Page 13 of Chosen By the Dragon Alien

The soft glow of the evening lights in Erovik’s huge, grand hall filled the space with a warmth that was both welcoming and disconcerting to Fivra. Its towering ceilings were decorated with swirling patterns of gold and silver. The sounds of laughter and light music wafted through the air. Extravagance was everywhere, from music to the free-flowing drinks, to the dizzying array of food. For her, it all held an air of risk and expectation.

As Ria guided her around the beautifully adorned room, Fivra’s heart pounded. Her palms were tacky with nerves. “Tonight is a special event,” the robotic maid explained, her tone bright despite the tension that coiled in Fivra’s stomach. “We’re hosting a gathering for some of our most esteemed clients. You will not have to entertain anyone specifically, but you will be expected to mingle.”

Fivra knew this. Cyprian had explained it all, but she swallowed hard, unsure whether to feel a spark of excitement or overwhelming dread. “Mingle?” She thought she knew what itmeant, but the word felt foreign and unwelcome. A heavy weight that settled like lead in her chest. She’d rather face thespectersof the shadowlands than confront the crowd of males who gazed about the stunningly adornedcourtiasas if they were shopping for a dress. They were of many species—none of which she recognized, but then, her people had been purposefully isolated, thanks to the Axis.

“Yes,” Ria said. “You are a new arrival. Your presence alone will be a point of interest. Just relax and engage in conversation. In time, it will come naturally.”

Fivra nodded, but the confidence she tried to muster was shaky at best. What did she know of “mingling” amongst those accustomed to wealth and frivolity? How could she charm them when it took every bit of courage to just stay in this room instead of bolting back to her suite? “Where is Cyprian?” she asked with a hint of desperation. She didn’t see him anywhere. After the kiss they’d shared, he was the only male she was looking forward to seeing. Had he regretted it?

Probably. He hadn’t told hernotto come here, to meet clients, to show herself off. Just the opposite. Maybe the kiss had been a test of sorts, to find out if she hadsomelevel of seduction to offer the clients. If that were the case, she supposed she passed. Shewashere, after all.

“Cyprian is all the way to your right, against the wall, behind the tall client in the white robes,” Ria replied. “Remember, hold yourself as if you know you are the most beautiful female in the room.”

“I’mnotthe most beautiful female in the room,” she said through gritted teeth, craning her neck to glimpse Cyprian, but it was impossible to see past the large, robed client. All she glimpsed were the sides of his large, dark red wings.

Ria made her digital-sounding laugh. “You underestimate yourself. I guarantee that you are the most beautiful female to someone in this room.”

But not Cyprian. Fivra sighed, wishing she could have a do-over of that kiss. She should have said something more. She could have let him know that she’d liked kissing him, orsomethingto indicate her interest. Even if he rejected her, she’d know where she stood with him.

Lights twinkled above and laughter danced through the air as Fivra struggled to breathe evenly. All around her, elegant beings adorned in sumptuous fabrics moved about, each uniquely exquisite, with soft music playing in the background, weaving through the chatter like a silken thread.

Fivra’s instinct was still to flee, but she pressed her lips together and forced herself to march forward. Her feet took her deeper into this uncharted territory. She could feel the stares of multiple patrons landing on her; some curious, others calculating. They were sizing her up, as if gauging her worth through the stark lens of their wealth and experiences.

“Keep breathing,” Ria whispered beside her, and the gentle reminder provided a small tether amid her spinning thoughts. “You are doing wonderfully.”

Fivra didn’t feel wonderful. “I’m not walking right,” she muttered, smoothing the gold sheath she wore. The hem landed high on her thigh and the straps over her shoulders were thin gold chains, draped to flow and wink in the dim light. “What if I fall in these shoes?” The heels were high and narrow, held on by delicate straps.

“You get up.” Ria’s voice was the only thing that felt real to Fivra. “Here is where I leave you.”

“What?” she said. “No.”

“Yes.” Ria’s light blinked up at her. “I must leave. You are fine, Fivra. I recommend a glass of theravitokspring wine. It’slight and sweet. Drink nothing that is blue. They are all too strong for you.” With that parting advice, her maid turned and glided swiftly from the hall.

Deciding it was better to move than remain frozen in place, Fivra forced herself to the massive, curving bar where a tall, angular bot turned toward her. “Something to drink?”

“Um.Ravitokspring wine,please.”

The bot nodded and produced a slender glass filled with pale red liquid. She took a sip. It fizzed on her tongue and tasted as Ria had described.

“You look lovely,” said a smooth, female voice.

Fivra turned to see Siku, dressed in a black garment that looked like a ribbon twisted around her stunning figure, barely concealing her. “Thank you.” She took another sip. “This is weird.”

Siku chuckled, deep and sultry. “Being on display? Yes, it is. But it allows us to see what clients we would like to add to our collection, and which ones might be better passed off to anothercourtia.”

“Collection?” Fivra asked, confused.

“Yes. We think of clients as part of our collections.” She shrugged carelessly as her sharp gaze moved around the room. “And collections grow and change.” Her mouth curved as a tall male with sleek dark scales approached them. “Ah, just in time to illustrate my point,” she murmured for only Fivra to hear.

“Siku, you look ravishing,” said the tall male, bowing his head as Siku lifted hers.

“Thank you, Horian,” she purred, then took Fivra’s hand in hers and lifted it, presenting it to the male. “May I introduce Fivra, a fresh addition to our humble home.”

“It is always a pleasure to see fresh faces at our gatherings,” Horian said and pressed his thin lips to Fivra’s knuckles. “Welcome, Fivra.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Her voice wavered, but got steadier as she found her footing in the interaction. Even as she spoke, the urge to retreat shimmered at the edges of her mind, but she inhaled deeply, willing herself to stand firm.

Horian adjusted his eye-catching collar and leaned toward her. “What brings you here, my dear?”

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