Page 40 of Forbidden Frost

A glowing orb, this one tinted red, zips over my head. I saw blue ones before we were attacked. I don't know what they are, except the herald trouble. Up ahead there are voices. I tilt my head and listen more intently, but I don’t recognize the language—which is unusual for me, as I have a good ear for languages and can swear fluently in over twenty, a side effect of growing up on a heavily trafficked cargo station. I creep closer, determined to shoot the lot of them.

I can't hear the snarling of beasts or my team anymore. I glance back the way I came… At least I think that's the way I came. Panic flares in my chest, but I refuse to give in to it. I shouldn't have given into the anger that led me on this merry hunt. But if I don't find out who attacked us and stop them, who will?

Through the trees I glimpse a fire. And while I don't understand the words, I understand their laughter too well. To them we are sport, a bit of fun to liven up the evening.

I edge closer, hugging the shadows. My heart is pounding, making my ribs ache. This is not the worst situation I've ever been in, even though I'm here without backup. I almost laugh. There aren't enough humans left in my team for them to be called backup.

How many of us will survive the attack?

It wouldn't be fair if Leah is killed when she's found a hot alien to take care of her. She could do a lot worse—not that I’m envious. I don’t need to be taken care of.

But what if I'm the only one to survive, because I ran off to hunt down the people who sent the beasts into our camp?

I don't want to spend my life alone on this seemingly beautiful but hostile planet.

I peer around a tree to study the figures around the fire. But they aren't standing around a fire. They are the fire.