When we were done, neither of us moved. I replayed our heated session in my mind. My first thought was to ask her name. My second thought was along the lines of:

"Did the fuck that really happen?"

After we both caught our breaths, I felt her slip out of my embrace. However, I forced my eyes to remain closed and focus on my breathing.

Skipping over the why of it all, I wondered about what happened next. Was she going to stay? If she did, could she pull her own weight or would I have to carry her? If so, how far?

More scenarios played out in my mind as the temptation to ask her name grew stronger. I could hear her putting on her clothes. If this were a normal relationship, I imagined she'd be the type to kiss her lover on the forehead before leaving for work. Or if this were a weekend, she'd wake me with something more naughty.

I cut those thoughts off quickly before I got too excited. I was indulging in fantasies that would never happen.

I enjoyed our encounter immensely. However, there wasn't any real emotion in it for either of us. We did it to satisfy an urge. I knew from the beginning that it would be a one-night stand.

Was wishing for something more a bad thing?

But I knew all too that human nature was more complicated.

It's why I didn't move.

It's why I avoided my gaze.

Why I allowed her to rummage through my things.

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And it's why I kept the shank tucked in my boot.

I prepared my heart for the moment she would betray me. It didn't matter that we spent the night together and had some measure of trust. This was a book that betrayed happy feelings.

As I mentally prepared myself for the worst, I heard her footsteps retreat. The sound of my only company walking away was so melancholic it hurt. Eventually, that lullaby faded into the labyrinth.

The nameless brunette was gone.

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"Fuck off"

I was painfully reminded that everything was being broadcasted for those fucking perverted aliens.

I drudged over to the restroom, paid the fee, did my business, and cleaned up in privacy. I dried myself with toilet paper as I inventoried my gear.

I'm glad she wasn't a black widow, but she's still a thief.

As far as I could tell, she only took a few wet wipes. My weapons and gear all remained in place. My pack, the frying pan, flint and steel, and even my burn cream were right where I left it.

Then I realized something critical was missing.

The lump in my throat almost made me choke.

"She took my thermos."

=

I ran.

For the first time, I sprinted through the tunnels. Trying to catch up to the mystery woman.

I didn't have a direction in mind, and I wasn't keeping track of how many turns I took. I hit two dead-ends already. It was only a matter of time before I ran into enemies.

"Another human!"

"Get 'em!"

Two dwarves readied their weapons. One held a spear and the second a sword and shield.

My legs pumped like pistons. I could feel the impact of each footfall vibrate through my bones. With a smooth motion, I pulled out the stupid-shield I was lugging around. Using my arm as a fulcrum, I arced it straight into the face of the spear-dwarf. His head jerked back along with the tip of his spear.

I grabbed the shaft midway, jumped into the air, and brought both feet crashing into the second dwarf. He blocked with his shield, but my weight sent him into the rocky wall.

In that brief second, I pulled out my short sword and gutted the spearman. Using his fleeting strength and grip, we speared his buddy.

I slashed their throats for good measure.

[You've slain a dwarf. 13 points]

[You've slain a dwarf. 14 points]

Everything took ten seconds.

And then I was running again.