Page 37 of Black Mamba

Levy threads the fingers through his short shaggy hair. “Yeah, well, given the circumstances, it’s good to know you’re still alive. We’ve been trying to give you your space…” His lips twitch. “As for Greg, it’s as safe down there as it is right here. He has a whistle with him if things go sour. I’ll hear it.”

I briefly look at the trees behind him and the looming shadows between them. “Yeah, but the nagas…”

Levy frowns. “Have they continued to bother you? We’ve been watching but haven’t seen them. Not since that day.”

“No. I… Aren’t you afraid of them?”

“Yeah, at first. But that fear kind of subsided by how easily Greg took out the one that had you.” He shrugs. “The others have left us alone after they brought you back. I stopped being so afraid of them when they insisted that Greg and I help you. How’s your arm, by the way?”

I reach up and rub my shoulder. “Still hurts like hell.”

“Yeah, well, it’s only been a couple of days. Just keep resting it. Actually, that’s one of the reasons I wanted to check on you. How are you doing with food and water? Do you have enough for now?”

Slipping my hand from my shoulder, I shuffle on my feet, a little annoyed males keep showing up asking if I’m okay. “I’m fine on food for the time being but my water stores are depleting.” I’m not sure if telling him this will help me, but I don’t think sharing such information won’t change anything for the worse. He isn’t as afraid of the nagas as I think he should be, I’m also less afraid of him and Greg. “Why?”

“Greg and I have been carrying buckets of water from the river to refill our ship’s stores. I was going to offer to fetch you some if you needed any. There’s no sense going without water when we have such a large quantity nearby.”

“Oh… um…” Do I want his help? Do I need water badly enough right now?

“Look, I know you’re probably scared—I don’t even know what happened with you and the nagas and I won’t pry—but I just wanted to tell you that you don’t have to be as frightened. If you don’t want to leave your ship to get water right now, whether your arm is good or not, I understand. I can help. Greg can too. Neither of us will hurt you. You didn’t have to lie about having a brother.”

“I… Uh, thank you.” I cross my arms again, considering him. “That’s really nice of you.”

Levy smiles and it emphasizes his shallow laugh lines. “It’s what I would hope someone would do for me if the positions were switched. So, should I go fetch you some water, Elena?” His smile widens and it makes me wonder if he’s… flirting with me?

“No!” I say a little too quickly. “No. I’m good for now. I’ll be good for a little while.”

He cocks a brow. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, as long as I keep to towel baths.” I laugh lightly, nervously.

“I’d suggest bathing in the river, but you might not be comfortable with that.”

My lips flatten. “No.”

He threads his fingers through his hair again and looks around. “Well then, I’ll check back in with you soon. I’m glad you’re doing okay, Elena. I really am.”

“I—thanks. Me too.”

He hesitates before leaving but turns back to me. “By the way, there’s a pile of stuff outside your hatch. It’s been there for the past two days. I think it must have been dropped off by one of those nagas.”

“There’s stuff?”

“Yeah. A folded white blanket, a bunch of clothes, toiletries, some bottles of alcohol. They look like they would be yours.”

My eyes widen and my lips part. My belongings from the cave!

“Thanks,” I tell Levy again. “I’ll take care of it.”

“All right, see you… then.” He waves awkwardly.

I wave back and watch as he vanishes behind my ship.

When Levy’s gone and it seems like I’m alone, I scurry to my ship’s hatch. If my stuff is out there, I want it. I miss my toiletries, blanket, and books. Especially the blanket and books.

I take a deep breath, opening and closing the hand of my good arm in anticipation. “I command the AI to open the hatch.”

There’s a woosh as the door slides along the side of the ship. Shielding my eyes against the sunlight, I take a couple tentative steps forward, making sure I’m still alone.