Page 3 of Fool's Gold
My stomach lurched as we broke orbit, the stars blurring into streaks of light as we hurtled through the void. Exhaustion tugged at me, the adrenaline of my narrow escape finally ebbing. I noticed a small bathroom adjoining the cabin, and the prospect of a shower beckoned like a siren's call.
Stripping off the tattered rags that had been my only garments for far too long, I stepped under the revitalizing spray. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I was truly clean, the grime and stench of my captivity washing away in rivulets of cleansing water.
As I emerged, refreshed and renewed, the ship's AI pinged softly, directing me to a storage compartment where a simple jumpsuit awaited. The soft fabric caressed my skin, a luxury I had almost forgotten.
Sinking onto the narrow bunk, I couldn't help but recall the sense of safety I had felt in Kaelith’s arms, his powerful form shielding me from harm.
But the Vinduthi were dangerous, their honor and codes little more than a thin veneer over their savage natures.
I knew better than to trust such illusions.
KAELITH
The engines hummed beneath my feet as I strode onto the bridge, shedding my outer armor and letting it clatter to the deck.
I should be focused on this supposed treasure that the little human claimed Landar possessed. Instead, my thoughts kept drifting back to Gemma herself.
Snarling under my breath, I raked my claws through my thick black hair. What was it about her that had me so...distracted? She was just another weak, soft human. Easily broken if I wasn't careful.
Yet her spirit, that defiant fire in her hazel eyes as she'd stared me down...it stirred something primal within me. She didn't cower or flinch from my intimidating presence like most lesser beings.
The fact that she might dare to lie about the treasure irked me, a challenge I couldn't resist putting to the test. But it was more than that driving my interest, my hunger to unravel her mysteries.
Muttering a vile curse, I stalked out of the bridge towards her quarters. I needed answers, even if I had to take them by force. The door slid open with a hiss and I stepped through, my crimson gaze immediately finding her huddled form on the bunk.
Gemma started at my abrupt entrance, her delicate features paling. My sharp senses drank in the accelerated pounding of her heart, the subtle shift in her scent laced with a hint of fear. Prey recognizing the predator.
"Before we go any further down this path you've set us on, I need more details," I demanded, looming over her. "What exactly did you overhear about this treasure?"
Gemma swallowed hard, her throat bobbing. "L-Landar used to boast about hiding a massive treasure in a place called Stanica Maglina. He called it his biggest score ever, something that would set him up for life."
My lips peeled back in a feral grin, revealing my jagged fangs. So the little human wasn't lying after all.
"Go on," I said, leaning closer. Her scent, a tantalizing blend of fear and something softer, sweeter, filled my senses.
"He said something happened there that made it hard for him to get back to the treasure," she continued, her voice steadier now. "Like he was waiting for the right opportunity."
"The right opportunity would never come.” I snorted derisively. “During the War of Shifting Orbits that station became a battleground, eventually overrun by battlebots. And they left plenty of damage. Collapsed floors, leaks, hull breaches - even a Zhyx would have trouble navigating that wasteland now."
Her hazel eyes flashed with determination. "But would a Vinduthi have as much trouble? I'm sure I know enough about where on the station Landar stashed his prize. If we can get there..."
My gaze raked over her slight form, taking in the swell of her breasts rising and falling with each breath. A shiver of anticipation rippled through me at the thought of having her all to myself on that derelict station, isolated from prying eyes.
No distractions, no interruptions as I slowly unraveled the mysteries surrounding this human female. Peeled away her layers until I discovered what made her essence burn so bright, so defiant in the face of one as powerful and dangerous as I.
"Very well, little human," I purred, unable to resist reaching out to trail a claw along the delicate line of her jaw. She tensed but didn't pull away. "Lead me to this fabled treasure, and then we'll revisit the matter of your...freedom."
Her soft lips parted as if to protest, but then pressed together in a tight line. A wise decision - any objection would only spur my instincts to utterly dominate her until she yielded completely.
If she proved truthful about the location of Landar's hoard, I would be extraordinarily...generous with her rewards. The thought of her naked form, swathed in jewels and riches befitting a queen, made my blood burn hotter.
But if this was another elaborate deception, I would make the little liar beg for the mercy of death before I was through with her.
She lifted her chin. "I'll find it for you. Landar played his games with me for years. No one knows as much about him as I do."
A cruel smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth as understanding bloomed. The Zhyx were a sadistic race, torturing their victims with mental anguish rather than physical pain. Landar must have plucked this girl to be his plaything long ago.
"You'd better hope this treasure is everything you claim, little human," I snarled, baring my fangs a hairsbreadth from her face. "Because if not, I'll make you wish Landar had killed you."