Chapter 15

At some point, a small oil lamp light appeared in the doorway. Jamal. Nev felt relieved. It was probably ridiculous to feel that way, but Jamal’s presence immediately felt like a comfort.

Jamal nudged Tarik. “Hey, you’re on watch to replace Khouri.” He set the lamp on a small shelf in the corner.

“—kay,” Tarik mumbled and got up. He stretched, put on his boots, picked up his scimitar, and left.

Jamal, on the other hand, prepared to sleep.

“Jamal?” Nev said softly.

“I thought you were asleep.”

“I…I’m cold.” Nev thought that sounded less pathetic than admitting his restless, racing worries.

“You could come get in bed with me,” Jamal said. His tone was soft. “If you want.”

“Yes,” Nev replied. He sat up.

“Bring that blanket with you. Just in case we decide we need another.”

Nev padded softly across the small space between beds.

Jamal pushed the blanket on his own bed up and lay down on his side, an arm stretched out. “The bed’s not that wide, but I think we can make do.”