Page 25 of Chosen By the Dragon Alien

Fivra couldn’t help but smile slightly at the confidence radiating from Viparia. It was infectious, rekindling a small spark of hope within her. “The way you handle everything… It’s incredible.”

Viparia stepped back, crossing her arms as she regarded Fivra with a thoughtful expression. “Listen closely, Fivra. I haven’t just navigated these waters for the thrill of it. Many cycles ago, I paid off my contract and decided I’d steer my own course.” She leaned in slightly, her voice lowering as if sharing a deep secret. “I intend to retire on a lush resort moon when I no longer find pleasure in this life. I won’t be dragged down by someone else’s choices—especially not the Axis’.”

“You paid off your contract?” Fivra asked, wary yet intrigued. “But you’re still here.”

“Yes, darling. Once you reach a level of influence and gain sufficient credits, you hold the power. However, itdoesrequire determination and skill—qualities I see in you, too, even though you wear them like a cloak you want to cast aside.”

Fivra bit her lip. “I don’t feel powerful. I feel lost.”

Viparia straightened, her expression firming slightly as she grasped Fivra’s hands in hers. “Love has a strange way of breathing new life into a being. Believe it or not, I knowthis. You’re stronger than you think. Don’t let fear rob you of something that could be breathtaking.”

Fivra’s heart fluttered at the praise. “But I’m just a farmer,” she argued, hearing the words she said, over and over. Just a farmer. She was the only one who seemed to see her as that. “What could I possibly offer someone like him?”

“More than you realize.” Viparia’s grip tightened around Fivra’s hands, golden eyes radiating sincerity. “You bring him something that has been missing in his world for far too long. It’s right there in his eyes when he looks at you.”

As Fivra absorbed Viparia’s words, the warmth seeped into her soul, igniting flickers of bravery she didn’t know she possessed. Shewasa survivor. She’d endured exhaustion, hunger, hopelessness in a settlement that offered no respite. Perhaps it was time to see herself as something other than a Terian female whose only purpose was work and breeding. “I’ll think about it,” she said, her voice steadier than before.

Viparia smiled, a slow, satisfied grin that glimmered like the jewels draped around them. “Good. Now get back in those dresses until Cyprian tells us they’re gone.”

A sudden thrill of warmth moved through Fivra, enveloping her in an emotion just out of her reach. Thecourtia’sconfidence was inspiring and the realization that she wasn’t alone in this strange and terrifying world meant something. Perhaps she was not just a farmer lost to the winds of life. Maybe she could have more. Maybe she couldbemore.

With a last squeeze of her hands, Viparia stepped back, her demeanor shifting as she regained her composure, thecourtiafaçade slipping back into place.

“Viparia,” she said, just as the other female turned away.

“Yes, my dear?”

“Thank you.”

Viparia turned, something tender yet mischievous dancing in her golden eyes. “You’re welcome, little Terian. Now, stay out of sight and don’t fret. The Axis will look for you, but they won’t get past Cyprian.” With a flourish, she slipped out of the room.

Fivra took a deep breath, settling back among the sumptuous silks and jewels in the wardrobe. She closed her eyes and allowed herself a moment to let her muscles unwind and her belly to settle. While the path ahead was uncertain at best, tragic at worst, she also had a purpose. And there was a connection to Cyprian that was deeper than she imagined.

“Alright, Fivra,” she murmured to herself. “Let’s see what happens next.”

TWELVE

Cyprian

Cyprian stood near the grand entrance hall of Erovik. Fully aware that his composure was the only thing shielding his operation from chaos, he kept his wings folded tightly to his back, his posture commanding but unthreatening. The tense atmosphere had already seeped into every corner of the establishment. Word of the Axis arriving on station spread faster than plasma through an exhaust conduit, and now, half thecourtiaswere gathering in each other’s suites while the other half were notably absent from Erovik entirely. None of them liked the Axis. To them, it was just another hand out to take a cut of the credits they earned.

“Director,” Glivar’s gravelly voice interrupted his thoughts. The hulking green male appeared at Cyprian’s side. His expression was set with grim determination. “The inspector and his people are moving through the upper suites. He’s already threatened three staff bots, and I overheard him questioning one of the newercourtias.”

Cyprian’s claws flexed involuntarily at his sides before he forced his hands to remain neutral. The general story given to the inspector was that Fivra hadn’t worked out and was gone. No one knew where. No one cared. “Did the othercourtiasgiven anything away?”

“Nothing useful,” Glivar assured him. “They’re sticking tight to the story, but the bots might crack if he digs deeper. They’re programmed to answer to only certain people, but not adaptable enough to outwit someone who knows what to ask.”

Cyprian exhaled sharply through his nose and tilted his head, scanning the crowd through narrowed eyes. They didn’t have time for this game of cat and mouse. Xryvos and his small staff were a blunt instrument in a calculated world, and if the inspector had already resorted to intimidation tactics this early in the inspection, it meant he was getting desperate.

“Let him make his threats,” Cyprian growled. “Thecourtiaswill stay out of his way, but if anyone breaks down and tells him about Fivra, I want to know immediately.”

Glivar started to say something, but both males turned sharply as the hiss of the entrance doors cut through the air. The heavy thud of boots followed, signaling the arrival of the Axis inspector. Xryvos entered with all the grace of a battleship—large, imposing, and devoid of warmth. His angular, metallic armor caught the light, throwing harsh reflections across the walls. Behind him, two subordinates walked like silent sentinels.

All pretense of civility stuttered as Cyprian and Glivar turned to watch the inspector’s purposeful stride. Cyprian’s wings flared out just enough to establish his dominance without appearing overtly threatening.

“Director Cyprian,” Xryvos’ voice was a cold, mechanical echo that carried through the hall. Every syllable was precise, clipped, and devoid of emotion. “We are short on time, so I will dispense with pleasantries.”

“I wasn’t expecting any,” Cyprian replied. “Welcome to Erovik. Shall I provide a tour, or do you intend to disrupt mycourtias’and clients’ experience with further dramatics?”

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