Page 40 of Pursued By the Dragon Alien

Lilas exhaled. She tilted her face toward the high ceiling as she stopped just outside one of the market’s quieter trading posts. A mixture of soft yellow and green lights flickered overhead, casting gentle shadows against the smooth alloy walls. She had needed the room to think, to breathe.

Takkian and Sevas.

Razion and Lilas.

A coincidence, or something more?

A dry laugh rolled from her lips.Two Terian females end up falling in love with two lost Zaruxian brothers?It sounded like some ridiculous space traveler’s folktale. And yet, here she was, standing in an unfamiliar outpost, chasing ghosts she barely understood.

But now, her ghosts had faces. Names.

Sevas was alive, and Lilas would find her.

Lilas shoved her hands into the pockets of her cloak. Her mind spun with possibilities. She had to tell Razion what she was thinking. Maybe he’d already reached the same conclusion. Maybe—

Lilas turned back toward the market’s main walkway, her pulse steadying. She would tell Razion what she’d realized—about the impossible symmetry of their connections, about what this all might mean. He needed to know. But as she rounded the corner, her steps slowed.

Razion stood near the edge of the docking bay. His stance was tense. His wings taut and partly flared. Across from him, Krask spoke in clipped tones. Their postures were rigid, their conversation hushed, but Lilas caught the sharp edge in Krask’s voice and the harsh snap in Razion’s.

Their words weren’t meant for her. Krask’s voice carried just enough for her ears to catch. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop—had just been stepping past the rusted storage unit nearthe docking bay, her thoughts still tangled around Sevas and Takkian and the mess of emotions swarming her chest.

But then she’d heard her name.

“…Lilas.”

Her instincts screamed at her to move, but they were talking abouther. She stepped back and slipped behind a pillar. She peered around the edge to watch.

Krask’s voice was steady, businesslike. “He’s willing to take the Terian. Promises she won’t come to harm. She’ll be safe.”

Lilas went still.Take me?There were no other Terians present to be mistaken for someone else. She pressed against the cold metal, forcing herself to stay silent while her heart hammered.Safe. That word meant nothing when it came from Krask’s mouth. Safe could mean anything.

Her body went tight. Heat rushed through her limbs even as ice curled in her gut. Her pulse thundered in her ears. Maybe she misheard. That couldn’t mean what it sounded like.

Razion’s voice was flat, edged with something cold and sharp. “You’ve been busy since we docked, Krask.”

Krask inclined his head slightly, arms still crossed. “It must be done, or at least considered. Think about the harm and disruption she has—andwill—cause the crew. Xelvor says he has the perfect situation for her.”

“Xelvor?” Razion’s expression didn’t shift, but something dangerous flickered behind his storm-gray eyes. “Xelvor thetrafficker?” His voice came out low, lethal.

“Yes, but he’s not like that anymore.” Krask shook his head. “He’s cleaned up his operation.”

“Is that so?” Razion’s jaw clenched. “And you think the best thing I can do with Lilas is to sell her to a trafficker?” The cold authority in his voice made something in her tremble.Starshelp her, she had trusted Razion, and now, he was discussing handingher off like unwanted salvage. Bile rose in her throat, thick and bitter. She forced herself to stay still, to listen.

Krask’s green lips pressed into a thin line around his tusks. “You know as well as I that it’s better to do it now, before you become attached.”

Razion sighed. His next words were calm. “Did you already set up this meeting?”

“Yes.” Krask didn’t hesitate. “Time and place are arranged. I just need your confirmation that you’ll take it.”

Lilas’ breath caught painfully in her lungs.Say no, Razion, she begged in her mind.Sayfekno.

Razion’s answer came a moment later, his tone taut, unreadable. “I’ll take the meeting.”

A pit opened in Lilas’ chest. She staggered back, barely conscious of her movements. The words rang in her head, burning like an open wound. He didn’t hesitate. Didn’t question it. No sharp denial, no refusal.

Her entire body went numb as it flooded with betrayal. What a fool she had been.

Lilas was done. She didn’t need to hear any more.

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