Page 60 of Hope Forged
“He has, and the DNAissimilar. It is intriguing to ponder how such a species crossed the galaxies.”
“Padya would love to study this.” Sadness tried to dampen her mood, but she’d yet to forgive him for what he’d done.
“Ziamee, are you ready to learn how to wield your dagger?” Illan asked from the common.
She smiled. “I am. Thank you, Coll.” She approached Illan, letting her gaze linger on his pants clinging to those thighs. The way his muscles rippled when he flicked the dagger. “I’m not sure what you can teach me. Keep the sharp end away from me?” She pursed her lips to hide a smile.
“True.” He grinned. “And you did well when the ucdeas attacked us.”
She unsheathed her blade and palmed it, relishing the solid weight of it. “You said you had much to tell me?”
“The king is creating a home for Seba on a nearby battleship. A few of his lima kuu are en route, eager to do this and learn about Seba. With their help, we might locate a female for him.”
She froze, her hand midair. “Truly?” Everything she’d said that was a stumbling block to leaving Vora, he was addressing one at a time until she couldn’t say no. Announcing that she was heading offworld had been for her father’s benefit, even though her heart had twanged in dismay.
“Yes, I said I would ask.”
“You did.” She sniffed, unable to convey what his level of effort meant to her.
“This was not meant to sadden you,” he said, pushing her dagger aside to brush a tear off her cheek.
“I’m happy.” She offered him a watery smile.
“Good.” His voice softened, then he cleared his throat. “Now, as to transferring Oz, we could speak to Brac. Ulta, connect me to—”
“I cannot,” the male said through the common’s speakers. “He has not commed for a while. I am beginning to worry.”
Illan cupped Ziamee’s cheek, indecision crossing his expression. “Port us to the structure.”
Her heart leaped into her throat. Just like that, he chose to trust her.
The moment the tingle faded and they appeared planetside, she slid her dagger into her boot and unholstered the blaster. “What do you think’s the issue?” she whispered.
“I do not know. He would investigate if either of us had gone silent.”
“Then so shall we.” She nudged her chin at the door, a small, mangled hole to the side of it.
He hesitated. “We have to be quiet. Every step might echo down the stairwell.”
She nodded, then waited for him to lead the way. The descent was excruciating. She’d been stomping about in her new boots, but now, when she placed her foot, it took all her concentration to do so silently.
“What’s that smell?” she asked, her voice low.
He gestured with his chin at the wall with yellow succulents growing on it. “Genkoo. It is a Maloidian’s favorite meal.”
“Proves they’re here,” she whispered.
“Indeed.”
The metal creaked under her weight. She froze, held her breath, and listened. Illan continued on as if she hadn’t just sent a crack of sound into the darkness.
“Unavoidable,” he said. “Keep moving.”
The temperature ramped, adding a layer of sweat to her skin. A droplet slithered into her cleavage, making her itch. “Why’sit so damn hot?” she muttered, trying to stop the trickle by smushing her chest armor.
“Maloidians like warmth.”
“Well, I don’t.” She huffed, clamping her hand on the railing for added stability. Hard to do with damp palms. “It’s pretty, though.” She gestured to the yellow bubbles on the rock walls.
