“I have everything I need right here.” She glanced at Anya, who was carefully packing her books, and Mikoz, who was gnawingcontentedly on a soft toy. “A family who loves me and a future to look forward to. What more could I want?”
“A proper home. Security. The chance to rebuild your life without constantly looking over your shoulder.”
“We’ll have that on Tillich Two.” She smiled at him. “Together.”
He pulled her close, mindful of the baby between them, and rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, s’kara.”
“I love you too.” She breathed in his scent—warm and spicy with an underlying musk that made her think of their earlier coupling. “Now let’s get out of here before I get distracted again.”
His low rumble of amusement made her toes curl. “Later. When we are safe and the children are asleep, I will show you exactly how distracted I can make you.”
“Promises, promises.”
“That’s disgusting,” Anya announced from across the room. “I’m right here, you know.”
“My apologies.” He stepped back, but his tail remained wrapped around her waist in a possessive gesture. “Are you ready to depart?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Anya shouldered her bag and picked up Corinne’s as well. “Let’s go before I change my mind and decide I actually like living on a warship.”
They slipped into the corridor, moving silently through the ship’s dimly lit passages. Most of the crew would be sleeping during this cycle, but they couldn’t risk being seen. He led them through service corridors and maintenance shafts, avoiding themain thoroughfares where security cameras would track their movements.
Her heart hammered against her ribs with each step. Every distant voice, every mechanical hum made her flinch. What if they were caught? What if someone questioned their presence? What if the Council arrived early and intercepted them before they could escape?
Selik’s tail tightened around her waist, offering silent reassurance. She glanced up at him and found him watching her with those deep black eyes that seemed to see straight through her. He nodded once, a gesture of confidence and promise.
We will make it. I will keep you safe.
She believed him.
They descended deeper into the ship, past crew quarters and storage bays, until they reached the docking area where Selik’s personal flyer was berthed. The small vessel looked exactly as it had when he’d first brought them aboard—sleek and functional with enough space for a pilot and perhaps three passengers.
Tarak was waiting for them, his expression grim but resolute. “The civilian transport will dock in ninety minutes. I’ve arranged for its arrival to trigger a minor power fluctuation in this sector. Nothing dangerous, but enough to occupy the duty crew while you depart.”
“Thank you, my friend.” He clasped Tarak’s forearm in the traditional Cire gesture of respect. “I will not forget this.”
“See that you do not.” Tarak returned the gesture. “And when you’re settled, send word. Use the personal channel we established, not official communications.”
“I will.”
Tarak turned to her and offered a slight bow. “Mistress Corinne. It has been an honor knowing you. I hope you find the peace you deserve on Tillich Two.”
“Thank you for everything,” she said. “For protecting us and for helping Selik even when it puts you at risk.”
“He’s my commander and my friend. I would do no less.” Tarak’s gaze shifted to Anya. “Young one. Continue being fierce and brave. The universe needs more people like you.”
Anya blushed but met his eyes steadily. “I’ll try. And thank you for letting us borrow all those books from the library.”
“Consider them a gift.” He smiled, the expression softening his normally severe features. “Now go. I will delay anyone who comes looking, but I cannot hold them off indefinitely.”
They boarded the flyer, Selik moving through the pre-flight checks with his typical efficiency while she settled the children. The interior was smaller than she remembered, with a passenger cabin behind the cockpit, and a tiny cargo hold that barely accommodated their meager belongings.
Anya strapped herself in without being asked, her expression equal parts excitement and apprehension. Mikoz fussed in his sling, sensing the tension, and she murmured soft reassurances as she secured them both.
“All systems are operational,” Selik announced. “We will maintain radio silence once we depart. Tarak will provide false tracking data showing me still aboard the ship for as long as possible.”
“How long do you think we have before they realize we’re gone?”
“Hours at a minimum. Days if we are fortunate.” He swiveled his chair to face her. “Once we clear the ship’s sensor range, we will be difficult to track. The flyer has stealth capabilities that should mask our signature from casual scans.”
