

Zaina nodded. "To be honest, I still haven't made up my mind."

"Understandable. It's a lot to take in all at once. That's why I've arranged something special for us today."

Zaina perked up, both curious and anxious. "What's that?"

"We'll be joining Rasmus and his troupe on forest patrol," she said with a coy grin. "You can see what it takes to defend our home—and then, tomorrow, we'll work the excavation."

"We?" Zaina asked.

"Yes. I'll be accompanying you on both days. Truth be told, I've missed patrol duty. I've spent most of my time lately on the dig site."

Zaina frowned. "Is there any other reason you want to come with?"

Sivanya's smile faded. "I do want to keep an eye on you, Zaina Quin. Your mark is born of the Eldritch—if it takes control back, it could endanger the entire enclave."

Somehow, that felt worse than being suspected of siding with the unmarked. "But—"

Sivanya raised a hand. "I believe in innocence until proven otherwise. I will not condemn you for what you run from—and if your intentions are honest, I believe you'll be able to live a life of peace here. So cheer up—you've said all the right things so far."

Unsure of what to say, Zaina let a nod suffice.

"Come, now," Sivanya said. "Rasmus awaits us."

Zaina walked alongside the enclave's leader as she led them back toward the dig-site. A thin fog clung to the forest floor, and sunlight danced through the leaves.