Page 20 of Chosen By the Dragon Alien

“Sounds like the opposite of safe,” Fivra said flatly, pulling her hands from his and crossing her arms. “If they’re already on the Axis’ bad side, wouldn’t I just be walking into more danger?”

“No,” Cyprian said firmly. “Kaelen has survived this long because he’s smart and careful. He knows how to stay out of their line of sight. Plus, there’s no one better at keeping secrets—and people—hidden. He owes me a favor—a big one. He will protect you until I can ensure the Axis won’t come after you.”

Fivra’s gaze flicked to Glivar, searching for any sign of doubt on the massive green male’s face. To her dismay, he only nodded grimly, as if Cyprian’s plan made perfect sense.

Glivar huffed out a sigh. “It’s not a zero-risk solution, but it’s better than leaving her here, out in the open, with clients and staff who might catch wind of the Axis’ interest. Kaelen’s outpost has weathered storms like this before.”

Fivra turned back to Cyprian, her jaw tightening. “And what will you do while I’m there? You said yourself the Axis might come here looking for me—or worse, for everyone else from my settlement. How are you going to convince them I’m not worth their time without handing me over?”

Cyprian’s silver eyes darkened, reflecting not just anger but a deep, protective fury. “They won’t find out I’m hiding you, Fivra,” he said. “And if they come asking, I’ll deal with them.”

“And if ‘dealing with them’ doesn’t work?” Her voice shook as the enormity of his plan settled over her. “What if they don’t take no for an answer?”

“Then I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you stay free.” Cyprian’s wings stretched slightly, his imposing frame looming even larger. “They don’t scare me.”

“They should,” Glivar grunted. “They absolutely should.”

TEN

Cyprian

The beginning of a new cycle brought no solace to the storm brewing inside Cyprian. Anxiety licked at his nerves like fire. He had barely rested, his mind too consumed with the details of Fivra’s escape. Every contingency, every obstacle ran circles in his thoughts. At this cycle’s start, he’d planned to finalize arrangements with Kaelen and secure her passage aboard one of Kaelen’s courier ships. It was a delicate operation that required precision and silence. The rogue planet Kaelen called home was hidden well enough, but for all of Cyprian’s assurances to Fivra, this plan wasn’t foolproof.

He stood in his office, about to signal Glivar to complete the plan, when the sleek gold comm panel embedded in the far wall emitted a deep, ominous hum. Cyprian’s head whipped toward the source of the noise. Every instinct in his body went still and sharp as his wings slowly flared out behind him. The light on the panel flickered, then blinked steadily.

An incoming signal.

Not just any signal—an Axis transmission. Even before the blinking gold light turned crimson, signaling its authority level, Cyprian knew. Tension coiled deep in his stomach. The sensation was so thick, he placed a hand on his churning gut.

“Director Cyprian Dek’lak,” the synthesized voice sounded from the panel’s built-in speaker. Smooth, soulless. As clinical and cold as the faceless entity it represented. “Prepare for inspection. An Axis representative will arrive within threeliks.”

“Inspection?” Cyprian played at raising his brow slightly. His demeanor stayed calm, even though his insides were a storm. “We received no prior notice. Shall I inquire with the central office to confirm this visit?”

The voice clipped into a low register, as though offended by the suggestion. “The Axis does not schedule inspections according to its employee convenience, Director. Prepare your facility for assessment or expect repercussions for noncompliance.”

The transmission cut abruptly, leaving silence ringing in its wake.

Cyprian stood frozen, his mind racing faster than it had before. His silver eyes locked on the crimson panel light as if expecting it to burst into flames. He turned swiftly toward the door. “Glivar,” he called sharply through the comm-link embedded in his desk, his voice brooking no argument.

Glivar’s gruff reply was immediate. “Boss?”

“Get to my office. Now,” Cyprian commanded before cutting the channel. He didn’t need to explain further. The urgency in his voice said it all.

His wings twitched as he strode across the room. His hands clenched into fists. An unannounced Axis visit was bad enough under normal circumstances, but now? With Fivra still on the station? It was a catastrophe in the works.

A moment later, the door slid open with a hiss and Glivar lumbered in. His green face was already set in a frown. “What happened?” he asked, his deep voice laced with concern.

“The Axis is sending an agent for a surprise inspection,” Cyprian said bluntly. “They’ll be here in threeliksor less.”

Glivar’s eyes widened. “That doesn’t give us much time.”

“That is the idea,” Cyprian said, his tone sharp. “We need to assume they’re coming for Fivra. It wouldn’t have been hard to track her through the auction to you, to Erovik. At the very least, they will ask questions. At most, they’ll take her.” His silver gaze bored into Glivar. “We need to hide her. Now.”

“You want me to stash her in one of the lower levels?” Glivar suggested, though his tone was uncertain. “The sub-suites are off-record. Only essential staff can access them.”

“It’s too risky if they decide to scan the entire station,” Cyprian said, shaking his head. “The Axis aren’t likely to accept a simple tour. They’ll dig until they’re satisfied—or until they confirm what they’re looking for.”

“Then what do we do?” Glivar asked, his voice a low growl. “We can’t just hand her over.”

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