"Okay, but are we talking about the original Tomb Raider games--which were great, I'm not saying they weren't--or the origins remake where she has some serious UST with her BFF?" Because that game set off Lexi's gaydar like nothing else. "And, okay. Feelings. Because this feels bad. Creepy. Wrong."

And again, she found herself wishing she'd been here from the start. That she'd known what those in Deerington had been through. That she could truly emphasize with those who had. Whomever said it was the thought that counted never was in a situation where more than a thought was necessary.

"No, no, no, I'm the one who wandered out here with no real plan and nothing but a flashlight. That's on me. Don't blame yourself for something you couldn't plan for or expect. But...I do want to go adventuring together. I do want to be there--I've gotten good at my darkblood powers. Really good. And I hate the thought of you being out here in these situations on your own. But, what are Fatheirs? Are they like horses?"

And Lexi could see the blush, even in the dark. "I'll always be confident in you."

She couldn't help it, the raspberry made her giggle like the schoolgirl she was. "Wow, what a dick. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised!"

Lexi nodded. I'm right behind you. Or with you. Either way works because this is giving me a serious case of the heebie-jeebies."

And her eyes grew wide with concern. "Corruption? Are you becoming corrupted?"