Page 7 of Klaz

Cinta’s eyes widened slightly, then her usual cocky grin was back in place. “Well, aren’t I the lucky one?”

We stood in silence for a while, watching as the frost continued to grow and change

“So,” she said, finally breaking the silence. “I’m guessing you haven’t had a boring life.”

I shrugged. “It had its moments.”

“Come on, there’s got to be more to it than that. Any good stories?”

I hesitated, memories of blood and violence flashing through my mind. “Nothing worth repeating,” I said finally.

Cinta studied me, her expression unreadable. “Fair enough. We’ve all got our secrets, right?”

“Right,” I agreed, grateful for her understanding. “What about you? How’d a nice girl like you end up running cons on luxury cruise ships?”

She looked startled, then laughed, the sound bright and genuine. “I’ve never been made so fast. Besides, who says I’m a nice girl?”

“Point taken,” I conceded with a small smile.

Cinta launched into a story about one of her early cons, gesturing animatedly as she spoke. The way her eyes lit up captivated me, the passion in her voice as she described outwitting her mark.

“...and then I walked out with the guy’s entire collection of rare Zenebian crystals,” she finished with a flourish.

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Impressive.”

“Why, thank you,” Cinta said with an exaggerated bow. “I do try.”

On impulse, I reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, then stopped myself. What in all the seven hells was I doing?

Cinta’s smile faltered slightly, and she cleared her throat. “I could use a drink. You?”

“Yeah,” I said, grateful for the distraction. “I’ll go grab us something. Don’t go anywhere.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Cinta replied with a wink.

I made my way to the bar, weaving through the crowd. As I waited for our drinks, I glanced back at Cinta. She stood by the window, bathed in the ethereal light of the stellar frost. My chest tightened at the sight.

This was dangerous. I knew better than to get involved.

And yet, I couldn’t seem to stay away.

Drinks in hand, I turned back toward Cinta. My steps faltered as I saw an Orlian approach her, his sand-colored skin shifting to match the ambient lighting. Cinta’s body language changed instantly, her shoulders tensing as she took a small step back.

I quickened my pace, a growl building in my chest. As I drew closer, I could hear snippets of their conversation.

“...just one drink,” the Orlian was saying, his membranous appendages fluttering in what I assumed was meant to be an enticing manner.

“I appreciate the offer,” Cinta replied, her voice tight, “but I’m here with someone right now. Perhaps later?”

“I don’t see anyone,” the Orlian pressed, moving closer. “Surely you can spare a few minutes for-”

I stepped up behind the Orlian, using every inch of my imposing height to loom over him. “Is there a problem here?”

The Orlian spun around, his eyes widening as he took in my intimidating form. I bared my pointed canines in what could generously be called a smile.

“N-no,” the Orlian stammered. “No problem at all. I was just leaving.”

He scurried away, disappearing into the crowd. I turned back to Cinta. “Are you alright?”