Page 14 of Chosen By the Dragon Alien

“Easy, Hor,” Siku chided with a grin. She placed a hand on the male’s chest in a way that looked very familiar. “She’s not available, yet, as I’m sure you know.”

“Just catching her scent,” Horian said, blinking his huge, black eyes and turning to Fivra. “You smell delicious, my dear. Perhaps when you’re ready, you’ll consider allowing me to call on you?”

Fivra’s mind blanked, but before she could stammer out an answer, another client—a rounded male with shimmering blue hair—flitted closer, eyeing her with a wide, toothy grin. “First time at an event like this? You must be a few days fresh, my lovely.” The male leaned forward, excitement dancing in his eyes. “The glimmering lights and delightful company can be quite overwhelming. You’ll find it addictive, I assure you. I am Pimmi, duke of the Yura’lav kingdom on Acur-9.”

A duke?Fivra swallowed hard, her heart racing. “Nice to meet you. I’m Fivra. And yes, I—it’s a lot to take in,” she managed, the words slipping out a touch more stilted than she intended. But as she glanced around the room, catching snippets of laughter and the soft clinking of glasses, she recognized that this interaction was not as terrifying as she had expected. Perhaps there was a way to fit in without entirely losing herself.

“Indeed, little one.” Horian flashed a charming smile. “There are many temptations here. Your beauty will draw attention, even from those who may not have your best interests at heart.”

“Beauty,” she breathed, “was not a thing of value where I came from.”

“It is here,” said Siku. “And you would not be here if you didn’t possess it.” She slid a finger down Fivra’s pink hair, which flowed freely but had gold strands woven in with it.

“Yes! Such radiance is as natural as breathing among ourcourtias. How refreshing!” Pimmi clutched his hands together as though in delight. “Tell me, Fivra, what is ityoudesire?”

The question echoed in her mind. It was an odd thing to ask someone shortly upon meeting them, and to be asked by royalty was disorienting to say the least. “I want…”

At that moment, she looked up and finally had a clear view of Cyprian. He stood clear across the hall, a drink in his hand and an inscrutable look on his face. It struck her how he too flaunted his own strength in this world, yet still held mystery—his role as protector uniquely intertwined with her journey. His silver eyes bored into hers, leaving her feeling both grounded and oddly light.Him.I want him.But she didn’t say that. Oh, no. Those words could never fall from her lips. “Oh, I don’t know,” she said, trying for a light tone. “Another glass of this, I think.”

They laughed, light and airy, and for the first time during the party, Fivra felt like she said something that was expected of her. Or, at least, not strange. Fivra managed to smile, quietly recalling Cyprian’s words about controlling the prey and tryingnotto recall the feel of his mouth on hers. Maybe mingling wasn’t solely about charm and seduction; maybe it was more about connection—finding common ground among unique individuals. Her head felt light, and it wasn’t from the wine.

“Well done,” Siku whispered as Pimmi took Fivra’s nearly empty glass and hurried off to fetch her a new one. “Although be careful.” Her gaze slid to Cyprian, making it clear that she’d seen where Fivra had looked. The female was smart and clever and, judging by the amused look on her face, knew very well what had been on Fivra’s mind when asked what she desired. “He isbeautiful, our fine director. The ultimate prize. But he will not touch us.”

Fivra didn’t react. At least, she tried very hard not to. Horian wasn’t listening. He had turned to speak with a male who came over to ask him something about business. “I…am not interested in Cyprian.”What a lie, but she knew better than to think anyone could be trusted.

Siku smirked, knowing better but dropping it. “Horian was mine some time ago, but we grew bored with each other. He would be a good client to start with when you’re ready.” She nodded toward the male standing not far away, still engaged in conversation. “He’s gentle, considerate, and his cock is simple. Not too large or uniquely shaped.”

Fivra blinked rapidly, trying to find something to say to that.Thank youdidn’t seem like the right thing. She’d never been offered someone else’s lover before. “Um.”

“Here you are, darling,” Pimmi said, returning. He handed the glass to Fivra with a flourish. “What a fabulous party,” he announced to no one in particular, but clapped Horian’s arm as he rejoined the group. “It is always a pleasure to find company with those who revel in the thrill of hedonism.”

Siku inclined her head. “Well said, your grace.” But she turned to Fivra with a look of restrained laughter. “I am glad you are enjoying yourself.”

Fivra felt a familiar presence looming on the fringes of her awareness. She turned her head slightly and her gaze locked with Cyprian’s across the room. His silver eyes were fixed on her with a look of intense focus etched into his features. There was something in his stare that made her skin tingle. A silent claim that sent an unexpected thrill coursing through her veins.

“Indeed,” Pimmi replied, taking another big drink from his glass of blue liquid—the variety that Ria had advised Fivraagainst trying. “And meeting such an interesting newcomer is truly a treat. Whereareyou from, darling?”

“I don’t know the name of the planet,” Fivra admitted. “A settlement. Far from here. We were farmers.”

The fluffy-skinned creature jiggled his drink enthusiastically. “How unique! It’s truly fascinating to see a formerfarmerfrom an Axis penal colony rise through society and land at a place such as this. I suspect you will be the captivating anomaly we all desire, Fivra.”

Fivra froze. Her smile was plastered to her face as the words rolled through her head.

Penal colony.The clamor of laughter and conversation blurred into a background hum. Fivra forced herself to keep hold of the glass in her hands, but her fingers shook. She looked up at Horian and Pimmi and the words were on her tongue:what penal colony?

But a warning look from Siku made her close her lips. “Excuse me, please,” she said instead, and stepped away. The room tilted, spun. She needed to get out of here. Away from this and out of these cursed shoes. If she didn’t sit down soon, she was going to fall down, and she wasn’t at all sure she’d be able to get up.

A shadow fell over her, and the scent of clean male and wine smashed into her senses. “Fivra.” Cyprian’s deep voice instantly centered her. “What happened?”

She looked up at his strong, gorgeous face. His brows were low and drawn together. His lips were a tense line.

“Did one of them say something to upset you?” A hint of something dark lay in his silver eyes.

“No,” she said, pressing a hand to her forehead. “And yes, but nothing like…” Something clicked into place. “He said I was from a penal colony?” She turned her gaze to Cyprian, bubbling with anger. “Am I?”

EIGHT

Cyprian

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