Page 44 of Maar's Girl

Laar nods, unable to meet my eyes. "I'm sorry, Alyssa. It was an anonymous tip. Maar... he wanted to keep you safe."

My world spins. Maar. He planned this. He's sending me away. Anger, betrayal, and a confusing surge of love war within me as the transport's ramp lowers, revealing more Marines.

"Miss Dash," a stern voice calls out. "Please exit the vehicle. We're here to take you home."

My heart races as I step out of the aircar, the cool metal of the landing pad beneath my feet. The Marines surround me, their laser rifles at the ready. I scan their faces, searching for a hint of humanity behind their visors.

"Miss Dash," a gruff voice barks. "Where's the Vakutan who kidnapped you? Where's Raaj?"

I swallow hard, my throat dry. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

The Marine takes a step closer, his rifle inching upward. "Don't play games, Miss Dash. We know he's here. Tell us where Raaj is, or things could get ugly. We came for a Vakutan warrior and a human woman and we're going home with a Vakutan warrior and a human woman."

"I told you, I don't-"

"Jail time," another Marine cuts in. "That's what you're looking at if you don't cooperate. Aiding and abetting a known criminal."

The laser rifles hum to life, their sights trained on me. My hands shake, and I fight to keep my voice steady. "You don't understand. It's not what you think-"

Suddenly, Laar's voice rings out behind me. "I am Raaj."

I whirl around, shock etched on my face as Laar steps out of the aircar. His Vakutan features could easily pass for Maar's, and for a moment, I'm stunned by his sacrifice.

"Laar, no!" I cry out, but it's too late.

The Marines move in, their weapons trained on Laar. "On your knees, hands behind your head!"

Laar stands his ground, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment. There's a flicker of something - regret, determination, fear - before he lunges forward.

Everything happens in a blur. Laar's sudden movement, the shouts of the Marines, the sizzle of laser fire. I scream as Laar'sbody crumples to the ground, smoke rising from a charred hole in his chest.

"No!" I sob, trying to run to him, but strong arms hold me back.

"Target neutralized," a Marine reports coldly. "Secure the package."

I'm dragged toward the transport, my legs barely working as I struggle to process what just happened. "You killed him," I choke out. "He wasn't- He didn't-"

"It's over now, Miss Dash," a softer voice says as I'm guided up the ramp. "You're safe. Your father's waiting to see you."

The transport doors seal shut, cutting off my view of Laar's lifeless body. As we lift off, leaving Glimner - and Maar - behind, I curl into myself, overwhelmed by grief, guilt, and a gnawing uncertainty about what comes next.

CHAPTER 29

MAAR

"Iwill avenge you, my brother," I say to myself that evening as I watch Laar's body getting carted onto an ambulance. "You died to protect my mate. I had no idea this would happen."

I watch as Laar's lifeless body disappears into the ambulance, my chest tightening with each passing moment. The sirens fade into the distance, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the weight of another senseless death.

"Fuck," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. "This galaxy's burning itself to ashes, and for what?"

I can't help but remember how Laar took me under his wing when I first arrived on Glimner. His easy smile, his terrible jokes, the way he'd clap me on the back after a good night at the tables.

"You're gonna make it big here, Maar," he'd said. "Just don't forget us little people when you do."

Now he's gone, another victim of this endless cycle of violence. And for what? To protect Alyssa? To protect me?

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog of grief and anger. The neon lights of Glimner blur around me as I make my way back to the Nova Casino. The gaudy facade looms over me, astark reminder of the life I've built here – a life built on lies and deception.

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