Warriors of the tribe in lines through the thickening forest. The Chief was ahead, flanked by his guards. He didn't look back to check on his newly acquired guests to know his orders were being followed, though the term 'followed' was loosely applied.
Anoké walked by Nova's side, too close for comfort. Purposely too close. He was trying to unnerve her. But the warrior seemed to forget that this pale face wasn't the same as she had been almost a year before. She'd dealt with dangers beyond his imagination.
He was close enough that she could feel the heat of his body through the humid jungle air. Close enough that the faint brush of his arm against hers was deliberate. Do not react. His steps were silent, measured, predatory, nothing like the heavier tread of the warriors escorting them.
Nova kept her gaze forward, jaw set, shoulders square. The Chief's son would tire soon. He couldn't go against his father's order.
