Sinth Stalker - Pearl Tate Page 0,2

it out of my mind because I’m sure it means nothing.

But I’m happy. I don’t think that’s just because I’m getting to go swimming by myself … again. It’s the circumstances. The tangible freedom I now possess. It makes me … excited.

For the first time since I’ve been here, my feet pick up speed on the small game trail I follow to the hot springs. Twigs and leaves crunch under my feet, but unlike earlier today when I skulked through the woods hoping to find something I could take down with my bow, I make more noise, wanting all the creatures to be chased away from the area. It’s my way of saying, this is my place now. Go away.

Circling around the small ten-foot-wide spring, I settle my bundle of supplies on the lower flat rock. All-natural utilitarian shampoo, conditioner, and soap are laid out on the flattest part. I came prepared.

I may be handy and living off the land, but I’m not going to attempt to make soap. Come on. A girl has to have her limits.

I take off my clothing, folding it and placing it neatly on the large boulder, before lowering myself into the steaming hot water. Perfect. My tits float out in front of me obscenely, and I ignore them.

They’re the final remaining remnant of all the weight I used to carry around. I’ve only lost about fifty pounds—although that was before I came out here. I can’t say I’ve noticed my clothing becoming looser yet, but let’s hope I don’t lose too much weight and need clothes. It’s not like there’s a hardware or clothing store nearby. I’d have to chop off part of the rope I use to lower the water bucket into the well to use as a belt.

The thought has me chuckling as I reach over for my favorite book. I only brought three to the house since I had to keep my supplies to the bare minimum, but they’re the three that I’m sure I’ll be able to keep reading over and over. They transport me to a happy place where dreams come true and love really exists. In other words … not real life.

CHAPTER TWO

- Jaxtyn

I’ve spent the past six of Earth’s daily rotations, since I left my squad member Nikon, traveling through Iceland’s heavy forests. Until we were assigned to this continent, I’d wanted to come. Now, I realize, I wanted to be here … meaning Iceland. But once we’d settled into the residence the Earth Humans call a motel, I was immediately restless and ready to go.

To where? I’m not even sure. I just felt like something was calling me … pulling me.

Now, I believe the draw was to the raging mountain they call Hengill, which has been spewing smoky ash and fire on and off for the last six Earth days. It’s incredible and not something I’ve ever had the chance to see up close.

I did end up circling the mountain a little, drawn by an unidentifiable pull to the other side of the great, rumbling tower of rock, as I phased in and out of my dimension to more quickly cross the great distance it took to finally get here.

As a Sinth Guardian, my squad came to Earth to look for a missing member named Mavin. He’d called Payak, our squad leader, saying he was coming to Earth to follow up on “something that would change everything.” According to his partner Trus, who until recently has been totally out of touch, there was much more going on than we realized. Now, all the pieces are finally falling into place—

Ding, ding.

The high-pitched tone of my unregistered communication device notifies me that my only living “relative” is trying to touch base with me. I’d sent him the ping earlier in the day. It’s just as well I get this conversation over with because he isn’t going to like all of what I have to say.

“Purlogh, greetings.” I stop walking, sinking down on a large fallen tree trunk. The air around me is thick with moisture, making my voice breathless as I speak for the first time in days.

I can hear scraping on the other side as Purlogh answers me. “Jaxtyn! Excellent, you answered. I was concerned I wouldn’t hear from you right away. What have you found out?”

Right to the point, I note. This is exactly why I don’t bother to check in with my Predecessor very often. Usually, it’s the other way around in the Sinth society.