Page 25 of Zayrik

It wasn’t his problem.

I just had to make sure he didn’tfigure that out before I left.

No matter how part of me perversely wanted to see what would happen if he did.

A piercing chime from my wrist unit yanked me from my thoughts.

I jerked upright, heart pounding.

Nav’s voice hummed quietly through my neural link. “Nyla, I do believe we have a problem.”

I swung my legs over the cot, already moving. “Define problem.”

“Our newCaptainis running a deep scan on the ship.”

Shit.

“He’s also asked about Vask specifically.”

Double shit.

I froze, fingers clenching around the edge of the cot. “What did you say?”

“Nothing. He asked me to run a deep scan on the ship. He mentioned Vask and asked about a data crystal that could compromise his organization.”

My blood turned to ice. The crystal pressed against my skin through the hidden pocket of my jacket felt suddenly heavier.

“How would he know about that?” I whispered.

“Unknown. But based on previous data, I calculate a seventy-six percent probability he’s connected to Protectorate intelligence.”

I inhaled slowly. “How much has he found?”

“Not enough yet. But I estimate he will within the next twelve hours.”

Twelve galactic hours. Less than half a rotation.

I was running out of time.

I pushed off the cot, snatching my jacket and pressing my hand against the hidden pocket. The crystal was still there. The hard evidence that could bring down Vask’s entire operation. Evidence I’d stolen right from under his nose.

I needed a plan.Now.

But as soon as I stepped out, I froze.

Because Zayrik?

He was already standing there. Leaning against the corridor wall, arms crossed,waiting.

His gaze flicked over me, like he already knew.

Like he was justwaitingfor me to make the first move.

I lifted my chin, forcing a smirk. “You always stand outside women’s rooms like a stalker, or am I just lucky?”

Zayrik didn’t blink. Offered no smirk in return.

He simply tilted his head. “Who are you running from?”

---