Primordial World: Book 6 (The Primeval Series) by Baileigh Higgins

Author:Baileigh Higgins [Higgins, Baileigh]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2024-04-29T00:00:00+00:00

15

Chapter 15 - Ridley

Ridley stirred in her sleep as the first rays of dawn forced their way through the drawn curtains. Her eyes fluttered open, taking in the confines of her room, bed, the rough stone walls, and the empty bunk bed that belonged to Kira.

Her heart constricted at the sight. The sheets were smooth and untouched, the pillow neat, and a woolen blanket neatly folded at the bottom. Kira hadn’t slept there the night before, and it saddened Ridley more than she could bear. She’d hoped to put their minor spat behind them by now.

“At least I still have you, boy,” she said, greeting Loki. He was stretched out on the floor next to her bed, snoring softly. She ruffled his fur, and he cracked open a single eyelid. Deciding it was far too early, he closed it again and ignored her ministrations.

“Ugh, whatever,” Ridley said, climbing out of bed. “Spoiled brat.”

She stepped over his recumbent form and made her way to the nightstand, where a jug of water and a porcelain bowl were arranged. She poured some water into the bowl and splashed her face before she washed the rest of her body with a wet cloth and a sliver of soap. As much as she craved a hot shower, it wasn’t her turn. Water was strictly rationed to avoid overworking the solar-powered pumps and depleting the well.

The touch of cold water against her skin was a shock, but it cleared the last vestiges of sleep from her brain. Wide-eyed and alert, she dried off and pulled on a soft leather tunic, matching pants, and a pair of moccasins. She threaded her hunting knife and sheath onto a belt around her waist, brushed her teeth, and tied her hair into a ponytail.

After tidying her room, she was ready for breakfast and headed toward the cafeteria, hoping to see Kira. She hated the sudden distance between them and wanted to make peace. While they hadn’t known each other long, they’d formed a strong bond during their shared imprisonment.

“Come on, boy,” she whistled to Loki. “Let’s get something to eat.”

Suddenly wide awake, Loki jumped up and fell in beside her, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air.

Walking down the hallway towards the cafeteria, Ridley noticed it was quiet, even for that time in the morning. The silence carried a weight, reflecting the community’s tension. There was no chatter, no sound of clinking pots, no scraping of chairs. Only the faint creaking of the old building as the winter wind whistled around its corners.

As she entered the room, she spotted a few familiar faces. Verona and Tara were deep in conversation, their expressions grave. Verona had deep bags under her eyes and stress lines across her forehead. She looked worn out. Now and then, she’d shut her eyes and press her fingers to her temples, a sure sign that she had a headache, and Ridley surmised that leading the community was taking its toll.

To her disappointment, neither her father, Teagan, nor Kira was anywhere to be seen.

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