I snap my fingers and point at him as I think back to Elix’s race. “You were helping fix the drones after they were hacked by Ominous Artifacts.”
He nods. “I got picked this time. She’s really great, but I can tell she was abused before coming here.”
“Mine too,” the Alustri says. “I’m Solta. Mine worked in an assembly plant for fourteen hours a day at half pay because she had to live in onsite housing due to where the manufacturing plant was. She tried to leave a day early. Let’s just say the staff didn’tlet her go.”
Kip nervously bounces a knee. “Erissa had a similar problem with her boss. She was an assistant to a corporate executive for a company that machines metal parts for all kinds of industries. He locked her in a room and tried totakeher. If I ever meet him…”
“Don’t,” I say. “Just don’t meet him. The conflict could brand your species as something you don’t want it to. Instead, show her how a male should treat her. One day, he may see you and realize his mistake.”
“Speak from experience?” Solta asks.
I nod. “My father tried to match me many times. I showed the females he threw at me more respect than they’d had in years, and that was with the rejection. Can’t tell you how many thanked me for that. Even with that treatment, they didn’t want me either.”
“How do you know?” Kip asks.
“Storms always know. Mine is…unnatural. So I have been banned.”
Solta sighs. “Few armorderms are left on my planet. The war has taken many of us.”
“Same,” Kip says. “And thank you for what you did recently, Aura. Most do not know. But because I know you through Zariah and Elix, I am aware.”
“Please do not say anything,” I beg him.
“I won’t. I understand the risks of expectations. For me, honestly, I never cared about mating with my own species. I want the Shimmer back. I want to know she’s it, my fated. I always felt I’d find her here. This time I did. But it’s difficult not to fear I have already lost her.As soon as I get her back—” He nods to himself. “I will not waste one moment.”
Solta agrees. “My two hearts beat more in sync around Thiani.”
I hang my head, listening to my energy and how it has died down with Jovie in the hospital. “My Storm is quiet with her out of reach. It is almost as ifshecontrols it now.”
A nurse walks through the doors and comes over to us.
Kip, Solta, and I get up.
She’s tall for a human with a galaxy-print scrub top. “Wow, you boys look like a sad sack of chaps when none of you need worry about your ladies. They’re all going to be fine. And, if you would like, you may all see them now. Just be aware that guards will be present. Follow me.”
Kip goes first. I follow him with Solta on my six.
Erissa is upright, sipping a juice box, a bruise peaking out of her sleeve.Abused. Right.
“If I can help,” I say to Kip as we pass. “I wager you know how to reach me.”
He sees my eyes on her bruises. “Denarso. Her boss did that to her.”
“You’re kidding.”
Kip shakes his head. “I wish.”
“What is one doing on Earth?” Solta asks.
“Good question.” I rest a hand on his shoulder and give it a squeeze. The muscle beneath is a surprise. “You been working out?”
He smirks. “I’ve had a little holovid help from Elix.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Solta hears something and passes the nurse into a room. Guards chase him, then stop when they look around the curtain.
I pass them, happy to see the two reunited and hoping Jovie is in similar spirits.
