Page 94 of Black Mamba

“Elena, one of his kind murdered dozens, maybe more, on The Dreadnaut.” Jenna, eyes wide and clutching Mateo, points at Lukys. “Or did you forget?” She points at me then back to him.

“One of his kind. But not him.”

Her throat bobs. “He’ll hurt you.”

Lukys hisses, his lips twisting, making both Jenna and Mateo jump back several feet.

“You clearly have things to catch up on, as do I. I will secure the perimeter and make sure our land is free of trespassers,” he snaps. “Take your shower, eat your pasta, but be ready for tonight.” He looks from me to Jenna and Mateo. “If you are Jenna, and he is your mate, you have nothing to fear from me. You both are welcome here. But if you hurt her,” he warns, “I will not be pleased. She has suffered enough. Otherwise, I am glad you have finally been found.”

He pivots on his tail and before I can stop him, leaves through the hatch. I watch him disappear around the corner before turning back to my sister.

Jenna slowly steps forward, pulling Mateo after her. “He’s scary but he’s right.” She scans me from head to toe, wrinkling her nose. “You do need to shower, you smell like dirt, dirt and… sweat, and worse. You look like you’ve been living through hell, Elena, what happened to you?”

I open my mouth when she raises her hand. “Shower first and then we’ll talk.” She then looks around with lingering sadness. But that sadness is gone the next moment as tiredness and determination take over. “Come find us when you’re done but be quick. We need to leave as soon as possible.” She releases Mateo to brush dirt off of her sleeve. “We’re going back to Mateo’s ship where it’s safe. You can take a shower there if you like. How did you and that naga meet?”

My lips part but no words come out. I have no idea where to begin. “It’s complicated.”

“Well, you’re alive, and we’re here now!” She embraces me once more before walking past me with Mateo. “You should just grab your stuff and join us now. Our ship is safer, we’ll catch up there.” With Mateo in tow, she smiles submissively at him.

“I’m glad we found you,” Mateo mutters awkwardly, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his tablet.

“I’m fine. Go to your ship… I’ll come over shortly.”

Jenna’s face wrinkles. “If you’re sure…”

Hauling my pack the Lukys left behind into my arms, I turn for the bathroom. “I’m sure. I’m glad to be back here. I feel comfortable here.”

“Fine. We’ll see you soon.”

After they leave, I tell the AI to close my ship. Suddenly finding that I’m alone, I frown at my hands, wondering why the excitement of reuniting with Jenna is already fading into a pit at the bottom of my stomach.

I’d always assumed I would be saving Jenna, but it seems like she’s the one saving me.

Not once did I ever think she would do that.

I turn from the bathroom to face the mountain and take in its beautiful grandeur. It’s a view worth all the credits in the world. My gaze flicks around the ship, to my bedroom door, to the front control panel then to the lounge. I take it all in, including the memories, especially those with my family, and feel at peace by them.

I think my sister’s a little too late…

I’ve already been saved.

FORTY-TWO

QUANDARY

Elena

I shower, unpack, throw my clothes in the wash, and make some pasta while they tumble dry, amping myself up for the mental load of reuniting with my sister and tonight with Lukys. Meanwhile, I listen to my sister’s music on the sound system. Despite this, I’m hurried in my movements, glancing outside often for Lukys, but he hasn’t reappeared.

I wish he would.

I repack my bag—just in case—and place it by the closed hatch door.

My sister is alive.

The relief I feel in finally knowing is immense.

Leaving the pack behind and the hatch open for Lukys, I march to Mateo’s ship and open the panel. I press the call button and ask the AI to let Jenna and Mateo know I’m outside.